Background
Access to education is a significant priority for the University of Pittsburgh. Many of the programs at Pitt to address accessibility and affordability support our at-promise student populations, including first-generation, income-eligible, underrepresented minority, exploratory, transfer, rural, international, and those in need of academic intervention.
We know it is imperative that we continue to address the long-term persistence, graduation, career outcomes, and experiences of our undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Likewise, the research on student success suggests that students need an ongoing, integrated approach to student support to successfully navigate complex university decisions, processes, and structures throughout the remainder of their studies (Stebleton & Soria, 2012).
University of Pittsburgh Student Success Mission Statement
Student Success positively impacts the student experience by providing holistic academic resources and collaborative professional development to ensure that every student has the chance to succeed and feel they belong at Pitt, regardless of their background or situation.
Plan for Pitt 2028: Pillar 1
Student Success Objectives in supporting the Plan for Pitt 2028:
- Consistently boost institutional persistence, retention, and graduation rates by identifying gaps within our at-promise student populations.
- Create holistic advising interactions for every Pitt student every semester.
- Improve student engagement in academic resources and programs.
- Expand students’ academic success skills and leadership opportunities.
- Offer more interdisciplinary and co-curricular experiences to provide opportunities which translate knowledge into practical applications.
- Increase long-term career outcomes by identifying gaps within our at-promise student and alumni populations.
- Ensure a sense of belonging for all Pitt students.
Student Success Team Goals (how we will meet our objectives through June 2024)
- Increase Pittsburgh campus student persistence through graduation
- Create holistic advising interactions and help campus partners do the same
- Improve engagement in Student Success team services like academic success workshops, academic coaching, mentoring initiatives, and the use of the Student Success Hub
Are you doing work in this space, too? We'd love to hear your stories or opportunities to collaborate! Tell us your story.