N.C. A&T Opens University Student Success Office

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 8, 2023) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has opened a new office dedicated to holistically promoting student achievement – the University Student Success Office (USSO).

“The USSO reflects a bold step to enhance The Aggie Experience, which is our commitment to create a liberating and empowering experience for all and an environment that speaks to our right to be the very best,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D.

The new office is overseen by Smith-Jackson and Associate Vice Provost for University Student Success Regina Williams Davis, Ph.D. The USSO supports current and prospective students in their personal, academic and professional development. The USSO looks to make institutional improvements in first-year retention, four-year graduation rates, undergraduate degree efficiency, student debt and student involvement in N.C. A&T research.

Focusing on academics and career preparation, the USSO provides students with access to helpful information specific to their academic pathways through workshops, campuswide forums, outreach and industry engagement events.

“The USSO will elevate the conversation around student success so that it is not solely about academic performance, but fosters the holistic success of our students,” said Davis. “It’s an exciting initiative and builds on considerable momentum we have already achieved in several of our areas of focus.”

The USSO will develop and implement intervention strategies to help all students realize their potential and achieve success, including those who are confident in their journey as well as those who may experience challenges. A commitment to continuous improvement will facilitate a learning environment that uses best practices to reinforce excellence and the Aggie Experience.

“Through our team’s deep examination of past data, inclusive research literature and recent observations, we have re-conceptualized post-secondary student success to include an ecosystem that factors in many facets of students’ lives as upstream indicators of future success,” said Smith-Jackson. “We have broadened our lens to ensure individual differences are baked into our approaches.”

The USSO will host a Student Success Forum and Launch Celebration on Oct. 10 to introduce the new unit to the university and surrounding communities.