Starting your educational journey can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're returning to school after years in the workforce or taking college courses for the first time, you probably have questions: How will I manage my coursework alongside my other responsibilities? What if I need help with an assignment at midnight? How do I navigate an online learning environment?
Take a deep breath – we've got you covered. At Thomas Edison State University, we've spent decades perfecting our support system for adult learners like you. We understand the unique challenges you face – balancing work commitments, family responsibilities and now, academic pursuits. That's why we've developed this comprehensive guide to the resources, tools and support systems we offer that will help you thrive.
This guide walks you through every resource and tool available to you as a new TESU student. Think of it as your roadmap to success – a comprehensive overview of the people, services, and systems ready to support you at each step of your journey. From dedicated academic advisors who understand adult learning to 24/7 tutoring services that work around your schedule, everything is designed to work for you and your specific needs.
Every resource described in these pages exists because another adult learner needed it and succeeded with it. It's your turn to benefit from this carefully crafted support system. Let's explore these resources to help you achieve your educational goals while maintaining balance in your busy life.
Your Academic Navigation Team: Your Partners in Educational Success
Starting a new educational journey can be tricky, and that's exactly why we've assembled a dedicated team of academic professionals to guide you every step of the way. Think of this team as your personal support crew, committed to helping you navigate your degree program with confidence.
Your Personal Academic Advisor: Your Degree Planning Expert
From day one, you'll have a dedicated academic advisor who understands both your unique situation and the challenges of being an adult learner. Schedule an advising appointment to receive one-on-one assistance. These advisors aren't just course schedulers, they're experienced professionals who know how to:
- Make the most of your transfer credits and prior learning
- Design a course schedule that fits your life
- Help you understand degree requirements and university policies
- Keep you on track for graduation
Your advisor is your go-to resource for academic planning, ready to help you tackle questions like:
- How do my previous college credits apply to my new degree?
- What courses should I take first?
- How can I balance my course load with my work schedule?
- What's the fastest path to completing my degree?
Quick Support When You Need It: For those moments when you need immediate answers, our Advising Expressline provides rapid support with no appointment necessary. The Expressline is perfect for quick questions about registration deadlines, course prerequisites or general education requirements. Available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, you can reach an advisor at one of the numbers below:
- General Support: 609-777-5680
- Military and Veteran Support: 609-777-5696
The Student Success Team: Your Daily Support Network
Navigating university systems and administrative processes can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling multiple responsibilities. That's where our dedicated Student Success Team (SST) comes in – they're your frontline support for day-to-day questions and technical assistance.
The SST provides personalized administrative support designed specifically for busy adult learners who need quick, efficient solutions. Think of them as your troubleshooting experts for the practical aspects of student life. Whether you're having trouble logging in or need guidance on navigating university platforms, they're ready to help.
Student Success counselors can assist with:
- Accessing student portals including myEdison and Online Student Services
- Password resets and account issues
- Navigating the University website and course spaces
- Basic technical support for online learning tools
- Frequently asked questions about financial aid and student accounts
- Online registration assistance and guidance
- Testing coordination and support
When more specialized help is needed, the SST serves as your connection point to subject-matter experts across the University. They'll help identify which department can best address your concern and facilitate communication, saving you time and frustration.
Reach out to the Student Success Team at:
- Email: enrolled@tesu.edu
- Phone: 609-777-5680
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST
Pro Tip: Save this contact information in your phone and email contacts for quick access when you need assistance. Many students report that a quick call to the SST resolved issues that could have otherwise caused significant stress or delays.
Your Course Mentors: Subject Matter Guides
At TESU, we've reimagined the traditional professor role with our mentor system. Your course mentors are more than just instructors – they're experienced professionals who understand adult learning and real-world application of course material.
Through the Private Student-Mentor Forum, you'll have direct access to your mentors throughout your courses. This unique feature allows you to:
- Get clarification on assignments whenever you need it
- Discuss how course concepts apply to your work experience
- Receive personalized feedback on your progress
- Build professional relationships that can extend beyond the classroom
Building Your Support Network: We encourage you to connect with both your advisor and mentors early in your TESU journey. Schedule an initial advising appointment upon enrollment at TESU and introduce yourself to your course mentors as soon as your classes begin. These early connections establish a foundation of support that will serve you throughout your academic journey.
Remember: There's no such thing as a "silly question" when it comes to your education. Your academic navigation team is here because they genuinely want to help you succeed. They've guided countless adult learners through the same challenges you might be facing, and they're ready to help you, too.
