Courtney Ianiro

As a Student Support Specialist and higher education professional, I am passionate about helping students navigate the transition to college and develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive. My experience spans first-year student success, academic advising, student-athlete support, accessibility, leadership development, and student programming.

Throughout my career at Boston University and beyond, I have provided holistic support to students, collaborated with campus partners, developed programs that foster belonging and engagement, and used data-informed approaches to strengthen student success. As the former Assistant Director of First-Year Success, I advised incoming students, taught a first-year course focused on wellbeing, belonging, and academic success, and helped develop programming and training for students and academic advisors.

In my current role as Associate Director of the Accommodated Testing Center, I lead operations supporting more than 3,000 students receiving testing accommodations while supervising staff and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to promote an accessible and supportive learning environment.

I believe successful college transition is about more than academics—it is about helping students understand their strengths, advocate for themselves, build meaningful connections, and develop the tools necessary to confidently navigate their college experience. I am committed to creating supportive pathways that empower students to find their place, pursue their goals, and succeed both in college and beyond.

High School-to-College Transition

Personalized guidance designed to help students confidently navigate the shift from the structure of high school to the increased independence and responsibilities of college.

• Preparing for the Transition from the structure of high school to the independence of college

• Identifying Potential Challenges related to academics, organization, social adjustment, and self-advocacy before arriving on campus

• Personalized College Transition Planning

• Understanding College Expectations and how they differ from high school

• Communication Skills for interacting directly with professors and campus offices

• Building Independence around schedules, deadlines, appointments, and responsibilities

College Accommodations & Accessibility

Guidance for students and families navigating the transition from high school-based supports to college accommodations and accessibility services.

• Understanding IEP/504 vs. College Accommodations

• Documentation Review and guidance on information that may be needed when requesting accommodations

• Accessibility Services Guidance for connecting with a college’s accessibility/disability services office

• Meeting Preparation for conversations with accessibility staff

• Understanding & Using Approved Accommodations

• Self-Advocacy & Communication Skills for appropriately communicating needs to professors

• Identifying Additional Campus Resources when accommodations alone are not enough

Ongoing College Support

Continued, individualized support throughout the semester to help students stay organized, manage academic demands, utilize campus resources, and become increasingly independent.

• Regular Student Check-Ins throughout the semester

• Time-Management & Planning Systems

• Assignment Planning and breaking large projects into manageable steps

• Exam & High-Demand Period Preparation

• Early Intervention Strategies to help students recognize when they need assistance before reaching a crisis

• Campus Resource Navigation including tutoring, academic advising, counseling, accessibility services, writing centers, and other appropriate resources

• Academic Setback Support and developing an actionable plan for moving forward

• Building Independence & Confidence so support can gradually decrease as the student develops the skills to navigate college independently