Supporting Student Success in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Guide
Higher education is an exciting and transformative journey, offering students a wealth of opportunities for personal growth and academic achievement. However, navigating the complexities of higher education can be challenging, and many students require additional support to reach their full potential. This is where Student Success in Higher Education peeps in. Implementing strategic initiatives to improve student success is more important than ever.
An Inside Higher Ed survey report on student success says that only 55% of college-going students receive support for degree completion. Let’s try to explore why student success is so crucial to higher education institutions and the practical strategies, insights, and tools to empower students throughout their educational journey.
What is Student Success in higher education?
Student success in higher education refers to students' achievement, growth, and overall well-being during their college or university experience. It includes academic performance, personal development, professional preparedness, and a sense of belonging. It entails providing a supportive environment that allows students to attain their full potential and prepares them for future success. Defining student success is important as it prevents at-risk students who are more likely to drop out, thus boosting student experience or happiness.
Common Barriers to Student Success
In partnership with College Pulse, the Student Voice survey was conducted among 3,004 students from 128 institutions, encompassing both two-year and four-year programs. The survey aimed to gather insights on various aspects of academic life such as advising, navigating academic paths, accessing and engaging with course materials, as well as identifying obstacles and potential factors that contribute to their success. The findings are graphically presented in the graph below.
Why is Student Success important for higher education?
Lack of student success can have several implications and consequences. Defining student success is crucial in assisting these students because a strong correlation exists between academic achievement and student well-being.
Here are some compelling reasons why student success is crucial in higher education:
Student Satisfaction
Fostering student success leads to higher levels of student satisfaction. Satisfied students are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and enthusiastic about their educational experience. Positive experiences contribute to a supportive campus culture and attract prospective students.
Fulfilling Educational
Mission Higher education institutions exist to provide quality education and support students in their pursuit of knowledge and skills. Student success ensures that the institution fulfills its mission by equipping students with the tools and abilities necessary for their personal and professional growth.
Retention and Graduation
Rates Student success directly impacts retention and graduation rates. When students feel supported, engaged, and successful, they are more likely to persist and complete their degree programs. Higher retention and graduation rates contribute to the institution's reputation and overall effectiveness.
Academic Excellence
Student success is closely tied to academic excellence. When students succeed academically, it reflects positively on the institution's commitment to high-quality education. Additionally, successful students contribute to a vibrant and intellectually stimulating academic community.
Career Readiness
Higher education aims to prepare students for their future careers. Student success ensures that students develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for employment in their chosen fields. Well-prepared graduates enhance the institution's reputation and contribute to a strong alumni network.
Societal Impact
Student success in higher education has a broader societal impact. By equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge, higher education institutions foster a more educated and skilled workforce. Successful graduates contribute to the social, economic, and cultural development of their communities and society as a whole.
How does an institution define Student Success? Measuring Student Success in Higher Education
Each institution may have its specific definition of student success, as it can vary based on its unique mission, values, and goals. However, common measures and indicators of student success in higher education typically include the following:
Academic Achievement
Academic success is often a central component of student success. It encompasses factors such as grades, course completion rates, and academic standing. Institutions may also consider factors like participation in honors programs, research opportunities, and academic awards or distinctions.
Retention and Graduation Rates
An institution's ability to retain and graduate students is a key measure of success.
Time to Degree
The amount of time students take to complete their degree programs is an important metric. Institutions aim to support timely degree completion to minimize costs, ensure efficient resource utilization, and facilitate students' entry into the workforce or further educational pursuits.
Career Outcomes
The transition to the workforce or further education is an essential aspect of student success. Tracking students' employment rates, job placement, salary levels, and acceptance into graduate programs can provide insights into their preparedness for their chosen career paths.
Engagement and Involvement
Student engagement and involvement in campus activities, clubs, organizations, and leadership roles contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. Institutions may assess participation in co-curricular activities, internships, community service, and study abroad programs as indicators of student success.
Personal Development and Well-being
Institutions increasingly recognize the importance of students' personal growth and well-being. Factors such as mental health support, access to counseling services, campus involvement, and overall satisfaction with the student experience contribute to holistic student success.
