Professionalizing Student Success in Higher Education: A Scoping Review

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Effective Student Success Interventions

Abstract

The most critical issue facing higher education is helping more students fulfill their postsecondary aspirations. This issue is typically framed as the college completion challenge, and promoted as increasing student success. The student success agenda has given rise to scrutiny on outcomes, gaps for marginalized student populations, and many providers of “student success solutions”. These efforts demand personnel, including informed leaders, and practitioners ranging from the data and technologically sophisticated to those working the student support front lines. This paper uses a scoping review method to explore the emergence of student success as a professional field in higher education, outlining factors contributing to the creation of roles and functions, documenting titles and services, and investigating role preparation and professional development.

Author

• Jillian L. Kinzie, Indiana University