University of South Carolina Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris is helping shape a national effort to strengthen student success and demonstrate the value of higher education, serving on the advisory board of the newly launched National Student Success Project.
Announced Oct. 22 in Washington, D.C., the initiative brings together more than 50 colleges and universities around a shared commitment to helping students succeed in college and beyond. Harris is one of 19 university presidents and chancellors from across the country who helped guide the project’s development.
The National Student Success Project addresses practical concerns from students and families about the value of a college degree by spelling out five core commitments that represent an action agenda for American higher education:
- Deliver a strong value for the investment students make in education
- Empower students with clear and affordable pathways to a degree or other significant credential
- Advance academic excellence with innovative programs and strong teaching
- Ignite career ambitions through real-world experiences and robust guidance
- Cultivate a community that supports all students and promotes civil dialogue and respect for others
“Higher education has a responsibility to help students realize their potential and prepare their lives for purpose and opportunity,” Harris said. “I am proud to contribute to this national effort alongside fellow higher education leaders who share that commitment. By working together, learning from one another and being intentional about how we support students, we can strengthen the impact of higher education for individuals, families and the communities we serve.”
The project establishes a shared direction for participating institutions while recognizing that each college and university will advance student success in ways that reflect its mission and the needs of its students. Institutions are encouraged to highlight existing programs, assess outcomes, share effective practices and identify opportunities to improve.
For USC Upstate, the initiative reflects the importance of connecting quality education with the opportunities, guidance and support students need to achieve their goals. The university offers more than 50 academic programs and serves as an important partner in preparing graduates to contribute to South Carolina’s workforce and communities.
The National Student Success Project is supported by five national higher education associations: the American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, the Association of American Universities and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The Strada Education Foundation also supports the initiative.
Examples of programs and practices that demonstrate the five commitments are being collected on the project’s website, creating a resource for institutions to learn from one another and communicate the impact of their work. Additional examples are expected as the initiative grows.
About the National Student Success Project: Colleges and universities across America are mobilizing to advance an agenda centered on the success of all students. The National Student Success Project spells out five concrete commitments that define how institutions equip students to reach their full potential. They focus on value, affordability, academic excellence, career ambitions, and civil dialogue. All seek to address practical concerns from students and families. Participating institutions will show examples of how they are following through on the commitments, with specific policies and programs.
The project is organized by a coalition of higher education associations: The American Council on Education, the American Association of Community Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the Association of American Universities. The project is supported by the Strada Education Foundation. Learn more about the National Student Success Project at nationalstudentsuccess.org.