A Message from the President
In high school, Amber Kuehn sustained a serious ballet injury that required surgery and extensive physical therapy. After beating the odds and making a full recovery, she came to Cleveland State University, a first-generation college student who aspired to become a physical therapist herself. Nobody said it would be easy. Nonetheless, Amber plowed ahead with her pre-PT studies, including a battery of challenging anatomy and biology courses. She was determined to succeed.
Student success: It’s the mantra du jour in higher education. But merely repeating buzzwords over and over won’t make them a reality. If we really want students to succeed, we must provide an “operating system” that maximizes the chance to be successful.
At CSU, we have attempted to build this system by making dramatic changes in how students are advised, while also creating better pathways to optimize degree completion, including incentives that reward students. We know the college experience can be fraught with potential cracks to fall through, especially for nontraditional students or first-generation students, who are far more likely than their peers to drop out.
This operating system for student success helped Amber handily beat the odds again. Throughout her tenure at CSU she was supported by a suite of programs that help students stay on track to graduation.
These include:
- Multi-term registration, which allows students to plan coursework for an entire academic year at once, rather than by semester, facilitating access to required courses;
- Demand-driven enrollment, which enables students to request spots in courses at full capacity via online waitlists and makes it possible for departments to open additional class sections to meet demand; and
- An adjusted tuition band, which lets students take up to 18 credit hours per semester at the same cost as 12 credit hours.
Amber also qualified for CSU’s Graduation Incentive Plan. It provided a two percent tuition rebate and a $200 book stipend to students who complete 30 credit hours per academic year in good academic standing.
Amber further benefited from intensive academic advising as well as tutoring through our TRIO program, which provides special assistance for first-generation and low-income students. She went on to become a tutor herself.
Our student success initiatives have strengthened the safety net at CSU. We’re seeing steady increases in retention and graduation rates, while simultaneously helping students save time and money en route to earning their degrees.
Just ask Amber. She completed her undergraduate career in three and a half years – ahead of schedule. At CSU’s December 2016 commencement, she was the valedictorian of our College of Sciences and Health Professions, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor of science in health sciences.
When Amber received her diploma, I was so proud to shake her hand. She’ll soon start graduate school in pursuit of a doctor of physical therapy degree. She ultimately hopes to work with older adults. I have no doubt she will realize her aspirations. Nothing breeds success like success.
Ronald M. Berkman
President
BREAKING NEWS
Campaign Surpasses Goal!
At press time, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University had surpassed its $100 million goal! Thank you!
“We are thrilled with the campaign’s success and couldn’t be more grateful to everyone for their support. ENGAGE will help ensure the continued success of CSU students and provide a pipeline of graduates who are committed to using their education for the betterment of Northeast Ohio,” said President Ronald M. Berkman.
Read more about the success of ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University here and in the next issue of Cleveland State magazine.
Also in This Issue...
The Dollars (and Sense) of Higher Education
CSU tackles rising costs and low degree rates by speeding time to graduation, expanding financial aid, and reducing student debt.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Learning Commons Promotes Collaboration
Peek into the new Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr. Learning Commons in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and you might marvel at what you see.
Fostering Hope and Student Success
Without family, emotional and financial support, and skills to make it on their own, the prospects for success are indeed grim for emancipated foster youth. That’s where CSU and insightful donors are making a world of difference.
AHA! CSU Hosts Arts and Humanities Festival
Immerse yourself in books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas at CSU’s inaugural Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival, taking place Wednesday through Friday, June 7-9.
Kudos to Cleveland State
Campus International School, the innovative partnership between CSU and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, continues to earn national notice, receiving the Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Impact Award from the Council of Great City Schools.
New on Campus
CSU has unveiled new facilities and resources: upgraded labs, smart classrooms, improved residence halls, and renovated student spaces — all enhancing learning, research, and campus life.
Nursing Collaborations Enhance Health Care
CSU and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center are expanding their collaborations to bolster the academic and medical hub in the Campus District.
Serving Those Who Served
They served their country. Now Cleveland State University is serving veterans by helping them transition from the military to civilian life and college student.
Students Engage Alumni to Support CSU
The next time your phone rings, it might be Cleveland State calling. The University strives to keep in contact with alumni through social media, email and yes, even mail and telephone.
Lift Up Vikes! Lifts Spirits and Lives
Cleveland State University is committed to student success. But what if students who are hungry to learn are also just plain hungry?
Undergrads Hone Research Skills
It’s almost summer and most CSU students will be taking a break from classes and studying. But not 59 students who were selected for participation in the 2017 Undergraduate Summer Research Award Program, funded by the CSU Office of Research.
Campaign is Over-the-Top Success
Publicly launched two years ago, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, was the first-ever fundraising effort of its kind for the University.
Alumni Recognition Awards
The Fenn Tower ballroom was sizzling – and not because it was 60-plus degrees on a mid-January evening. It was sizzling with excitement, cheers and applause as the audience saluted the first recipients of CSU’s Alumni Recognition Awards.
Leadership and Empowerment in the Spotlight at Women’s Symposium
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 500-plus participants felt following CSU’s third annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Be Amazing.”
On the Road with CSUAA
It was fun in the sun – five times over – when the Alumni Association traveled to Texas, Florida and Arizona to engage with graduates at special events.
Vowed Vikings Share Love Stories
Love was in the air…and the Alumni Association celebrated by asking Vikings to share their love stories.
