Students talking with professor

Who We Are

The CCIM Student Success Center is a dynamic hub that is committed to enabling students in the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) to achieve academic, professional, and personal excellence. We cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment that enables students to confidently pursue their goals guided by our core pillars of passion, progression, and perseverance.

Our initiatives, such as the SOAR curriculum, mentoring programs, and community-building events are intended to celebrate individual accomplishments, develop resilience, and enhance student engagement.

The Student Success Center is unwavering in its dedication to the success of all CCIM students on all fronts. Visit us in the Ball Communication Building – BC 204!


MENTORING

Cardinals Connect

Cardinals Connect is Ball State's official networking and mentoring platform, designed to help students build strong relationships with alumni, professionals, and peers who are more than happy to mentor them in their academic, career, and personal journeys. If you are exploring more opportunities in your major, needing career advice, or curious about how to maximize your college experience, then Cardinals Connect is your one-stop shop for guidance and growth.

On Cardinals Connect, the CCIM SOAR Mentoring Group is a unique environment where students in the College of Communication, Information, and Media can engage with experienced peer mentors, seasoned faculty, and accomplished alumni. Through this group, students can schedule mentoring sessions, participate in group discussions, and receive valuable resources relevant to their studies and career goals. Students are also provided with the opportunity to connect with mentors through the CCIM SOAR courses.

Join Cardinals Connect

Peer Mentoring

Student Experience & Achievement Leaders (S.E.A.L.)

The SEAL team is made up of friendly, knowledgeable student leaders who are here to help you make the most of your time in CCIM. Whether you need advice, a quick pep talk, or tips on campus resources, they’ve got you covered. S.E.A.L.s are all about creating a welcoming space where everyone feels supported, included, and ready to succeed.

Spending time with a S.E.A.L. team member isn’t just helpful – it’s always worth it!

Click the button below to meet a S.E.A.L. member and start your journey!

Talk To A S.E.A.L 

 

The SOAR Program is a three-course experience that guides CCIM students through every step of their college journey – from their first semester until they enter the professional world. Guided by the pillars of passion, perseverance, and progress, SOAR equips students with the academic, personal, and career readiness skills necessary to succeed. From orienting you to college life to preparing you for internships to launching your professional life after graduation, SOAR is with you all the way.

CCIM 200: Foundations for College Success

Starting college can feel overwhelming. CCIM 200 helps first-year students in the College of Communication, Information, and Media build the skills they need to thrive. Through campus resource exploration, self-assessments, and hands-on activities, students gain confidence in navigating academics, student life, and personal development from day one.

CCIM 300: Career Prep for Communicators

CCIM 300 bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers. In this course, students learn how to craft strong résumés, cover letters, and portfolios, while gaining practical skills in internship searching and interview prep – so they are ready to confidently market their talents in today’s competitive job market.

CCIM 400: Transitioning to the Workplace

As graduation nears, CCIM 400 helps students gear up for life after college. The course covers job searching, offer negotiation, professional etiquette, and evaluating workplace fit. With a focus on career readiness, it ensures students leave with the tools to launch successful, value-aligned careers in the communications field.

Internships are a very useful way for CCIM students to gain on-the-job experience, explore careers, and make professional contacts in the field. The student success office – in partnership with the career center – provides resources for students to connect to employers for internship opportunities.

CCIM students can find internship opportunities through Cardinal Career Link, Ball State's one-stop shop for internship and job listings. The CCIM Career Resources page within Canvas offers career resources, résumé samples, employer contacts, and internship opportunities that are specific to the college.

We encourage students to discover these resources early and often – your career starts with what you do today.

Explore opportunities now:

Cardinal Career Link   CCIM Career Resources

Student Organizations

With more than 30 student organizations, CCIM offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in their passions and learn new skills across a broad range of interests – from journalism, media production, and advertising to public relations, esports, speech and debate, and more.

These organizations provide real-world opportunities to put learning into practice, collaborate with other students who share similar passions, and grow one’s leadership skills.

Ready to connect? Be Connected is your go-to for connecting with and participating in CCIM student groups. Explore our student organizations through be connected.

Access Be Connected

Living-Learning Community (LLC)

The CCIM Living-Learning Community is for students pursuing majors in the College of Communication, Information, and Media. Students living in this community can expect an environment that focuses on exploring the different majors that fall within the college as well as careers associated with communication, information, and media. The CCIM LLC is designed to enhance student's academic capabilities and provide key resources within the four walls of the residence hall.

To learn more about the CCIM LLC, click the button below.

CCIM LLC

Academic Support


Financial Support


International Student Success


Student Life