Presenters:
Jenna Storey, Manager, Educational Initiatives and Assessment – Writing and Academic Skills, McMaster University
Chantalle Byrne, Transition Program Coordinator, McMaster University
Session Description:
Research indicates that Student Affairs units significantly contribute to student success and retention. Effective collaboration between faculties and Student Affairs can enhance students’ academic performance and overall university experience. Since 2022, the Writing and Academic Skills unit at McMaster University’s Student Success Centre I Student Affairs has partnered with multiple faculties to deliver the Fundamentals of Success, Back on Track and Blueprint for Success programs. These custom, transformational, multi-week programs are designed for academically at-risk students, helping them reflect, engage, and achieve their academic goals. In this session, we will explore various iterations of these programs and discuss how data has informed their current learning outcomes, structure, and assessment methods. The session will conclude with an open-floor discussion on how Student Affairs professionals can build stronger partnerships with faculties to enhance their impact on student learning and success.
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the challenges of navigating faculty partnerships.
- Analyze program data to demonstrate the impact on student success.
- Develop and evaluate learning skills programs that support at-risk students.