The Office of the Provost has taken proactive steps to enhance student success initiatives at Illinois State University. Three key programs have received additional funding to meet specific needs of our students.
Tutoring at the Julia N. Visor Center: An extra $75,000 annually for the next two years has been allocated to the Julia N. Visor Center. This boost in funding enables the expansion of 480+ seats each semester for tutoring services, particularly in high-demand courses. The tutors at the Visor Center are Illinois State students who are certified by the College Reading and Learning Association, ensuring quality support for their peers. Keenan Wimbley, the associate director for academic enhancement, stated, “this funding will allow us to expand our offering of academic services and support to a wider range of students. These additional services will enrich student learning experiences by fostering academic achievement, with the purpose of improved academic and personal outcomes.”
Redbirds Launch Internship Grants: Recognizing the ongoing need to support students pursuing unpaid internships, the Office of the Provost has allocated $500,000 over the next four semesters for students completing credit bearing internships. As part of an interdivisional partnership with Career Services, this funding aims to provide financial assistance to eligible students. Starting April 25, grants will be available for summer internships, offering students up to $250 per week, with a maximum total grant of $4,000. This initiative seeks to fill the gap left by the conclusion of funds from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Grant in 2021 and 2022.
IDS 128: Thriving in College, Career, and Beyond: Commonly known as “Thrive,” IDS 128 is a three credit-hour discussion-based course that reinforces essential academic skills and introduces students to campus resources and college-level expectations. Through the guidance of a trained faculty member and undergraduate peer co-instructor, IDS 128 supports first-year students in their personal and professional development by exploring topics related to identity, goal setting, career exploration, and life skills. Because ISU sees significant increases in retention for students who complete this course, seven additional sections were added in fall 2023 and seven more are anticipated in fall 2024.
Dr. Ani Yazedjian, acting vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, stated, “these initiatives foster student success and contribute to equitable access to opportunities. By investing in tutoring support, internship grants, and Thrive, ISU is demonstrating its commitment to empowering students to grow academically and professionally.”
