Office of Student Retention

Students and their success are the top priorities for the Office of Student Retention! We create targeted interventions for students who may be in need of additional support throughout their journey as a catamount. This includes the programs highlighted below, cross-campus partnerships, and supporting student needs. 

Students, we are here for you! Let us know how we can help you be successful! 

Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS)

MAPS supports first-generation, low income, or independent students at WCU. We provide coaching for students who want additional academic support, peer mentoring, professional mentoring for juniors and seniors, and two student organizations: First Gen Club and RISA. MAPS recognizes that college can be a challenging experience and invites you to Get Involved with MAPS

First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience creates shared experiences for all of our new students. From New Student Convocation to the One Book to a transition pathway course, we encourage students to take advantage of all that WCU has to offer and make the most of your time here!  learn more about the FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE 

We See You!

Student Retention regularly reaches out to students to offer support, provide important reminders, or to inform students of ways to move forward. We may be reminding you that we are here to support you or contacting you because we have identified a potential barrier that you are facing. We see you and want to provide support to help you be successful! Whether we call, text, email, invite you to a meeting or event, we hope that you respond! We encourage you to reach out to us when you have unanswered questions. 

Summer Bridge Programs

The Summer Bridge Programs are a great way for first-year students to get a head start on your college career! In five-weeks, you will develop a network of faculty, staff, high-achieving upperclassmen, and peers while earning 7-8 credits towards graduation.  start early with summer bridge programs 

Learning Contract Program: LC 101

The Learning Contract Program (LC 101: "College Success Seminar) is a course designed to connect students with advisors or other staff members to support their academic success. Students who are placed on Academic Warning following their first semester or who return to the university with a GPA lower than 2.0 are required to enroll in LC 101 for one semester. Throughout the semester, students work with their LC 101 instructor to develop a success plan to return to Good Academic Standing. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEARNING CONTRACT PROGRAM

Academic Learning Communities (ALC)

Academic Learning Communities allow first-year students to take a series of classes with a cohort of students and a connecting theme throughout the courses. Each year new themes are selected based on student and instructor interest. visit our page to learn about this year's ALCs 

Faculty and Staff Resources

WCU faculty and staff provide valuable support for student success and retention! Issue Alerts through Navigate or email referrals are a great way to notify our office of students who can benefit from our services. We invite faculty and staff to reach out for collaboration efforts, consults on dashboards, and retention initiatives.

Academic Policies with OSR