Colleges and universities have a vital role in supporting students beyond academics, offering resources that address their full range of needs. Students come from diverse backgrounds, each with unique challenges and needs. To foster a truly equitable environment, schools must look beyond traditional methods and consider building wraparound support systems, designed to help students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. But why stop there? Integrating choice within these systems is equally essential. When students have the power to choose where, when, and how they engage with support services, they are more likely to feel invested, motivated, and empowered.
Here’s a closer look at why institutions should focus on wraparound support and student choice as they seek to increase retention, foster academic success, and create a culture of equity on campus.
Wraparound Support is the Foundation of Student Success
College students must balance academic demands with personal, financial, and social challenges. Many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, face obstacles outside of academics that can impact their educational journey. A wraparound approach to student support aims to meet students where they are by providing resources beyond just academic help, encompassing mental health services, financial guidance, career counseling, and more.
When colleges adopt wraparound support, they acknowledge that each student’s journey is unique and requires a holistic approach to ensure success. This approach means that support structures work together seamlessly, so students don’t have to search for help in multiple places. Instead, they can rely on a cohesive network that responds to various aspects of their lives—whether they’re dealing with housing insecurity, balancing part-time jobs, or caring for family members.
Wraparound support also fosters a campus culture where students feel seen, valued, and understood. For instance, students who experience financial or personal crises may feel isolated or discouraged from continuing their education. By making comprehensive resources readily available, institutions send a clear message: all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to succeed. Schools with integrated support systems will likely see improved retention rates, higher levels of student satisfaction, and better academic outcomes. When students feel that their institution cares about their well-being, they are more likely to engage, persist, and ultimately achieve their goals.
The Power of Choice in Academic Support
While offering robust support is key, schools must also consider how they offer these services. Flexibility and autonomy are critical for today’s students, who are managing complex schedules and varied commitments. Here’s where choice comes in—letting students shape their academic support experience by choosing when, where, and with whom they engage. Studies show that when students can make these choices, they feel more in control of their academic journeys, which leads to increased engagement and improved outcomes.
- Flexible Scheduling: Allowing students to decide when they meet for tutoring can significantly reduce scheduling conflicts and increase the likelihood of attendance.
- Personalized Environment: Each student learns differently, and the environment plays a critical role in their comfort and productivity. By enabling students to select where they get tutored, colleges support individualized learning needs, increasing focus and effectiveness.
- Course-Specific Help: When students have the option to request help across any course, they are not confined to limited subject-specific support. This level of flexibility is critical in a world where students are enrolled in diverse and sometimes demanding courses.
- Tutor Compatibility: A good tutor-student relationship can be transformative. By allowing students to choose their tutor, they are more likely to feel a personal connection and accountability in their learning.
Building Lasting Impact Through Integrated Support and Choice
The combination of wraparound support and the flexibility of choice is powerful. Schools can create a supportive, inclusive learning environment that recognizes students as individuals and meets them where they are. For colleges and universities seeking to drive change, adopting these practices can be a meaningful step forward. By prioritizing equity and choice, higher education institutions can foster more successful, resilient students prepared to meet the demands of both their education and their future careers.
So, if you’re looking to bring about real change, consider doing more than what you’re already doing. By embedding wraparound support and choice into the very fabric of academic life, colleges and universities can truly empower students to take charge of their success.
Schedule a call with Knack to discover how to embrace wraparound support and student choice to drive real change.
