Centre for Academic and Instructional Development - Reports

Final Report

Working Group on Student Success

March 30, 2006

The Report on Student Success is available in PDF.

In early 2004, Dr. Terry Murphy, Vice President, Academic and Research, held a number of brainstorming sessions across campus to begin working on the Student Success and Satisfaction component of Saint Mary’s Five-Year Academic Plan, 2002 - 2007. Following these sessions, the Working Group on Student Success was established and charged with developing a comprehensive plan that would respond to the broad-based concerns raised about enhancing student learning, students’ campus experience, student retention, and post-graduate placement. To prepare their Report, the Committee met with a large and diverse group of stakeholders, examined data collected by the University, perused the relevant research literature, and studied initiatives at other post-secondary institutions.

The committee looked at student success in terms of the three transitions students must make:

•          Transition Into University: "… orientation to the institution's expectations and resources; matriculation into the academic program; assimilation into the student body" 
•          Transition Through University: "… making informed decisions about academic majors, careers, values, and involvement; making progress through the college experience"
•          Transition Out Of University: "… successful passage to graduate or professional school, post-college work, and full citizenship in their chosen communities."