Navigating college: Central State University’s commitment to first- and second-year students

The transition to college can be both exciting and overwhelming for students. Recognizing the importance of a strong foundation in the early years of higher education, Central State University’s Office of First- and Second-Year Student Success (FSYSS) provides academic advising and coaching, tutoring, supplemental instruction, strategic programming, and resources to help students thrive. 

Image

Led by LaKeisha Jenkins Washington, the office’s mission is clear: to equip first- and second-year students with the tools they need for academic achievement and personal growth. Through a combination of inclusive coaching, strategic programs, and direct collaboration with faculty and staff, FSYSS ensures students stay on track to reach their goals.   

“We’re focused on academic success, making sure students have access to the resources they need, from tutoring services to study skills workshops,” Jenkins Washington explained.   

Addressing key challenges for new and continuing students 

Many college students face challenges such as financial instability, staying on course with their academic plans, and adapting to the demands of college-level coursework. FSYSS addresses these issues by offering targeted support, including:   

• Workshops on fundamental skills — Reading, writing, and math workshops help students strengthen core competencies.   
• Time management and study skills coaching — Built into seminar courses, these sessions teach students effective academic habits.   
• Student success coaches — These advisors provide inclusive academic guidance, ensuring students take the right courses for their major.   

Additionally, students on academic probation receive personalized assistance through the Marauder Achievement Program (MAP), which helps them identify academic challenges and develop action plans for success.   

Building pathways to the future 

The office also oversees strategic programs such as the Say Yes Scholars Program, which provides comprehensive support for students receiving the Say Yes Scholarship through College Now Greater Cleveland.  

A key feature of this initiative, which partners with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, is the assignment of a dedicated success coach to each scholar attending Central State. These coaches offer personalized guidance, helping students navigate their academic experience and overcome challenges. Monthly meetings provide additional tools and resources to ensure scholars remain engaged and on track.   

A key goal of FSYSS is to enhance its presence on campus and ensure students are fully aware of the services available to them. Increasing awareness and accessibility remains a top priority.   

Cross-campus collaboration for holistic support   

FSYSS works closely with the Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS) to ensure struggling students receive timely assistance. The Navigate 360 platform enables faculty to add early alerts on the profiles of students in academic distress, prompting outreach from student success coaches and tutoring services. Read related story 

In addition to academic support, the office collaborates with Counseling Services, Career Services, and Student Affairs to address personal and career-related concerns. One major initiative is CampusESP, a strategic parent engagement platform designed to keep families informed about their students’ progress. The platform will be rolled out in February 2025. 

Enhancing the student experience with data-driven solutions 

Measuring student success is a priority for FSYSS. The University is implementing the UNCF Student Journey Map, a data-driven approach to track student progress and outcomes. This initiative will standardize success metrics across the campus, ensuring students receive the support they need at every stage of their journey.   

As Jenkins Washington emphasized, the office is committed to inclusive coaching, empowering students to take ownership of their academic experience.  

“We’ve shifted from ‘intrusive advising’ to ‘inclusive advising,’ meaning students are now active participants in shaping their college path,” she said. 

For students looking to navigate college successfully, Jenkins Washington offers this advice:   

• Push yourself academically — Don’t be afraid to challenge your limits.   
• Stay focused on your long-term goals — Keep the end in mind as you move through your journey.   
• Utilize campus resources — Take full advantage of tutoring, coaching, and academic support programs.   

Through a comprehensive network of resources, FSYSS is helping first- and second-year students lay the foundation for continued success at Central State University and beyond.