Class Notes – Summer 2017
The Dollars (and Sense) of Higher Education
CSU tackles rising costs and low degree rates by speeding time to graduation, expanding financial aid, and reducing student debt.
Fostering Hope and Student Success
Without family, emotional and financial support, and skills to make it on their own, the prospects for success are indeed grim for emancipated foster youth. That’s where CSU and insightful donors are making a world of difference.
Kudos to Cleveland State
Campus International School, the innovative partnership between CSU and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, continues to earn national notice, receiving the Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Impact Award from the Council of Great City Schools.
Nursing Collaborations Enhance Health Care
CSU and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center are expanding their collaborations to bolster the academic and medical hub in the Campus District.
Students Engage Alumni to Support CSU
The next time your phone rings, it might be Cleveland State calling. The University strives to keep in contact with alumni through social media, email and yes, even mail and telephone.
Undergrads Hone Research Skills
It’s almost summer and most CSU students will be taking a break from classes and studying. But not 59 students who were selected for participation in the 2017 Undergraduate Summer Research Award Program, funded by the CSU Office of Research.
Alumni Recognition Awards
The Fenn Tower ballroom was sizzling – and not because it was 60-plus degrees on a mid-January evening. It was sizzling with excitement, cheers and applause as the audience saluted the first recipients of CSU’s Alumni Recognition Awards.
On the Road with CSUAA
It was fun in the sun – five times over – when the Alumni Association traveled to Texas, Florida and Arizona to engage with graduates at special events.
Class Notes – Summer 2017
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Learning Commons Promotes Collaboration
Peek into the new Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr. Learning Commons in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and you might marvel at what you see.
AHA! CSU Hosts Arts and Humanities Festival
Immerse yourself in books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas at CSU’s inaugural Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival, taking place Wednesday through Friday, June 7-9.
New on Campus
CSU has unveiled new facilities and resources: upgraded labs, smart classrooms, improved residence halls, and renovated student spaces — all enhancing learning, research, and campus life.
Serving Those Who Served
They served their country. Now Cleveland State University is serving veterans by helping them transition from the military to civilian life and college student.
Lift Up Vikes! Lifts Spirits and Lives
Cleveland State University is committed to student success. But what if students who are hungry to learn are also just plain hungry?
Campaign is Over-the-Top Success
Publicly launched two years ago, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, was the first-ever fundraising effort of its kind for the University.
Leadership and Empowerment in the Spotlight at Women’s Symposium
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 500-plus participants felt following CSU’s third annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Be Amazing.”
Vowed Vikings Share Love Stories
Love was in the air…and the Alumni Association celebrated by asking Vikings to share their love stories.
The Dollars (and Sense) of Higher Education
CSU tackles rising costs and low degree rates by speeding time to graduation, expanding financial aid, and reducing student debt.
AHA! CSU Hosts Arts and Humanities Festival
Immerse yourself in books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas at CSU’s inaugural Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival, taking place Wednesday through Friday, June 7-9.
Nursing Collaborations Enhance Health Care
CSU and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center are expanding their collaborations to bolster the academic and medical hub in the Campus District.
Lift Up Vikes! Lifts Spirits and Lives
Cleveland State University is committed to student success. But what if students who are hungry to learn are also just plain hungry?
Alumni Recognition Awards
The Fenn Tower ballroom was sizzling – and not because it was 60-plus degrees on a mid-January evening. It was sizzling with excitement, cheers and applause as the audience saluted the first recipients of CSU’s Alumni Recognition Awards.
Vowed Vikings Share Love Stories
Love was in the air…and the Alumni Association celebrated by asking Vikings to share their love stories.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Learning Commons Promotes Collaboration
Peek into the new Judy and Robert H. Rawson, Jr. Learning Commons in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and you might marvel at what you see.
Kudos to Cleveland State
Campus International School, the innovative partnership between CSU and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, continues to earn national notice, receiving the Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Impact Award from the Council of Great City Schools.
Serving Those Who Served
They served their country. Now Cleveland State University is serving veterans by helping them transition from the military to civilian life and college student.
Undergrads Hone Research Skills
It’s almost summer and most CSU students will be taking a break from classes and studying. But not 59 students who were selected for participation in the 2017 Undergraduate Summer Research Award Program, funded by the CSU Office of Research.
Leadership and Empowerment in the Spotlight at Women’s Symposium
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 500-plus participants felt following CSU’s third annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Be Amazing.”
Class Notes – Summer 2017
Fostering Hope and Student Success
Without family, emotional and financial support, and skills to make it on their own, the prospects for success are indeed grim for emancipated foster youth. That’s where CSU and insightful donors are making a world of difference.
New on Campus
CSU has unveiled new facilities and resources: upgraded labs, smart classrooms, improved residence halls, and renovated student spaces — all enhancing learning, research, and campus life.
Students Engage Alumni to Support CSU
The next time your phone rings, it might be Cleveland State calling. The University strives to keep in contact with alumni through social media, email and yes, even mail and telephone.
Campaign is Over-the-Top Success
Publicly launched two years ago, ENGAGE: The Campaign for Cleveland State University, was the first-ever fundraising effort of its kind for the University.
On the Road with CSUAA
It was fun in the sun – five times over – when the Alumni Association traveled to Texas, Florida and Arizona to engage with graduates at special events.