On Student Support

According to the 2019 Gallup-Strada Survey [1], only 53% of students believe they will graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace. This statistic highlights the need for targeted and effective student support services to ensure students have precise resources to overcome challenges and achieve their educational goals. One area where academic student support can make a significant difference is addressing students' daily challenges. From balancing personal, professional, and academic responsibilities to affording basic needs and course expenses, students often find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of college life.?

One of the critical challenges for many students is the conflict between family responsibilities and school. In particular, female students may struggle to balance their roles as caregivers and students. To address this issue, colleges and universities can provide on-site daycare services. These services help alleviate the burden of finding high-quality and affordable childcare, allowing student parents to focus on their studies without worrying about the well-being of their children. Moreover, it is essential to consider the needs of students during academic breaks, especially those who may not have stable housing. To ensure the success and well-being of these students, institutions should work towards providing housing assistance during breaks, such as extended stay options or connecting students with affordable off-campus housing options. Financial assistance is also crucial in supporting students' academic success. Scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities help alleviate the financial burden on students, ensuring they have the means to pay for tuition and necessary expenses.?

In addition to addressing logistical challenges, academic student support should also focus on enhancing students' learning and study skills by implementing workshops and resources that teach effective time management, note-taking, and exam preparation strategies. Moreover, providing academic coaching and tutoring services can significantly enhance students' understanding of course material and improve their grades. One practical approach to supporting student's academic success is using student-personalized online courses. These courses can be tailored to each student's precise needs and learning style, allowing them to learn independently and receive personalized instructor feedback. By implementing these various forms of academic student support, colleges and universities can significantly increase graduation and retention rates.

To effectively increase graduation and retention rates, colleges and universities should consider implementing the following strategies [2]-[9]:

1. Expanding the role of advisors:?Advisors should not just be focused on helping students register for courses but should also develop relationships with students to provide ongoing support and guidance throughout their college journey. Support may include offering mentorship, helping students set academic goals, and assisting them in navigating any challenges or barriers they may face.
2. Implementing personalized online courses:?By offering personalized online courses, colleges and universities can cater to each student's learning needs and preferences. A significant benefit of such courses is that they enable students to learn at their own pace and receive personalized instructor feedback.
3. Promoting a sense of belonging and community:?Colleges and universities should prioritize creating a sense of belonging and community among students by organizing student clubs and organizations, hosting community-building events, and providing opportunities for students to connect.
4. Enhancing time management and study skills:?Many students need help with time management and effective study techniques. To address this issue, colleges and universities should offer workshops or resources that teach students valuable time management skills and study strategies.
5. Providing academic support services:?Colleges and universities should have dedicated academic support centers that offer tutoring, study groups, writing assistance, and other resources to help students succeed academically.?
6. Offering academic counseling and one-on-one support:?Some students may face personal or academic challenges that hinder their progress and contribute to low graduation and retention rates. Colleges and universities should offer students academic counseling services and one-on-one support to address this. These services can provide students with a safe space to discuss their concerns, receive guidance in setting academic goals, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. By providing personalized support, students can feel more empowered and supported, ultimately increasing their chances of graduating and remaining enrolled in their educational journey.
7. Providing financial aid and scholarship opportunities:?Financial constraints can often hinder graduation and retention for many students. Offering financial aid and scholarship opportunities can alleviate some financial burdens students face, allowing them to focus on their education without the added stress of financial instability. By providing accessible and generous financial aid options, colleges and universities can help students stay enrolled and complete their degrees.
8. Creating a comprehensive support network:?Collaboration between faculty, staff, and administrators is crucial in creating a comprehensive student support network. By coordinating efforts and identifying who is responsible for delivering each support, colleges can ensure that students can access the necessary resources. These resources range from academic tutoring centers, writing labs, and career services to mental health counseling and disability support services.?

In summary, academic student support services are crucial in increasing graduation and retention rates at colleges and universities. By actively addressing students' challenges and barriers, colleges and universities can create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to succeed. Through coordinated efforts and clearly defined responsibilities, colleges and universities can ensure students can access various support services.

References

[1] Strada Surveys: https://cci.stradaeducation.org/press-release/new-survey-reveals-crisis-of-confidence-in-workforce-readiness-among-college-students/

[2] S. M. McCoy. "Student Support Surveys Direct Students to Campus Resources". Women in Higher Education. vol. 29. no. 10. pp. 5-14. 2020.?

[3] H. G. Abrams and L. P. Jernigan. "Academic Support Services and the Success of High-Risk College Students". American Educational Research Journal. vol. 21. no. 2. pp. 261-274. 1984.?

[4] S. Shaheen, Z. Mahmood and N. H. Shah. "Impact of Student Support Services on Students Development at University Level". Global Regional Review. vol. V. no. I. pp. 222-229. 2020.?

[5] B. S. Sharkin. "College Counseling and Student Retention: Research Findings and Implications for Counseling Centers". Journal of?

College Counseling. vol. 7. no. 2. pp. 99-108. 2004.

[6] A. M. Robinson, T. M. Jubenville, K. Renny and S. L. Cairns. "Academic and Mental Health Needs of Students on a Canadian Campus." Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy. vol. 50. no. 2. 2016.

[7] K. L. Ender, S. Chand and J. S. Thornton. "Student Affairs in the Community College: Promoting Student Success and Learning". New Directions for Student Services. vol. 1996. no. 75. pp. 45-53. 1996.?

[8] A. Ciobanu. "The Role of Student Services in the Improving of Student Experience in Higher Education". Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. vol. 92. pp. 169-173. 2013.?

[9] J. E. Hoyt. "Student Connections: The Critical Role of Student Affairs and Academic Support Services in Retention Efforts". Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. vol. 25. no. 3. pp. 480-491. 2021.