What Is Student Success? Re-Engaging the Value Proposition of Higher Education

In higher education, student success is often defined narrowly in terms of grades and academic achievement. While important, this limited view can overlook the civic, emotional, and interpersonal dimensions that shape students as whole people. True success requires more than mastering content—it depends on creating learning environments where diversity is meaningfully engaged, respectful dialogue is encouraged, and community building is valued as highly as technical skills. Without this broader approach, opportunities to foster deeper growth and connection are often missed.

In this 20-Minute Mentor, Dr. Bryan Dewsbury challenges educators to rethink what it means to support student success and provides practical ways to put that vision into action. Drawing from his experience teaching introductory biology, he shares how to set the tone with inclusive group work, establish values-driven class norms, and assess community building alongside academic learning. Through these strategies, Dewsbury offers a compelling framework for redefining success, rehumanizing the classroom, and preparing students to navigate a complex and interconnected world.

After viewing this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, participants will be able to: 

• Define student success using inclusive and holistic frameworks
• Analyze how affective and civic dimensions impact classroom learning
• Design group activities that promote meaningful engagement across differences
• Implement strategies for fostering respectful and productive classroom dialogue
• Evaluate the presence and quality of classroom community using appropriate assessment tools

TOPICS COVERED 

• Redefining student success beyond academic performance
• Integrating civic and emotional development into classroom learning
• Designing inclusive group work that fosters dialogue across differences
• Using values-based frameworks to guide respectful classroom discussions
• Assessing community-building and affective outcomes alongside academic ones

AUDIENCE

This program will benefit:

• Faculty (all disciplines and levels)
• Department Chairs
• Teaching and Learning Center Staff
• Academic Advisors
• Faculty Developers
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinators
• First-Year Experience Coordinators

Product Code: PM25WA