Student Success

CastleBranch is the online repository for all mandatory health record information. This organization sends alerts when a renewal is coming due or is past due. You should have an active email recorded with them to receive courtesy reminders, as you are responsible for the renewals. The email is only an alert and cannot contain specifics, therefore you must sign into your account for the particulars. The long-term benefit to you is storage of this information for future access and the email alerts do stop when you graduate.

Note: After your initial requirements are met, an annual renewal of one (1) TB test and a flu immunization are necessary. CPR renewal is due prior to the expiration date on your card.

Sentara College has a team of hardworking IT experts who are dedicated to making your education as hassle-free as possible. Get in touch with them and find answer to many common issues here.

Come to class prepared to learn. Find your textbooks and other required course materials here.

Show off your Sentara College pride. Find scrubs, apparel and gear here.

Our average placement rate is 85%, with some programs placing 100% of students in a career in their specialty.

Learn more about a career with Sentara Healthcare and how we can help get you there.

Build lifelong friendships and professional connections. Through academic honor societies, the Alumni Association and the Student Community Outreach Program of Excellence, you will find fellow students who share your interests and passions.

Join one of the many student associations at Sentara College.

Access the student handbook here.

You can obtain your official transcript from the National Student Clearinghouse.

The National Student Clearinghouse gives you all of these benefits:

• Send secure electronic transcripts worldwide
• Use all major credit and debits cards
• Track your order
• Set automatic order updates via mobile text alerts and email
• Order transcripts for multiple parties at once
• Enjoy convenient 24/7 access

Order your transcript here.

Please note:

1. Transcripts you send to yourself via email are not considered official. If you need official transcripts and you do not yet have a recipient (e.g. a university or college), please select them to be mailed to you. They will be delivered in a sealed envelope and will be considered official so long as you do not open the seal.

2. Students who began at the College after January 1, 2011 may access unofficial transcripts by logging into my.sentara.edu. You will need to create an account for your initial log in. Students who began at the College prior to January 1, 2011 and would like to obtain an unofficial transcript will need to contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@sentara.edu for the appropriate form.

The College works hard to provide the best possible learning environment for students both on campus and online. We want to address and resolve any of your concerns.

Learn more about the Out of State Authority & Student Complaint Procedure policy and process.

Access the Sentara College student/faculty nominating form here.

ABOUT THE DAISY FOUNDATION

An acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at the age of 33 from complications of the auto-immune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Patrick’s family was very touched by the remarkable compassion and clinical skill demonstrated by Patrick’s nurses during his illness, so they created DAISY to recognize exceptional nurses everywhere. The DAISY Foundation is dedicated to saying "thank you" to nurses, and is now proud to recognize nursing students for their care of patients and their families. Nominations are accepted throughout the year, and award recipients are chosen in April.

Learn more about The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses and The DAISY In Training Award at DAISYfoundation.org

