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Learn more about SSI

Program Overview

The Student Success Institute (SSI) for Provosts, Associate/Vice Provosts, and Vice Presidents for Student Affairs is a leadership development program tailored to the distinctive needs of these roles. SSI will help individuals with at least one year of experience in their role to lead and implement the type of transformational change necessary to meet the evolving needs of today’s increasingly diverse student body.

Program Format and Content

The Student Success Institute (SSI) for Provosts, Associate/Vice Provosts, and Vice Presidents for Student Affairs will provide the most current and relevant expertise on promising practices in student success, leadership, data and assessment, teaching and learning, and equity. Throughout the program, fellows will have the opportunity to build a strong and supportive network of peers, learn from leading experts in the field, and develop a core set of critical skills necessary for leading institutional change. A key feature of the program is structured time and space to reflect on and advance one’s own student success plan with a small group of peers.

Meeting

I have been part of other programs for provosts and academic leaders, but the Student Success Institute was different. It has not only provided a great forum for discussing the most current and relevant topics in higher education, but the discussions were among leaders who fully understand student success and related issues from the perspective of regional comprehensive institutions. The speakers brought in a wealth of ideas that are significant and practical and the program staff was flexible, courteous and understanding of the unexpected demands a provost's job can impose. I am glad to have been part of this professional development opportunity.

 

Mohamed Abdelrahman

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Texas A&M University–San Antonio

I recommend this program to any provost interested in expanding their knowledge of student success. The program was designed to assist those relatively new to the best practices as well as those with experience in the student success area. While the meetings were held virtually, the team put together a remarkable mix of events that allowed the cohort to work collaboratively and share their respective experiences. I came away not only with more knowledge but with a greater sense of how important the work we as provosts do each day in this area.

 

Steven J. Berberich

Provost and Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Missouri-St. Louis

Leading the academic enterprise during the pandemic has been challenging and forcing institutions to rethink student and faculty success strategies. The AASCU / SOVA leadership program is an excellent professional development opportunity for chief academic officers. The speaker lineup of provosts, presidents and subject matter experts who presented on best practices were very insightful. Some notable program takeaways for me included first year student success strategies, equity centered leadership, and prioritization frameworks for assessing the ROI of academic programs. The networking opportunity and discussions with other provosts also helped me understand a variety of institutional perspectives.

 

Ravi Krovi

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Weber State University (UT)

The opportunity for structured learning included national higher education leaders and technical experts, networking opportunities, discussions and assignments with experienced chief academic officers, as well as a focus on the role of data in institutional transformation, periodic readings and reflections after each session over a seven-month period. The intentional focus on being equity-minded and building culturally-responsive ecosystems to improve student outcomes made the institute a truly unique learning experience. I felt like I went back to graduate school!

Peter O. Nwosu

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success, City University of New York, Lehman College

The AASCU Student Success Institute offers an opportunity to collaborate, reflect, and improve with a nationwide group of academic leaders. The takeaways are specific, actionable, and effective. As a result of my experience with SSI, I became a better advocate for public higher education, a more effective activist for student success, and a more knowledgeable and self-aware supporter of antiracism and equity. In other words, I became a better leader. Perhaps best of all, I now have a network of friends and colleagues that I can rely on for friendship, problem-solving, and authentic reflection.

 

Stacey Robertson

President, Widener University (PA)

Participating in the Student Success Institute and having the opportunity to engage in such transformational discussions related to my leadership role at my university was an absolute pleasure. I found the subjects to be innovative, forward-thinking, and of extreme relevance to my work as the chief academic officer. This leadership-building initiative proved to be extremely valuable as I was able to expand my network and learn from the experiences of so many experts. It is my hope that this initiative continues to grow and help future leaders have a positive impact on the generations of tomorrow.

 

Maria Woodside-Oriakhi

Vice President of Academic Affairs, The University of The Bahamas

How to Apply

The application period for the 2023 SSI cohort is now closed. Click here to sign up to be notified for the next cohort.