National Institute of Student Success (NISS) Initiative
What is it? NISS evaluates student success at scale, supporting universities in identifying and resolving institutional barriers to equity and the completion of studies by increasing their capacity to implement proven student-success systems. This institute assisted the UFS by consulting with various UFS role-players to collect data to enhance student success. The NISS provides three services: the Accelerator, the Diagnostic, and Implementation Support. This project fits within the scope of evidence-based and intervention-based research, and forms part of the larger Siyaphumelela initiative.
Why is it important? Triangulating institutional data trends with key role-player perspectives provides a holistic view of what is happening in terms of student support. The project also helps the UFS to benchmark its students success initiatives with international best practice.
How is it implemented? The NISS team met with many leaders and key role-players from different UFS units (CTL, finances, faculties, student academic services, student affairs, etc.) to compile a data-rich overview of current trends at the institutional level and provide possible suggestions to improve practices.
For more information about the NISS, please visit their website:
www.niss.gsu.edu