Chancellor Pittman discusses how new council will drive progress
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Managing Editor
The college is introducing a new initiative beginning this fall.
STLCC is introducing “School Success Teams” within each of the six Pathways schools, while also introducing the Student Success Council, which it says will provide strategic oversight and guidance. This initiative will help staff and faculty understand their roles in supporting student success.
Chancellor Pittman told The Montage in April that the initiative aims to align faculty and staff in helping students succeed, focusing on the unique needs of the college’s four campuses.
“We see student needs, and we think we had to think of a better way to align the faculty and staff in helping students succeed at the college,” Pittman said. “And that’s really all this is. It’s just another initiative that’s going to be focused on students.”
Pittman claimed that the initiative, which is still in the process of being fully formed, was a faculty-led creation, and that feedback from those involved is vital.
“We absolutely need their input,” he said. “And you know, we want faculty representation from faculty, representation from each pathway on these councils.”
How will School Success Teams work?
Per an email sent out in March, each School Success Team will include division deans, program coordinators, advising managers, and representatives from various support services. Thus, students will benefit from support that addresses their specific needs, and will have a dedicated team focused on their success and well-being. Those teams will work closely with campus leaders to implement strategies to enhance the student journey, with the ideal outcome of making it smoother and more enjoyable.
The email also outlined potential benefits for staff and faculty, with the main benefit being a better understanding and more collaborative environment with students in their Pathways.
The Student Success Council, made up of presidents, vice presidents, and other key representatives, will oversee the work of the School Success Teams, per the college. They aim to systematically analyze and address factors affecting student progression, retention, and completion. Success of the initiative will ultimately be measured by various means, including Key Performance Indicators, data tracking, resource allocation, progress reports, feedback and more.
Pittman said that the groups will meet on a quarterly basis.
“They’ll be generating reports, and then we’ll respond accordingly with resources to help students succeed,” he said.
