1. Kansas State University
  2. »Division of Communications and Marketing
  3. »K-State Today
  4. »Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs initiates strategic plan

K-State Today

November 11, 2024

Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs initiates strategic plan

Submitted by Thomas Lane

Dear Campus Community,

I am excited to announce the initiation of the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs, or DASSA, strategic plan, which sets the course for enhancing student success and well-being as we work toward building the next generation of Kansas State University.

The strategic plan, crafted with input from students, staff and key university stakeholders, focuses on six core priorities to advance our mission of cohesively building, developing and paving the way for student well-being and success.

Through a continuous and collaborative process with students, academic partners and the greater community, our focus is on inclusivity, experiential learning, and holistic engagement to enhance students’ personal, academic and career growth.

These priorities include:

  1. Enhancing student recruitment and retention
    We will improve event offerings for prospective students, increase retention efforts through cross-functional collaboration and launch a student-centered website dedicated to success resources.

  2. Promoting career development and applied learning
    Bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experiences, we will develop student career readiness by aligning employment opportunities with core skills and enhancing career services.

  3. Leveraging technology and data for student success
    Through the use of advanced data analytics and generative AI, we will implement new tools and practices that support student success and retention efforts across campus.

  4. Enhancing well-being initiatives
    In alignment with K-State’s mission to be a Health-Promoting University, we will embed well-being into all areas of campus life, fostering a culture that supports holistic student success.

  5. Securing funding and partnerships
    As a next-gen land-grant university, we will expand our collaborations and secure additional funding to support student-focused initiatives.

  6. Optimizing organizational effectiveness
    We are committed to streamlining our internal processes, improving collaboration and ensuring that our team is equipped to support both our students and each other.

None of the work ahead will be possible without the DASSA team partnering throughout the university with students, faculty and staff. This plan represents a bold step forward in supporting our students’ success as we prepare to meet the evolving needs of our students and the broader K-State community.

For more details regarding the DASSA strategic plan, please visit k-state.edu/academic-success-student-affairs/about/strategic-plan/, where a PDF version of the entire plan is also available.

We look forward to your engagement and support as we implement these exciting initiatives. Together, we will create a dynamic, inclusive environment that enables all students to thrive both personally and academically.

Thank you for your continued dedication to student success!

Warm regards,

Thomas Lane
Vice president for academic success and student affairs and dean of students