The University of Toledo is launching a program to provide holistic support to first-year students by leveraging the expertise and resources of multiple campus offices.
A collaboration between the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of the Provost and Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, the Student Success Network Pilot Program is designed to create a supportive environment that empowers students to thrive academically and personally.
Data shows that transitioning from high school to college is a significant step in a student’s life, and institutions of higher education can play a crucial role in facilitating this transition.
“The creation of quality, authentic relationships, in higher education, are vital to student success as they transition from high school,” said Dilip Das, vice president of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “This program also directly aligns with our Strategic Goal No. 1: Ensure student success from recruitment through graduation.
“Participating employees will serve as a point-of-contact for the students in their network, referring them to applicable campus resources,” he added. “We know that there are students, now that we’ve reached midterms, who recognize that they could benefit from a mentor’s guidance about academic success. This is the program for you.”
Fall 2023 freshman students who enrolled in UToledo directly from high school are needed as participants in the pilot, and UToledo faculty and staff are needed as lead mentors to teams of students, with between 5 to 7 students in each network.
Faculty, staff and students can sign-up to participate in this pilot, which will last until the end of spring semester, through the program’s online sign-up form, or through sign-up sheets, which are now available through Thursday, Nov. 9, in the following areas: Center for Racial Equity and Black Student Excellence, Catharine S. Eberly Center, Office of Multicultural Student Success, Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, Center for Student Advocacy, TRIO Student Support Services, Learning Enhancement Center and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources.
“The Division of Student Affairs is eager to support any initiative that enhances the student experience and creates an organized manner for faculty and staff to engage with students,” said Sammy Spann, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “Supporting and retaining our students is the work of all employees at UToledo and this initiative provides an opportunity for concerted efforts.”
For questions or more information about this initiative, contact Malaika Bell, director for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, at Malaika-beauta.bell@utoledo.edu.