Archives

2024

Faculty Winner - James White

Read the nomination

Student Winner - Alana Abad

Read the nomination

All 2024 Nominees

- Faculty

Sheli Sims

Dr. Yasmine Lopez

Dr. Karen Neary

Dr. Jessica Keith

James White

Dr. Denee Hollins

Becky Murdoch

Dr. Kaye Geaney

Lori Acton

Tarshe Johnson

Amy Ewalt

Jamie Baldwin

Julia Zenarolla

- Students

Megan Adams

Rickelle Eley

Sarah Cruz

Taylor Aurillo

Alena Abad

Jessica Schauer

Christina Abulencia

Kathryn Menteer

Lily Hutchinson

Andrei Kabigting

Sara Reese

Chelsea Richey

2023

Faculty Winner - Zenaida Flores

Read the Nomination

Student Winner - Jacqueline Sommer Smith

Read the Nomination

All 2023 Nominees

- Faculty

Shirley Erickson

Linda Ewald

Zenaida Flores

Tarshe Johnson

Dr. Brian Jones

Dr. Patty Long

Dr. Yasmine Lopez

Dr. Karen Neary

Dr. Kim Roberson

Sheli Sims

- Students

Mia Bair

Tryp Beagle

Elizabeth Campo

Hannah Cannon

Audrie Casey

Kelly Clark

Emily Guerra

Olivia Guerra

Jasmine Harris

Angela High

Noelle Litchfield

Samantha Lord

Trisha Patel

Joshrie Penn

Jacqueline Sommer Smith

Triesha Tolato

2022

Faculty Winner - Jean Madden

Read the Nomination - Faculty

Student Winner - Yesenia Cuba Martinez

Read the Nomination - Student

All 2022 Nominees

  - Faculty

Shirley Doney

Dr. Denee Hollins

Tarsha Johnson

Yasmine Lopez

Kim Lowe

Jean Madden

Dr. Karen Neary

Brittany Roberts 

Shelly Sims

  - Students

Lourdes Erum

Anna-Lisa Felt 

Hanna Harden 

Jennise Higgins

Sunny Jung

Katelynn Kennedy

Ashley Kornegay

Yesenia Cuba Martinez

Shervonna Rhodes 

Kirsten Vincent 

Neil Wallace 

2021

Faculty Winner - Tarshe Johnson

Read the Nominations - Faculty

Student Winner - Madison "Brooke" DeLosReyes

Read the Nomination - DeLosReyes

All 2021 Nominees

  - Faculty

Dr. Diana Behling

Katherine Bolen

Dr. Denee Hollins

Dr. Brian Jones

Dr. Kim Laughman

Yasmine Lopez

Dr. Karen Neary

  - Students

Felicia Barber

Victoria Barr

Madison "Brooke" DeLosReyes

Jamie Gonzalez

Brandi Hall

Hannah Hill

Cammy Huston

Lauren Masterson

Katy Muncher

Cristal Noles

Mercedes Recar

Megan Woodley

2020

Faculty Winner - Dr. Kim Laughman

Read the Nominations - Faculty

Student Winner - Marina Pickell

Read the Nominations - Students

All 2020 Nominees

  - Faculty

Kathy Free

Charlotte Gillam

Julie Hoyt

Dr. Kim Laughman

Yasmine Lopez

Jean Madden

Barbera Radford

Kelley Russell

  - Students

Tabitha Apeland

Mary Bennett

Erin Bonney

Michelle Bravo

Karen Brown

Kinue Brunton

Kristen Hudgins

Cameron Huston

Elizabeth Nevoraski

Amanda Pearman

Marina Pickell

2019

Faculty Winner - Dr. Karen Neary

Read the Nominations - Neary

Student Winner - Taylor Fulgham

Read the Nominations - Fulgham

All 2019 Nominees

  - Faculty

Dr. Diana Behling

Victoria Brioso-Ang

Charlotte Gillam

Dr. Brian Jones

Dr. Patricia King

LaToya Linton

Jean Madden

  - Students

Elijah Caverson

Rebecca DaCosta

Kristina Gero

Taylor Fulgham

Christina Hussey

Alicia Schneid

Christopher Thompson

Sentara College of Health Sciences is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages and fosters the achievement of academic pursuits and the personal development of our students. 

Click here for Title IX training information.

Cindy Mabie, Director

Cindy works hand-in-hand with the Academic Support and Access Specialist and the College Counselor to promote the success of each student. You will often find her meeting one-on-one with students or with student groups to discuss strategies for studying, test-taking, organizing, and time management.

Cindy is a graduate of Sentara College who holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is actively seeking a graduate degree. Over the past 24 years, Cindy has worked in a variety of positions within Sentara. Her previous experience includes clinical, leadership, educational, and administrative positions.

In her free time, Cindy likes to travel and spend time with her family.

Victoria Brioso-Ang, Academic Support and Access Specialist

Victoria develops and monitors individual accommodation plans for students and also provides support to students to promote success in their chosen program at the College.

She holds a Bachelor of Science as well as a Master of Science Degree in Nursing.

Victoria has been with Sentara Healthcare since 1990. She began at the College in 1991 and has held a variety of positions, including classroom and clinical faculty and simulation faculty. 

Victoria has a passion for helping students discover their path to success. She enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, reading, and gardening.

Location

Office 110

Office Hours

Daily and by appointment

Contact

Email: studentsuccess@sentara.edu

Phone: 757-388-2857

If you need help with study strategies, time management, organizational skills or other life issues, contact the Center by email at studentsuccess@sentara.edu to schedule an appointment.  We will work with you to explore strategies that could work for you.

There are many print and online resources to assist with success in college. Here are a few to consider:

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins' Student Success for Health Professionals Made Incredibly Easy, second edition

       This book is written in an easy-to-follow format and also has online resources.

YouTube Series: Effective Studying and Learning by Thomas Frank.

Effective Time Management (PDF)

Succeeding Inside and Outside the Classroom (PDF)

Test Taking Strategies

Many students find that tests in health science programs are more difficult than those encountered in high school or college. Students who have difficulty with testing in our programs may benefit from meeting with staff in the Center for Student Success to identify tips and strategies to improve test results.

Test Taking Strategies (PDF)

Tutoring Resources for Health Science and Nursing Courses

Here are some tutors and tutoring agencies that may be able to assist students in discipline-specific coursework. Sentara College of Health Sciences does not cover any costs associated with the tutors/tutoring agencies and does not recommend or endorse any individual or agency on this list. The student is responsible for investigating the individual or agency for the fees charged and to determine which resource, if any, will meet their needs.

