Division of Student Affairs > Disability Resources and Educational Services

Journey to Success

Our office recognizes that each student is unique and utilizes services according to their individual needs. Students coming to California State University, Northridge for the first time require access to services that will ease their transition to a 4 year college. In their sophomore and junior years, students may be more concerned about finalizing their choice of a major, gaining internship opportunities, or participating in co-curricular activities. This differs from students entering their senior year who request more specialized career assistance and help in planning for life after graduation. In order to accommodate these different needs, we have developed an individualized learning plan called the Journey to Success. During your initial meeting with a counselor, you will be introduced to the Journey to Success Plan which we hope you will find useful during your years at California State University, Northridge.

Transition Year (First-Time Freshmen and Transfer Students)

During this year, students can expect staff to assist them to:

• Gain competencies for university level academic success
• Manage workload
• Develop compensatory strategies for life-long learning
• Learn self-advocacy skills by taking ownership for learning and development
• Navigate and make sense of the collegiate environment, learning how to access services
• Make connections with faculty and staff
• Explore academic choices, including the decision of what major to select
• Explore potential careers
• Obtain needed services

Foundation Years

During these years, students can expect staff to assist them to:

• Continue a mentoring relationship, while encouraging independence
• Continue mapping out career strategies
• Join co-curricular activities designed to encourage personal and social growth
• Continue building relationships with faculty

The University and Beyond

During this year, students can expect staff to assist them to:

• Learn about compensatory strategies that are effective in the workplace and for life long learning
• Learn job advocacy skills
• Pragmatically plan for life after graduation
• Obtain needed services