Student Accessibility Services: Accommodating Learning for All
We recognize that every student's learning journey is unique, and some students require specific accommodations to fully access their education. All students have equal opportunities for academic success through TESU’s comprehensive accessibility services.
The Office of Student Accessibility Services works to remove barriers and create an inclusive learning environment for all students. If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or face specific circumstances affecting your coursework, you may qualify for reasonable academic accommodations.
The accommodation process is straightforward:
- Review resources on the Office of Student Accessibility Services webpage
- Complete the TESU Academic Accommodation(s) Request online form
- Provide appropriate documentation as outlined in the Documentation Guidelines
- Work with specialists to implement accommodations that support your learning
Available resources include:
- Detailed guides for requesting accommodations
- Clear criteria for determining eligibility
- Comprehensive documentation guidelines
For any questions about academic accommodations, contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services at ADA@tesu.edu.
Important: We encourage you to begin the accommodation process as early as possible to ensure seamless support from the start of your courses. Even if you're unsure whether you qualify, the Office of Student Accessibility Services can help you explore options and determine the best path forward.
Your 24/7 Support Network: Around-the-Clock Resources for Your Success
As an adult learner, we know your study time might be at 5 a.m. before work or 11 p.m. after the kids are asleep. That's why we've built a comprehensive support system that's available whenever and wherever you need it. Our 24/7 support network, including 24/7 phone and chat services for general issues and support, ensures you're never alone in your educational journey, no matter what time you're hitting the books.
Counseling and Wellness Services: Your Personal Support Team
Life doesn't stop while you're pursuing your degree. Sometimes you need someone to talk to about managing stress, work-life balance or personal challenges. Our Counseling and Wellness Services provide confidential, professional support at any hour of the day or night.
Accessing Support:
- Call or text 800-327-2251
- Visit the online portal through your student dashboard
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
- No cost to you as a TESU student
Services Include:
- Professional counseling for personal or academic concerns
- Work-life solutions for childcare and eldercare needs
- Legal guidance for personal matters
- Financial counseling for budgeting and planning
- Crisis support whenever you need it
Pro Tip: Save the support number in your phone now – it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Peer Support Network: Learn from Those Who've Been There
Sometimes the best advice comes from someone who's walked in your shoes. Our Peer Support Network connects you with fellow adult learners who understand firsthand the challenges you're facing.
Your Peer Support Team Includes:
- Peer tutors for writing and mathematics
- Mentors who can help navigate the TESU experience
- Support coordinators who ensure you get the help you need
Mobile Learning Hub: Your Portable Campus
We've transformed your smartphone into a powerful learning tool with the TESU mobile app. This portable campus gives you the flexibility to engage with your courses and connect with support resources wherever life takes you.
Key Features:
- Access course materials and assignments on the go
- Connect with classmates and mentors
- Receive important university notifications
- Manage your academic life from anywhere
Make the Most of Mobile Learning:
- Download the app during your first week
- Set up notifications for important deadlines
- Use small pockets of time for quick study sessions
- Stay connected with your courses during busy days
Success Story: "As a traveling sales representative, the mobile app became my lifeline to my education. I could read course materials during flight delays and participate in discussions while waiting for appointments. It transformed what could have been wasted time into productive study time." – Sarah M., Business Administration student
Remember: Your success is our priority, and these support services are included in your tuition. Don't hesitate to use them – they're here because we know adult learners thrive with the right support at the right time.
Your Virtual Classroom Toolkit: Everything You Need for Online Learning Success
Online learning offers incredible flexibility for adult students, but it can feel unfamiliar if you're new to digital education. We've developed a comprehensive suite of tools and resources specifically designed to make online learning intuitive, engaging, and effective – even for those who consider themselves "tech-cautious."
Test Drive Your Learning Experience: Try Before You Dive In
Nervous about online learning? We get it. That's why we offer a risk-free way to explore our online environment before your courses begin.
Our Test Drive feature lets you:
- Experience exactly how our online courses work
- Familiarize yourself with navigation and features
- Practice submitting assignments and participating in discussions
- Build confidence in the digital learning environment
Accessing the Test Drive course:
- Username: testdrive
- Password: Testdrive@1
Many successful students report that spending 30-60 minutes exploring the Test Drive significantly reduced their anxiety about online learning and helped them hit the ground running when their actual courses began.
MyEdison Portal: Your Digital Campus Headquarters
The myEdison Experience portal serves as your comprehensive digital campus – the central hub for all your academic activities and resources. This thoughtfully designed portal provides single sign-on access to everything you need, eliminating the frustration of multiple logins and scattered resources.
