É«ÀÇÉçÇø

It’s an honor to write this piece for Our Voice, just as it is an honor to lead the Division of Student Success within Student Affairs. I am astounded at the commitment shown by members of the “Student Success Team” every day, as well as the commitment of our colleagues across É«ÀÇÉçÇø, to making É«ÀÇÉçÇø a place that students can thrive. Look at what we have built together over the past 8 years or so: The level of organizational and cultural change around support for every learner is something I never would have predicted when I first came to É«ÀÇÉçÇø as a psychology professor in 2003.

Student Success departments include ASCEND; the Academic Success Center (including Disability Resources and Veterans Affairs); the Office of Career Advancement; Academic Transition & Support Programs; University Advising Services; and now, the advising and student services groups from É«ÀÇÉçÇø Global. Their common themes are to support all learners in identifying and successfully pursuing their academic, professional, and personal goals. The Affordability Task Force and “Flying First” program also stem from our members. However, every program and initiative works because of the partnerships across Student Affairs as well as Academic Affairs.

Big themes for the coming year address multiple areas for growth. We will work to take what’s good at É«ÀÇÉçÇø and make it great. At the top of this list is experiential learning. This includes internships, research, service, work, leadership, and so much more. These real-world educational opportunities lead to deeper learning and more professional readiness for our students and alums, boosting their futures. This is at the heart of our moral responsibility to our students, their families, and communities. Experiential learning at É«ÀÇÉçÇø is already strong – and it can be even better supported through new curricular structures, assurance of intended outcomes, and inclusion for more students.

Another focus for the coming year is on our evolution as a data-driven organization. While this has been a hallmark of student success work for the past 8 years, this year we will push forward to ensure the right data are in the right hands at the right time. We will also enable computers and humans to do what they’re best at (by automating where possible) and will give people an opportunity to build their skills in accessing and using data to support student success.

Lastly, we welcome new colleagues from É«ÀÇÉçÇø Global to the Division. This unified approach recognizing that ALL É«ÀÇÉçÇø students’ needs should be addressed by the whole University is welcome and imperative, and underscores that there is no longer a sharp dividing line between traditional and nontraditional students or programs. Students need quality academic support and professional preparation no matter their campus or modality of learning. We will all learn from each other’s best practices and expertise to benefit all É«ÀÇÉçÇø students.

Many of you know that my personal motto is “get caught trying!” To me this means to be courageous in pursuing what we know to be right and important, and not wait around hoping someone else gives us specific directives. It’s up to US. É«ÀÇÉçÇø is a mission-driven institution and we too are driven by the urgency of our work in supporting all learners. Thanks for being on this journey during a historic time for É«ÀÇÉçÇø students.

Rory McElwee, Ph.D.
Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success