Part 6 of 9

St. Cloud State offers multi-layered, individualized support to help students thrive in class and in life.

The challenges facing college students today are as diverse and nuanced as students themselves. For Pa Zong Moua, it was uncertainty about next steps after graduation. For Shawna Mlenar, it was figuring out her major.

International student Fabiola Velasquez had to keep up with her classes while dealing with a family illness. Incoming freshman Jacob Andreasen had to learn how to balance schoolwork, swim team responsibilities, and living on campus.

"At St. Cloud State University, each new entering freshman is assigned a success team…to ensure that students have the support that they need when they need it to be successful," said Dr. Feng-Ling Johnson, dean of University College and associate vice president for student success at St. Cloud State.

The result is an individualized approach to help students across the board, whether they need assistance with navigating university policies, financing their education, or are facing challenges with housing, food insecurity, emotional wellness—or just need help buckling down and focusing on priorities.

Academic Advising and Student Success Coaching

Academic advisors help students engage with the academics and navigate St. Cloud's resources.

"Our advisors work hard to get to know our students on an individual level," said Jessica Nelson, executive director of advising and student success. "We are going to help you stay on track academically, but also get engaged and connected to the opportunities that will enhance your overall experience."

 

 

This can include suggesting groups and clubs to join and even alerting students about speakers and on-campus activities that advisors know will resonate with a particular student.

Academic Advisor Leah Kadelbach knows from experience that a personal connection makes a difference. "We want to build that relationship right from the start," she said. "We want to have that open relationship so they can feel like we're approachable with any questions or concerns."

Incoming students are introduced to Our Husky Compact, the school's promise to prepare students for life, work and citizenship in the 21st century. Students promise to work hard, act with integrity, and uphold St. Cloud State values.

A Process to Ensure Each Student Gets a Personalized Experience

St. Cloud State has created a unique, multi-layered approach to student success inside and outside the classroom. Academic advisors are the primary link in the first two years; later, faculty guide students to academic success. Students also have access to Student Success Coaches for help throughout their academic career at St. Cloud State.

"We're a constant member of their support team while they're here," said Kayla Justice, a student success coach. "The core tenant of this whole program is holistic support. We're here to help them navigate all of it."

That can involve help with time management, connecting them with other students with similar goals or interests, or reflecting on habits that may not have a positive influence on their college experience. Regular, informal meetings provide all students a check-in on all the "other stuff."

"It starts with consistency," said Antuan Brown, another success coach. "There are so many things that can change within a student's journey—their major, personal interests, and life happens, right? We want to be intentional about supporting their personal and academic goals."

Practical Benefits and a Relevant Education

This kind of focus on personalization offers practical benefits for students, not the least of which is getting the maximum value out of their education and being better prepared for their first jobs.

 

 

The focus on student success is an integral part of St. Cloud State's It's Time initiative, which aims to reimagine what a public university can be for all students, ranging from high achievers to those who may need some additional support, said Dean Johnson. "We strive to be a student-ready university. Our students are diverse. They are first generation students, students of color, transfer students, international students, students with disabilities, veterans," she said. "We need to meet their diverse needs and realities."

For all students, the success team offers timely, wraparound assistance that has real value. Each student introduced earlier was provided with the extra time and details they needed to succeed: Moua learned from her student success coach that graduate school was a realistic option and is now pursuing an advanced degree. Mlenar explored and chose a new major. Velasquez received support to allow her to take care of family matters, and Andreasen received guidance from peers and coaches.

"Decades of research has shown us that students who are engaged and connected are most likely to persist and succeed," said Dean Johnson. "We are serious about developing the whole person."