Supporting PNW student retention is a shared endeavor
Dear Colleagues,
Every faculty and staff member plays an important part in supporting student retention and degree attainment at PNW through the connections we make with our students. In addition to this relationship building, we have implemented several initiatives to support students and instill a sense of belonging from the moment they step foot on campus.
- First-Year Advising began in spring 2024 to holistically guide incoming students before they progress to advisors in our programmatic colleges. First-year advisors provide well-rounded support, connecting students to resources around campus and to other students through the peer mentoring program.
- University College was created to better serve students entering PNW who have not decided on or declared a major. University College offers these students an academic home where a dean, staff, and advisors ultimately guide them to declare a major within two academic years.
- Educational Opportunity Programs, TRIO, the office of Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives, and the Unity Hub provide programming, advising, mentorship and more, to help students find support to pursue their degrees and build confidence as well as a sense of belonging.
- Physical campus space renovations, such as the development of the Mane Zone in the Classroom Office Building and updated classrooms, help provide an engaging on-campus college experience and foster relationship-building.
How can you help? Look for ways to engage with our students that are meaningful to you – even small acts as simple as taking the time to introduce yourself and talk with our students. Connect students to appropriate campus resources when needed. Get involved. I find cheering on our many Pride teams and speaking with student-athletes to not only be fun, but I learn so much from their stories.
Together, we will continue to be the university that helps students Power Onward and makes a lasting difference for them and their families.
Sincerely,
Kenneth C. Holford
Chancellor