2: Student Engagement and Success

Continue our efforts to deepen student engagement.

Other Information:

Students always have been and remain absolutely central to Ryerson’s mission and identity. In 2006 the President’s Commission on Student Engagement commented on the state of engagement at Ryerson, and recommended several steps to strengthen it. Many of its recommendations have been acted upon, including for example the creation of the office of Vice Provost, Students and the restructuring of some services for students. In the next five years the University must continue its efforts to deepen student engagement and success by building on the many initiatives that have recently (and not so recently) been launched. The strategies below point to a number of areas that will receive special attention, such as English language skills; writing, math, and research skills; efforts to promote a more inclusive community through, for example, Tri-mentoring and access and outreach programs; and efforts to facilitate student-directed initiatives, some academic, others not. All of these areas contribute to the overall goal: to be even more effective in fostering an environment in which students are passionately engaged in their own education, and in their own development, and in the development of our community as a whole. Student success is inextricably connected to the University’s success. Every area of the University, not only the academic programs, contributes to that success. Students require academic and non-academic support, quality spaces for study and learning, and engagement with the wealth of opportunities that are part of a positive and enriching educational experience. Student engagement, success, and retention are intricately related to an overall sense of university community. There are many kinds of communities—from small groups to which individuals can belong, to larger entities that encompass greater numbers of people. The Ryerson community includes not only its faculty and students, but also all of the staff and support personnel. Without them, the University could not function. A culture of respect, where all members of the community are valued for the part they play in making the institution successful, requires constant nurturing and attention. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, SUCCESS, AND RETENTION There are many ways students can engage in the life of the University, and there are many areas outside of their specific academic experience that contribute to their success and to completing their degrees at Ryerson. Ryerson has spent much time looking at these areas. There are challenges to being an urban campus that draws students from a wide area. Relatively few students live in residence, and many students have jobs and residences off campus. It is essential that Ryerson provide students with opportunities to engage with the campus and the support to help ensure that that engagement leads to successful conclusions. Ryerson is also committed to serving under-represented populations, and to providing access and opportunities to those who have lacked opportunities to succeed. Working to meet the needs of both potential and matriculated students is important as part of the University’s engagement with the citizens of Toronto, Ontario, and Canada, and with its civic mission and the commitments of its academic community to equal opportunity, fairness, and a democratic society. Student Support -- Overwhelmingly, students perceive Ryerson to be a place where students matter as individuals, and where their individual success matters too. Support for students at Ryerson is already a high priority. That support is created holistically across the University, and takes the effort of staff, faculty, and students themselves. Some is delivered formally, as in library workshops or through the Learning Success programs or in the laboratories or clinical settings, for example. It is also informal, through impromptu discussions about academic advising, ideas and projects, aspirations, and all the rest. Wherever it happens, it is important to the development of students that the environment created across the University express a genuine interest in the intellectual growth and well-being of students and a commitment to creating and renewing a supportive environment. Students helping students through peer-helper programs, in math and writing labs, for example, are very effective means to that end, and the University is committed to expanding and preserving new opportunities for peer on peer support. As the number of programs and options expands, student advising will continue to play an important role in student success, including a sense of commitment to learning, retention, the timely completion of academic programs, and satisfaction with a Ryerson education. It will be critical to sustain Ryerson’s historic commitment to superb teaching and academic advising even as the University moves more fully into its comprehensive status; meaningful academic advising, along with formal interactions with faculty members, are of very high importance with respect to student engagement. In the consultation process leading to this Plan, many members of the community identified the need for more support for fundamental skills: math, writing, critical thinking, and ESL. Particularly for those students who struggle to make academic progress early in their university careers, these are essential areas needing more support, and that support can also help to improve the performance and postgraduation opportunities of even the most successful university graduates. The University must also ensure that it mounts strong programs for first-generation students, New Canadians, Aboriginal students, LGTB Q students, culturally and linguistically diverse students, and students with disabilities. Gains in these initiatives have been steady over the past few years, but more support is necessary, and will be a priority as part of Ryerson’s commitment to accessibility. As the diversity of the GT A increases, so must our effort to understand who is coming to Ryerson, and who is not; who chooses particular programs, and why. We want to ensure that students from underrepresented groups—e.g. low income families, Black communities, Aboriginal communities—are not excluded from Ryerson. Due to its history and urban location, Ryerson has a relatively small residential population. In this context, and in light of our diversity, all Ryerson students benefit not just from peer and faculty support but from the support of staff dedicated to student life—who help to develop events, activities, and programs based on student need. Following up on the Commission on Student Engagement, the Vice Provost, Students will lead an analysis of the next steps necessary to help boost student engagement even further. Student Services, the Registrariat, and other units will work with the faculties to enhance local supports; and will collaborate widely with students, clubs, and other partner organizations to strengthen student engagement, retention, and success.

Objective(s):

Strategy 11: Services Assessment

Strategy 12: Sports and Recreation

Strategy 13: Space

Content