Student Resources & Opportunities
At Point Loma Nazarene University, we are committed to your success — academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Through a wide range of student-centered services and campus resources, we aim to ensure that your college experience is supportive, meaningful, and rooted in care. We are here to walk alongside you during your college journey, offering the resources and support you need to thrive.
Student Support Services
Balancing coursework, campus life, and personal responsibilities can be a challenge — and you're not expected to do it alone. These academic support services are here to help you succeed.
Academic Coaching
THRIVE is an academic coaching program at PLNU designed to empower students with disabilities by providing individualized support that fosters both academic and personal success. Through coaching, students strengthen key executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, and self-advocacy. Each coaching plan is personalized to meet the unique needs and goals of the student, helping them build confidence, independence, and effective strategies for navigating college life.
For students in the traditional undergraduate program (TUG), THRIVE is a student success coaching program that takes a holistic, person-centered approach to supporting students, with an emphasis on neurodivergence and disability. Coaching sessions provide a supportive space for students to explore academics, executive functioning, health and wellness, self-advocacy, communication, relationships, and personal growth. Each coaching experience begins with a discovery session, where coaches learn about the student’s strengths, experiences, interests, and goals. Using a strengths-based approach, coaches help students build autonomy, self-awareness, and confidence through reflection, curiosity, and meaningful conversation. Students identify the areas they want to work on, explore barriers, and develop practical strategies tailored to their needs. Sessions focus on goal setting, accountability, and sustainable skill-building, with ongoing support and check-ins as needed. THRIVE coaching is offered in six-week sessions, with opportunities throughout the process to reflect on progress, celebrate successes, and adjust goals to support continued growth and success. For additional information on the THRIVE program, or to express interest in this service, please contact the EAC at eac@pointloma.edu.
Peer Mentor Program
Are you a traditional undergraduate student needing extra academic or social support? You’re not alone—let us connect you with a Peer Mentor!
The PLNU Peer Mentor Program is here to support students navigating the academic and social challenges of college life. This program pairs you with a trained Peer Mentor who will meet with you regularly—either weekly or every other week—to offer encouragement, accountability, and personalized support.
Whether you're adjusting to a new academic workload, looking to build community, or just want someone to walk alongside you through your college experience, we’re here for you.
"The Peer Mentor Program is wonderful!! I have participated for THREE years because the mentors are so great and have helped me succeed at PLNU." — Student in the 2022 Peer Mentor Program
What Kind of Support Can I Expect?
Peer Mentors offer a wide range of support, tailored to your goals and preferences. You and your mentor will work together to decide what areas to focus on—academically, socially, or both.
Academic Support May Include:
- Study skills tips and strategies
- Test and quiz preparation
- Time management and weekly planning
- Help setting deadlines for assignments and exams
- Organizing notes or study materials
- Assistance accessing tutoring, writing help, or other campus resources
- ...and more!
Social Support May Include:
- Friendship and regular check-ins
- Routine meetups (coffee, lunch, walks, etc.)
- Attending Chapel together
- Going to PLNU social gatherings or campus events
- Providing encouragement and motivation
- Help setting and achieving social goals
- ...and more!
Why Peer Mentoring Works
Past mentees often describe their mentors as a calm presence during stressful times, a helpful guide through academic challenges, and a meaningful new friendship. Many say the connection provided structure, reassurance, and a sense of belonging.
Research shows that college students with peer mentors are more likely to:
- Adjust successfully to campus life
- Stay enrolled and graduate
- Report greater satisfaction with their college experience
- Increase their confidence and independence
- Experience improved overall well-being
Join the Peer Mentor Program!
If you're a traditional undergraduate student on our Point Loma campus and are interested in learning more about the program or being matched with a Peer Mentor, stop by the Educational Access Center or email us at eac@pointloma.edu to learn more. To contact the Coordinator of the Peer Mentor Program, Dr. Denise Necoechea, please reach out to her at (619) 849-2232 or denisenecoechea@pointloma.edu.
We’d love to support you as you thrive—academically, socially, and personally.
Other Campus Supports
Tutorial Center
The Tutorial Center provides resources and opportunities that teach the skills and strategies that help students become independent and active learners while promoting academic and personal success. Services include:
- Free individual and small-group tutoring sessions
- Special review sessions before major exams
- Learning resources and academic skills support
The Tutorial Center’s aim is to help you become an active, independent learner and achieve success both in and out of the classroom. To explore how the Tutorial Center can benefit your academic success, visit the Tutorial Center webpage.
LOMA Writing Center – The Writer’s Studio
The LOMA Writing Center offers one-on-one sessions with trained writing consultants who will work with you on written assignments from any class. While each meeting focuses on a specific writing task, the broader goal is to help you develop as a more confident, skilled, and independent writer and thinker. Whether you're brainstorming, drafting, or revising, the Writing Center is a valuable space for building long-term writing skills. To explore how the LOMA Writing Center can benefit your academic success, visit the LOMA Writing Center webpage.
Career Support Services
Career Services will provide you with the skills, experience, and relationships you need after you graduate. From helping you find internships and editing your resume to connecting you with professionals, Career Services will help you uncover how you can live out your calling in everything you do and every aspect of your life. To explore how the Career Services Center can support your success, visit the Career Services webpage.
The Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is committed to helping students maintain a high level of health and wellness by offering emotional, physical, and preventive health services. The center provides medical and counseling services in addition to wellness education for all undergraduate students.To explore the range of services provided by the Wellness Center, visit the Wellness Center webpage.
Transfer & Commuter Student Services
We're committed to creating a welcoming environment and connecting commuter and transfer students to the PLNU community. Transfer & Commuter Student Services provides students with assistance, support, and connections to campus resources, to facilitate a smooth transition for transfer students and a way for commuter students to feel connected to PLNU. To explore how this campus center can help your journey at PLNU, visit the Transfer & Commuter Student Services webpage.