Overview

Washburn University created the Center for Student Success and Retention (CSSR) in July 2011, in order to better support the successful transition of students into and through their first-year of studies. Students and, therefore, the Washburn Community of Learning continue to benefit from the creation of the CSSR because First-Year student retention is increasing. The CSSR and the initiatives that come out of it are changing success outcomes well beyond the first year for students. On this page, you can learn about our activities. 

First-Year Experience

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/first-year/index.html

Plass Learning Resources Center
(785) 670-1942

First-Year Experience (FYE) supports the academic, social, and personal transitions of all first-year students. Through collaborative efforts with faculty, staff, and peer educators, we empower and support first-year students by providing intentional courses, programs, and services that promote success and persistence in college. The Washburn FYE program seeks to help students begin the process of becoming information literate to promote student success in the Information Age.

First-Year Experience initiatives include the iRead common reading program, first-generation student initiatives, and special programs for first-year students. FYE is involved in New Student Orientation, Welcome Week, and Convocation. Beyond programmatic efforts, the First-Year Experience offers a series of success courses.

First Year Experience Course

This course is designed to help students develop the vital skills necessary to successfully transition into Washburn University by focusing on topics such as: information literacy, academic honesty and success, college reading and writing, campus involvement, and others that promote student success at Washburn.

Academic Advising

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/advising/index.html

Plass Learning Resources Center
(785) 670-1942

Academic Advising serves as a resource for high quality academic advising for the entire Washburn community. Academic Advising provides services and referrals to first-year, exploratory, prospective, transfer, probationary, reinstated students, and other students with academic need. Academic Advising oversees the Passport for Success (see below), Success Coaching services, and the Academic Fresh Start Program. Professional advisors assist exploratory students with academic questions, provide information about university policies, regulations, and services, assist students with course selection, and guide students in the exploration of majors. Advisors are available in Plass Learning Resources Center for daily drop-in times and appointments--Students use the Navigate360 App to schedule or call (785) 670-1942. Visit the Office of Academic Advising website for more information.

Passport for Success & Ignite Pathways

Washburn University, which historically prizes access to post-secondary education, continues to develop pathways that meets students where they are in their individual preparation. Based upon their high school GPA, students will be assigned to a professional advisor as part of either the Passport for Success or the Ichabod Ignite Pathway. In both Pathways, students will work with a professional Academic Advisor and a Student Success Coach in the CSSR to realize their educational goals.

These two advising pathways provide wraparound supports for students consisting of coursework, activities and services that are designed to put them on the path to college success. These initiatives allow students to enroll in carefully chosen courses that work toward graduation, and that are designed to develop their academic ability and success behaviors. Additional Pathway supports include:

• Advisor approved course selection and scheduling.
• Multi-session per semester Advising to discuss academic goals, progress, and degree planning.
• Multi-session per semester Success Coaching to develop success skills and behaviors
• Enrollment in WU 101 The Washburn Experience during first semester of attendance.
• Required tutoring as needed.

Students will be contacted by their assigned advisor at the beginning of each term.  For more information, please email advising@washburn.edu.

Tutoring Services

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/student-life/tutoring-writing-center/index.html

Students are encouraged to maximize their success by utilizing tutoring services. The Center for Student Success and Retention provides free 24/7 virtual tutoring for students. Tutors are available to assist students across 250 subjects. Information on additional Tutoring Services at Washburn University, including the Math tutor Center and Lab, Writing Center, and Departmental Tutoring, can be found on the Tutoring Services website. All tutoring services at Washburn are free of charge. 

The Harlan J. Koca Mathematics Enrichment Program Tutor Center

Located in Morgan Hall Room 252, the math tutoring center is staffed by peer tutors who are typically math or science majors. The center specializes in tutoring students in: 

No appointment is necessary. Please visit the Tutoring Services & Writing Center website for more information.

Math Lab

The Math Lab, located in Plass 110, is staffed by two full-time mathematics faculty members and peer tutors and specializes in tutoring students in: 

No appointment is necessary. Please visit the Tutoring Services & Writing Center website for more information.

Writing Center

The Writing Center is the place to get in-person, one-on-one help with writing across all disciplines. With 11 trained peer tutors and two dedicated faculty members, we're equipped to meet you wherever you are in your writing journey. Located in Plass 116, appointments are not required, but can be scheduled through Navigate.

Departmental Advising/Tutoring

Academic advising for students with a declared major are advised through their academic department. Students should consult with their department for further information about departmental tutoring.

Supplemental Instruction in the Sciences

Students completing science courses should contact their instructor regarding supplemental instruction opportunities.

Academic Testing

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/center-student-success/testing/index.html

Plass Learning Resources Center
(785) 670-1227

Academic Testing provides Washburn students with professional, high-quality testing services that support their educational journeys. Testing services include accommodations exams, exams that grant credit for prior learning, and select placement exams. Visit the Academic Testing website for more information.