While the literature is replete with information about student services, most references center on models for delivering services to students enrolled in special education, or services for other students considered to be at risk, or models for career development and guidance and counseling services. For example, student affairs , student personnel , student development , and support services are associated with student services in the literature. In addition, the terms support services and supplemental services are both used in recent legislation. The Perkins Act indicates support services pertain to services such as counseling, special transportation needs, English-language instruction, mentoring, child care, and special aids. In lieu of an acceptable definition in the literature, the Office of Student Services defines student services as those services provided by an educational institution to facilitate learning and the successful transition from school to work, military, or more education.
Students require some services during all three levels and others at different stages of enrollment.
The OSS listing includes basic services that should be available during all three stages. During the pre-enrollment stage , students need certain services to facilitate their movement to the next level. Orientation to their new school is very helpful. Appropriate assessment should take place as well as career awareness and exploration activities. Some students will need tutoring, most will benefit from a mentor, and almost all can use academic advisement.