Student Affairs Newsblog

Supporting Our Academically Suspended Students

Published
By
Anna McClatchy

About the Author

Anna McClatchy, EdD

Assistant Dean of Student Success and Director of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

On December 17, 2024, a handful of offices processed several thousand grades. For many students, this resulted in a sigh of relief, or even celebration, but for some this news may not have been as joyous. On average, 100 students receive academic suspensions at the end of each semester. Of those 100 or so students, 50 percent of them appeal their suspension to the Scholastic Standards Committee. Nearly half of those appeals are approved each semester. The remaining students must sit out on suspension. Suspension terms last for one semester plus summer semester, or for an entire academic year.

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The Vital Role of Student Org Advisors

Published
By
Danielle Meirow

About the Author

Danielle Meirow

Director of Student Leadership and Involvement

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Michigan Tech is currently home to 249 student organizations with 14 additional groups in the process of forming. These organizations contribute significantly to campus life and help to create a sense of belonging for many Huskies. During the 2023-2024 academic year alone, Student Leadership and Involvement oversaw over 180 travel requests, 600 event submissions, and $410,000 of allocated funding on behalf of student groups. This is no small feat, and we would not be able to do so without the support of advisors who provide day-to-day mentorship to each of our registered student organizations on campus.

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Promoting a Culture of Care on Campus

Published
By
Crystal McLeod

About the Author

Crystal Primeau McLeod, MA, LLP

Director, Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

It may not be surprising to hear that the mental health needs of college students have heightened in recent years; numerous articles and surveys have brought attention to the increased mental health challenges college students face. Impacts of this escalating concern are evident on campuses nationwide, emphasizing the critical need for a proactive and comprehensive approach to address the issue.

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The Pros and Cons of Using AI in Student Affairs

Published
By
Rob Bishop

About the Author

Rob Bishop

Assistant Dean of Academic Conduct

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Since the release of Chat GPT in November 2022, I have kept a close watch on how generative artificial intelligence (AI) might impact my work in academic conduct. So far, it hasn’t been significant. The use of AI overall in student affairs offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance the student experience and administrative efficiency. One of the primary advantages is the ability of AI to provide personalized support to students. AI-driven chatbots can offer 24/7 assistance, answering common questions about campus resources, enrollment, financial aid, and more. This can improve accessibility and ensure students receive timely information, even outside of traditional office hours. AI can also analyze student data to identify those who may be at risk of academic or personal challenges, enabling early intervention by student affairs professionals. This proactive approach can lead to improved student retention and success rates.

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Student and Family Support from the Dean of Students

Published
By
Kellie Raffaelli

About the Author

Kellie Raffaelli, EdD

Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The Dean of Students Office staff, including the Dean, focus their time and effort on supporting and advocating for the students and their experiences on campus. Students come to campus with complex backgrounds and sometimes life can get in the way, usually at the worst times. The Dean of Students staff are available to support students while they navigate the challenges life often presents, and help students find solutions that will hopefully allow them to continue to meet their academic goals. The Dean of Students staff often work closely with many people to support the students, at Michigan Tech this group often involves the students’ parents and families.

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