Improving Student Success in Higher Education
Improving student success in higher education is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including students, educators, administrators, and support services.
Here are some strategies that can contribute to enhancing student success:
Establish a Supportive Learning Environment
Create a positive and inclusive campus culture that fosters a sense of belonging. Encourage student engagement, provide mentorship opportunities, and offer resources for academic and personal support.
Enhance Teaching and Learning Practices
Implement innovative and student-centered teaching methods that promote active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration. Provide faculty development programs and support services to enhance instructional effectiveness.
Strengthen Advising and Support Services
In Inside Higher Ed's inaugural Student Voice survey of 2023, students identified faculty teaching styles, excessively challenging coursework, and the struggle to balance college work with other responsibilities as their primary barriers to academic success. Unclear expectations from professors and mental health concerns were also among the top five challenges reported by students.
Merely 55 percent of students indicate that they have received guidance on mandatory courses and the proper course sequences necessary for graduation through the advising process. This percentage was only marginally higher, at 57 percent, for students who are graduating this year.
Offering comprehensive academic advising services to guide students in their course selection, degree planning, and career pathways can help here. Providing them with resources for mental health support, tutoring, study skills development, and time management can add value too.
Promote Student Engagement
Encourage student involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and research opportunities. Foster a sense of community through events, workshops, and networking opportunities that enhance social connections and student development.
Embrace Technology
Leverage technology to enhance student learning and engagement. Utilize online learning platforms, educational apps, and digital resources to provide flexible and personalized learning experiences. Offer virtual support services and resources for remote and distance learners.
Focus on Student Well-being
Prioritize student mental health and well-being by providing accessible counseling services, wellness programs, and stress management resources. Promote a healthy work-life balance and encourage self-care practices among students.
Strengthen Career Services
Develop robust career services programs that guide career exploration, internships, job placement, and networking opportunities—Foster connections with industry professionals and alumni to enhance students' career readiness.
Collect and Utilize Data
Regularly collect and analyze data on student outcomes, satisfaction, and engagement to identify areas for improvement. Utilize data-driven insights to inform decision-making and implement evidence-based strategies.
Foster Collaboration
Encourage collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators to coordinate efforts and align resources for student success. Develop partnerships with local communities, employers, and other educational institutions to provide additional support and opportunities for students.
Continuous Improvement
Regularly assess and evaluate the effectiveness of student success initiatives, gather feedback from students and stakeholders, and make adjustments as needed. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement to adapt to changing student needs and evolving best practices.
Conclusion - Attain Student Success With Creatrix Campus
Student success in higher education is a shared goal for educational institutions, students, and stakeholders. With the assistance of advanced technology solutions like Creatrix Campus, supporting student success becomes more accessible and effective.
A comprehensive student success platform, Creatrix Campus offers a range of features to support student success in higher education, including:
Enhanced Student Engagement:
Creatrix Campus provides tools and features that promote student engagement and active participation, fostering meaningful interactions among students.
Personalized Learning:
The platform enables personalized learning pathways, competency-based assessments, and individualized learning plans, tailoring educational experiences to students' unique needs and learning styles.
Early Intervention:
Creatrix Campus facilitates early identification of struggling students, allowing for timely intervention and support to address academic challenges and improve student outcomes.
Institutional Reporting:
The platform offers robust reporting capabilities, providing institutions with actionable insights into student performance, progress, and engagement, enabling data-informed decision-making and targeted interventions.
Transparency and Clear Plan:
Creatrix Campus promotes transparency by providing students with clear expectations, learning objectives, and assessment criteria, helping them stay on track and understand their progress toward their goals.
Tracking Tool for Student Engagement:
The platform includes tracking tools that monitor student engagement, enabling institutions to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance student engagement and involvement.
Comprehensive Student Services:
Creatrix Campus supports comprehensive student services, such as counseling, academic advising, and career services, ensuring students have access to the resources they need for their holistic well-being and success.
By deploying Creatrix’s Student Success platform, institutions can create a supportive and engaging environment, implement early intervention strategies, leverage institutional reporting for data-driven decision-making, and provide comprehensive student services. Together with Creatrix Campus, institutions can empower students on their educational journey, contributing to their success and the advancement of higher education.
