Page 5 - UWI QUALITY CIRCLE Vol.19 May 2017

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The De nition of Student Success:
What Does it Mean to Students?
BY MRS. ALECIA WALTERS-ARCHIE, B.SC., M.SC. ASSISTANT REGISTRAR, STUDENT SUPPORT AND SERVICES THE UWI OPEN CAMPUS
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Student success takes into consideration meeting the needs, interests and strengths of all students, engaging them in the learning process and ensuring that they have a rich student experience from the induction stage right through to graduation and beyond, thereby, helping them to achieve their present and future academic, personal and professional goals. This involves preparing them through the expansion of knowledge, instilling in them a sense of responsibility and self-reliance, and helping them to develop a connection to the institution of study and the wider society.
Five students of The UWI Open Campus were selected randomly, contacted and asked how they would de ne student success. Their comments on the question are shared In the vignettes below. What does “student success” mean to you as a student in the Open Campus?
“To me student success has a holistic meaning. It is not only determined by making a passing grade but also by being able to utilize [utilise] the information and knowledge gained as a student, in real life situations, and doing so in a manner that can bring forth positive reactions from others.”
“Student Success is achieving all that I have set out to do with honors [honours] even though I may have faltered along the way, or may not have had 100% support from tutors, family or friends. Once I have reached my goal, that is, success.”
“Student success is commonly de ned as passing your courses and obtaining a degree or certi cate. This is not entirely true. Student success also incorporates the ability to understand what was imparted upon us and put it into practice in the world outside of The University of the West Indies.”
“For me student success would mean that I am a re ective/re exive life-long learner.”
“Development educationally, being able to think critically as well as improvement in quali cations.”
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