The Penn State Beaver Student Success Committee (SSC) focuses on concerns and information related to students regarding situations that impact success, support, academic progress, health, wellness, and safety. The committee is here to support student satisfaction and retention.

The SSC drives student support initiatives, including New Student Orientation (NSO), Early Progress Report (EPR) interventions, and campaigns empowering students to seek help on campus.

Additionally, the SSC offers a referral system that provides staff, faculty, friends, and family with the opportunity to share a concern about a student's academic progress, wellness, development, or safety. The program's primary purpose is to be proactive in assisting students by identifying students of concern and intervening early.

What are the goals of the Student Success Committee?

The SSC meets once or twice a month to review information and/or to discuss relevant information regarding at-risk students and/or improving student success initiatives on campus.

Support and follow-up referrals will be made to the appropriate academic, administrative, and student affairs personnel as well as the campus Behavior Threat Management (BTM) Team as needed. The SSC Committee chair(s) and members will provide liaisons as needed depending upon the concern(s) identified that are relative to unit operations. This committee is not meant to replace personal counseling intervention, academic advising, or other individual interventions by faculty, academic advisers, and/or staff. The SSC also develops cross-unit strategies and processes to continually improve services and streamline operations in order to better support student success and retention.

Students will be proactively identified if they meet any of the following criteria. This is not an exhaustive list, so reasonable judgment related to any concerns should and will be used.

  • Students identified as being academically “at risk” per cohort information developed via Enrollment Management Group/Enrollment Office and NSO initiatives
  • Students admitted on academic condition(s)
  • Academic progress unresolved with initial faculty intervention; students not responding to faculty attempts related to class attendance, course performance, etc.
  • Personal health/wellness or emotional distress, which may affect academic performance
  • Students on academic probation at the beginning of the semester
  • Academically-suspended students or those reinstated via appeal
  • Students receiving mid-term “alerts” or Early Progress Reports (EPR)
  • Students in need of additional outreach/support due to urgent issues such as medical situations, e.g. car accidents, medical emergencies, and/or any personal and/or family concerns
  • Students in need of support and assistance relative to complex issues and/or the navigation of relevant University procedures and processes
  • Students who do not appear to be making academic progress, including progress in their major
  • Students experiencing a financial crisis and/or difficulty paying their bill
  • Others on a case-by-case basis

NOTE: For student mental health emergencies related to risk to self or others, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, or other imminent dangers, please call Penn State Beaver University Police immediately at 724-773-3888.

What other resources are available?

Faculty and staff may find the following additional resources helpful when responding to student behaviors that are of concern:

Contacts for the Student Success Committee:

  • Gretchen Samchuck, coordinator, Division of Undergraduate Studies and Advising, 724-773-3677
  • Jill Tress, coordinator, Center for Academic Achievement and Disabilities Services, 724-773-3867