Student engagement and access to services shape how students experience and navigate the University. This initiative centers on clear, coordinated pathways that help all Sycamores connect, participate, and thrive.

Our Purpose

At Indiana State, we care for the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—through an integrated network of faculty mentorship, career development, campus involvement, and coordinated support services. Rooted in our Culture of Care, we break down barriers and deliver personalized advising, financial aid support, accessibility resources, and comprehensive wellness programs. By engaging in student organizations, leadership roles, athletics, cultural events, and service opportunities, students deepen their learning, accelerate personal growth, and cultivate skills that last a lifetime.

Objective

Through Initiative 6, the University will build an integrated, student-centered engagement experience that removes barriers, increases access, and empowers all students—including on-campus, commuter, and online learners—to participate meaningfully in experiential learning, co-curricular involvement, and essential support services. These efforts will strengthen belonging, wellness, and student success by coordinating systems, simplifying processes, and expanding access to high-impact experiences.

Key Actions

The University will take the following actions in support of Student Engagement and Access:

  • Conduct a comprehensive analysis of factors that limit student engagement in experiential learning, co-curricular activities, and support services across University units. Identify service gaps and at-risk areas, and work collaboratively across administrative units to address systemic obstacles and improve access.
  • Sustain and expand participation in high-quality extracurricular opportunities that foster community, develop leadership, and deepen student belonging. Empower student organizations, club sports, leadership programs, and service initiatives with enhanced funding, training, accountability, and coordination to increase engagement, support inclusive involvement, and improve student retention and success.
  • Assess wellness needs and gaps for all Sycamores. Respond to results through development of and funding for a comprehensive wellness program that is embedded across all units. Develop a system for sustained auditing, reporting, and quality improvement of student wellness programs.

Initiative 6: Key Performance Indicators

Increase student participation and continued involvement each year from the AY 25-26 baseline.

Reduce the largest participation difference across major student groups each year from the AY 25-26 baseline.

Improve student issue resolution and first interaction resolution each year from the AY 25-26 baseline.

Reach or maintain a 10 percentage point retention differential between engaged and non-engaged students.