Mercy’s PACT Student Mentoring Program Recognized for Helping College Students Succeed
Dobbs Ferry, NY (PRWEB) October 19, 2014 -- Mercy’s student mentoring program, PACT, has been featured in a new national report on programs that help college students succeed.
Ellucian, the leading provider of higher education software and services, published the recent paper, “Retention and Student Success: Implementing Strategies that Make a Difference,” and Mercy is one of six higher education institutions featured.
Since PACT began in 2009, fall to fall retention rates for first-time, full-time students have increased by 14 percent and the five-year graduation rate has increased by 20 percent.
Mercy College Chief Student Affairs Officer Dr. William Martinov Jr. said: “PACT is a game changer in higher education. Our mentors serve as a one point of contact for students, providing an individualized, customized, integrated and focused college experience, helping students get the most out of their college experience.”
Student Alexandria Germes ’16 said: “PACT has made the biggest impression on me. For me being paired with my mentor, Jose Barzola, was one of the best things that happened to me. He is a constant source of guidance and support. Jose helps me pick my classes, and got me involved in an array of activities, from being an RA to raising money for cancer. There was a time when I thought I would never go to college, but now I dream about having a career in Cybersecurity. Next May I will be the first person in my family to ever graduate from College – and it is all because of PACT. ”
Ellucian has provided higher education software and services for more than 40 years and has a close understanding of the complex challenges in higher education. “Our original paper on retention and student success was published in 2009 and has been one of Ellucian’s most highly referenced and requested whitepapers, especially with the growing interest in this topic,” said report author Dr. Chrissy Coley.
Mercy College Executive Director of Student Success and Engagement Andrew Person said: “Mercy’s student programs are at the heart of the national conversation about student outcomes and the value of higher education. We are honored to be chosen as a subject of Ellucian’s work.”
PACT has also been recognized by the American Council on Education as an initiative that helps to increase number of first-generation and non-traditional students who gain a college degree.
Catherine Cioffi, Mercy College, +1 (914) 674-7736, [email protected]
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