Through myEdison, you can access:
- Your Moodle courses and assignments
- Student services for registration and financial management
- Google applications for email, document creation and collaboration
- University announcements and alerts
- Advising appointment scheduling
- Textbook information and resources
Important Timeline: Your courses will appear in myCourses 24 hours before the term starts. Mark your calendar to log in early, familiarize yourself with the course layout and prepare your questions before the official start date.
What makes our courses special: TESU online courses are designed to be vibrant and engaging, not static repositories of information. Through our Moodle learning management system, you'll experience:
- Dynamic discussions with classmates from diverse professional backgrounds
- Interactive assignments that connect theory to real-world applications
- Consistent feedback from experienced mentors
- Clear organization with 8- or 12-week structured timelines
Edison Live!: Bringing the Classroom to You
Online learning doesn't mean learning alone. Edison Live! transforms your computer into an interactive classroom environment, connecting you with mentors and fellow students in real time.
This web conferencing platform within your course dashboard enables:
- Face-to-face mentor office hours – Get immediate clarification on assignments or course concepts through direct video communication with your mentor
- Virtual study groups – Collaborate with classmates on challenging material or group projects regardless of geographic location
- Small group discussions – Form connections with select classmates for more intimate learning experiences
- Live demonstrations and presentations – Watch complex concepts come to life through live or recorded presentations with interactive whiteboard features
Edison Create: Your Video Learning Library
Learning often requires seeing concepts in action. Edison Create serves as your comprehensive video resource library, offering visual guidance on:
- Course-specific concepts and demonstrations
- Technology tutorials and troubleshooting
- University processes and procedures
- Student success strategies and study skills
The platform organizes content by topic, making it easy to find exactly what you need when you need it. Whether you're a visual learner or simply need clarification on a specific process, Edison Create provides on-demand video support.
Brainfuse Online Tutoring: Professional Help at Your Fingertips
Everyone needs extra support sometimes. Our partnership with Brainfuse provides free, professional tutoring services accessible directly through your courses.
Available services include:
- Live, on-demand tutoring with subject matter experts
- A Writing Lab for comprehensive feedback on papers and assignments
- Study resources for challenging courses
- Practice tests and skill-building exercises
Why it matters: Research shows that students who utilize tutoring services even once during their academic career have significantly higher completion rates. This resource ensures you never need to struggle through difficult material alone.=
Cost-Saving Course Options: Education Without Financial Strain
We understand that textbook costs can be a significant burden. That's why we've developed hundreds of Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses across multiple disciplines.
These innovative courses use Open Educational Resources (OER) to provide:
- High-quality, peer-reviewed content without the price tag
- Immediate access to all materials on day one
- Consistent content availability throughout your course
- Flexible formats compatible with various devices
The average savings per ZTC course: $100-150 in textbook costs.
ProctorU: Convenient Exam Supervision
For courses requiring exams, our Online Proctor Service through ProctorU makes assessment convenient and secure. This service allows you to:
- Take exams from your home computer
- Schedule testing times that work with your schedule
- Receive immediate technical support if needed
- Complete assessments without travel to testing centers
Important first step: During the first week of your course, create your ProctorU account and familiarize yourself with the system requirements. This proactive approach prevents last-minute stress around exam time.
New Jersey State Library: Extensive Research Resources
Our partnership with the New Jersey State Library provides you with comprehensive research capabilities from anywhere with internet access.
Your free library card gives you:
- Remote access to hundreds of academic databases
- Digital resources including e-books and journals
- Physical materials mailed directly to you (within the continental U.S.)
- Research guidance from professional librarians
How to get started: Apply for your free library card as a TESU student on the New Jersey State Library website. This small step unlocks a world of academic resources that will enhance your learning throughout your degree program.
Copyleaks: Supporting Academic Integrity
Proper citation and original work are fundamental to academic success. Copyleaks serves as both a learning tool and integrity safeguard, helping you:
- Verify the originality of your work
- Improve citation practices and attribution skills
- Identify unintentional plagiarism before submission
- Ensure compliance with academic integrity standards
Integrated directly into the assignment submission process, this tool provides immediate feedback on originality and proper citation, helping you develop essential academic writing skills.
Remember: These tools were designed with your success in mind. Don't hesitate to explore each resource early in your TESU journey – familiarity with these systems will make your learning experience smoother and more rewarding. If you encounter any challenges, your academic advisor and our technical support team are ready to help you navigate these powerful learning resources.
