How a Public Relations Crisis Led to the Development of a Partnership Between Academics and Student Affairs to Enhance Student Success.

In 2013, a public relations crisis led a mid-size university to reconsider the concept of student success on campus. Collaborations between Academic and Student Affairs leaders have resulted in important changes at the university. The university developed increased ability to support student success by investing in staff positions, exploring best practices to increase student success and retention, and implementing several initiatives including a first-year seminar pilot. Relying on data from national surveys, areas for improvement were identified. Underscoring all of these activities was a focus on student development theory, an increased understanding of institutional data, and a commitment to a comprehensive pan-institutional approach. Because the university has a lower than desired graduation rate (55%), several action teams were created to oversee various goals related to communications, year-long orientation experiences, and an academic anchor. Ultimately, this work has now reached the stage where a strategic enrollment management plan is under creation.

Sense of Belonging and Student Success at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The purpose of this chapter is to posit sense of belonging as a key to educational success for all students, as well as a tool for strategic enrollment management and student success at HBCUs. Drawing connections between a recent survey of KIPP alumni and literature about HBCUs, this chapter reviews extant literature on the history and significance of Black colleges, the faculty and staff employed by HBCUs, and students educated at HBCUs. Then, the chapter posits sense of belonging as a critical factors in their academic success, using Strayhorn's theory of college students belonging. Strong implications for policy, practice, and programs are included.