The Six Must-Use Resources On Campus
By Shania Henery
Are you making the most of your college experience? From academic support to leadership opportunities, discover six Barry University resources that students may be overlooking.
College life can get busy quickly. Between classes, assignments, work, social life and trying to keep up with everything else, students may not always take advantage of or even know about the resources available to them at Barry University. From academic support to organizations that offer students a voice on campus, here are six Barry University resources that can make college easier and help students get more out of their experience.
Honors Program
The Honors Program is more than just a way for students to receive recognition for strong academic performance. According to Casey Simpson, a senior and co-chair of the Honors Program Student Advisory Board, the program gives students opportunities to challenge themselves academically while also building a community with other students who have similar goals. Students participate in smaller classes that encourage critical and analytical thinking, along with service-learning projects and social events such as pickleball, tournaments, skate nights and picnics.
Students interested in joining the program must have 30 or fewer credits and a cumulative 3.7 GPA at the end of the semester. Students must also complete an application and essay, which are available through their CASA coach. Contact casey.simpson@mymail.barry.edu for how to join the program
Student Government Association
Students who have a concern or ideas about campus life can turn to the Student Government Association (SGA). SGA acts as a connection between students and university leadership, giving students a place to voice concerns and suggest changes to campus.
According to Amelia Thomas, a junior psychology major from Trinidad and president of SGA, students can bring concerns involving transportation, parking, wellness, accessibility and student engagement to the organization. SGA is also exploring initiatives such as a Barry-branded shuttle, more flexible parking options, and spaces where students can rest and recharge. Students do not have to be members of SGA to use it as a resource.
If there is an issue affecting your campus experience or an idea that could improve student life, SGA can help connect you with university leaders and advocate on your behalf. Contact amelia.thomas@mymail.barry.edu on how to get involved.
Librarian
The Monsignor William Barry Memorial Library is more than a place to check out books or find somewhere quiet to study. According to Ed Porben, senior reference and instruction librarian, students have access to more than 600,000 electronic resources, including ebooks, journals, streaming media and databases covering different areas to study.
Students can also book group study rooms on the third and fourth floors through Barry’s LibCal. If the library does not have a book or article a student needs, Interlibrary Loan can help find materials outside the library’s collection.
Reference librarians are also available to help with research papers, presentations and finding sources. Students can contract them by email, phone, Teams or in person.
The library also has Archives and Special Collection in Lehman Hall, which holds university records dating back to 1940, including photographs, manuscripts and recordings. Contact Ed Porben at eporben@barry.edu about library resources.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad can give Barry Students the opportunity to experience a different culture while gaining personal and professional skills that can help with their long – term career goals. Caleb Gardner, a computer science and political science student from Trinidad and Tobago, said he initially thought studying aboard would be out of reach, especially as an international student.
After speaking with a counselor, Gardner realized that studying abroad could be financially possible. He said the counselor helped him schedule and register for his courses and made the process easier to understand.
For students who do not know where to begin, Gardner recommends reaching out to Judisha Williams, a study abroad counselor, at jcwilliams@barry.edu. She can help students explore different countries and find programs related to their majors.
International Student Services
For international students, knowing where to go for help can make adjusting to Barry easier. According to student ambassador Martha Mclntosh, a third-year senior from Manchester, Jamaica, International Student Services (ISS) assists students with Social Security numbers, F-1 visa questions, work authorization and international student onboarding.
For students who are unsure about the process or have questions about maintaining their status as an international student, the office can be a starting point for finding the information and support they need. Contact Sasha Maldonado, ISS director, at isservices@barry.edu.
Resident Assistant
For students looking for a way to get involved on campus while gaining leadership experience, becoming a resident assistant is another option. RAs serves as a connection between Housing and Residence Life and students living on campus. They help create a welcoming community through social and educational events, student engagement and residential programming.
The position also comes with practical benefits, including a free single residential space and a meal plan. RAs develop leadership and communication skills while gaining experience with event planning, community building and administration responsibilities.
Students interested in applying must attend an interest meeting, be enrolled full-time with at least 12 credits and have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA. RAs also have weekly meetings, duty rotations, training and other responsibilities throughout the academic year. Contact Orianna Camargo, Associate Director of Housing and Life Operations at ocamargo@barry.edu .
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