"First-year retention is one of the best indicators of student success, which can push institutions to prioritize community-building and connection for new or incoming enrollees. But for returning or transfer students, it can feel as though the university cares less once they complete their first year. To provide continued and targeted support, the University of South Carolina has established a new office, the Carolina Experience, which is dedicated to students' growth and career development as they continue through college."
"How it works: The office, established in 2024, provides a peer leader for every student, as well as institutional support through campus partnerships and training for university personnel. Each student at the sophomore level and above is assigned a Carolina Experience peer leader, a trained upper-level or graduate student who offers one-on-one consultations, distributes regular communication about campus events and gets their mentees connected on campus. Peer leaders reflect a variety of academic majors and hometowns; many were transfer students themselves, Fallucca said."
Survey data indicated a need for continued support through graduation. The Carolina Experience office, established in 2024, provides a peer leader for every student at the sophomore level and above and offers institutional support through campus partnerships and training for university personnel. Peer leaders are trained upper-level or graduate students who provide one-on-one consultations, distribute regular communications about campus events, and connect mentees to campus resources; many peer leaders represent diverse majors, hometowns, and transfer backgrounds. Faculty and staff training focuses on improved teaching pedagogy and awareness of student needs beyond the first year. A fall 2024 certificate program with the Center for Teaching Excellence builds faculty credentials focused on student populations.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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