Defining student success is a challenging process and one many institutions, including Seattle Pacific, have spent countless hours wrestling, philosophizing, and word-smithing over.
In November 2019, the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) released its report on student success. The report provides definitions of “good, better, and best” behavior as a guide. It is shared with the SPU community as it is intended — a guide for departments, work groups, and teams through which they can look at their work with students and continue to develop best practices in student success.
Good
The institution ensures a student can progress to credential attainment within a reasonable time frame. The curricular and co-curricular experience is designed to prepare the student for post-credential goals. Staff are well trained in their functional areas.
Better
The institution ensures a student can progress from pre-enrollment to post-credential-attainment within a reasonable time frame. Employees of the institution identify and anticipate student needs. The institution has identified appropriate personnel to address student retention and progression.
Best
The institution has fully adopted a culture of student success, and students understand the role they play in their own success. Barriers to student success and progression are regularly identified and addressed. Employees of the institution are introduced to the culture of student success during the onboarding process and are engaged in ongoing professional development. Employee practices are fully immersed in the culture of student success. Institutional policies and business processes are student-centered and promote student retention and persistence toward graduation and lifelong learning.
A copy of the AACRAO report is available from Ruth Adams by request at radams@spu.edu.
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