Announcing New Initiatives to Promote Student Success (Aug. 28, 2012)

To the Campus Community:

In December 2011, I affirmed my commitment to the success of our students and announced the launch of the Student Success Initiative to be led by Associate Chancellor for Academic Services Julie Amon.  During the past months, we’ve made significant progress in this area, which will make it possible for more of our students to achieve success and graduate in a timely manner.  I write today to highlight some of our achievements and initiatives underway. 

Critical Services Relocated for Student Convenience

On Aug. 1, Student Accounting Services (formerly known as the bursar’s office) moved to co-locate with the registrar’s office on the main level of Armitage Hall.  With the Office of Financial Aid positioned immediately nearby in the lower level of Armitage Hall, key financial and administrative services used by students now are arranged in a central area.  

Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS)

The area previously occupied by the College of Arts and Sciences’ Office of Academic Advising and the Rutgers–Camden Learning Center on the second floor of Armitage Hall has been transformed into a hub of student success programs and resources.  Opening this week, the Center for Learning and Student Success will house the Rutgers–Camden Learning Center, Disability Services, the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program, and TRiO Student Support Services. 

Creation of Office of Dean of Students

For the first time, Rutgers–Camden will have a comprehensive Office of the Dean of Students that will be dedicated to helping students resolve their personal, financial, health, and other concerns. Tom DiValerio will serve as Dean of Students, and the office will be located at 311 Cooper Street.

Focus on Academic Advising

Research supports the critical role that academic advising plays in student satisfaction, success, and graduation.  I have asked Dr. Amon to chair a campus-wide Advising Task Force focused on understanding our advising challenges and developing strategies for improving advising.  Assisting us in our focus on academic advising will be national leaders in advising from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).  The NACADA consultants will visit our campus in September.  I ask you all to actively engage in the process of exploring advising and making recommendations for improvement. 

Undergraduate Student Success Dialog

Our ability to make a more positive undergraduate experience is impacted by our awareness of national and international current research, trends, technologies, and initiatives.  In order to effect positive change for our undergraduates, Rutgers–Camden needs to engage more actively in the student success agenda.  Watch for upcoming announcements to participate in student success learning, professional development, and research opportunities. 

I ask for your support and active participation in our campus dialogue and initiatives focused on improving advising and student success.

Wendell E. Pritchett, J.D., Ph.D.

Chancellor