Learning the Language: Your Guide to TESU Terminology
Every university has its own vocabulary, and unfamiliar terms can create unnecessary confusion for new students. At TESU, we've created a comprehensive glossary to help you quickly understand our unique terminology, from academic concepts to administrative processes. Bookmarking this resource early in your journey can transform potentially confusing conversations into clear, productive discussions about your education.
The TESU Glossary helps you:
- Understand program-specific requirements and options
- Navigate registration and administrative processes confidently
- Communicate effectively with advisors and mentors
- Discover credit-earning opportunities you might otherwise miss
- Feel empowered rather than confused during university interactions
Access the complete TESU Glossary here and check back regularly as new programs and services are frequently introduced.
Building Your Communication Skills: Essential Writing Support
Strong writing skills are fundamental to success in both your academic journey and professional career. At TESU, we recognize that many adult learners may feel anxious about their writing abilities, especially if it's been years since they've written an academic paper. Our comprehensive writing support system is designed to build your confidence and capabilities, regardless of your starting point.
Foundation Courses for Writing Excellence
Every TESU degree program includes structured writing courses that progressively develop your skills:
- SOS-1100: Critical Information Literacy – Many new students begin with this course to strengthen foundational academic skills through interactive software
- Writing for Success – Focuses on essential expository writing techniques crucial for both academic and business communication
- Writing for Success II – Builds on previous skills with emphasis on research paper development and advanced composition techniques
These sequential courses ensure you can develop the writing proficiency needed for upper-level coursework and professional communication, with each subsequent course building upon skills learned in the previous one.
Practical Tools for Immediate Improvement
Beyond formal courses, we offer specialized resources to enhance your writing right away:
- Writing Assistance Checklist – A comprehensive guide for reviewing your work before submission, focusing on:
- Organization and structure
- Evidence and citations
- Grammar and mechanics
- Clarity and concision
- Discussion Post Guide – Master the art of engaging online discussions with these proven strategies:
- Complete all readings thoroughly before composing responses
- Develop and support strong arguments with evidence
- Connect concepts to relevant personal or professional experiences
- Contribute unique perspectives or supplementary resources
- Draft and edit responses in a text editor before posting
- Engage actively with follow-up questions and comments
Pro Tip: Many successful students report that spending just 10-15 minutes with the Writing Assistance Checklist before submitting assignments resulted in significantly higher grades and more constructive feedback from mentors.
Remember: Effective writing comes from clear thinking. Our writing support resources are designed not just to improve your papers, but to help you organize and articulate your thoughts more effectively – a skill that transfers to every aspect of your professional and personal life.
Advancing Your Professional Journey: Career Support Resources
At TESU, we understand that most adult learners are pursuing education with specific career goals in mind. Whether you're seeking advancement in your current field, planning a complete career change or returning to the workforce, our Office of Career Development provides personalized support designed around the unique needs of working adults.
Your Personal Career Command Center
The Office of Career Development offers comprehensive services that evolve with you through every stage of your professional journey:
- One-on-one career coaching – Personalized guidance from professionals who understand both current job markets and the unique value of adult learners' experience
- Resume and CV writing support – Expert assistance with resumes, CVs, cover letters and professional portfolios
- Strategic job search planning – Customized approaches based on your industry, experience level and career goals
- Interview preparation – Practice sessions, feedback and strategies tailored to your target positions
- Graduate school guidance – Support for those considering advanced degrees, including program selection and application preparation
- Regular webinars and workshops on trending career topics – Interactive webinars and skill-building workshops that you can attend from anywhere – all designed to accommodate busy schedules and accessible from anywhere with internet connection.
Building your Professional Network
Through College Central Network, TESU provides a dedicated platform where you can:
- Connect with employers specifically interested in hiring TESU students and graduates
- Network with alumni in your field or desired industry
- Access exclusive job postings and career opportunities
- Participate in virtual networking events and industry forums
Think of it as a professional network specifically designed for your academic community, one that recognizes the unique value and perspective you bring as an adult learner.
Your Next Steps: Beginning Your TESU Journey
Remember, these resources exist because countless adult learners before you have walked this path successfully, and now it's your turn. Don't wait until you're struggling to access these valuable tools and services. Take these important first steps today: schedule an initial meeting with your academic advisor, explore the Test Drive course to get comfortable with our online platform, bookmark the TESU Glossary for quick reference and connect with the Office of Career Development to align your education with your professional goals. Most importantly, remember that at TESU, you're never alone in your educational journey. A complete support network stands ready to help you transform your academic ambitions into reality. Your success story begins now – what will you accomplish first?
Written by Thomas Edison State University