There’s nothing like hearing from happy students and families as the school year begins. Last week’s move-in earned positive reviews, as usual, and welcome events such as “Light up the Lake” and the convocation for new students were full of positive energy.
As a campus and community, we have started the year by communicating strong and positive messages to students: We’re glad you’re here. You are important and welcome. Let us know how we can help.
These welcoming messages contribute to student success and retention. Let us all remember to thoughtfully and intentionally communicate these messages as the academic year progresses, even as we become focused on the demands of our work within or outside of the classroom.
Students are the reason each one of us is here. It is essential that we keep them firmly in our focus and remain student-centered throughout the year.
What does it mean to be student-centered?
I’ll offer my ideas and welcome yours. (Please note that I know that many of you already do these things every day.)
I think it means that we listen and respond, whether the question is about how to improve a grade or how to get a parking decal.
It means that we help students expand their knowledge by facilitating their participation in research, creative activity, internships, study abroad, community service opportunities and much more.
It means that we welcome their feedback, whether it comes to us in person, by email or through a course evaluation.
It means that we support them with services that address individual needs and concerns, whether they are homesick, struggling academically or seeking career advice.
It means that we engage them in campus life, whether they live in a residence hall or off campus, by encouraging them to participate in student organizations, attend a concert or cheer on the football team.
It means that we celebrate their personal and academic successes and help them learn from their failures.
It means that we tell them throughout the year that we are glad they are here.
What else?
I could go on, but I’m hoping I’ve sparked your own ideas about what it means to be a student-centered university, what we can do to deliver on the promise, and how you can adopt or build on student-centered practices in your own role. Please send your ideas and feedback so we can continue this important conversation related to retention and student success.