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Student Success

The mission of the Student Success Center is to cultivate a campus culture that builds academic excellence for students who are thriving and flourishing, with a focus on retention, persistence, and graduation. Our comprehensive academic support services and student success programming empower students to reach their personal and educational goals.

Contact

Location: Student Wellness Center, 4th Fl
Phone: 718.687.5156
Email: success@pratt.edu

Staff

Heather Shpiro, PhD | Director of Student Success
718.687.5205 · hshpiro@pratt.edu

Valeria Resendiz | Assistant Director of First-Gen and Student Success Initiatives
718.687.5126 · vresendi@pratt.edu

Kelley Simons | Administrative Assistant
718.687.5156 · ksimons@pratt.edu



What students had to say:

I had a wonderful experience during my session and felt not only supported academically but mentally as the tutor provided a space of comfort and like-mindedness within our work styles as well. Furthermore, through this period, I was met with kindness and approachability and was frequently attended with not only a means of helpful expression but with consistent conversational rapport as well.

Like something I thought would take three hours – she said it was doable in one. And something I thought would take fewer hours, she told me was important in the bigger picture, and I had to work on it, not in one big chunk of time, but over time. I think it really helped me understand my time during the limits of my day, and definitely incorporated sleep into my schedule – which was previously missing. I look forward to planning with her for a few more weeks, until I can handle both my workload, athletics and personal life.

Honestly just incredibly helpful with helping me learn Adobe/photoshop. I definitely just understand so much better. Shortcuts, other resources, etc, incredibly helpful. 

What We Offer

The Student Success Center offers tutoring and success coaching to support your coursework, projects, and overall academic progress. We work with students across studio, software, and academic subjects, and can also help with time management, study strategies, and planning. 

Tutoring

We have peer mentor tutors who can give you guidance in your academic, studio, and technical work. 

  • Studio Tutoring
    examples: foundations assignments, studio drawings and rendering, knitting, critique practice and more
  • Software Tutoring
    examples: adobe suite, rhino, revit, autocad, unity and more
  • Subject Tutoring
    examples: sociology, physics, finance classes and more

Schedule a tutoring appointment by raising your hand in Starfish here!

Faculty and staff can raise an Academic Support Referral for students in Starfish.

Success Coaching

We offer one-on-one success coaching to help you build the skills you need to succeed in your courses and manage your workload more effectively. You’ll work with a peer mentor tutor to create strategies that fit your approach to learning.

Coaching can help with:

  • Time management
  • Study strategies
  • Reading and comprehension
  • Brainstorming ideas
  • Planning and organizing projects

Schedule an appointment by raising your hand in Starfish here!

Faculty and staff can raise an Academic Support Referral for students in Starfish.

First Generation

The Student Success Center supports and celebrates first-generation (first-gen) college students! Our office works in collaboration with our wonderful campus partners to provide programming and support to help ensure a smooth and successful experience for first generation students. Our Pilots program specifically supports first year, first-generation students with mentoring, tutoring and social events. All students are welcome to join our programming!

Am I a First-Generation College Student?

Pratt defines first-generation students as a student who does not have a parent/guardian with a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

I am …

Contact Us


Email: firstgen@pratt.edu
Follow us on Instagram: prattfirstgen

All students can stay up-to-date with First-Generation events at www.pratt.edu/engage !


We’re here to help! Connect with First-Gen Resources:


Logo featuring the text "First-Gen Forward Institution" at the center. The design includes a triangular graphic with green, blue, and gray colors, combined with a black circular border. Below, there is a green ribbon with the word "INSTITUTION." The full title above reads "Center for First-Generation Student Success."

First Forward Institution 

Pratt Institute is a member of the FirstGen Forward Network composed of institutions across the United States that are committed to providing support to first-generation college students.

Starfish

Starfish is the platform used at Pratt to connect students with academic support and campus resources. Through Starfish, students can raise their hand for help, schedule appointments, and stay connected with faculty and support offices including Undergraduate Academic Advising, the Student Advocate and Care Coordinator, and the Learning/Access Center.

Students, faculty, and staff can find more information on OnePratt Starfish.

Note: Faculty can access Starfish when actively teaching a course, unless they also have staff access.

Contact

You can connect with the Student Success Center in a few ways:

Call or email us to ask questions or get help scheduling
Phone: 718.687.5156
Email: success@pratt.edu

Current students can raise their hand in Starfish

Faculty and staff can submit an Academic Support Referral in Starfish

Follow us on Instagram: @pratt_ssc


Where to Find Us

164 Willoughby Avenue
Student Wellness Center, 4th Floor
(See #27 on the Brooklyn Campus Map)


Hours

Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm
Summer: 9am–4pm

In addition to regular hours, virtual tutoring is often available in the evenings and on weekends.