Upper Iowa University joins study on 'Linking Institutional Policies to Student Success' (LIPSS)
FAYETTE, Iowa (April 18, 2012) – Upper Iowa University has agreed to participate in a new study of college and university policies, called Linking Institutional Policies to Student Success (LIPSS).
The LIPSS project seeks to identify specific institution-wide policies that can be leveraged to increase college student engagement – a key predictor of student grades and persistence that is especially beneficial to underrepresented and academically under-prepared students. In collaboration with the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and the Center for Higher Education Research, Teaching, and Innovation (CHERTI) at Florida State University, the LIPSS project will survey chief academic officers and chief student affairs officers at 57 bachelor's degree granting colleges and universities in five states including California, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The survey will address institutional policies and practices related to issues such as assessment, faculty/staff hiring practices, curricular offerings, and student services. Data collection begins in spring 2012.
"Upper Iowa University is one of the many colleges looking for ways to foster student success," said UIU President Alan G. Walker. "We want to look at some of the programs we have developed as well as learn from other universities to make our UIU programs more effective in helping students enjoy the full college experience and emerge as graduates who lead satisfying, successful and productive lives."
According to CHERTI, colleges and universities have been developing student success programs for 30 years. Many such programs focus on strengthening student engagement during a student's first year of college because research indicates that four-year colleges and universities lose an average of 26 percent of their beginning students.
"We believe that the key to helping students succeed is to help them connect with the University as quickly as possible," added UIU Chief Academic Officer David Chown. "Studies show that if a new student doesn't feel at home at the university within three days, there is a much greater chance that the student will leave the university. That doesn't provide a very big window to help students."
"Student success is about much more than going to class and getting good grades," said Melik Peter Khoury, senior vice president for strategic positioning, chief strategic enrollment and marketing officer. "Success is about getting involved in ways that connect you physically, emotionally and intellectually to your school. That kind of involvement helps students commit to completing their college experience and earning their degree."
As a result of the LIPPS study, UIU will receive a report that compares UIU policies with those at other institutions.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to over 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu