The college success centers are run by professional and student staff who work closely with the Division of Student Success. They provide students with inviting access points to UTSA’s many student academic support projects. The programs, many of which are nationally recognized, have been designed to increase engagement, encourage retention and positively impact graduation rates.
Additionally, many student success centers provide special programming unique to the sponsoring academic college. From hosting career-engaged learning opportunities and workshops, from connecting students with peer mentors, to providing career counseling or simply giving UTSA students space to gather and build camaraderie.
“Each college may have its own approach or goal that directly reflects the unique needs of its students, but we are so interconnected that all their work complements what we are doing at the university level,” said Wyatt. “Together, we ensure that all students get the support they need to thrive and graduate from UTSA and be prepared to enter their careers or graduate studies.”
Other Academic Success District resources
The Academic Success District initiative, developed throughout 2020 and 2021, was a collaborative effort by Academic Affairs’ offices of Academic Innovation and Student Success and Business Affairs’ offices of Space Management and Facilities. The initiative’s team took an inventory of UTSA’s student support services, streamlined and connected those programs, and ensured students could more easily access them.
The Academic Success District hubs complement the existing hubs located throughout the Academic Success District. For example, students can address all their advising needs, from enrollment through graduation, in the University Student Success Center. The Tomás Rivera Center for Academic Excellence is the central location for tutoring and success coaching. Students seeking supplemental instruction can find it in the Collaborative Learning Hub. First-generation and transfer students will find customized support programs through the Mentoring Hub.
Regardless of which Academic Success District hub or center students visit, they can connect with someone who can help—whether it’s an advisor, a tutor, a well-being coordinator or other UTSA staff. Each partner in the student success center model shares a commitment to creating career-engaged learning experiences, providing academic support, fostering belonging and well-being, advancing digital fluency and ensuring staff are well-prepared to assist students.
“The student success hubs and college student success centers that are part of the Academic Success District advance UTSA’s momentum as a model for student success,” said UTSA Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley. “No matter what path students choose, UTSA faculty and staff are ready to help them chart an enriching and empowering academic journey.”
