RooSTRONG, UMKC’s student success model, asserts a vision for student experience that is personalized, engaging and data-informed from the first encounter through transition. RooSTRONG addresses barriers students may face at critical junctures in their journeys: access, entry, progress, completion, and transition. By addressing the whole person, the momentum strategies that compose RooSTRONG integrate academic initiatives that encourage progress and persistence with co-curricular initiatives designed to provide individualized supports for students in our community (e.g. students who are traditionally undeserved, first-generation college, military veterans, students with disabilities, student-athletes, and students who are academically gifted, transfer and returning students).
The new model is built upon a goal shared by faculty and staff to balance high expectations of our students with programs and services that support and facilitate their growth, development, and academic achievement. We demonstrate our support for students by being available when students need us; participating with students in the UMKC learning community; taking responsibility for the energy we bring to our students; and serving as models of learning, stewardship, and citizenship. UMKC faculty, staff, and administrators foster UMKC’s student support culture through a shared belief that each student is of unique value and is worthy of our time, attention, and respect. UMKC nurtures students through appreciative inquiry and coaching, and through continuously improving the student support process – there is always a better way. Several theories and frameworks influence the Student Success Model: 1) Loss/Momentum Framework, 2) Growth Mindset, and 3) Student Development Theory.
RooSTRONG adapted Completion by Design's Loss/Momentum Framework and bases student success strategies in the following critical junctures.
Patton, L. D., Renn, K. A., Guido, F. M., & Quaye, S. J. (2016). Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Chickering, A. W., & Gamson, Z. F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE bulletin, 3, 7.
RooSTRONG promotes a Culture of Caring that works effectively and efficiently for students. Students who embrace the UMKC Culture of Caring will: