The University of Toledo

Mission and History

Division of Student Success Vision:

The Division of Student Success is to create a richer and more fulfilling academic experience for all students at The University of Toledo.

Division of Student Success Mission:

The mission of the Division of Student Success is to achieve our vision of building a richer academic experience by leading in the formation and delivery of programs for student access, retention, success and enrichment.  As a gateway and a catalyst for learning, we set the stage for student self-discovery and achievement of academic goals.  We serve a diverse student population in a holistic and humanistic manner through community and collegial collaboration and the delivery of innovative, effective academic programs and student support services.

Tag line:  “Working to support and enhance your academic journey.”

History:

In President Jacobs’s State of the University Address in April 2008, he announced the creation of a “New Entity” within The University of Toledo to organizationally house many of the functions essential to extreme student centeredness. He noted how this will be a step to assist with the University’s efforts of implementing a philosophy of extreme student centeredness.

On August 18, 2008, The University of Toledo Learning Collaborative was officially formed. This evolving “college” model will work to support and enhance the undergraduate academic journey here at The University of Toledo, empowering student success. 

The University has regrouped existing services and programs in order to help guide students to be purposeful in planning their academic career.  The UT Learning Collaborative (UTLC) will be able to identify partnership opportunities between programs; develop new initiatives to support and enhance a student’s education; and be strategic on utilizing resources. The UTLC will also serve a key role in the success of the University Systems of Ohio state plan by creating a rich learning environment and working to retain students.
 
This is a distinctive model that supports student learning, while keeping the focus on the individual student and his or her success.  The UTLC will be led by Margaret Traband, UTLC interim executive director and vice provost with six primary areas of focus: academic enrichment, student success and retention, academic support services, student solutions, gateway programs, and University College Degree Programs.

In September 2011, with new direction and focus areas, Angela Paprocki was named the executive director of the UT Learning Collaborative (UTLC) and Dr. Sam Spann was named the executive director of the new Center for International Studies and Programs (CISP).

Margaret Traband, vice provost for undergraduate studies and special assistant to the provost, and former UTLC executive director, said the goal of creating CISP and narrowing the focus of the UTLC is to provide more of a focus area for UT’s student support services and international experiences.

In 2011, the UTLC housed the following office and program: Office of Accessibility, Learning Enhancement Center, Writing Center, Career Service, Testing Services, Student Athletic Academic Services, Office of New Student Orientation, Gateway Programs, and the Office of Excellence.

In January 2012, the UTLC administrative office relocated to University Hall. 

May 2011, UT administrative organizational changes are announced.  The UTLC changes name to the Divison of Student Success and Paprocki becomes assistant dean for student success.  The DSS consist of High School Outreach, Career Services, Student Athletic Academic Services, Office of Excellence (Toledo Excel, Upward Bound and TRIO- Student Support Services), Learning Enhancement Center, Testing Services, Office of Accessibility and New Student Orientation Programs.