Students celebrate by taking selfies after graduating from Commonwealth University - Lock Haven

Student Support Services

Support, guidance, and community every step of the way

This spring's First World Ceremony celebrated the Class of 2026 with a keynote address that was both personal and pointed, as Marcus Scales '10/12M returned to the campus where his own journey began.

At Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, your success is supported from every angle.

From your first day on campus to graduation and beyond, you’ll find a connected network of people, programs, and resources designed to help you succeed academically, build community, and prepare for your future.

Supported Throughout Your Journey

Whether you’re building academic confidence, exploring your identity, preparing for a career, or navigating challenges along the way, CU provides a network of support to help you move forward with purpose.

Your path isn’t just about earning a degree it’s about becoming who you’re meant to be.

College is more than classes, it’s where you find your people.

Across CU, students connect with communities that support identity, belonging, and engagement through programs and spaces such as:

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives across all campuses
  • Multicultural Centers, including:
    • Multicultural Affairs (Bloomsburg)
    • Robert & Delores Lynch Multicultural Center (Lock Haven)
    • Martin Luther King Jr. Center (Mansfield)
  • The Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence
  • LGBTQIA+ support, including campus resource centers and Pride initiatives
  • Women’s Resource Centers across campuses
  • First-Generation College Student support programs
  • Military and Veteran Resources
  • Student Involvement and campus organizations

These communities help students feel seen, supported, and connected from the start.

Your academic success is supported every step of the way whether you're excelling or need extra help.

Students have access to a wide range of academic resources, including:

  • Academic Advising and planning support
  • Student Success Centers for tutoring, coaching, and academic guidance
  • University Learning and Writing Centers
  • TRIO Student Support Services and Access & Success (Act 101) programs
  • Accessibility and Disability Services
  • Commonwealth Academic Technology Support Center (CATS)
  • Library Services and research support
  • Emerging Scholars programming

At Commonwealth, asking for help is part of the process and support is always within reach.

Student success depends on well-being across many areas including academically, physically, and personally.

That’s why CU offers comprehensive support services to help students stay balanced and focused, including:

  • Counseling Services and mental health support
  • Campus Wellness and Health Promotion programs
  • Health Services on each campus
    • Bloomsburg Student Health Center
    • Lock Haven Glennon Health Services
    • Mansfield Campus Clinic
  • Campus Recreation and wellness activities
  • Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Prevention and Intervention Services
  • Campus Cupboard / Basic Needs support
  • Title IX resources and advocacy
  • University Police and campus safety services

These services ensure that students have the support they need both inside and outside the classroom.

From your first semester, Commonwealth helps you connect your education to your career goals.

Students benefit from:

  • Career development through ProfessionalU
  • Alumni and Professional Engagement opportunities
  • Networking, internships, and experiential learning

Your time at Commonwealth is designed to prepare you not just for graduation, but for what comes next.

Illustration of Mountain
Illustration of Mountain

When You Need Help, We’re Here

Families often ask: “What happens if my student struggles?”

At Commonwealth, support systems are designed to respond early and guide students forward.

If challenges arise, students can connect with:

  • The Dean of Students for guidance and support
  • The Student Handbook (Academic and Student Services) for resources
  • Student Complaints and Concerns processes
  • Advisors, faculty, and support staff across campus

Our teams work together to ensure students are connected with the right resources quickly so they can stay on track and continue moving forward.

A Connected Network of Support

What makes Commonwealth different isn’t just the number of services, it’s how they work together.

Academic support, community resources, wellness services, and career preparation are all connected to create a true wraparound support system.

Students don’t have to figure out where to go next.  We help guide them every step of the way.

Continue to Explore

This spring's First World Ceremony celebrated the Class of 2026 with a keynote address that was both personal and pointed, as Marcus Scales '10/12M returned to the campus where his own journey began.

“I See You”: Bloomsburg alum inspires First World graduates with message of community

The bi-annual First World ceremony is celebrated each fall and spring to congratulate the achievements — academic and leadership roles — of Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg’s multicultural students at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels.

From Fort Knox to clinical floors, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg nursing student and ROTC cadet Amanda Ott finds that leadership is less about power — and more about practice.

Discipline in Every Detail

From Fort Knox to clinical floors, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg nursing major and ROTC cadet Amanda Ott finds that leadership is less about power — and more about practice.

Keynote on personal ownership and time management anchored a day of sessions on mental health, community support, and thriving beyond the classroom.

Sankofa Conference urges students to trade excuses for results

Keynote on personal ownership and time management anchored a day of sessions on mental health, community support, and thriving beyond the classroom.

Meet Our Team

Chris Podeschi

Christopher Podeschi

  • Interim Dean of the Eileen G. Jones Honors College and Professor of Sociology
  • Bloomsburg
Kenneth L. Hall

Kenneth L. Hall

  • Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer
  • Lock Haven
maddy rodriguez headshot commonwealth university bloomsburg deib

Madelyn Rodriguez

  • Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Bloomsburg
Ralph Godbolt Profile Picture

Ralph Godbolt

  • Executive Director of Access and Engagement / Act 101
  • Bloomsburg