Situation Analysis
Over the past 20 years, colleges and universities invested considerable resources in the development and implementation of programs to increase graduation rates/college completion. The UIC Student Success Initiative that began in February 2012, is an initiative that was the Chancellor’s charge to the Undergraduate Policy Council to assure the timely graduation rates of every UIC undergraduate. The overall goal of the initiative is to significantly increase the student success rates in two ways: first-to-second-year retention and to address six-year graduation rates.
Research shows that understanding students’ needs can increase student retention. Freshman year is the first time students live away from home, the first
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During these two days the students meet University staff, receive general UIC information, meet the Advising Team for the College of Education, register for courses, attend a dance in celebration of their achievement of their UIC acceptance, and have an overnight stay in the dorms. This two day event is both exciting and overwhelming for the new first time college student.
It is exciting in that students recognize their achievement of being accepted to UIC to begin their academic journey to their career of choice. It is overwhelming since there is uncertainty of what is to come and what is expected of them. There are students in attendance that have never attended college, those who have not had experience with college, and those students who are not familiar with challenges that they may
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This revision of the current course curriculum aligns with the UIC Student Success Initiative that calls for Colleges to address the retention rates and success of first to second year students. The outcomes of the course with current curriculum has been a successful one. A revised curriculum can only offer a higher success rate. In my experience as an academic advisor and instructor of the first semester seminar course, I believe that creating an atmosphere that fosters discussion and building relationships contributes to the success of the student. Creating and maintaining a student centered environment, collaboration with UIC campus units, being supportive and connecting with students, are all contributors to student