Murray, Ky.–Murray State University continues to implement its award-winning first-year student success seminar and transitions courses designed to assist new students as they acclimate to life at Murray State. Since 2014, the courses have combined discipline-specific instruction with personal and professional skills in an effort that has significantly increased retention and graduation rates.
Faculty members are paired with student affairs, library or graduate students to deliver the one-credit hour course, also known as a Student Success Seminar. Professors focus on discipline-specific content for each course, while staff members teach soft skills including time management, managing college life, mental and emotional health, diversity and more. The program also helps students adjust to campus life and make connections across the University community.
In 2018, the University received national recognition for its retention efforts from the Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE). Murray State has grown its fall 2018 to 2019 retention rate for freshmen to 76.2 percent, up nearly two points from 2017.
Student Success Seminars are evaluated each spring, taking into account feedback from students and instructors.
“The Student Success Seminars and the dedicated faculty and staff who teach the courses and interact with students on a daily basis are supporting this vision,” said Peggy Whaley, director of student engagement and success. “Through supportive relationships, faculty and staff can help students who are struggling and get them connected with resources before the situation becomes insurmountable.”
The Office of Student Engagement and Success is committed to the success and retention of all students through guidance, support and cultivation of their personal well-being and academic success.. Last year, the University launched Starfish, an online platform that provides students and faculty with academic support, progress reports and ways to connect with University student support staff. Learn more at murraystate.edu/starfish.