Best SSS Practices
The following SSS practices resulted in a significant positive effect on students’ persistence, grade point averages and graduation rates.
An emphasis on academic success - focus on ongoing academic enrichment: individual tutorials, study groups, study skills development and study plans. Course performance expectations and tutorial attendance standards are highly enforced. In addition, tutoring in the first year showed the greatest positive effect.
High levels of student contacts hours - is achieved by offering services and activities to meet individual needs and financial incentives to motivate students to show up for services. It is noteworthy, that the effects of SSS are more profound as students contact hours increased.
Targeted recruitment and selection procedures- select students who have the potential to be successful in the program and committed to obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Dedicated and skilled staff - SSS is staffed adequately by individuals qualified to accomplish its purpose. Staff job related training and development is an integral part of the effectiveness of program.
Ongoing advising – includes multiple meetings with the students over the semester: assessing each student needs, developing individual success plans and monitoring academic progress.
An inclusive and supportive environment - addresses the academic, social, emotional and financial needs of students at each level of their college experience.
