[393] ‘Best Practices’ summit explores student success ideas for universities

MURFREESBORO — Keeping students in college and helping them achieve their goals will be the focus of a gathering at MTSU.

Nearly 400 higher-education professionals are registered to attend the Best Practices for Student Success and Retention Summit, which is slated for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, in the Student Union ballroom.

“This summit will provide an opportunity for faculty and staff from universities throughout the region to address issues being faced by technical schools, community colleges and four-year institutions,” said Barbara Scales, director of MTSU’s June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students.

Dr. Vincent Tinto, distinguished professor emeritus at Syracuse University, will deliver the keynote address at 9 a.m. followed by a book signing.

Tinto’s latest book, “Completing College—Rethinking Institutional Action,” describes a range of programs that have helped universities promote student success and policies for implementing those programs.

Winner of the 2012 Walter O. Mason award from the Council of Educational Opportunity for his work on the retention of low-income students, Tinto has written extensively about the impact of learning communities on student growth and attainment.

Nearly 40 presentations, including 25 workshops, are scheduled. Topics include technology, adult learners, peer mentoring, internships, distance learning and freshman involvement. A panel of students will offer ideas during the lunch hour.

The Best Practices summit is sponsored by the Tennessee Board of Regents, MTSU, the June Anderson Center, the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, the Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Center, the Career Development Center, the MTSU University College and the University of Memphis Office of Adult and Commuter Student Services.

For more information, contact Scales at 615-898-5812 or barbara.scales@mtsu.edu.