At Goucher, we endeavor to deliver educational programs that prepare students with a broad, humane perspective and that lead to student success. These endeavors are inclusive and attentive to those who have been historically marginalized or excluded. We believe that students who engage deeply with our institutional learning outcomes are more likely to become stewards of their educational journey, able to set and pursue their own goals, and persist to graduation. In addition, by investing in the learning experiences that Goucher has to offer, students will be prepared to lead lives that are meaningful and purposeful, to contribute to their communities, and to become economically self-sufficient. 

The Office of Retention and Student Success contributes to this mission by:

• Working collaboratively with units across the college to implement various student success initiatives, including the LAUNCH Scholars Network, the onboarding process for all new students, and registration campaigns each semester.

• Providing support and coaching to students who are contemplating a leave of absence or are considering withdrawing from the college. Assisting students who decide to leave with the completion of leave of absence forms, withdrawal forms, and/or exit surveys.  Providing the ReConnect program to support students as they return from leaves of absence.

• Gathering, interpreting, and sharing retention and graduation data with the campus community, in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and other campus experts.

• Providing leadership to efforts to identify and support students who are experiencing difficulties that impede their success. This work is coordinated through the Care Team and the use of the Navigate student success software.

Our key campus partners include:

• Academic Center for Excellence
• Student Success Teams
• The Dean of Students Office
• The Center for Race, Equity, and Identity
• Office of Residential Life
• Office of New Student Programs
• Office of Institutional Effectiveness
• Student Financial Services

Contacts:
Studentsuccess@goucher.edu
Emily Perl, Associate Vice President for Student Success
Melissa Alexander, Director of the LAUNCH Scholars Network
Alexandra Graves, Associate Director for Student Success