New Success Coach and Academic Form to Strengthen Student Retention
Among the many relationships that exist at Utah State University, the central relationship is the one between the instructor and the learner. When students experience an academic connection, purpose, and sense of belonging, they are more likely to make the sacrifices in time, money, and effort that are necessary to persist and complete their education. This reality positions faculty among the most significant contributors and stakeholders regarding the retention of students. What happens in the classroom and during office hours can directly lead to either student attrition or persistence.
To assist faculty in the work of student success, a new tool has been formulated. In response to faculty requests to engage in student retention efforts, the Student Academic Achievement Alert (SAAA) form was created. This form is used to report student academic performance and engagement concerns and is found alongside the Student of Concern form. Faculty who are unsure whether their concern should be reported through a SAAA form or a Student of Concern form can take a short survey to help guide them to the correct form(s). Any USU employee may complete this form; it was created for faculty but is not limited to faculty use.
The SAAA provides faculty and others with a way to connect students to a success coach. Success coaches (also known as success coordinators on some campuses) are prepared to help students with the following:
- Basic executive function development
- Habits of mind
- A sense of purpose and belonging
- University policies and procedures
- University services and resources
It is not the role of the success coach to tutor, cover specific academic content, or advise about courses of study.
The Logan campus recently hired Carolina Bell as a success coach. She has vast experience as an educator at all levels of the K-12 system, as well as in providing academic support at the university level. Bell is excited to work with students who will benefit from the additional layer of academic support that success coaching provides. Her office is in the University Inn, room 101H (found inside the Disability Resource Center), and her email is carolina.bell@usu.edu. Direct referrals are welcomed, but it is important that the SAAA form also be completed so that Bell has the student in her caseload management queue.
If any department is interested in having a discussion and/or presentation about retention goals, the SAAA form, and/or the role of the faculty regarding student success, please contact heidi.kesler@usu.edu.
Heidi Kesler
Director of Student Retention & Completion, Student Support Services