The Effect of the Missouri University of Science & Technology

Success Mentor Program on

Academic Performance & Retention

Lynn Stichnote, DirectorAdmissions

Patty Frisbee, DirectorStudent Success Programs

Success Mentor Program

• Rationale for developing the program• Gaining buy-in• Implementation• Research and data• Follow-up

Success Mentor Programan early intervention program that takes

a proactive approach to assist new students who may be at risk for being

successful at S&T.

Student Success

Student Success

What Does Success Look Like the First

Year- Developing intellectual & academic competence- Establishing & maintaining relationships- Exploring identity- Deciding on a career- Maintaining health and wellness- Considering faith and spiritual dimensions of life- Developing multicultural awareness- Developing civic responsibility

Source: Upcraft, Gardner, & Barefoot (2005, pp. 8-9)

• Disconnect on being college ready – preparedness, coping skills

• Students struggle to persist to their second year• Not fitting-in• Not getting involved• Not connecting with others• Weak in: study skills, test taking skills, self-

management skills, problem solving skills, communication skills

• Not understanding the importance of setting goals

• Lack of academic and social support • Major/career options

Key Issues that Hinder Student Success

• Not acquired effective learning strategies in high school

• Weak stress-tolerance, problem solving and analytical skills

• Students not engaged• Need to focus not only academic

but non-academic support

Source: ACT Policy Report: The Role of Academic and Non-Academic Factors in Improving College Retention.

Why?

- Connect- Guide students to be successful- Retain students

OBJECTIVES

- “Conditional Admission” evolves to Success Mentor- Students meet published admission standards- Academic record suggests student may have

barriers to succeed at S&T - Early intervention to help in persistence and

academic success

ADMISSIONS

• Low grades in key courses related to major

• High test score but low GPA– Which is often personality or attitude issues

that carries over to college.• High GPA and very low test scores• When and how many times ACT/SAT

taken/low sub scores• Major/High School/course

challenge/rigor/grade inflation• Holistic review of transcript to highlight

possible areas of intervention

Admissions - Red Flags

• Student flagged in database• Special admission letter• Meet with a Success Coach

during orientation • Connect throughout 1st and 2nd

semester• Success Coaches

Success Mentor Program

• FS2013 we had 120 students flagged “Success Mentor” program (conditionally admitted)

• FS2014 – 166 students flagged • None are eligible for scholarships• No pattern of majors

Success Mentor Program

• Student Success Plan• Blackboard updates• Goal setting• Time Priority/self-management• Careers/Majors• Guidelines/Agreement– Explained and signed during PRO

• With student and families

– Recommended activities to strengthen their chance of success• LEAD; Tutoring; involvement • Reconnection I & II, • key programs

Student Success Plan

• Admissions• Financial Aid• Counseling & Disabilities Support Services• COER• Student Diversity Programs• Undergraduate Studies• Student Affairs• Library• Academic Departments• Greeks• Athletics• Blue key, Phi Sigma Pi (honors)• Faculty/advisors/staff

Student Success Collaboration

• Sustain • Data needed

- For students and families- Campus Support

• Evaluate and make necessary changes- Trainings- Development- Guidelines

Student Success Future

FS2013 FS20140

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

118

166

72

111

4655

Success Mentor Program Participation

Total Active Non-Active

FS2013 FS20140

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

2.221 2.242.318

2.68

2.022

1.79

Success Mentor Program Average GPA

Total Active Non-Active

Attended

Coach m

eeting (

111)

Meetings

& Reconnecti

on (84)

No Mee

ting but o

ne Reco

nnection (3

3)

Did not atten

d Anything (

22)

All SMP st

udents

(166)0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2.68 2.8 2.3 1.79 2.24

24.57 24.35 25.127.38

24.43

96% 100% 91% 77% 88%

Success Mentor Program ParticipationFS2014; N=166; 1st to 2nd semester

GPA/HS-ACT/Return Rate

GPAACTretention

Challenges• Sustained commitment to funding

• Success Coach salaries and training• Administrative oversight• Freshmen and sophomore retention activities

• Data Analysis • Student and family buy-in• Campus buy-in

• Faculty advisor training• Promote program

20

21

Questions?

Lynn Stichnote: lks@mst.edu, Phone: 573-341-4075Patty Frisbee: pfrisbee@mst.edu, Phone: 573-341-7045