Student Success & Retention

The Office of Student Success & Retention provides comprehensive, student-centered services focused on orientation, academic support, and engagement from acceptance through graduation.  We serve as a resource hub empowering students and increasing the quality of educational experiences leading to academic and personal achievement. 

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2024-2025 Highlights

Reached 104 students through the inaugural B.Y.O.G. facilitated study sessions and Blazer Bootcamp, a workshop series introducing new Blazers to essential campus tools and resources.

Hosted 7 in-person orientation sessions in Summer 2025, welcoming 1,116 students and 1,272 guests while connecting them to campus resources, student groups, academic expectations, and academic homes.

Implemented fee payment process changes, resulting in a 12.99% increase in revenue and near 100% collection rate for all attendees of in-person sessions.

Increased peer-tutor supported courses to 138 through a partnership with Knack, with 72.3% of sessions occurring in person, enhancing academic support across campus.

Looking ahead: 2025-2026 Goals

The office will continue impacting student success, retention, and progression by developing and delivering RISE 1000 and 2000 courses for students on probation, readmit after suspension, or appealing financial aid, with a goal of 25% released from probationary status. At least four peer mentors will be recruited to support academic alerts and outreach, with a target of 75% of alerts resolved as “Student Good to Go” and 85% of this group passing at year’s end.

The new Coordinator of Tutoring will lead program innovation by expanding touchpoints across campus, recruiting qualified peer tutors, and focusing on high-demand courses and specific student populations, including Pell-eligible students, guided by data from VSU’s Office of Strategic Research & Analysis.

The new Orientation Manager will enhance program success by implementing improvements from feedback and benchmarking, designing a Family Program to strengthen engagement, mentoring student leaders to boost peer-to-peer connections, and expanding cross-campus collaboration to solidify Orientation as a strategic entry point for student success.

The Student Success & Retention Unit aims to achieve 75% overall retention by the end of Spring 2026, with a focus on helping 65% of students reported failing at midterm move to passing by the end of the term.

Event Highlight: Blazer Beginnings Orientation

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Orientation Sessions

Blazer Beginnings welcomed 1,116 new students and 1,272 guests through seven in-person sessions, introducing them to campus resources, academic advising, and student life.

This year’s streamlined schedule improved consistency, increased faculty interaction, and nearly tripled participation from student organizations and campus partners. Survey feedback showed 95% of respondents felt VSU cares for their students.

Enhanced fee collection options led to a 12.99% increase in revenue and a near 100% payment rate for attendees.

 

Staff Highlights

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Karen Higgs, Director 

Completed VSU's Leadership Academy 

Attended National Resource Center for First-Year Experience Annul Conference

Lauren McCullough, Student Success Coach

Attended National Resource Center for First-Year Experience Annual Conference