Student Success in College: Creating Conditions That Matter

The book Student Success in College: Creating Conditions That Matter is based on the results of a two-year study known as the Documenting Effective Educational Practice (DEEP) project, which was conducted by the Center for Postsecondary Research at Indiana University, Bloomington. The book aims to highlight how colleges and universities can create environments that foster student success, focusing on best practices and the experiences of institutions that have demonstrated excellence in student engagement and outcomes. Drawing from case studies at 20 institutions across the United States, the DEEP project offers valuable insights that other colleges can learn from to enhance their own campus cultures and educational practices. Among the featured institutions in the book, several stand out for their innovative approaches to student engagement, community service, and academic rigor, as well as their ability to support students both inside and outside the classroom.

Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University is one of the institutions celebrated in Student Success in College for its holistic approach to student success. The book singles out Gonzaga for its exceptional ability to engage students in their own education. Gonzaga’s inclusion in the book highlights several of its key programs that contribute to a successful campus culture, including its community service initiatives, core curriculum, and faculty advising. The university’s Gonzaga Experience Live (GEL) program, a student recruitment initiative, was also praised for its focus on fostering student engagement from the moment prospective students first interact with the university.

One of the standout features of Gonzaga’s approach is its adherence to Jesuit educational traditions, which emphasize the development of the whole person—intellectually, ethically, and socially. These values are deeply ingrained in Gonzaga’s educational philosophy and are reflected in the university’s commitment to social justice, with a core requirement in social justice being a key part of the curriculum. Furthermore, the university’s focus on multicultural education is exemplified by the Unity House, a student-led initiative designed to foster inclusivity and support for students from diverse backgrounds. Gonzaga’s approach provides a strong example of how a university can create a supportive and engaging learning environment while also promoting a sense of responsibility and community among its students.

The University of the South

The University of the South, also featured in Student Success in College, is another institution highlighted for its emphasis on student involvement and leadership. According to the book, the university excels at instilling in its students a sense of collective responsibility. This is achieved through a variety of programs that encourage students to take an active role in the administration and governance of the campus. For example, students at the University of the South participate in a number of key activities, such as tutoring their peers at the Writing Center, planning major campus events, and serving on institutional committees and task forces. These opportunities for engagement give students a sense of ownership over the university and help develop their leadership and organizational skills.

The emphasis on peer tutoring at the Writing Center is particularly notable, as it not only supports academic success but also fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual support. The institution’s focus on leadership development and student governance creates an environment where students are empowered to shape their own educational experiences and make meaningful contributions to the university community. This approach underscores the idea that student success is not just about academic achievement but also about developing the skills necessary to be effective leaders and engaged citizens.

Miami University

Miami University, located in Oxford, Ohio, is another institution highlighted for its outstanding student outcomes in Student Success in College. The university’s National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) scores and graduation rates consistently exceed expectations, which is why it was chosen as one of the 20 institutions featured in the book. Miami University’s ability to achieve these impressive outcomes is attributed to several key practices that have contributed to its success in fostering student engagement and retention.

The university places a strong emphasis on creating a sense of belonging and connection for students, particularly through its living-learning communities and co-curricular programs. These initiatives are designed to integrate academic learning with student life, offering students opportunities to engage in meaningful activities outside the classroom that complement their academic studies. The book notes that Miami University’s high levels of student engagement and academic performance are driven by its commitment to both quality instruction and fostering a campus environment that supports personal growth and development. The focus on student success at Miami University is not only evident in its strong retention rates but also in the overall satisfaction of its students with their educational experiences.

George Mason University

George Mason University is another university featured in Student Success in College for its successful strategies in promoting student engagement and improving student retention. The book highlights several programs at George Mason that have contributed to the university’s success in keeping students involved and committed to their education. One of the programs praised is Writing Across the Curriculum, which ensures that students are consistently developing their writing skills throughout their academic careers, not just in English or writing-specific courses. This program helps students improve their communication skills, a key factor in their overall academic success.

Another program that stands out is the STAR Center, which provides students with academic support and resources, particularly in the form of tutoring and personalized guidance. The Technology Assistants Program was also highlighted for its innovative approach to involving students in the university’s technology infrastructure, allowing them to work on real-world projects while gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers. These programs reflect George Mason’s commitment to providing a comprehensive support system for students, addressing not only their academic needs but also their professional development and engagement with the university community.

Implications for Other Colleges and Universities

The examples of Gonzaga University, The University of the South, Miami University, and George Mason University from Student Success in College demonstrate that student success is influenced by a variety of factors beyond just academic performance. Successful colleges and universities foster environments where students are engaged, feel a sense of belonging, and are given opportunities to contribute to the campus community in meaningful ways. Programs that integrate academic learning with co-curricular activities, provide support through mentorship and advising, and encourage leadership and personal growth all play a significant role in shaping a culture of success.

These case studies provide valuable lessons for other colleges and universities seeking to enhance their own approaches to student success. Institutions can look to the strategies employed at these featured universities, such as strengthening community service programs, promoting peer tutoring, creating living-learning communities, and offering academic support resources, to improve their own educational environments. By fostering a culture of engagement, leadership, and responsibility, colleges and universities can ensure that their students are not only successful academically but are also prepared for the challenges of the future, both professionally and personally. The insights from Student Success in College provide a roadmap for institutions striving to create conditions that truly matter for student success.