Under the guidance of Associate Dean Dr. Nadine Bezuk, the College of Education has formed its College Student Success Team (CSST). Building upon the strategic mission of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Success, the COE’s CSST has been working to identify areas to improve our advising services, student retention, and time-to-graduation for all of our students.
After examining data regarding time-to-degree completion in the College’s two undergraduate majors (Liberal Studies and Child Development), the CSST identified specific “bottle-neck” courses and current practices that may be impeding some students’ progress toward graduation. With a focus on continuous improvement, the team meets regularly to identify ways to decrease barriers to a timely graduation.
The College has enhanced its support for undergraduate advising initiatives through the allocation of additional funding from the Provost’s office. This funding has allowed for the Office of Student Services to add a position to their advising team. Students majoring in Liberal Studies or Child Development have more than one advisor in the college ready to assist them with their questions and concerns. Michelle Xiong devotes 100% of her time to our Liberal Studies program, assisting students in both face-to-face and online formats. Pamela Gardner is the undergraduate advisor for the Child Development program, meeting with both pre-majors and majors to assist them in advancing through their programs of study in the most seamless manner possible. The additional funding has allowed the college to add Alison Sternal to the team. Alison’s time is split between both undergraduate programs with enhanced focus on meeting with our community college partners to ensure that students not only meet the university standards for transfer, but arrive at SDSU with sufficient requirements to move directly into their major.
Director of the Office of Student Services Dr. Lisa McCully is very excited to be able to offer these improved services to our students. “Our office is dedicated to going the extra mile to serve our students and build upon these great university-wide initiatives. An example of how this team really cares about serving students was reflected this past month when, prior to the add/drop deadline, the entire team gave up their Saturday to open our office for undergraduate advising and credential program information sessions. I could not ask to be associated with a better group of individuals dedicated to serving our students”.
In addition to meeting with undergraduate advisors please check out the OSS website for further information on our Global Cultural Experience (Study Abroad) Advising and prospective student sessions for preliminary credential programs.