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Florida State University has set new benchmarks in graduation and retention figures, reinforcing its position as a significant national frontrunner in student academic achievement.
This year, FSU recorded an unprecedented 78% four-year graduation rate, rising from last year’s 76%, placing it among the Top 9 public schools across the country. The six-year graduation rate also remained steady at 86%, consistent with the previous year.
“The success of our students is core to our mission, and these unprecedented graduation and retention rates illustrate the results of our commitments,” stated FSU President Richard McCullough. “With academically gifted students and a devoted faculty and staff, coupled with a nurturing atmosphere, Florida State persistently sets the benchmark for an exceptional undergraduate journey in the nation.”
Retention rates, which reflect the percentage of first-year students who continue from their initial to second fall semesters, ascended from last year’s 96% to a new peak of 97% this year. FSU ranks in the Top 4 nationally regarding retention among public universities.
“These figures highlight FSU’s steadfast dedication to student success,” remarked Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “I take immense pride in our skilled faculty, staff, and students for their diligence and commitment to academic distinction. They contribute to making FSU a remarkable environment where students develop, excel, and ultimately graduate prepared for their next life and career phases.”
The role of Vice President for Student Academic Success was recently established to promote FSU’s student-focused mission and spearhead the university’s initiatives to recruit, retain, and graduate a distinguished student body at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
We aspire for all students to recognize that we are here to champion their greatest dreams and aspirations, and to assist them in connecting with the resources and mentors necessary to achieve their fullest potential.
– Vice President for Student Academic Success Joe O’Shea
Initiatives for student academic success at FSU encompass tailored academic advising, tutoring, workshops, and coaching services; assistance and guidance for cohorts facing distinct situations, such as first-generation students and Pell Grant recipients; impactful enrichment opportunities like undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad programs; comprehensive programming for high-achieving students in the Honors and Presidential Scholars programs; and support for faculty members as they juggle innovative research with meaningful teaching.
“This is an exhilarating period for student success at FSU,” O’Shea declared. “We intend for all students to understand that we are here to support their most ambitious dreams and objectives, and to facilitate connections with the resources and mentors essential for achieving their utmost potential. Our students benefit from FSU’s distinctive combination of academic excellence and profound sense of community and mutual care.”
FSU establishes state of Florida record for transfer student graduation rate
FSU has also achieved a new record for itself and among all institutions in the State University System of Florida concerning transfer student graduation rates, with over 80% of students completing their degrees in three years or less after transferring to FSU with an associate in arts (AA) degree from Florida College System schools.
“Students who transition to FSU from other institutions significantly enrich our university community, offering unique insights to the student population,” stated Heather Bishop, assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies. “We offer transfer students success coaching, peer mentoring, and specialized programming to familiarize them with university resources and foster a transfer community where they can thrive at FSU and graduate on schedule.”
Approximately 25% of undergraduates at FSU have transferred from other institutions, and FSU nurtures their transition through the “Thrive25” initiative managed by Transfer Student Services. In addition to the Transfer Connections and Success course for first-semester students and the opportunity to be paired with a peer mentor or transfer success coach, transfer students can join the nationally acknowledged Tau Sigma honor society, attend specialized engagement events, partake in the Transfer Student Union, and serve as peer mentors within the Transfer Leadership Institute.
FSU collaborates closely with its two main feeder institutions, Tallahassee State College (TSC) and Miami Dade College, to guarantee a seamless transition for students. Along with providing academic program outlines, FSU offers enhanced advising and support that aids students transferring to FSU post-earning their AA degree.
FSU has also made recent enhancements in assisting students who transition to FSU after acquiring 12-15 credit hours at Tallahassee State College through the FSU Next Program admissions pathway.
Students enrolled in the FSU Next Program spend their fall semester at TSC before transferring in the spring to FSU. During their fall semester, they also participate in FSU’s “Gateway to Garnet and Gold” course, held on the FSU campus, which acclimatizes them to university life.
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