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13 Support Networks

Tianna Reneé Urrea MacMeans; Kristel D. Phillips; and Hannah Noel Niccum

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Solutions by geralt is used under a Pixabay License.

Support Networks

One way to help fill your buckets is to ensure you have a strong network of support behind you.

What Is a Support Network?

A support network is a variety of people who can offer emotional, practical, and holistic aid to help you achieve your goals and navigate potential challenges that arise. 

Support networks are:

  • dynamic; they grow and change,
  • stronger when they are varied, and 
  • evolve along with your changing goals.

Why Do Support Networks Matter?

Research shows that strong support networks:[1]

  • Influence your ability to deal with the challenges of university life;
  • Are associated with a sense of belonging and positive experience of university, which leads to greater retention and success;
  • Are one of the main predictors of success in school, and 
  • Are associated with improved well-being, lower stress, and greater life satisfaction.

What Areas Might a College Student Need Support in?

There is a wide array of expertise you may seek as a college student. Some foundational components of a good support network[2] include:

  1. Role Models: Anyone you look up to
  2. Safe Space: Therapists, faith leaders, peers
  3. Emotional Support: Friend, family, other
  4. Feedback & Accountability: Coach, mentor
  5. Career Development: Advisors, supervisors, and academic coach
  6. Academic Support: Professors, coaches, tutors

What Makes a Good Support Network Person?

Consider the following questions:

    • What are the qualities of a good role model, safe space, etc.?
    • What do you want in a role model, safe space, etc.?
    • What are some potential red flags that might lead you to reconsider trusting a support person?
    • What are some ideas for finding a support person?

Exercise

Map out your own support network!

  • Using the previous questions, start thinking about who could fit in your support network.
  • Use the following PDF to guide you: Mapping Your Support Network.

License & Attribution

Phillips, K. D., Urrea MacMeans, T. R., & Niccum, H. N. (Eds.). (2025). Steps to success: Strategies to help you succeed in MATH 100 and beyond, © 2025 Arizona Board of Regents, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license, except where otherwise noted.

  1. McLean, L., Gaul, D., & Penco, R. (2023). Perceived social support and stress: A study of 1st year students in Ireland. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 21(4), 2101–2121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00710-z ↵
  2. Adapted from: Montgomery College. (n.d.). Mapping your support network [Fillable worksheet]. Retrieved from https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/_documents/academics/support/achieving-the-promise-academy/atpa-mapping-your-support-network-fillable-worksheet.pdf. ↵

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Steps to Success Copyright © 2025 by Arizona Board of Regents is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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