As students worked through academic pressures and personal challenges in 2025, they found that resources on campus could offer help and encouragement.
California Baptist University recognized the everyday challenges students faced and consistently provided support for those who needed it.
One of these main resources comes through the CBU Counseling Center, which provides free counseling appointments both online and in person. The center is located next to the Health Science Campus and is open to all students through sign-ups by phone, email or the CBU website.
The Counseling Center is Christian-based and connects students with senior counseling students who are finishing their training. This setup gives students support while providing practical experience for future counselors. Weekly opportunities rooted in faith are also available in the Counseling Center for those who wanted to work on their mental health while also growing spiritually.
New students or those unfamiliar with the resources offered at CBU were encouraged to take note. Beyond counseling, CBU also provides resources through the Office of Disability Services, Academic Advising, Title IX and Spiritual Life. Each office focuses on different challenges faced by students, whether that means working out accommodations in the classroom, making a degree plan or getting more involved in their faith.
Jonny Monroe, counseling ministry graduate student and graduate assistant for Spiritual Life, shared about the office of Spiritual Life.
“We are a Great Commission university and our goal is to help and equip students to basically make disciples and share the good news of Jesus Christ to the nations,” Monroe said. “So, we put on events like SL night, Wednesday nights at 8, at Mag church across the street. We have Bible studies if you want to grow your faith. We also have discipleship groups if you want to grow in a more personalized setting and then we also have our main thing like International Service Project trips, Summer Service projects.”
Ellie Greene, sophomore public relations major and Community Life intern, shared how students could get better connected with the university and each other.
“We plan a lot of events on campus and definitely try to get people connected… just go to the events and try to introduce yourself to new people,” Greene said.
Academic support is also a major part of student resources. The Career Center helps students prepare resumes and find internships or jobs. The Writing Center provides students one-on-one sessions to assist with essays and even graduate school applications. The University Tutoring Center offers free tutoring in many subjects to help with classes that may be harder to manage.
These resources are aimed to reduce stress from coursework and give students the tools to succeed. Support also extends beyond CBU itself. The Student Care site connects students to off-campus resources like food pantry locators and shelters. The goal is all about meeting practical needs, making it easier for students to focus on school and faith without as much outside pressure.
The fall semester often brings heavy workloads, exams and extra stress. When combined with personal challenges, it could leave students feeling isolated. There is always somewhere to turn, whether it is the Counseling Center, an academic advisor, the Career Center, tutoring or even just a friend, students are encouraged to reach out when they need it.
