National Conference Highlights Student Success on Campus

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a national leader in student success, hosted the Student Success US 2024 conference Oct. 28-30, with more than 500 attendees from 200 colleges and universities descending on the university to learn more about helping students succeed in college and beyond.

"Hosting this conference reflects the Volunteer community's commitment to student success," said Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams. "By uniting national and international experts and innovators, we inspire fresh ideas and strategies to support our students where they are. Together, we're shaping the future of higher education."

Organized by Inside Higher Ed and Times Higher Education, the conference offered over 40 hours of panel discussions, workshops and case studies exploring how to engage students, faculty and staff in student success initiatives. Attendees also enjoyed extensive networking opportunities and a campus tour.

"Our job is to help students be successful," said Chancellor Donde Plowman. "When students are successful, our communities are successful."

Michael DeGroft, dean of student success for the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, traveled to attend the conference from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

"I've been to a lot of conferences over the years, but this has been one of my favorites," said DeGroft. "The knowledge of the presenters has been awesome, and I've been able to have conversations with colleagues about best practices and what works for them and what doesn't."

Conference sessions showcase student success strategies

During the conference, UT thought leaders shared keys to success that have resulted in increased academic performance and retention across the university. A session on implementing CliftonStrengths explained how integrating a strengths-based approach into UT's campus culture has allowed students and their academic coaches to build success plans focused on their natural strengths. Other sessions focused on leading with integrity and intention, the state of higher education, the intersection of happiness and success and aligning student and institutional definitions of success.

"The Volunteer experience will produce scholars who thrive," said Williams when sharing about UT's student success journey. "We empower each scholar by developing their strengths to promote their well-being."

In addition to university leadership, students Dante Grayson, Morgan Erickson and Tyler Beckman shared the process of navigating successes and challenges in higher education from a student perspective.

Student success on the rise at UT

UT's Division of Student Success was established in 2020 to enrich the student experience and improve outcomes. Through the division, students work with university staff to develop personalized approaches to student success. Programs like the UT Success Academy, Vol Success Teams and the Veterans Impact Program support students' academic, professional and personal goals.

Last academic year, almost 71% of UT's first-year students used academic support services, and 97% finished the year in good academic standing. More than 8,000 first-year students received academic coaching, with appointments skyrocketing from 3,277 in 2019 to 12,352 in 2023. Additionally, Undergraduate Academic Advising conducted nearly 54,000 appointments in 2023, helping students understand their curriculum, develop realistic academic and career goals and meet their graduation requirements.

Student success outcomes have also been on the rise at UT - something Plowman recognized as an institutional priority when she arrived in 2019. The university's retention rate hit a record 92% this year, and the four-year graduation rate has jumped nearly 10 percentage points since the start of her tenure. Plowman renewed her commitment to the university in her sixth annual Flagship Address in September, announcing her plan to lead the university for another five years.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, [email protected])