Accessing Santa Clara’s Resources: Libraries, Tutoring, and More

For students pursuing their degrees online, access to academic resources is critical to success. Studies show that support services improve academic performance and increase degree completion rates.¹ This is particularly vital for online learners, who can otherwise become isolated and feel disconnected from the learning environment.

School support systems, including tutors, advisors, and librarians, can help students navigate their coursework and pursue their intellectual interests. Santa Clara Online student resources include on-campus and online academic support services focused on your unique academic needs.

This article will explore ways to make the most of these resources.

Santa Clara’s Library Resources 

As a student in one of Santa Clara Online's graduate programs, you have full access to the University Library, including its comprehensive digital resources. Library services include 24/7 access to e-books, journals, and databases, personalized research support, free subscriptions to major publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and interlibrary loans. The knowledgeable staff can provide personalized support for your research.

Personalized Online Tutoring and Academic Support

Your instructors and classmates will be your primary points of contact during your academic program; you may, however, need additional support outside of your classes. Santa Clara Online has created a network of people ready to help you thrive academically.

The HUB Writing Center

Need writing help for class assignments? The SCU HUB Writing Center is a free resource for anyone at SCU—undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff. If you're working on a writing or public speaking project, the HUB can help. This online tutoring for college students includes synchronous one-on-one appointments with a trained writing partner, as well as asynchronous writing help.

Career Advising

The Career Center at Santa Clara offers coaching and advising services for academic performance and future career paths. Whether you’re looking to accelerate, pivot, or launch your career, we provide opportunities for you to interact with companies in Silicon Valley: the heart of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. SCU’s graduate career services include one-on-one career counseling, workshops, webinars, online career tools, resume reviews, and employer engagement events.

Student Wellness and Campus Community

Santa Clara University recognizes that student success extends beyond academics. Online students have access to comprehensive wellness resources and opportunities to connect with the broader campus community.

Mental Health and Wellness Support

Santa Clara University’s mental health support for students includes Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS), which provides counseling and resources. Additionally, all SCU students receive free access to Headspace, an app with more than 1,000 hours of mindfulness, sleep content, and mini exercises for busy schedules. Proven to reduce stress in just 10 days, Headspace offers valuable tools for managing the demands of graduate studies. As an SCU student, you can create an account using your SCU student ID and download the app to use anytime, anywhere.

Accessibility Support

The Office of Accessible Education provides support services for students with disabilities. The office is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm; you can schedule Zoom appointments over the phone at 408-554-4109 or by emailing oae@scu.edu. Please note that same-day appointments are not currently available.

Building Community and Belonging

The Center for Student Involvement provides students with ways to explore leadership opportunities, try new experiences, continue pursuing current interests, gain valuable skills, learn about themselves, and meet others. Online students can engage through student clubs (RSOs), specialized support programs like the LEAD Scholars program for first-generation college students, and resources including the Office of Multicultural Learning and the Rainbow Resource Center (RRC).

Physical Activity and Recreation

For students who want to maintain physical fitness during their studies, Santa Clara offers gym and pool access at the Malley Center, including drop-in classes such as kickboxing, cycling, and yoga. Club sports and intramural leagues provide additional opportunities to gain sports experience, make new friends, and take on leadership roles in structured activities that encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and student involvement.

Talking Finances: The Bursar’s Office and One Stop

The SCU Bursar’s Office provides detailed information about tuition, payment deadlines and processes, refund policies, and other financial concerns. One Stop assists with billing and financial aid. Tuition payments are typically due on the 21st of each month.

Technical Support and Specialized Software 

A working computer and internet connection are crucial for students attending school online. If your device has failed or you can't log into a learning platform, reach out to Santa Clara Online's Tech Help Desk.

You can submit your Tech Help Desk requests through an online live chat, email, or phone call. No matter what method of communication you choose, staff will help you connect to the online student resources you need, including your network and school accounts. Our online tutoring for college students and other academic support services also include technology specialists at Santa Clara Online who can help you gain access to specialized academic software to enhance your learning experience.

Take Advantage of Student Support Resources  

Whether you're earning your degree online or on campus, you should feel like you're part of a unified community designed to promote your growth and success. From calendars of online events to current student resources, Santa Clara's website provides comprehensive support for your academic journey. These online student resources will play a key role in your achievements, providing the academic, professional, and personal guidance you need throughout your college experience.

Santa Clara Online academic support services, from graduate career counseling to comprehensive wellness programs, are valuable tools throughout your time as a student here. Take the next step toward professional advancement. Explore the graduate programs offered by Santa Clara Online. Contact us today to learn more.