Updates in Academic Affairs: December 7, 2015
Inside Updates: Campuswide strategic planning survey online for University stakeholders, Alpha Program guides first-year students toward success, Reclaim the “W” provides second chance for students struggling academically and holiday greetings from Provost Greene.
Campus encouraged to participate in strategic planning survey
A campuswide survey is now open and ready for University stakeholders to provide feedback as WMU transitions into a new five-year period of strategic planning. As part of this process, planning goals and objectives are being updated to better reflect the University’s current status, challenges and aspirations.
The survey can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/wmustakeholdersurvey.
Respondents are asked to rank strategic goals and objectives, and provide comments to open-ended questions. Input will be used to improve prioritization of strategies and implementation plans.
The survey will be available through Monday, Dec. 14. Feedback will be reviewed by the University Strategic Plan Transition Team and assimilated into the new plan. Drafts of the revised strategic plan will be shared with the campus community in January. Additional opportunities to provide feedback are planned through March. The revised strategic plan will be presented to the members of the Board of Trustees for their consideration in late March. The Academic Affairs Strategic Plan will then be reviewed to assure support of the University plan.
Please encourage staff, part-time faculty, student leaders, alumni, emeriti and community stakeholders to participate in the survey and provide input at the feedback sessions that will be scheduled in the spring semester.
Program guides first-year students toward success
The Alpha Program is designed to guide first-year students in developing skills, behaviors, and attitudes that lead to college success. The Office of Admissions admits students to the Alpha Program who are able to thrive with the opportunity and support that the program provides. Upon enrolling at WMU, first-year Alpha students become part of a community of fellow Alpha students, upper-division Alpha student mentors, and supportive faculty and staff.
Participants are selected according to ACT or high school grade point average results. During their participation in the program students are provided with various supports:
- Personal academic advising from Alpha Program advisors
- Mentoring from upper-division Alpha students
- Academic skills assessment
- Individual success plans focused on student interests and needs
- Alpha First-Year Experience course
In addition, 60 students in the Alpha Program are designated to participate in the Western Success Preparation course. This course is designed to help students adjust to college and increase their probability of academic success. Those who meet the criteria of WSP arrive on campus one week prior to Fall Welcome and participate in a variety of workshops, course introductions, activities, and faculty and staff introductions. The goal of this course is to assist participants with fostering:
- Becoming familiar with WMU’s campus and the resources available to them
- Enhancing academic skills that will aid them in accomplishing their academic goals
- Developing an awareness of their academic identity
- Establishing a sense of belonging and comfort within WMU
The success of the Alpha Program and its students is contingent upon the relationships and resources that are readily accessible. Each year, the Alpha Program seeks out faculty, staff and community members who are passionate about assisting students during their first year journey. Members of the campus community who are interested in assisting with the Alpha Program should contact Walter Malone, Alpha Program Manager at walter.malone@wmich.edu or (269) 387- 4410.
Second chance for students struggling academically
The Reclaim the “W” program targets first-year students with a WMU GPA between 1.00 and 1.99 who were dismissed at the end of their second semester. Since beginning in 2014, the program has worked with 72 student participants. Students must apply for this program and be chosen by submitting an application, essay and advisor recommendation.
Readmitted students must agree to the following conditions:
- Pass the UNIV 1030 Academic Recovery course
- Attend an orientation session before the semester begins
- Register for no more than 15 credit hours
- Authorize the University to make course adjustments on their behalf
- Meet with a college advisor at least twice per semester
- Earn a semester GPA of 2.00 or higher
Students who participate in the Reclaim the “W” program are extremely appreciative for a second chance and highly motivated to be successful. The program is expected to continue in fall 2016. It is coordinated by Carrie Cumming and Randy Ott. For information regarding the program, contact Randy Ott at randy.ott@wmich.edu or (269) 387-4413.
Looking ahead toward a successful new year
In fall 2015, we welcomed 39 new tenured and tenure-track faculty to join the ranks at WMU. From September through November, we welcomed record numbers of prospective students for campus visits. The collective investment of time, passion and effort on behalf of our faculty, staff and administrators plays a critical role in the success of our students. Each of our students is impacted by the acts of kindness, professionalism and inspiration that are extended from each of you.
I look forward to further collaborating with you in 2016 and to the ongoing discussions we will have about general education and the revisions to the University Strategic Plan. Our commitment to quality curricula and long-term planning will serve our students and our University well in the coming years.
Best wishes for safe and happy holidays,
Tim