Enhancing education

The University of Dayton is rolling out a sweeping student success strategy this fall aimed at revamping academic advising, expanding experiential learning opportunities and streamlining support systems to ensure every Flyer receives individualized guidance and purposeful, real-world experiences.

Holistic academic advisors will play a key role in guiding students through their college journeys from scheduling courses and considering pathways toward desired careers to choosing and exploring majors. A pilot program, launched in fall 2024, has already yielded promising results: five holistic advisors and three student coaches have improved student outcomes through increased advising appointments, reduced failing grades, and quicker responses and resolutions to academic concerns.

This new holistic approach focuses on supporting students’ progression to their degrees and their navigation of University resources and opportunities, enabling deeper conversations and developing relationships that extend far beyond traditional advising models.

“I want all students to feel seen and valued within our UD community,” said Whitney Knipfer, holistic academic advisor at the John D. Mittelstaedt Center for Academic Advising and Business Student Success. “Beyond advising on courses and grades, I’m encouraging them to view wellbeing and balance as essential components of their success.”

Holistic academic advisors will be immediately available to the fall 2025 starting class and expand to all undergraduate students by the 2027-28 academic year.

The University is also strengthening experiential learning opportunities, according to Darlene Weaver, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs: “We want every undergraduate student to complete at least one documented experiential learning opportunity.”

These experiences, like co-curricular activities, study abroad or laboratory and research work, will incorporate structured reflection and assessment to maximize their educational value. Proposed updates to the Common Academic Program will preserve academic flexibility while embedding experiential learning availability and relevancy in the curriculum.

Additionally, degree planning and transfer processes are modernizing. Incoming students will benefit from an improved orientation process featuring virtual advising sessions, guided course registration and robust pre-orientation resources.

“It is a joy and privilege to support our students’ development, engagement and success," said Weaver.

"The steps we are taking amplify our transformative, relationship-rich, integrated learning environment as a Catholic and Marianist university," said Weaver. 

“The University of Dayton is already a national leader in accessibility, graduation rates and post-graduation outcomes. Our approach will build on these strengths and further demonstrate the value of a UD education.”

These efforts are part of the University’s broader commitment to academic excellence, community support and transparency, while fulfilling the goals prospective families have for their scholars: a meaningful major, a successful outcome post-graduation and successes along the way — for all students. 

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A version of this article appears in print in the Spring 2025 University of Dayton Magazine, Page 10. EXPLORE THE ISSUE — MORE ONLINE