Student Support and Retention: College-Specific Integration of Social Work Case Management in a Higher Education Setting

N

21

College Students; Student Personnel Services; Caseworkers; Social Work; Caseworker Approach; Student Needs; Academic Persistence; Student Satisfaction; Program Effectiveness

1047-8485

University student support services are broad and varied. These services are generally located centrally on campus rather than in a specific academic area. Offering a decentralized, college-specific student support and retention model that partners with academic and student affairs allows for a more holistic, integrated approach to student support resources. UA Little Rock has implemented this innovative model by housing a licensed social worker in each of its main campus colleges. These social work specialists provide case management services to assess student needs and then connect the student to needed resources. This includes a wide range of services, from triage of at-risk students for mental health, academic, and financial stressors to the coordination of on-campus and community referrals. The primary goals of this initiative include increased student use of case management services, improved student retention, and increased student satisfaction. Pilot evaluation data indicates that a diverse population of students across multiple disciplines is utilizing the decentralized services. Retention rates for students receiving case management services differ based on their presenting issue(s). To support the ongoing evaluation of services, there is a need to more clearly standardize data collection without disrupting practice.

As Provided

2024

EJ1434951