Choosing a college can often feel intimidating. With support from Cleveland State University, efforts are underway to make the process easier for prospective students.

Under the leadership of the Division of Student Belonging and Success, and Senior Academic Coach for Special Populations Kristina Artino, CSU has partnered with Brandi DuVall, manager of advising programs and services at College Now Greater Cleveland.

Founded in 1967, College Now Greater Cleveland is the nation’s oldest college access organization. According to its website, it serves more than 38,000 traditional students and adult learners each year in over 200 locations across Ohio, including schools, businesses and community centers, as well as through virtual advising.

Since its inception, College Now has awarded more than $111 million in scholarships to traditional students and adult learners. 

“College Now’s mission is to increase postsecondary educational attainment through college and career access advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship and retention services,” said Artino.

Interest in visiting CSU has skyrocketed. Last year, 15 to 20 students made the trip to Cleveland State, but this year the bar was set higher — nearly 100 CMSD students visited campus. The goal: to build a sense of community and connection between potential incoming students and the current CSU population.

Michael Nelson-Garcia, and Torrance Nowden part of the CMSD/LLC Special Population Academic Coaching team organized the fun-filled day. Students from Rhodes, Max S. Hayes and Lincoln West high schools recently visited Cleveland State University and took part in an interactive panel with current CSU students, including Temiah Ellis (art and design major), Faith Pettit (public policy and management), and Kiomara Montanez Vazquez (nursing, pre-veterinary). 

The panelists shared why they chose their majors, what campus life is like, and emphasized that no matter what path students choose, CSU academic coaches are there to support them every step of the way. They also answered questions from the audience.

Following the panel, students attended a men’s & women’s basketball practice at the Wolstein Center, had lunch at Viking Marketplace, and capped off the day with a campus tour of Cleveland State University.

“We hope students leave feeling a sense of belonging, feeling like they are at home,” said Artino. “We want students to not only feel comfortable about coming to CSU and starting college but also knowing that they have someone they can rely on and trust to guide them on their journey from start to finish.”