From the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Buffalo State University is advancing student success through the implementation of its Academic Momentum plan, a system-wide initiative supported by the State University of New York (SUNY). Academic Momentum is designed to improve student retention, credit accumulation, and timely degree completion through the use of evidence-based strategies.

SUNY has approved Buffalo State’s proposal.  To support this work, SUNY is providing funding.  Key initiatives include:

• expanding holistic advising, intrusive outreach, and Navigate documentation
• implementing an Academic Recovery Program with targeted interventions for high-need student subgroups
• adopting a campus-wide attendance framework
• revising CWP 101 (College Writing I) and CWP 102 (College Writing II)
• offering BSC 100: The College Transition Process (course title forthcoming) including  Brightspace orientation resources
• introducing new mathematics gateway courses: MAT 102 and MAT 111
• implementing student-centered scheduling
• developing comprehensive program roadmaps integrated with advising 

 As part of this effort, Academic Affairs will implement organizational changes to better align and streamline student success initiatives. The Associate Provost for Student Success and Retention position has been created to lead institution-wide strategies that promote student persistence, academic momentum, credit accumulation, and timely degree completion, with oversight of advising, completion coaching, student success technologies, and related academic policies. The role ensures alignment with the university’s strategic plan, accreditation standards, and SUNY priorities, while advancing evidence-based, data-informed practices.

 Dr. Atta Ceesay will transition from her associate dean role into this new role on May 1.  As associate provost for student success, she  will  lead Buffalo State’s Academic Momentum campaign. Professional advising, ACE, ROAR, and Academic Standards will report to the position, supporting a coordinated, campus-wide approach to student success. 

This work reflects Buffalo State’s continued commitment to fostering student achievement and creating the conditions necessary for all students to thrive.