are enrolled and successfully complete seminar courses are retained at a higher rate than those students who do not (Bean and Eaton, 2002; Moon et al, 2013). To have an impact on student success, however, first year seminar instructors should have an in-depth understanding of social and psychological factors that inhibit a successful first year transition and experience with working with students outside of the classroom, as this is where a majority of detrimental behaviors occur. In order to effectively measure the efficiency of first year seminar, there should be a unified curriculum and common assessments.
In past semesters, UNV 101 was not viewed as a major retention initiative. Faculty without a full course load were assigned a UNV 101 section at the last minute. There was no oversight in designing an engaging and effective curriculum or with evaluating the impact of the program.
The Office of Academic Support has improved the quality of UNV 101 program courses by selecting qualified instructors to teach the classes. The instructors are required to follow a standard curriculum and course management guide, which includes, specific activities and assignments to ensure a consistent curriculum for all first year students. The curriculum has integrated KSU history, study skills, and critical thinking assignments throughout the entire semester. Further, the course includes a standard pre and post assessment to measure change in several cognitive and non-cognitive factors to gauge the impact of UNV 101 on student success. In addition, there are bi-weekly meetings with instructors to discuss course progress, student issues, and lessons for upcoming weeks. At the conclusion of the semester, UNV 101 DFW rates will be compared to previous semesters, pre and post cognitive assessments will be analyzed for changes, fall to spring retention rates for participants and non-participants will be analyzed and compared with those in previous semesters.
The Office of Academic Support has hired a Hispanic/Latino Academic Success Liaison to assist in recruitment and retention of Hispanic and Latino students as well as provide ESL support in the Academic Center for Excellence for any ESL students.
The Center for Academic Persistence and Success (CAPS) has mandated a minimum of six advisor-student contacts per semester. In addition, advisors are assigned to the eleven UNV 101 sections for ease of access and relaying information to first year students.
The advisors have utilized this forum to introduce CAPS, gather intake forms and schedule appointments for pre-advising. Finally, the center has mandated intake forms for all first-year students. The intake form provided advisors with FERPA status, updated contact information, and disability status.
Academic Support has received SAFRA funding that will support four new Retention and Advising Liaisons for each College. Retention and advising liaisons will strengthen
[13]