High Impact Practices

The AU High Impact Practices (HIP) Implementation Team participates in the USG process to support the statewide HIP goals as a critical element of our Momentum Approach.  

The Learning Communities (LCs) activity provides first-year learning communities where two or more courses are linked thematically with collaborative instruction. The primary approach of the Learning Communities is to organize and leverage student success activities and campus resources while supporting and aligning to the mission of University College and our strategic plan, The Standard. Courses within a first-year learning community will develop co-curricular activities and focus on core areas as well as areas of academic performance, retention, student mindset, and degree progression.

FYSE courses of instruction. FYSE 1101 - “A seminar course focusing on contemporary and enduring questions that engage students in intellectual inquiry and academic life while encouraging critical thinking skills and metacognitive reflection.” 

VSU’s Quality Enhancement Plan (Experiential Learning); 2 year completion SP 23

Integration of High Impact Practices and Career Readiness into the curricula and student experiences that create a “Signature” experience for all students.

Program designed to prepare associate-degree seeking students for transition to a bachelor’s program.

Since the initial implementation the SGSC student research symposium has taken place each semester. The purpose of the symposium is to provide a forum for students to present their research to the SGSC community and interested residents of surrounding communities. Any student may engage in research to be presented, and each presenter has a faculty mentor.

Undergraduate research was initially part of our QEP, but it continues on as an important component of our student engagement. Participation has grown significantly over the years.

Establishing Learning Communities to promote student success

Designing and integrating academic success content into all sections of Area B courses, regardless of session length or modality

Success is more about what you do while you are in college and less about what college you attend. A recent study showed that the most successful students are those who participate in undergraduate experiences, such as internships, undergraduate research, and service learning. These engaged learning opportunities allow students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Through internships, undergraduate research, and service-learning, students also gain unparalleled opportunities to hone their critical thinking and communication skills.