Wyzant

https://www.wyzant.com

Tutors are available for a variety of subjects both in-person and online. The student will be asked a few questions about the subject they need tutoring in and availability. 

Tutor.com

http://www.tutor.com/

Tutors various general education courses online, and the following health science courses:

Medical-Surgical                      Nursing Care Plans

Pathophysiology                      Pharmacology

HeyTutor

https://heytutor.com/

Tutors are available for a variety of subjects, with the majority being online. The student will be asked a few questions about the subject they need tutoring in and availability.

TutorMe

https://tutorme.com/

Tutors are available for a variety of subjects, with the majority being online. The student will be asked a few questions about the subject they need tutoring in and availability.

Your Nursing Tutor

http://www.yournursingtutor.com

This site has unique resources that will guide the student through the process of becoming more effective in their studies. At this time, tutoring for specific subjects is not offered.

There are several videos that cover topics such as critical thinking, studying, writing care plans, and NCLEX-style question review.

Here are some tutors and tutoring agencies that may be able to assist students in the mechanics of writing and English as a second language (ESL). Sentara College of Health Sciences does not cover any costs associated with the tutors/tutoring agencies and does not recommend or endorse any individual or agency on this list. The student is responsible for investigating the individual or agency for the fees charged and to determine which tutor, if any, will meet their needs.

Michael Anderson

757-528-9299

Mathwiz718@outlook.com

Provides tutoring for math and English. Can also assist with writing mechanics and grammar. Serves as an ATI TEAS tutor.

TutorAteam

www.tutorAteam.com

757-410-1919 (Ask to speak with Jim Waldman and inform him that you are a college student at Sentara College.)

TutorAteam works primarily with K-12, however they have several tutors who work with college students on writing.

Sylvan Learning

www.sylvanlearning.com

757-548-1247 (Ask for Joy Nunnikho and inform her that you are a college student at Sentara College.)

Sylvan works primarily with K-12, however the center on Battlefield Blvd. has tutors who can work with college students on writing.

Wyzant

https://www.wyzant.com

Tutors are available for a variety of subjects, both in person and online. The student will be asked a few questions about the subject they need tutoring in and availability. Wyzant offers tutors for ESL, as well as writing and/or proofreading. They have several in our surrounding area. After logging on to their website, search for “ESL,” “Writing,” or Proofreading.” Be sure to indicate that you are a college student, which will increase the likelihood of finding a tutor who can assist you.

Tutor.com

http://www.tutor.com/

Tutors online various general education courses and ESL.

Varsity Tutors

www.varsitytutors.com

757-689-7080

Provides tutors for general education and writing.

HeyTutor

https://heytutor.com/

Tutors are available for a variety of subjects, with the majority being online. The student will be asked a few questions about the subject they need tutoring in and availability.

APARTMENT COMPLEXES NEAR THE COLLEGE

Here are some apartment complexes located near the college. This list is presented as a helpful starting place for your housing search. The college has not conducted any type of evaluation of or visit to these apartment complexes, and this list does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement. It is the student’s responsibility to evaluate these complexes for cost, quality, safety, and other amenities that the student may need or require. 

Belmont at Greenbrier

http://www.belmontatgreenbrier.com

Located 3 miles from the college

1212 Triple Crown Circle

Chesapeake, VA 23320

888-481-9125

The Cedars at Greenbrier

http://www.cedarsatgreenbrier.com/

Located 2 miles from the college

200 Red Cedar Court

Chesapeake, VA 23320

757-547-3633

Greenbrier Woods on the Lake

http://greenbrierwoods.com/

Located 2 miles from the college

1314 Kingston Way

Chesapeake, VA 23320

757-547-7181

Holly Point – Chesapeake

https://www.hollypointapartments.com/

Located 4 miles from the college

2540 Holly Point Blvd

Chesapeake, VA 23325

757-424-7867

Students may be eligible for a discount

Lakes of Greenbrier

http://www.lakesofgreenbrierapartments.com/

Located 2 miles from the college

1105 Merchants Court

Chesapeake, VA 23320

757-793-2711

Royal Pointe – Virginia Beach

http://www.royalpointeapts.com

Located 6 miles from the college

1749 Lacrosse Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23464

757-495-7711

We are committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to take part in the educational programs, courses, and services offered on an equal basis.

Learn more or request ADA accommodations here.

