Initiatives and Support

Through programmatic development, process review and creation, and data analyzation, the Office of Retention Initiatives endeavors to positively impact student retention and success at Western Illinois University.

University Retention Initiative Plan

The University Retention Initiative Team was charged with the development of a University retention plan. Utilizing institutional research data, best practice review, comparisons to peer institutions, and insight from current students, faculty, staff, non-retained students, and alumni, the University Retention Initiative Team developed a list of barriers to retention and student success. This plan outlines recommended actions Western Illinois University could take to support goals, overcome barriers, and improve student success. This plan is understood to be a direct development of the 2017-2027 Higher Values in Higher Education strategic planning document. The University Retention Initiative Plan and updates can be found here.

Building Connections Mentorship Program

The Building Connections Mentorship program focuses on assisting students in their transition to Western Illinois University. Students are paired with faculty and staff members who facilitate individual meetings to discuss campus connections, resources, and more. 

Outreach and Support

The Office of Retention Initiatives coordinates outreach text, call, email, and other campaigns throughout the year to share resources, insight, and support. Our Teleconnector team consists of a group of Western Illinois University students who have a passion for assisting and supporting fellow students.

Connections Mapping Program

The Connections Mapping Program focused on connecting students to valuable campus resources during critical times throughout the semester.

Offices in Retention Area

Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement
The Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement focuses on career development for both the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses, as well as online students. Offering traditional resources like resume review, interview preparation, career navigation and more, the Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement will also focus on the enhancement of employer relations and engagement with our students to create increased experiential learning opportunities. The Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement is found in the lower level of Memorial Hall on the Macomb campus, as well as in QC Complex C on the Quad Cities campus, and led by Audrey Adamson. More can be learned about the Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement at  wiu.edu/careers .

First Year Advising Center
Incoming first-year students are advised via an outstanding advising team in the First Year Advising Center who support incoming students through their first year with multiple meetings and touch points. The First Year Advising Center also serves students in the Reach program, as well as students who are undecided in their field of study. The First Year Advising Center also supports current high school students who are dually enrolled at Western Illinois University. The First Year Advising Center is located in the lower level of Memorial Hall, led by Michelle Yager. More can be learned about the First Year Advising Center at  wiu.edu/FYadvising .

Transition and Academic Skills Center
Leatherneck Launch (new student orientation in fall, spring, summer) and Camp Leatherneck are two key programs coordinated from the center to focus on the first steps students take as Leathernecks. The Transition and Academic Skills Center also focus on all students' transition to their academic college life by focusing on academic skill development resources like Rocky's Resources, the Academic Success Coaching Program, academic skill workshops and other tutoring support. The Transition and Academic Skills Center is located in the lower level of Memorial Hall under the leadership of Michelle Janisz. More can be learned about the Transition and Academic Skills Center at  wiu.edu/tasc .

Office of Retention Initiatives
The Office of Retention Initiatives will continue to provide mentorship programming resources and early intervention initiatives for students located in Sherman Hall. The Office of Retention Initiatives works closely with the Provost's Office on the implementation of the First Year Experience program, as well as the Division of Student Services to ensure processes are in place to support students. More can be learned about the Office of Retention Initiatives at  wiu.edu/retention .

Retention Staff and Teams

Executive Director of Retention Initiatives

Justin Schuch
Sherman Hall 118 

Director of Transition and Academic Skills Center

Dr. Michelle Janisz
Memorial Hall 008 

Director of First Year Advising Center

Michelle Yager
Memorial Hall 033

Director of Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement

Audrey Adamson
QC Complex C 1416

Director of Student Outreach and Support

Jackie Miller
Sherman Hall 118

Assistant Director of  Retention Initiatives

Kelly Severs
Sherman Hall 118

Graduate Assistants and Support

Jessica Kennel

Mohamed Osman

Jasmine Stokes

 

 

University Retention Initiative Team

The University Retention Initiative Team was established by the Office of Retention Initiatives to focus on data analyzation and response to meet student needs. The Retention Initiatives Team reviews retention and completion data from IRP, including information relating to subpopulations of students, as well as data provided by IPEDS and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).  

First Name	Last Name	Representing
Audrey	Adamson	Quad Cities	Director, Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement
Lori	Baker-Sperry	First Year Experience, Provost's Office	Professor, Liberal Arts and Sciences
Angela	Bonifas	President's Area	Director, Institutional Research and Planning
Jackie	Miller	Enrollment Management	Associate Director
Jill	Bisbee	College of Education and Human Services	Recruitment, Retention and Student Success Officer
Carl	Ervin	Student Services	Coordinator, Multicultural Center
Tammy	Killian	College of Fine Arts and Communication	Chair, Theatre and Dance
Samantha	Klingler	Student Services	Director, Student Development and Success
Anneliese	Land	College of Fine Arts and Communication	School of Music Recruitment, Retention and Admissions Coordinator
Sarah	Lawson	Provost's Office	Supervisor, Registrar's Office
Sara	Lytle	College of Business and Technology	Director, Business and Computer Science Advising
Sue	Martinelli-Fernandez	College of Arts & Sciences	Dean
Mark	Mossman	Provost's Office	Associate Provost
Lorette	Oden	Honors College	Interim Dean
Jeremy	Robinett	College of Education and Human Services	Assistant Professor
James	Schmidt	College of Arts and Sciences	Associate Dean
Justin	Schuch	Enrollment Management	Executive Director
Michelle	Howe	College of Business and Technology	Instructor
Amber	Schultz	Enrollment Management	Vice President Enrollment Management