Introduction

Student success is often associated with student affairs, but its foundation lies in academic affairs. For CAOs, this represents both a responsibility and an opportunity.

Curriculum design plays a central role. Clear pathways, well-structured programs, and aligned learning outcomes can reduce barriers to completion. High-impact practices—such as first-year seminars and capstone experiences—can further enhance engagement.

Faculty are also critical. Their interactions with students, both inside and outside the classroom, significantly influence retention and success. Supporting faculty through development and recognition is therefore essential.

Equity must be a central focus. Disparities in outcomes across different student populations require targeted interventions and ongoing assessment.

By positioning student success as a core academic priority, CAOs can drive meaningful improvements in retention, completion, and overall institutional effectiveness.

Here is a checklist to operationalize student success as a core academic affairs priority.

1. Make Student Success an Explicit Academic Priority

Embed student success goals into the academic affairs agenda, strategic plan, and regular leadership discussions—not as a parallel initiative, but as central to the academic mission.

2. Map and Simplify Academic Pathways

Ensure all programs have clear, structured degree pathways with minimal excess credits, predictable course sequencing, and reduced bottlenecks.

3. Align Learning Outcomes Across the Curriculum

Confirm that program- and course-level outcomes are coherent, scaffolded, and clearly communicated to support student progression and achievement.

4. Expand High-Impact Educational Practices

Integrate experiences such as first-year seminars, learning communities, undergraduate research, internships, and capstones across programs.

5. Strengthen Faculty Engagement in Student Success

Encourage faculty ownership of retention and completion through advising, mentoring, and inclusive teaching practices.

6. Invest in Faculty Development

Provide training in evidence-based pedagogy, early alert systems, and strategies for supporting diverse learners.

7. Use Data to Identify and Address Barriers

Leverage data on course success rates, DFW (D/F/Withdrawal) patterns, and progression points to pinpoint where students struggle.

8. Prioritize Equity in Outcomes

Disaggregate data by race, income, first-generation status, and other factors to identify achievement gaps and design targeted interventions.

9. Integrate Academic and Student Support Services

Align advising, tutoring, and academic support with the curriculum to ensure students receive timely, coordinated assistance.

10. Establish Continuous Improvement Processes

Regularly review student success metrics, assess interventions, and adjust strategies to ensure sustained progress over time.

This checklist positions academic affairs not just as a contributor to student success, but as its primary driver—linking curriculum, faculty engagement, and equity-focused practices into a cohesive strategy.

 Although the checklist is general and intended as a reminder, it provides you with information to help ensure institutional compliance and reduce risk. I hope you find the checklist helpful and I welcome your ideas and suggestions. Please be sure to consult with your legal counsel on matters requiring legal advice.  You can reach me at [email protected]