In the first survey of undergraduate student success administrators by Inside Higher Ed, leaders generally rate the educational quality and campus climate at their institutions highly. Most administrators, primarily in student affairs at the director level or above, also approve of efforts to promote student health and wellness and prepare students for life after college. However, areas for improvement include collecting and analyzing student success data, making instruction more relevant, increasing students’ sense of belonging and financial literacy, and building trust between students and key administrators.
The survey, conducted with Hanover Research, gathered responses from 199 student success leaders out of 2,413 invited, resulting in an 8 percent response rate. The margin of error is 6.7 percent. The majority of respondents work in student affairs as their primary administrative unit. The survey was supported by TimelyCare and VitalSource.
Key findings from the survey include high ratings for the quality of education and value students receive at their institutions, with public institution administrators more likely to rate the value as excellent compared to private nonprofits. While most leaders agree that their institution prioritizes student success, fewer believe the institution is effective at using student success data and fostering a culture of data around student success.
Student success leaders identify faculty as the most trusted group on campus, while financial aid staff are the least trusted. Leaders also note concerns about student stress related to balancing academics with personal responsibilities and financial wellness. Despite high ratings for mental health support, leaders highlight the need for a holistic mental health plan.
In terms of student involvement, leaders emphasize the importance of connecting extracurricular activities to students’ future career goals. They also see room for improvement in promoting student involvement in campus life. Regarding career preparation, most leaders believe their institutions are preparing students well for life after college, but there are areas for improvement in providing online resources and connecting students with alumni networks.
Concerns about a growing customer-service dynamic in higher education are also noted, with most leaders agreeing that students view themselves as customers of the institution. While students are moderately satisfied as customers, there is room for improvement in addressing concerns about the impact of FAFSA changes on students’ ability to afford and remain enrolled.
Overall, student success leaders report high job satisfaction, but opportunities for career advancement are seen as lacking. Support from supervisors and mental health and well-being are rated positively. The survey findings validate experiences and data from institutions like the University of Texas at San Antonio, where sense of belonging and financial well-being are key pathways to student success.
The survey results provide valuable insights into the perspectives of student success administrators and areas for improvement in supporting undergraduate students.