Academic Success Program (ASP)
Program Overview:
The Academic Success Program is intended for students experiencing academic probation. Each student that participates is paired with a Student Success Coach to discuss academic challenges, set goals, and develop a personalized plan for improvement as an accountability partner. Over the semester, each student receives personalized feedback on academic progress, with specific strategies to address individual needs. Students are also required to utilize learning services in order to build good academic habits and gain experience with the multitude of resources available at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Program Mission:
Grounded in Lasallian values and aligned with the university’s mission to awaken, nurture, and empower ethical leaders, the Academic Success Program promotes student achievement by fostering self-awareness, skill development, and intentional engagement with campus resources. All the while empowering students to take ownership of their academic journey in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Lasallian Values in Action:
The Academic Success Program supports the Lasallian core principles by:
- Upholding respect for all persons through individualized support and encouragement.
- Promoting quality education by equipping students with skills and strategies for academic success.
- Fostering an inclusive community by connecting students with faculty, peers, and campus resources.
- Encouraging faith in the presence of God through moments of reflection and personal development.
- Advancing concern for the poor and social justice by removing academic barriers and helping all students flourish.
Learning Outcomes:
Through participation in the Academic Success Program, students will:
- Reflect on their academic experience to identify personal strengths and areas for growth.
- Develop and apply effective academic strategies to meet responsibilities and deadlines.
- Build connections with campus resources, such as the Writing Center, Career Services, Access Services, peer mentors, tutoring, and faculty advisers.
- Create and implement an academic improvement plan that includes regular progress checks, goal-setting, and reflection, all aimed at returning to good academic standing
Student Guidebook
All students receive a student guidebook to work out of with their adviser during the semester they are on the Academic Success Program. To view the current guidebook, please click here. (must be logged into your Saint Mary’s account to access)
Academic Skills Resources
To view academic resources discussed during Student Success Coach meetings, please visit the Learning Services webpage.
Academic Warnings and Penalties
The Academic Success Program consists of the following:
- Weekly meetings with Student Success Coach for the duration of the semester on probation
- Attendance at the Kick-Off Meeting (Thursday, January 8 at 12pm via Zoom)
- One Academic Resource Meeting with the following learning services at some point during the semester on probation:
- Writing Center Tutor
- Peer Tutor
- Peer Mentor
“I did not become fully aware of the benefits of the program until graduation, when I reflected on how the program prepared me for my semesters at SMU. The program taught me how to balance academics, social life, recreational activities and service trips, and helped me develop self-confidence and awareness of my place in the community, at SMU, and in general. ”
“When I failed an important math class, I was devastated. If anything, getting the academic probation notice made me feel worse. Eventually, I got up the courage to talk to my advisor and my story spilled out. I was worried what she would think. But she surprised me. She told me, ‘You probably wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve had a conversation like this. Every time a person walks in thinking they are the only one, but really, more students struggle than you think.’ I saw that there’s no shame in struggling academically–lots of people do. It’s all about how you respond. When I got the letter I was really down. But I learned something important in the process, about how to face up to challenges, to ask others for help, and find a way forward. I can see now that the process was productive for me and helped me grow as a person and as a student.”