McDonough Chapel Saint Xavier University
Following the removal of Saint Xavier University’s (SXU) previous Provost, Saib Othman, Ph.D; Natalie Page, Ed.D, and Alexander King, Ph.D, MBA, CPA were welcomed to collaborate as SXU’s new acting Provosts.
Previously to the removal, the Provost’s office only oversaw professors and academics, being more classroom focused.
There has been a recent reorganization of Academic Affairs, Student Life, Student Success and Registration under the Provost’s office, using information from the Student Success Inventory (SSI) Survey to enhance collaboration and the overall student experience.
Page and King shared that the reorganization will ensure a strategic and seamless approach from recruitment to graduation. Each role being integrated will make communication easier and more effective.
According to Page, “Faculty are in the trenches with our students on the day to day,” and bringing Student Success and the Provost’s office together will help better understand what it is students really need.
“When there’s an issue here they can tell these other people and we can get the support so we can follow up on these issues,” said Page.
Instead of having a model where one group hands students off to different groups, there will be a continuous process where the student is taken care of and has the resources they need throughout their time in college.
Page shared, “From the first time we chat with them about whether they want to be here until they graduate, and afterwards, is as they become alumni and contributing members of our community.”
There is a listening and learning tour currently in the process in order to speak with and learn how to support different areas, learn about them, support them and figure out any priorities. According to King and Page, this will help them gather information for the strategic plan, which will be completed around Thanksgiving.
From now on, Students will have the opportunity to speak to a specific staff member that will follow them through their time at SXU. SXU’s Career Development Center and Advisors will be working together with faculty to aid students with resumes, prepare for interviews, internships and more with a plan already in place.
“We are just very optimistic about the restructure, with what we’ve got, as we’ve been starting our tour and listening to all different groups, there’s been so many bright spots,” stated Page.
By doing this, students will have a portfolio ready to better prepare them for their future careers.
King explained continuing to attend Student Government Association (SGA) meetings to share updates and speak on priorities. “I want to get their input as far as priorities and such. So really just listening…looking for and what will help them the best to be successful,” said King.
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