By Joanne Goldwater, Associate Dean for Retention & Student Success/

Seahawk Family Liaison

Last year, SMCM created the “Seahawk Success Network” (SSN) program. The SSN means that every new student has been assigned a specific staff member in several offices.  We are here to help the students navigate and successfully complete their first year at SMCM.

Your student received an email with the names and contact information of their SSN contacts in the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), the Office of Student Success Services (OS3), and Student Affairs, in addition to their academic advisor. We know that building connections and helping our students feel like they belong here are important factors for their happiness, academic success and earning their degree. Our staff are looking  forward to getting to know your student and to assist them in the following areas:

• Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
  • Financial aid, FAFSA, grants, scholarships, loans, etc.
• Office of Student Success Services (OS3)
  • Academic/non-academic support, tutoring, coaching, general assistance
• Student Affairs Co-Curricular Advisor
  • Info on a variety of college activities and getting involved on campus
• Academic Advisor
  • Course information and selection, major/minor/LEAD/ graduation requirements, graduate school and post-college information, academic advice

Please encourage your student to stop by our offices to introduce themselves to their SSN contact.  They may schedule an appointment with their SSN or just drop in! All of us are looking forward to answering your students’ questions, providing  tips, and connecting them with resources.

Are you looking for resources? Here’s a handy list.

• A very helpful resource for the parents and family members of our students is The SMCM Parents & Families Guide on the College website (go to the OS3 webpage and then to Parent & Family Resources). The Guide has descriptions and contact information for many offices and college services, important dates, etc.
• Looking for past Parent/Family Webinar videos or newsletter articles? Go to Parent & Family Resources on the OS3 webpage.
• What does “OSFA” stand for? What is “QA”? What is “AGI”? What does “Enrollment Status” mean? For these terms and lots more, go to our Dictionary of Acronyms & Terms. This document explains important information relating to Academics, Admissions, Athletics, Business Office, Financial Aid, Registrar, Student Life, and Title IX.
• Looking for ideas to help your student find success? Check out our suggestions on the Parent & Family Resources webpage.

If you still have questions, please contact the Seahawk Family Liaison (SFL). I can assist as needed while your student is enrolled at the College. Please note: while I cannot share specific info relating to your student’s educational record unless your student submitted a FERPA form, I can answer general questions. We hope you find this useful.