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University College and Student Success

Student Advocacy

 

Please use this link that goes directly to the Office of Student Advocacy page.

https://www.subr.edu/subhome/111

Replace the content on the Student Advocacy Home Page with the following:

Student Advocacy

The Student Advocacy Department at Southern University serves as a vital support hub dedicated to empowering students to overcome personal, academic, and social challenges that may impact their success. This department acts as a bridge between students and university resources, ensuring that every Jaguar has access to the guidance, support, and advocacy needed to thrive. Through compassionate outreach, individualized assistance, and collaborative problem-solving, the Student Advocacy team works to remove barriers that hinder student retention, progression, and completion.

Goals

  • Promote Student Success and Well-Being: Support students facing academic, financial, or personal challenges by connecting them with appropriate resources and interventions.
  • Enhance Retention and Persistence: Identify at-risk students early and provide proactive support to help them remain enrolled and academically engaged.
  • Strengthen Campus Collaboration: Partner with academic departments, student services, and faculty to ensure coordinated care and communication on behalf of students.
  • Empower Student Voice: Equip students with self-advocacy skills and encourage them to take ownership of their educational journey.

Benefits

  • Improved Student Retention and Completion: By addressing non-academic and academic barriers, more students remain on track to graduate.
  • Holistic Support: Students receive assistance that considers their full well-being—academic, emotional, financial, and social.
  • Increased Access to Resources: Students are connected to tutoring, counseling, financial aid, and other essential support systems.
  • Crisis Intervention and Resolution: The department helps students navigate conflicts or emergencies that might otherwise derail their education.
  • Empowered and Engaged Students: Through advocacy and guidance, students gain confidence, resilience, and the tools needed for long-term success.

Services Provided

  • Acts as liaison between students and the campus administration by serving as a consultant, facilitator, and informal mediator.
  • Works with students to devise steps and appropriate action in the problem-solving process.
  • Consults with campus departments and academic units to resolve barriers presented by students; and develops cooperative strategies to prevent future problems.
  • Ensures effective relationships with campus constituencies to promote the value and process of conflict resolution.

The Student Advocacy Department exemplifies Southern University’s mission to cultivate an environment where every Jaguar can succeed—advancing the institution’s goals of retention, progression, and completion through care, connection, and empowerment.

Contact

Viola R. Cyriaque, MS
Director of Student Advocacy

Harris Hall Annex – Suite C #152, Office# 147
Office Phone # 225-771-3595
Viola.cyriaque@sus.edu

DeShara Doub, MSSW/CFT
Student Advocate

Harris Hall Annex – Suite C #152, Office #150
Office Phone # 225-771-4252
Deshara.doub@sus.edu