Academic Affairs

Student success begins with fostering a culture of inclusion.  From the very first meeting as a prospective student to well beyond graduation, students need to feel belonging and meaning with their program of study, their institution, their classrooms, and with the people comprising them.  Regardless of modality (e.g. online, in-person), the evidence is clear that academic and social integration are strong predictors of student success (Tinto 2010; Yu and Richardson 2016).   Academic programs can foster a sense of belonging through creating a shared culture and pride in the program of study.  Through my role as the coordinator for the BHSU Human Services Program, I try to use strategic communication and programming to create belonging and meaning for our students, faculty, and other important members of our community (e.g. agencies, organizations). 

As a formerly very lost student who was at risk for abandoning higher education, I see a need to better illuminate the learning journey for students and help them to achieve the profound rewards offered by their investment.  One idea academic programs can use is to communicate with students and other stakeholders where they are, including social media.  The BHSU Human Services LinkedIn page connects current students, alumni, agencies and organizations, and other stakeholders in an online professional space.