Mandate:
To provide a forum for dialogue and communication about issues of shared mutual interest related to student success, and to serve as a working, representational committee to identify, plan, develop, implement and evaluate student success strategies to achieve the goals of increased learner retention and program completion. The committee also provides coordination and resources for the establishment and support of projects that enable programs and services to adopt successful student retention initiatives.
1. Mandate
1.1.To provide a forum for dialogue and communication about issues of shared mutual interest related to student success, and to serve as a working, representational committee to identify, plan, develop, implement and evaluate student success strategies to achieve the goals of increased learner retention and program completion. The committee also provides coordination and resources for the establishment and support of projects that enable programs and services to adopt successful student retention initiatives.
2. Roles of the Committee
2.1.Research and Investigation: To gather information and conduct research concerning student retention at MacEwan and student success “best practices” at other post-secondary institutions.
2.2.Communication and Dialogue: To provide forums for discussion and sharing of ideas and concerns regarding student retention and success among faculty and services members, including but not limited to topics such as barriers to increasing retention, research findings, successful or potential retention initiatives and the role of faculty and staff as critical contributors to student retention and program completion.
2.3.Education and Professional Development: To sponsor presentations and provide links with resources relating to student retention and success, through means such as brown bag sessions, workshops, Organizational Development Day sessions, etc.
2.4.Initiatives and Action: To pursue meaningful and measurable outcomes in terms of enhanced retention and program completion by conducting and supporting pilot projects, promoting retention-focused initiatives and making recommendations regarding policy changes that could enhance student retention.
2.5.Coordination: To receive proposals for projects with a focus on student success;coordinate and distribute resources to support approved projects; provide feedback and comment on project objectives and outcomes; and disseminate information on the results and outcomes of these projects and encourage the adoption and emulation of successful initiatives
3.1.The Student Success Committee is a sub-committee of Academic Governance Council.
3.2.The Committee will provide an Annual Report and Work Plan to AGC and submit recommendations as required for the Academic Governance Council’s consideration.
4. Composition
4.1.The Student Success Advisory Committee shall consist of the following:
- Director, Student Resource Centre
- Executive Director, Strategic Planning
- Academic Coordinator, AQuAA (Resource)
- Two from Student Resource Centre
- Two from Registrar’s Office/Student Services
- One from MacEwan International
- Arts & Science (Two university employees, inc. One from English)
- School of Business (Two university employees)
- Health & Community Studies (Two university employees)
- Centre for the Arts & Communications (Two university employees)
- Library (One)
- Students’ Association (Two)
- Working group chairs (as additional members if not one of above)
4.2 Working Groups
With the exception of its coordination function, much of the work of the Committee will be accomplished through working groups, which will consist not only of members of the Student Success Committee but other faculty, staff and administrators with expertise and interest in the projects being undertaken by the respective working group. Working groups may be formed and disbanded as appropriate, but for 2009/10 will consist of the following:
- Aboriginal Learners
- Academic Advising
- Student/Faculty Initiatives
- First Year Experience/Student Engagement
- Retention Research
Each working group submits its proposed goals, projects (including timeframes) and resource requirements for Committee review, endorsement and allocation of resources on an annual basis.
5. Term of Office
5.1. Members shall serve three-year terms, except for student members who shall serve two-year terms, and those serving by virtue of their positions. Terms may be renewed.
6. Committee Operations:
6.1.Meeting Schedule: Bi-monthly September through May or June, with additional meetings scheduled at the call of the Co-Chairs.
6.2.The Committee will be co-chaired by the Director, Student Resource Centre and the Executive Director, Strategic Planning.
6.3.Meeting notes shall be filed with the AGC Secretariat.
Approved by Academic Governance Council
April 20, 2010 (Motion AGC-11-04-20-2010)
The Student Success Committee meets bi-monthly September through May or June, with additional meetings scheduled at the call of the Co-Chairs.
Chair: Alan Vladicka, Executive Director, Institutional Research & Planning
Administrative Support: Renee Calvert-Hall, Administrative Assistant, Institutional Research & Planning
Phone: 780-497-5335
E-Mail: calvertr@macewan.ca
