Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Student Affairs recently released its 2023-24 Impact Report, showcasing a year marked by implementation and a focus on student retention and serving students holistically.
Key findings from the report:
- The ’Runner, the student weekly communication digest produced by Student Affairs, has an open rate of 24%, showing an engaged student audience.
- More than 55% of Student Affairs staff members identify as people of color, reflecting the commitment to cultivating a team that truly reflects the rich tapestry of MSU Denver’s student body and supporting the University’s role as a Hispanic-Serving and Minority Serving institution.
- The Pathways to Possible Program retained 80% of its scholars.
- Some 3,902 students participated in industry-connected programming through the Classroom to Career Hub (C2 Hub), which centers intentional career development within the student experience, ensuring that all students are equipped with the skills, capabilities and networks necessary for successful careers.
- The C2 Hub Career Catalyst program received 119 nominations from students to celebrate faculty members who have championed their career exploration and growth.
- Enrollment Management streamlined the student journey from recruitment to graduation, contributing to the University’s fourth consecutive term of recruitment growth.
- The Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion increased campus engagement by 5%, with over 6,414 undergraduate and graduate students participating in events and leadership-development programming.
- Student Communications developed a holistic student-life-cycle communications framework to ensure that students receive timely and targeted resources throughout their time at MSU Denver.
- The definitions of career engagement and effective supervision have been refined, allowing Student Affairs to better measure and support student and staff learning.
Impactful implementation and retention strategies
The 2023-24 academic year was pivotal for Student Affairs, as it focused on implementation and retention. “Implementation was important because we had spent the previous year developing our branch strategy, in coordination with the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan and the Student Success Launch,” said Will Simpkins, Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “It was time to act. In the fifth year of Student Affairs at MSU Denver, we were ready to lean in on what we can offer the University and how we support faculty and the learning mission of MSU Denver.”
Student retention is critical for MSU Denver’s broader goals, directly contributing to student success and graduation rates. Every department within Student Affairs plays a role in ensuring that students have the support they need. The focus has been on offering the right support at the right time.
“The resources we provide students, as well as the opportunities to build praxis by applying their theoretical knowledge to real-world experiences in leadership, can be found across our branch,” said Simpkins. “From … orientation to employer engagement, we aspire to be laser-focused on helping students meet their goals.”
October is Careers in Student Affairs Month
The achievements highlighted in the 2023-24 Impact Report align perfectly with the spirit of Careers in Student Affairs Month, a time to recognize the vital role student-affairs professionals play in supporting students’ success. Whether increasing retention rates or fostering career readiness and inclusivity, the dedicated efforts of MSU Denver’s Student Affairs team demonstrate the profound impact these professionals have on shaping a vibrant and supportive campus community.
