H.E.L.P. Program

 

HELP program

The GES Department H.E.L.P. Program reminds students that asking for help is not a weakness—it’s a strength. We know reaching out can feel scary, embarrassing, or overwhelming, or you may think you “shouldn’t” need help and need to figure it out on your own. But the truth is, everyone benefits from support, and no one succeeds alone.

Our faculty and staff don’t just have to help you—we want to. Your success is our success.

Hope guides your journey.

Through academic advising, achievement coaching, and graduation support, we help students see the path ahead clearly, build confidence, and keep moving toward their goals.

Resources Contact Info
What is Academic Advisement?
  • Course Planning
  • Class Scheduling
  • Study skills
  • Advises students in their major, minor and general requirements


CSBS Advisement
Sierra Hall 204
818.677.2658

GES Undergraduate Advisement
Alex Gavilan
Sierra Hall 150
818.677.2658
alejandro.gavilan@csun.edu

GES Graduate Advisement
Dr. Sheila Steinberg
818.677.4401
sheila.steinberg@csun.edu
What does a Student Achievement Coach do?
  • Academic goals
  • Personalized coaching
  • Resource connection
  • Tracking student progress
 CSBS Student Achievement Coach
Sierra Hall 204
818.677.5278
What does a Graduation Retention Specialist do?
  • Assists in completing graduation applications, degree requirements and final checks
  • Tracks academic standing, credit completion, & GPA
  • Develops individual plan and strategies
  • Support struggling students

CSBS Graduation Retention Specialist 
Marina Valadez
Sierra Hall 130S
818.677.6937
marina.valadez@csun.edu

Find more information at CSBS Student Success. Reach out to the CSBS student success email to get more information and to point you in the right direction: csbs-student-success@csun.edu

     

     

       

      Knowledge builds confidence.

      Tutoring, faculty office hours, and study groups give students the skills, connections, and confidence to take charge of their learning and succeed inside and outside the classroom.

      Resources Contact 
      Tutoring
      • One on one academic support
      • Helps clarify concepts and coursework
      • Offers personalized learning strategies
      • Builds confidence through guided practice

      GES Tutoring
      Sierra Hall 135
      geogenvtutor@csun.edu

      CSBS Tutoring
      Sierra Hall 121
       
      Faculty Office Hours
      • Guidance on questions from professors
      • Discuss course material
      • Build professional relationships with faculty
      • Insight on research, career paths, or studying

      Check out the faculty directory outside Sierra Hall 150 for contact information, or

      Visit your instructor's webpage, or

      Check your class syllabus
      Study Groups
      • Collaborative learning and idea sharing
      • Improves understanding with peer explanations
      • Helps stay accountable and motivated
      • Builds teamwork and communication skills

      Visit the GES Study Space in Sierra Hall 135, where all students are welcome to work on homework using the workstations or desk spaces or work together at the two large conference tables. 

       

      Together, we rise.

      With counseling services, disability resources, and peer support like Let’s Talk, these resources lift students up in moments of challenge, ensuring no one has to face obstacles alone.

      Resource Contact
      What is University Counseling?
      • In-person and virtual mental health services
      • Counseling, crisis care, workshops, groups, psychiatry, and case management
      • Open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
      • Academic performance help including services in ASL

      University Counseling Services
      Bayramian Hall, 5th floor, Room 520
      818.677.2366, option 1
      What is D.R.E.S.?
      • Supports students with disabilities in academic, professional, and personal goals
      • Alternative testing at SAAS
      • Provides individualized learning plan called “Journey to Success”
      • Guides faculty and staff on accommodations

      Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)
      Bayramian Hall 110
      818.677.2684
      dres@csun.edu

      Office Hours
      Monday-Friday 8 am - 4:45 pm

      Drop-in Hours
      Monday-Friday 10 am - 3:30 pm
      Availability for in-person and/or virtual
      What is Let’s Talk?
      • Free, drop-in with UCS counselors
      • Informal consultations
      • No appointment needed; first-come, first-served
      • Guidance, resources, and problem-solving support
      • In-person sessions

      Sessions provided at rotating locations across campus, including:

      • Athletics
      • Project Rebound
      • Black House
      • The Village/Parent Scholars
      • Pride Center
      • Omatsu House
      • Veterans Resource Center
      • International & Exchange Student Center
      • Oasis Wellness Center
      • Hillel 818
      • Student Housing
      • DREAM Center

      See the Let's Talk website for a detailed schedule. 

       

      Protect your potential.

      The Learning Resource Center, Academic Integrity, and Equity programs safeguard students’ academic journey, promoting honesty, fairness, and inclusive opportunities for all.

      Resources Contact
      What is the Learning Resource Center?
      • Writing Center: personalized guidance on writing across disciplines
      • SMART (Science, Math, and Related Topics) Lab: academic support in these courses
      • Supplemental Instruction: peer-led study groups for difficult classes
      • Workshops: stronger writing and learning skills

       

      		 Learning Resource Center
      Room 300
      University Library 3rd Floor, East Wing
      818.677.2033
       
      What is Academic Integrity?
      • Ensure your work is authentically yours, not AI’s.
      • Promotes standards of honesty
      • Builds trust between students, faculty, and the university
      • Be responsible and ethical

      University Library Academic Integrity Guide
      (use this guide to help you avoid integrity/plagiarism problems)

      Cal State Policy - Student Conduct

      Academic Dishonesty Policy/Procedures
      What is Equity & Diversity?
      • Fair access to resources and opportunities
      • Removes barriers to student success
      • Values diversity of voices and perspectives
      • Fosters an inclusive learning environment

       

      Educational Opportunity Program

      Equity & Compliance Office

      Educational Equity Committee

      Lactation Accommodations