The STAR Center is the place to go when you need answers, advice, and support.
Monica Faria (Academic Advisor): Everyone always talks about going to college and being prepared, but when you get here, it’s a whole new world. It’s not high school; there are a lot of things that are different. You need to have some information and knowledge to successfully navigate this journey.
Romayne Grace (Student Success Advisor): A lot of kids just don’t know what it takes to be a college student. You have to learn how to study again. When they really say it’s three hours of studying for a class—it really is.
Monica Faria: We’re here to make sure that students know what they need to do to successfully complete their degree in four years and get the most out of it—through career, professional, and student development.
Narrator: At the heart of UMass Dartmouth’s College of Arts and Sciences, the STAR Center is a place that students can come for support on every level.
Romayne Grace: We’re bringing information to students. We’re not on the outside, we’re right here. This is where all of their classes are and where they can come in and feel comfortable.
Narrator: Students come in for a wide range of advice: For tutoring from fellow students and Arts and Sciences professors, or just to study.
Akua Asante (Peer Advisor, Political Science ’17): Most students can just walk in when they need help, or when they feel frustrated about anything. Whoever is there will be able to help them.
Romayne Grace: Our approach is that we do not turn anyone away. And if they’re willing to work, we will work with them to make sure they are there to get what they deserve.
Monica Faria: We call ourselves the “one-stop-shop” for the College of Arts and Sciences. I think we are getting this really great reputation where when a student doesn’t know something, they can come down to the STAR Center to ask questions.
Romayne Grace: If you want to be successful, we will give you all of the tools that you need.
Akua Asante: It gives the students confidence to know that they have a support system here on campus that always gives them advice, and to encourage them that they will do well in school.