Student Support Programs At Other Institutions

Student Support Programs at Other Institutions Templatedirections Use

Use this template to describe the programs and services available for students at three or four different institutions. Be sure to describe programs from each of the following: public four-year, private four-year, community college.

For your Course Project, you will be required to prepare a proposal for a new student support program at your institution. You will synthesize all of your learning in this course into a cohesive proposal for a collaborative program designed to enhance the overall student experience. This project will enable you to develop program planning skills that you will need in your career. Additionally, it will give you practice in the kind of skills you will need to complete your Capstone Project at the end of your MS in Higher Education program.

To help you prepare for the project, you will research and analyze the programs and services available at other institutions. Download the "Student Support Programs at Other Institutions Template," found in this week's Learning Resources, and complete the chart for three or four institutions. (Attached) You must research the programs of at least one public four-year institution, one private four-year institution, and one community college.

Research the programs and services the institutions have in place for student support that are managed by academic affairs, student affairs, or both. Describe the programs or services, method of delivery, and target population.

Paper For Above instruction

In the competitive landscape of higher education, effective student support programs are crucial for fostering student success, retention, and satisfaction. As institutions vary in size, resources, and student demographics, understanding the diversity of support offerings across different types of institutions becomes essential for developing innovative and effective programs tailored to specific student needs.

The first type of institution to examine is the public four-year university, exemplified by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA offers a comprehensive array of student support services managed primarily by the Division of Student Affairs. These programs include orientation sessions designed to acclimate freshmen to campus life, academic advising services to guide students through course selection and career planning, tutoring centers to support academic achievement, and learning communities to foster peer support and engagement. These services are delivered through a mix of in-person sessions, online platforms, and peer-led initiatives, targeting primarily first-year students and those from underrepresented backgrounds. The goal is to promote retention and academic success by providing accessible, responsive, and culturally inclusive support.

Private four-year institutions often have a different approach. At Stanford University, student support initiatives are managed by the Vice Provost for Student Affairs and include specialized programs such as first-year experience seminars, extensive counseling and mental health services, career development workshops, and mentoring programs. Stanford emphasizes personalized support, often delivered through dedicated staff and faculty mentors, with considerable investment in wellness programs that address both academic and emotional needs. The target population encompasses all enrolled students, with particular focus on first-generation students, international students, and students facing mental health challenges. The private model emphasizes individual attention and holistic development to maintain high retention and graduation rates.

Community colleges serve diverse populations, including non-traditional students, working adults, and recent high school graduates seeking occupational training. An example is Santa Barbara City College, where student support services are coordinated by the Office of Student Support and Success. These programs include orientation courses aimed at familiarizing students with college resources, tutoring and academic coaching, financial aid counseling, and flexible learning options such as online resources and evening classes. Delivery methods are often designed to be flexible and accessible, addressing the needs of part-time and non-traditional students. The target population is broad, focusing on increasing persistence and completions among students balancing multiple responsibilities, often with limited prior college experience.

In conclusion, effective student support programs differ markedly across institution types due to differing student needs, institutional priorities, and resources. Public universities tend to offer broad, inclusive, and integrated services; private institutions focus on personalized, holistic support; community colleges prioritize accessibility and flexible support mechanisms. Understanding these differences informs strategies for designing or improving student support programs tailored to specific institutional contexts, ultimately fostering higher student success and institutional reputation.

References

• Blimling, G. S. (2014). Student support services in higher education: Developments and directions. New York: Routledge.
• Hansen, D. T., & Cox, M. D. (2010). Student success programs: Improving college retention and completion. Journal of College Student Retention, 11(3), 385-404.
• Kuh, G. D. (2008). High-impact educational practices: What they are, who has access to them, and why they matter. American Higher Education Report.
• National College Transition Network. (2019). Supporting Diverse Student Populations in Community Colleges. Boston College.
• Schreiner, L. A., & McIntosh, P. (2014). Encouraging college student success. Jossey-Bass.
• Stone, C., & Ferrara, S. (2017). Student support services and retention. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 39(1), 52-63.
• Sumara, J., & Smylie, M. A. (2018). Student services at private colleges. Journal of College Student Development, 59(3), 317-322.
• Taub, D. J., & Kanti, S. (2012). Comparing student services at public and private institutions. Journal of Educational Leadership, 20(4), 45-60.
• University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Student Affairs. (2023). Programs and Services Overview. UCLA.
• Stanford University Student Affairs Office. (2022). Annual Review of Student Programs. Stanford.