Student Success Initiatives Drive CSU Growth and Recognition
In an era where barely half of the nation’s college students obtain a degree within six years, Cleveland State is all about student success — and innovative ways to help them graduate on time and with as little debt as possible. And students are responding in record numbers.
Bucking national trends, CSU welcomed more than 1,900 first-year students to campus fall semester — the largest freshman class in the University’s history and a five percent increase over 2015. Freshman enrollment has more than doubled since 2006.
In addition, CSU saw increases in both the number of returning students and the number of credit hours taken, indicating positive movement both for retention and graduation rates.
“Our continued increases in freshman enrollment illustrate CSU’s position as a top destination in Northeast Ohio for higher education,” says Cindy Skaruppa, vice president for enrollment services.
Urban setting and affordability are key reasons that students choose CSU. Also ranking high is CSU’s Engaged Learning experience, which links classroom instruction with experiential learning and career opportunities through business and community partnerships.
Perhaps most importantly, CSU has placed a priority on student success — developing an impressive range of initiatives over the last five years specifically designed to help students graduate on time and with less debt. These initiatives include:
Multi-Term Registration
CSU was the first state university in Ohio — and one of the first in the nation — to offer this option, which enables students to plan their entire academic year in advance.
Demand-Driven Enrollment
Students can request enrollment in courses at full capacity by using an online waiting list. This also enables academic departments to track demand and open additional class sections as needed.
120-Credit-Hour Standard
CSU reduced and standardized the number of credit hours needed to complete most baccalaureate degree programs, enabling students to graduate in less time, with less debt.
Community College Degree Acceptance
Students holding an associate degree from Tri-C, Lakeland or Lorain are guaranteed placement in their degree program at CSU. This accelerates the path to degree completion for transfer students.
Assertive Advising
Faculty and staff keep a close watch on the progress of individual students, particularly first-year students, and provide personalized support as needed to help them succeed.
Radiance Scholarships
Radiance provides “last dollars” for students who are at risk of dropping out of school because of a shortage of funds. Since its inception in 2011, Radiance has raised $4.8 million and provided approximately 1,500 scholarships.
Last Mile
CSU was awarded a $50,000 pilot grant from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities to create Last Mile, which provides funds to senior students who have maxed out of financial aid so they are able to complete their degrees.
With these and other initiatives, four-year graduation rates have doubled over the last five years.
Innovative student success initiatives also have brought CSU national recognition, including the 2015 Excellence and Innovation Award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and positive media attention from CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Bloomberg Business and others.
In addition, the influential Brookings Institution named CSU in the top three of Ohio’s four-year public universities for “value-added” to earning power. According to Brookings, CSU graduates have mid-career salaries that are more than $10,000 higher than graduates from similar schools.
Did you know?
CSU is one of five national finalists for the 2016 Project Degree Completion Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The award recognizes public universities across the country that employ innovative approaches to improve retention and degree completion and includes a $15,000 prize to further efforts to improve student outcomes.
CSU students are ranked among the smartest in Ohio, according to a report by the online college guide Niche. The report ranks universities based on SAT/ACT data and peer reviews. CSU finished sixth among public universities in the state.
Also in This Issue...
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
Be Amazing Symposium is Amazing
The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew some 800 women (and a few men) for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit.
Making it Happen
CSU alumni played vital roles in the 2016 RNC — from city leadership to safety, free speech, and visitor experience — showcasing Cleveland’s growth, unity, and success.
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
Making it Happen
CSU alumni played vital roles in the 2016 RNC — from city leadership to safety, free speech, and visitor experience — showcasing Cleveland’s growth, unity, and success.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Be Amazing Symposium is Amazing
The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew some 800 women (and a few men) for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit.
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
A Reason to Celebrate
For the third consecutive year, generous donors helped Radiance: CSU Realizing the Promise achieve more than $1 million for scholarships.
A Message from the President
President Ronald M. Berkman highlights CSU’s record freshman class, fundraising success, improved retention, U.S. News recognition, and his advocacy for increased state support for higher education.
CSU’s man in Rio
Wally Morton, who coached CSU swimming and diving for 39 seasons, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Olympics along with his wife, Carol, a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University. It was their 10th Olympic adventure.
On the road again
Visiting Cleveland-area landmarks, hosting fun-filled family outings, touring the world, connecting with grads across the country — the CSU Alumni Association’s calendar of events has something for everyone.
73 New Members Boost Expertise of Strong Faculty
This fall, CSU welcomed 73 new faculty members, many of whom come from flagship Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions. The group includes 47 tenure/tenure track faculty – by far the largest number to join Cleveland State.
Stay Engaged!
Keep up to date with the CSU Alumni Association by following us online. Our website, csualumni.com, is your starting point for all things alumni.
Sullivan-Deckard Foster Program Lauded
Cleveland State was one of just nine colleges and universities nationwide honored by University Business magazine with a 2016 Models of Excellence award, which recognizes innovative approaches to encouraging and nurturing student success.
Be Amazing Symposium is Amazing
The Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium drew some 800 women (and a few men) for a day of inspirational, thought-provoking talks; shared meals and conversations; and renewal of drive and spirit.
CSU Among Best in the Nation
Cleveland State University again is among the best colleges and universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Lights, Cameras, Cleveland State
From Captain America and the Avengers to Ralphie, the Old Man and a pitcher known as Wild Thing — Cleveland has long been a fertile filming ground for the motion picture industry.
The Recipe for Student Success
First-gen and transfer learners thrive at CSU through TRIO, coaching, tutoring, and service pathways, proving engaged support leads to success.
Deans bring expertise to colleges
CSU welcomed three expert deans: Dr. Roland Anglin in Urban Affairs, Dr. Timothy Gaspar in Nursing, and former Ohio AG Lee Fisher at Cleveland–Marshall Law — each bringing deep experience to elevate their respective colleges.
The 26th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards honors 10 graduates
With the basketball court at Wolstein Center transformed into a sparkling ballroom, nearly 500 alumni and friends gathered to pay tribute to this year’s class of Distinguished Alumni.
Class Notes – Fall 2016
Making it Happen
CSU alumni played vital roles in the 2016 RNC — from city leadership to safety, free speech, and visitor experience — showcasing Cleveland’s growth, unity, and success.
CSU helps Cleveland shine during RNC
CSU hosted RNC events — from online classes to TEDx — boosting national media coverage and spotlighting Cleveland’s resurgence.
O Hail the Green and White
Homecoming 2016 brought hundreds of alumni back to campus to celebrate CSU.
Face-off! Lacrosse comes to CSU
The newest addition to the Department of Athletics is men’s lacrosse. The sport is the fastest growing in the nation among high school student-athletes, and CSU head coach Dylan Sheridan used the 2015-16 year to build his program.
Corporate chapters engage alumni
The Alumni Association welcomes American Greetings as its third corporate chapter. It joins the Forest City Enterprises chapter, which just celebrated its first anniversary, and Sherwin-Williams, which established a corporate chapter in 2014.
Research Aids Veterans, Caregivers
CSU researchers secured a $1 million NSF grant to develop tools supporting veterans and their caregivers — enhancing resources, care strategies, and transitions from service to civilian life.