In January 2017, the Center for Student Success will open in Garrison Hall South.

A one-stop destination for students, the Center for Student Success will house the Office of Student Success, the Academic Link and the Offices of Disability Services, Academic Integrity, International and Off-Campus Study and Service-Learning, in addition to other resources that aid in student development. The new location and programs hope to do more than strengthen academic performance and success.

Previously known as the Office of Academic Support, the Office of Student Success will work to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college and then provide continuous support and services throughout the student college experience.

The department utilizes a ‘coaching model,’ and over the last year, new Student Success Coach positions have become part of the program. These coaches provide academic advising, educate students about university-wide resources and develop personal plans to facilitate student success. The coaches engage students with programs and services via a holistic approach.

Christine Moran, Ph.D., the dean of student success, explains that the coaches support students in all aspects of their life tasks, including academic, personal, social and professional. Moran describes the coaches’ primary responsibility: “Our goal is to help students focus on developing individual goals and identifying steps to reach those goals.”

Emma Coomes, one of the Success Coaches, describes their office as having an “open door policy, where students can build a personal connection, be provided support and get connected to other campus resources. Ultimately our goal is to help first-year students succeed and have a member of the campus they can come to for anything.”

While the general work of this department is not new to Stevenson, the Office of Student Success believes they have made additions and changes that will continue to improve the Stevenson community. The department will continue their efforts to meet students where they are because “their success is the heart of Stevenson,” according to Moran.