Our definition of what makes a student's experience at PSU successful goes beyond academic studies. We want to ensure that there are plenty of activities, organizations, and support services that can give students opportunities to make friends, make a difference, or make a mark.

Examining student success outside of the classroom

In this way, when we speak of student success, we are speaking of all of the resources and experiences at PSU that exist beyond the classroom, including sometimes those classroom experiences that reach beyond the classroom into the community. Successful teaching and learning is, of course, a major thrust of the University, and therefore deserves its own theme, or area of concentration, in the Portfolio. The student success theme, however, addresses all other students experiences, from advising to leadership and civic engagement.

We know we are doing our job in giving students a successful experience if:

• Students feel that they are becoming part of a community when they step onto our campus
• Students know about the resources that are available to them on campus
• We are providing the resources that students want, and have a mechanism for them to give us feedback so that we can adjust where necessary
• Student participation in events is high
• There is a voice for students on campus, through multiple mediums, including newpaper, radio, and council forums.
• Students' learning experiences in the classroom is augmented by a variety of other campus related activities
• We continue to attract a diverse and increasing student body
• Our student retention rates continue to improve