Cal State Fullerton has received national recognition for its student-centered approach to undergraduate education by the college guidance tool Colleges of Distinction.
“We applaud Colleges of Distinction for recognizing CSUF,” said Ellen Treanor, associate vice president of strategic communications and brand management. “We are proud of our inclusive and vibrant community. We know high-impact teaching leads to high-impact career-ready graduates and are gratified by our students’ success.”
The honor is unique among college guide classifications in that it recognizes excellence exhibited in the classroom and the incorporation of high-impact practices throughout students’ undergraduate education. Such student-centered programs include first-year orientation, seminars and advising; collaborative learning and interdisciplinary coursework; undergraduate research; diversity and global learning programs; a focus on writing and oral communication skills; and capstone courses.
Elizabeth Boretz, assistant vice president for student success and director of the Academic Advisement Center, notes, “Through our student success team model — the retention and graduation specialists, in collaboration with the Academic Advisement Center team have prevented more than 11,000 deferred graduations. We re-enrolled 3,465 students who otherwise may have stopped on their journey to degree completion.
Through ongoing campuswide partnerships and the continuous integration of technology, we have cut our graduation achievement gap by more than half in the past three years, while elevating our graduation rates.
“With our Student Affairs partners we have engaged faculty in our student success teams. Through ongoing campuswide partnerships and the continuous integration of technology, we have cut our graduation achievement gap by more than half in the past three years, while elevating our graduation rates. CSUF is a national leader in collaborative practices for student equity success.”
Colleges of Distinction’s selection process consists of detailed interviews and research on each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts, as well as its general education programs, career development, strategic plan and student satisfaction. Schools are accepted on the basis of merit in four areas: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction, noted, “We are so proud to see Cal State Fullerton walking the walk. Students learn best and thrive when they embrace hands-on learning in a vibrant, welcoming community. It’s encouraging to find CSUF taking such an innovative approach with its curriculum: its high-impact educational practices ensure that the undergraduate experience is worthwhile and unique.”
Learn more and see Cal State Fullerton’s profile on the Colleges of Distinction website.
Direct media inquiries to:
Cerise Metzger, associate director of CSUF News Media Services
657-278-4856
cmetzger@fullerton.edu