Medicaid now offers coverage for eligible families and individuals based on income. Visit the Cover Virginia website here to learn more.

www.coverva.org

Dr. Gregoire provides individual counseling to enrolled students who are in need of some additional emotional support or who are contending with mental health challenges that may impact academics. 

She also provides couples and family counseling to assist with relationship issues. She is available for crisis management. Feel free to drop by her office in Room 110 or email her at agregoire@sentara.edu.

Dr. Gregoire is available to help students with many issues, including:

• Stress management
• Depression and anxiety
• Family relationship difficulties
• Parenting issues
• Grief and loss
• Substance abuse concerns
• Financial concerns
• Adjusting to change
• Intimate partner violence

To make an appointment, visit room 110 or email agregoire@sentara.edu.

Life & Coping Skills

There are many print and online self-help resources. Here are a few that we recommend:

Videos

Deep Breathing

Progressive Relaxation

Managing Anxiety

Articles

Managing Stress

Meditation Apps

Recommended Readings

Healthy Habits

1. The Productivity Project, Chris Bailey
2. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life, Charles Duhigo
3. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey
4. Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World, Mark Williams and Danny Penman

Depression & Anxiety

1. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, David Burns
2. Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel By Changing the Way You Think, Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky
3. Under Pressure and Overwhelmed: Coping With Anxiety in College, Christopher Vye, Kathleen Scholjegerdes, David Welch

Access the student handbook here.

All changes must be requested in writing. Changes to your academic records will not be accepted via telephone. Students who are receiving federal or state aid are required to change their names with the Social Security Administration before changing their names with us. 

Process: Contact us at registrar@sentara.edu for the appropriate form(s).

You can obtain your official transcript from the National Student Clearinghouse.

The National Student Clearinghouse gives you all of these benefits:

• Send secure electronic transcripts worldwide
• Use all major credit and debits cards
• Track your order
• Set automatic order updates via mobile text alerts and email
• Order transcripts for multiple parties at once
• Enjoy convenient 24/7 access

Order your transcript here.

Please note:

1. Transcripts you send to yourself via email are not considered official. If you need official transcripts and you do not yet have a recipient (e.g. a university or college), please select them to be mailed to you. They will be delivered in a sealed envelope and will be considered official so long as you do not open the seal.

2. Students who began at the College after January 1, 2011 may access unofficial transcripts by logging into my.sentara.edu. You will need to create an account for your initial log in. Students who began at the College prior to January 1, 2011 and would like to obtain an unofficial transcript will need to contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@sentara.edu for the appropriate form.

As a college student it is important to know your rights. Sentara College adheres to and annually informs its students of FERPA.

FERPA is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s academic records, the right to seek to have those records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the records. When a student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). More information on FERPA can be found here.

FERPA allows disclosure of personally identifiable information without consent under certain circumstances – examples include:

• Disclosure to parents if a student violates federal, state, or local law
• Disclosure to parents if a student under 21 year old (regardless of dependency status) violates any rule related to use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance
• FERPA permits a school to disclose personally identifiable information from academic records without consent when the disclosure is to the parents of a student at a postsecondary institution regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the institution, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. The school may non-consensually disclose information under this exception if the school determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to that use or possession and the student is under 21 years of age at the time of the disclosure to the parent.
• The College may disclose personally identifiable information without consent to appropriate parties in connection with a health or safety emergency

FERPA also allows for disclosure of directory information, without consent, including student name, address, email address, telephone number, photograph, date of birth*, place of birth, field of study, dates of attendance, degrees/awards, and enrollment status. Students wishing to restrict information released in the directory must notify the Registrar by the end of the first week of class.

* It is the practice of the College to not release a student’s date of birth except as required by law or as a validation of positive identification of a student when furnished by a person making an inquiry.

To request that a person have access to your record or to withhold information from your education record, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@sentara.edu. 

New students are required to complete the New Student Online Orientation as part of the enrollment process. The orientation will introduce you to the college and the resources that are available.

New Student Online Orientation

New Student Online Orientation - Virginia Wesleyan Joint BSN Program Students

If you're a candidate for graduation, congratulations! This is an exciting chapter in your educational journey. It is a time of celebration and joy with your friends and family.

Our degree programs graduate students in May, August, and December. A Commencement Ceremony is held in May and August each year. December graduates are welcome to participate in the following May’s Commencement Ceremony.

Please click below to view information related to your graduation. 

December 2024 Graduation Site

If you're looking for important dates this academic year, click here 

Students - If you are looking for a letter verifying enrollment at our college, please email registrar@sentara.edu for the appropriate form. Requests may take up to five (5) business days.

Employers/Other Agencies - We do not accept requests for education verifications via phone, email, or fax. All requests must go through the National Student Clearinghouse.