Vice President Shares How Exploring the 5 Ws Framework Supports Student Success  

On September 30, Monica Burnette, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Services, was invited as the keynote speaker at the Rutgers University School of Nursing Student Affairs Retreat in Piscataway, New Jersey. Burnette's presentation was titled Fostering Excellence by Exploring the 5 Ws of Student Success. The Five Ws (who, what, where, when, and why) and One H (how) are questions whose answers are considered essential in problem-solving or information gathering. Higher education professionals strive to advance excellence and create student-centered learning opportunities that promote student success, belonging, and inclusion. Burnette's talk shared how student affairs professionals can explore the 5 Ws framework to foster student success- through critical thinking, data analysis, and self-reflection on the importance and mission of higher education. 

The 5 Ws (and 1H) framework includes:

1. WHO – Understanding ongoing student demographic shifts and needs
2. WHAT – Identifying key student affairs professional competencies that shape job functions
3. WHERE – Analyzing national, regional, and local data to determine trends
4. WHEN – Examining and being mindful of current challenges that students and institutions face
5. WHY – Defining our personal and institutional why
6. HOW – Determining action steps aligned with strategic plans to foster student success

Seton Hall University's Division of Student Services continues to focus on building a culture of success and excellence in the student experience by providing opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills to become responsible and compassionate global citizens who serve as they lead.

Goal 3 of Seton Hall's University Strategic Plan, Harvest our Treasures, focuses on providing all students with a premier, mission-centered engagement experience by improving and enhancing:

• The University's "affordability agenda."
• Quality and outcomes of learning
• Expansion and diversification of experiential learning opportunities
• Technological enhancements and facilities that advance learning
• Support services and programming focused on the unique needs of all students

As stewards of Seton Hall, the Division of Student Services enhances and support students' holistic development by providing them with a dynamic educational environment informed by the best professional practices, the latest technological advances, and the values of the Catholic tradition. Our work with students is intentionally designed to foster excellence in academics and spiritual and personal growth so that all are empowered to reach their full potential as servant leaders.

For more information, see the Division of Student Services and the Harvest Our Treasures University Strategic Plan.

Categories: Education