Student Success Center expands services to support Wright State students

The Academic Success Center in the Student Success Center offers students tutoring, peer academic coaching and supplemental instruction.

Wright State University’s Student Success Center serves as a hub of support for students, offering everything from tutoring and academic coaching to mentorship programs and community-building activities — all designed to help students thrive in and out of the classroom.

“It’s a one-stop shop for academic services and enrichment,” said Laura Luehrmann, Ph.D., interim vice provost for undergraduate education in the Office of the Provost.

The building brings together key services under one roof, including the Academic Success Center, Math Learning Center, Writing Center, the Wright State and Premier Health Center for Health Professions, peer academic coaching, supplemental instruction, tutoring services and academic engagement.

“The Academic Success Center supports students by helping them become more independent and confident learners,” said Alison Witte, Ph.D., the director of the Academic Success Center. “Our tagline in the ASC is ‘Partners in Learning,’ and we see ourselves as collaborators with students, faculty and staff to help students succeed in their classes.”

Two new initiatives highlight the center’s focus on meeting students where they are.

Supplies for Success provides no-cost materials like notebooks, pens, pencils, binders and highlighters to help students stay organized and prepared for their classes. Since the start of the semester, 159 students have used the station to access these essentials.

The project was established with support from a Students First Fund grant from the Wright State University Foundation.

Located in the Student Success Center, the Center for Health Professions is a student success pathway that supports pre-health undergraduates through interprofessional education, experiential learning and mentorship, preparing them to enter the health care workforce or apply to professional and graduate health programs.

Another new offering, the Peer Navigator Program, pairs students with trained upper-level classmates who provide regular support and mentorship.

“Peer-to-peer support can be extremely successful,” Luehrmann said. “Students are more likely to reach out to a peer — like to ask how they manage classes and a full-time job — instead of a professor.”

Coordinated by Catherine Hogan, assistant vice provost for academic engagement, the Peer Navigator Program is open to all students, and any student who needs support navigating the university is encouraged to apply.

“We’re trying to meet the students where they are,” Luehrmann said.

The Student Success Center also fosters belonging through spaces and activities that bring students together. A student lounge features a coffee bar, gaming and events like brown-bag talks and ice cream socials, creating opportunities for connection outside the classroom.

“We want to bring the students in to get them close to our services,” Luehrmann said.

This multifaceted approach reflects Wright State’s three goals for success: recruitment, retention and relationships.

“A major factor in student retention is belonging,” Luehrmann said. “We let them know we’re here to assist them and that they belong here.”

That support extends beyond academics.

“It’s about finance needs, health needs — seeing the student and all of their needs,” Luehrmann said. “We’re trying to be as holistic as possible.”

The Student Success Center will mark its 10th anniversary with an open house and program on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Celebrating 10 years of Student Success

This fall also marks the 10th anniversary of the Student Success Center. To celebrate, the center will host an open house and program on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., with birthday treats, giveaways and tours. A brief program will be held in 009 Student Success Center from 3–3:30 p.m. and will feature remarks by students and representatives of the Mathile Family Foundation and the Berry Foundation.

That day is part of Raider Productivity Week, from Oct. 13 to 17, which will feature time management workshops, study tables and dedicated study space in the Student Union.

Faculty and staff are invited to a productivity tools brown-bag lunch and learn session on Oct. 14 from 12:30–1:15 p.m. in 216 Medical Sciences.

Faculty and staff are invited to drop in for dedicated work time on Oct. 16 between 3 and 4:30 p.m. in 216 Medical Sciences. Use the quiet space to focus on a big project or catch up on smaller tasks as your schedule allows.