S3C staff members Ms. Erica Medina (STEM/Pre-Health Career Specialist, left), Dr. Rachel Montesdeoca (Advising Specialist, center), and Ms. Tammy Werner (Professional Tutor, right) were invited to present information about the STEM Student Success Center (S3C) to the McMurry University Board of Trustees at noon on February 24, 2023.

The ladies introduced the philosophy behind the S3C: At the STEM Student Success Center, our goal is to create an environment rooted in support and resources that allows STEM students to grow stronger futures in their chosen disciplines.

Dr. Rachel Montesdeoca, Title V Advising Specialist, provided a snapshot of the students served by the S3C, with specific attention to demographic, gender, classification, and personal characteristics. Then they described the broad suite of services provided by the staff—advising, academic coaching, career development, and academic support/tutoring.

Evidence for success was captured in several charts. The number of students coming in for assistance already exceeds the half-way point for the 2021-2022 academic year. Cumulative GPA for STEM majors is rising gradually. Fall to Fall retention numbers are exceeding our target of 60%, and graduation rates are increasing.

Challenges remain in getting students engaged, but progress is visible with the Lift Off summer bridge program (preparing for its second year), increasing volume of academic coaching contacts with students, the institutionalization of S3C STEM degree maps across all divisions at the institution, as well as continued implementation of supplemental instruction in high failure rate courses.

A welcome development is the success of the new training program for student staff serving as peer mentors, tutors, and Supplemental Instruction Leaders. This biweekly program equips student mentors with background knowledge and helps them develop awareness to connect more appropriately and effectively with students with whom they are working.