Special Academic Services & Counseling
Special Advising and Early Registration
The Academic Support Office closely monitors student progress, with a special eye toward students having academic problems. Students are advised on their course loads and course timing as it pertains to their overall program. Students new to the College should know that the Academic Office carefully considers a student's application before pre-registering any students. Contact Andrew Zwart at azwart@kuyper.edu or at (616) 988-3688.
Tutoring
Students requiring out-of-class tutoring or one-on-one assistance are encouraged to make arrangements with the Academic Support Office. Tutoring for a single class or personal tutors for multiple courses are available. Contact Andrew Zwart at azwart@kuyper.edu or at (616) 988-3688.
Pre-Season
Pre-Season is a three-day course that helps under-prepared students attain the necessary tools to manage college classes with confidence and aptitude. Students engage in many activities, including devotions, focus groups, academic sessions, and fellowship time.
Pre-Season is held a few days before move-in day in the fall. Even students not planning to live on campus during the fall semester must stay on campus during Pre-Season. Student leaders and international students have already arrived on campus, which provides an excellent opportunity to make the campus a comfortable place before the rest of the student body arrives.
The president of the College, faculty members, and Student Life and Academic Office staff members look forward to these few days as essential to providing new students with the groundwork they need for academic success.
The purpose of Pre-Season is two-fold:
To create a cohort of students accepted on special provision to the College. By giving them opportunity to engage one another, and staff and faculty, in meaningful activities they will have the opportunity to encourage one another during their first academic year.
To provide members of the special-provision cohort with tools for academic success by showing them the reality of the rigors of Kuyper classes and by giving them practice in managing time, reading textbooks, and taking notes, as well as writing and preparing for tests.
For more information regarding Pre-Season, contact Andrew Zwart azwart@kuyper.edu or at (616) 988-3688.
Counseling
The College provides counseling in several areas to address just about any problem students might encounter.
Academic Counseling
The Academic Support Office serves all students by employing peer tutoring, arranging for study partners, coaching students in time management and study skills, and counseling individuals regarding academic problems. Study groups led by teaching assistants are organized for selected first-year courses.
We know that academically, college can be a tough transition from high school for some students. We want you to know that we're here to help. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Andrew Zwart at azwart@kuyper.edu or at (616) 988-3688.
Individual Counseling
Kuyper College values its students and is committed to providing resources and support for "the whole person." The College Counseling Center exists to facilitate the emotional, psychological, social, academic, and spiritual wellness of the student community. The College employs a counselor to assist students with a variety of counseling concerns. A graduate intern is also available to provide counseling services under the supervision of the college counselor.
Students take advantage of the College Counseling Center services for a variety of reasons. Some are looking for help coping with the pressures associated with an academic environment or adjustment to college life. Others may want to learn how to be more effective in developing, maintaining, or negotiating relationships with others. Counseling can also be beneficial for students struggling with emotional issues such as depression or anxiety or issues related to unresolved childhood trauma. Counseling offers students the opportunity to examine themselves, their environment, and the way that they think, feel, and behave, so that they can make the most of their time at Kuyper College.
Services that are available through the College Counseling Center include:
Individual counseling
Couples counseling
Premarital counseling
Group counseling
Crisis management
Training
Educational workshops
For counseling contact information please email lhosack@kuyper.edu or call (616) 988-3703.
Job-search Counseling
The Career Development and Field Education Office has resources available to help students find and secure jobs, field-education placements, and internships with local churches and service agencies. Contact Evan Heerema, director of career development and field education, at eheerema@kuyper.edu or at (616) 988-3643.