SUCCESS@Seneca
Promoting Student SUCCESS
Through Student Engagement – The Sequel
Presented by: Lisa Decandia
Steve Fishman
Program Purpose
• Facilitate student SUCCESS and retention
• A comprehensive and structured program
designed to facilitate college success for
incoming students
• Focus on the “whole” student and their
transition into college and beyond
• A multi-dimensional program with a variety of
components
Students who are proactive and
responsible are more likely to
experience success
• Motivation
• Self-discipline
• Communication
skills
• Goal Orientation
• Perseverance
• Creative Problem
Solving
• Positive, Realistic
Self-Concept
• Professionalism
• Initiative
Transitional Issues
•Work load expectations
•Financial commitments
•Familiarity with college environment/ resources
•Attaining a sense of belonging/connection
•Transportation/housing issues
•Developing independence
“Everyone in an institution is responsible for
student learning - teachers, librarians,
counselors, support staff, food service workers,
the president…
The shared responsibility for student learning
does not relieve the student of responsibility… it
means that everyone has a stake in student
success.”
George R. Boggs (1999)
“College readiness involves understanding
student characteristics and skills within the
context of college. A student’s ability to navigate
the culture has been shown to contribute to
success.”
Napoli and Wortman (1996)
Transition and Orientation
• Embracing the concept of a Pro-active and
Responsible Learner
• Strategies for academic and personal success
i.e. mock lectures
• Awareness and utilization of college resources
• Social Activities
On-Line Portal
• Ongoing development of academic ‘toolbox’
(learning strategies)
• Exploration of career paths
• Enhancement of communication/relationship
skills
• Regular E-Newsletters
SUCCESS@College
“Retention can be highly affected by enhancing
student interaction with campus personnel.”
Tinto (1987)
“The caring attitude of college personnel is
viewed as the most potent retention force on
campus.”
Noel (1985)
College Coach System
Seneca staff who:
• Choose to participate in the program
• Take an active interest in student’s college
progress
• Willing to assist students in exploring
services that can improve their skills
• Motivate students to successfully complete
their academic journey
• Keep the students connected, on track, goal
and motivated
Impact of the
College Coach System
• Positive attitude toward college studies
• Higher levels of self-confidence
• Increased motivation
• Utilize college resources and services
• Increased academic and personal achievement
• Sense of responsibility towards academic,
career and personal life tasks
• Developed a sense of belonging
• Higher levels of “success skills”
Program Outcome
First Year College Students who participated in the
SUCCESS @ Seneca program are more likely to
persist in their college studies and achieve at higher
academic levels.
Student Feedback
Quotes from students:
“Extremely happy I had this program.”
• “If it was not for the Success @ Seneca
program, we would not have adjusted to
Seneca as well.”
• “This Program has given me the tools I needed
for success.”
Coach Feedback
Quotes from Coaches:
“…it just makes our being here so much more
meaningful and I am grateful for the
opportunity to make small difference to a young
person.”
• “It just feels good to help someone …..”
• “I have been at the college for many years and
this is the first time that I felt a part of
something meaningful. I am proud to be part of
this team.”
Program Highlights
• Significantly contributes to student success and
college retention
• Engages a diverse and sizeable employee
population
• Encourages and supports employee leadership
• College culture that reflects a sense of
connection and pride
• Embraces collaboration, ensuring that everyone
has a stake in student success
• Requires minimal employee time commitment but
produces significant impact within the college
community
SUCCESS@Seneca
Contact Information
Lisa Decandia: [email protected]
416-491-5050 ext.2923
Steve Fishman: [email protected]
416-491-5050 ext.2923