What does it really mean for a student to succeed in higher education? It's easy to point to graduation rates as the north star, but the true story of success is far more nuanced.
We're talking about a journey that shapes not just a student's academic record, but their entire future. It extends far beyond the simple attainment of a degree, representing a holistic journey of intellectual, personal, and professional development, culminating in meaningful and lasting outcomes.
So, how do we identify the milestones along this path? What are the key indicators that measure a student’s engagement to truly predict their ability to thrive, both in college and beyond.
Here we’ll seek to define student success and explore what it takes to make a real difference.
What is student success?
Student success is best understood as a comprehensive experience, encompassing several critical dimensions. Academic achievement, while central, is just one piece of the puzzle.
Beyond that, success involves consistent progress, demonstrated through strong grades, timely course completion, and ultimately, graduation.
True success also entails significant personal growth. This includes the development of critical thinking skills, the ability to solve complex problems, and the refinement of effective communication.
In tandem with the practical knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies needed to thrive in their chosen fields, student success prepares students for life beyond higher education.
“Student success goes beyond academic performance and other historical metrics. Now we’re prioritizing the overall well-being of our students and looking to address their mental, emotional, and social health alongside their academic growth."
Amy Buechler-Steubing, Associate Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Learning Innovation, from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
Looking past individual achievement, student success also involves fostering a sense of civic responsibility, encouraging active participation in community life, and promoting wellbeing.
This includes supporting students' mental and physical health, ensuring they have the resources they need to navigate and overcome the challenges of higher education.
Indicators of student success in higher education
Several critical indicators can predict and foster student success, one of which is early academic performance.
Students who demonstrate strong academic performance in their first year are more likely to persist and graduate, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support for learners.
In this light, first year, or first-generation specific, support programs can be invaluable in helping students adjust to higher education and gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Engagement and involvement are equally crucial. Students who actively engage in their academic studies as well as campus life, joining clubs and engaging in extracurricular activities develop a strong sense of belonging and enhance their overall learning experience.
Meaningful interaction with faculty members is another valuable indicator. Strong relationships with professors provide students with mentorship, guidance, and academic support.
Beyond teaching staff, this also includes academic advising, tutoring, mental health services, and financial aid. A strong sense of belonging to the campus community is paramount. Students who feel connected to their peers, faculty, and the institution are more likely to thrive.
Student success departments are increasingly focusing on student wellbeing with studies suggesting that increased confidence can lead to a 50% increase in grades and a 20% increase in retention.
Finally, financial stability plays a significant role. Students who are not burdened by financial worries are better able to focus on their studies and academic goals. Some of the most influential factors impacting college access and persistence rates are economic in nature.
When considering the New Majority of learners are from non-traditional backgrounds, institutions need to adapt and account for the struggles they may have with balancing work and family responsibilities, navigating unfamiliar academic environments, and overcoming financial barriers.
How to measure student success
To effectively track progress and identify areas for improvement, institutions can employ a range of metrics.
Alongside GPA cores, retention rates, which measure the percentage of students who return for subsequent semesters, provide valuable insights into student persistence. Likewise, graduation rates remain a key indicator, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degrees within a specified timeframe.
Student satisfaction surveys offer valuable feedback on students' engagement, experiences and perceptions while learning outcomes assessments evaluate the acquisition of knowledge and skills.
Beyond the boundaries of higher education, employment rates track graduates' success in the workforce, while alumni engagement measures long-term impact and connection to the institution.
Improving student success outcomes
Improving student success is not a one and done project, but a sustained, iterative process that demands constant evaluation and adaptation.
Short term initiatives
In the short term, institutions should prioritize addressing the immediate challenges students face. This begins with acknowledging the diverse motivations that drive students to pursue higher education. Today, students seek entry to college for employment, certifications, upskilling, and personal enrichment. Institutions can tailor their offerings to meet these varied goals.
Financial circumstances often contribute to drop-out rates, but this is frequently exacerbated by the difficulty of balancing work and study. Institutions can adapt to accommodate busy lives with flexible learning options, including online courses, accelerated programs, and adaptable scheduling.
To bridge academic gaps, robust academic support systems are crucial. This includes study skills courses, tutoring, writing centers, and developmental education programs. In recognizing that student success is holistic, institutions must also address social and emotional challenges. As a route to do this, comprehensive support services, such as counseling, mentoring, and peer support groups, are essential for fostering wellbeing and resilience.
Long term initiatives
Similarly, longer-term strategies are essential for making systemic changes that create a more equitable and supportive learning environment.
This involves broadening success metrics beyond course completion to include qualitative measures such as skill development, personal growth, wellbeing, and confidence. Through acknowledging the diverse goals of the New Majority, institutions can track more qualitative outcomes to measure true student engagement.
Career-focused support is also paramount. Student success can provide robust career services, including counseling and internships, alongside aligning programs with workforce needs through industry collaboration and work-based learning.
Personalized learning is the cornerstone of long-term success. Tailoring support plans to the individual needs and goals of each student enhances their sense of agency and motivation. These plans should integrate technology, develop self-advocacy skills, facilitate access to campus resources, and build social connections.
By implementing these short-term and long-term strategies, institutions can create a dynamic and supportive ecosystem that empowers all students to achieve their full potential and contribute to a brighter future.
