Support Services

There are five general types of support services that help you from beginning to end.

The Division of Student Engagement and Retention provides essential information about the College, its policies, campus life, peer tutoring, career and personal counseling, new student orientation and much, much more.

1. Student Success Center

The Student Success Center (SSC) located in the St. Clair Building on the East Campus provides academic support for students who want assistance outside of the regular classroom.

SSC provides the following services:

  • 24/7 homework assistance-Tutor.com (on Canvas)
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Online Tutoring
  • Supplemental Instruction (housed in Room 109)
  • Technology Resource Center (includes a full computer lab-with Macs and PCs, laptop and calculator checkout program)
  • Success Coach - academic support, mentoring and group/individual workshops to promote retention and completion
Student Success Center Office Hours
Day of the Week Fall/Spring Hours Summer Hours
Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All services are free. For more information about the SSC's services, call (361) 698-2265.

2. New Student Orientation (The Viking Experience)

The Viking Experience facilitates a successful academic and personal transition of new students and their families into the Del Mar College community. New Student Orientation is designed to help students:

  • Prepare for academic life at Del Mar College (Advising and Registration)
  • Make new friends
  • Explore the campus and its resources
  • Learn about activities and campus life
  • Learn about relevant policies and regulations
  • Familiarize themselves (and their families) with the College experience

New Student Orientation familiarizes prospective incoming and transfer students with essential information concerning College rules and regulations and student support services and advising and registration. Attendance is mandatory, since pertinent information is shared which enhances and improves a student's opportunity for success.

3. Career Development Office

The Career Development Office offers information, assistance and guidance to you and alumni interested in identifying and planning a new career, preparing for employment, changing careers or providing referrals to part-time, full-time and career positions. Del Mar works in conjunction with Texas Workforce Solutions to put you in touch with employers in our area and to advise you as to the targeted occupations which can afford the best opportunity for you. Del Mar uses the Hire Vikings Job Portal for both applicants, alumni and employers. More information on how to use the Hire Vikings Job Portal can be found in the Hire Vikings section of the Del Mar College website (https://www.delmar.edu/dmcjobbank.aspx).

Workshops and individual appointments are available to help you with career goals, job search strategies, résumé writing, labor market information and interviewing techniques.

The department is located at both the East Campus and West Campus. For more information, visit, contact the Office directly at (361) 698-2467 or go online and view the Career Development section of the Del Mar College website (https://www.delmar.edu/offices/engage/career-development.html).

4. Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides short-term individual, couples and group counseling. Licensed Professional Counselors are available to provide emotional support to students and assist with the development of social, behavioral and other life skills.

The Counseling Center assists students in coping with obstacles such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem and other issues which might otherwise interfere with educational and personal development. Crisis intervention is a service offered to students who are in serious or immediate emotional distress. Counselors are available to handle emergencies such as suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, reports of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault, physical assaults and other types of crises. Counselors may also suggest referrals to other community and college resources when appropriate. All services are free and confidential.

Counselors are housed on both the East Campus and West Campus. Call (361) 698-1586 to schedule an appointment.

5. Retention Services

Students experiencing situations that may impede their academic success—to include difficulty balancing life's priorities with the demands of attending college—are encouraged to contact the Retention Services Office at (361) 698-1948 to schedule an appointment with a Retention Case Manager (RCM).

RCMs provide deliberate services each semester to all students placed on probation or suspension via the Academic Recovery Program (ARP). Employing an outreach/connection/triage/linkage/ follow-up sequence across a Start Strong/Stay Strong/Finish Strong framework, RCMs partner with students to raise their cumulative GPA until they attain "Good Scholastic Standing" with the College. Note: Students on Academic Probation or Suspension should visit the Retention Services section of the Del Mar College website (https://www.delmar.edu/retention) for specifics.

Additionally, RCMs intervene with students when alerted by concerned faculty via the Retention Alert Program (RAP). Within this faculty-driven early warning alert system, RCMs employ a holistic approach—again employing an outreach/connection/triage/linkage/follow-up sequence—while assessing the needs of students experiencing situations negatively impacting their academic success. Note: Faculty needing assistance with submitting RAP cases should visit the Retention Services section of the Del Mar College website (https://www.delmar.edu/retention) for specifics.

Case Managers are housed at both the East Campus and West Campus. Call (361) 698-1948 to schedule an appointment.