It Takes A Village: Southern University Appeals Committees Celebrates Student Success

It is the most challenging part of college student life to raise your Grade Point Average once it has dropped below university standards. However, thanks to Academic Plans enforced by the University College under the leadership of Dr. Zackeus Johnson, Assistant Vice–Chancellor for Academic Affairs, 112 students did just that. For students on an academic plan for fall 2023, the appeals committee organized a celebration.
According to Dr. Alissa Ross, director of Data Assessment & QEP at University College, the students fulfilled a variety of requirements. They registered for at least twelve hours, had to earn at least a 2.5 for the fall semester, and attended five “Keys To Success” workshops. They also had to attend tutoring weekly, meet with advisors and meet with Dr. Ross as the Academic Interventionist three times in the fall semester. Dr. Ross stated, “Students who have completed those requirements are eligible for renewal this semester.”
She continued, “Today’s celebration is for the 112 students who completed their academic plans by earning all A’s, A’s, and B’s, or all C’s.” This is our way of saying, “We are very proud of you and we want to celebrate you.”
Academic plans yield different results for students. Isis Minix, a junior criminal justice major from Houston, Texas, shared the impact of her academic plan. “Before the academic plan, I was discouraged because I thought I let my family down by dropping my G.P.A. I felt like I couldn’t pick it back up with everything that was taking place around me. When they presented me with an academic plan, I was excited because I felt like they gave me a second chance,” Minix declared. During the event, Minix was surrounded by family and friends and was presented with flowers in celebration of her achievement. She now holds a cumulative grade point average of 2.9.
Lonnie Robinson, a sophomore electrical engineering major from Houston, TX., expressed his views on the event. “I think it is commendable that we are shining a light on students who held up their end of the bargain with the appeal,” Robinson noted. He continued, “It’s been a long struggle for me to get back on track since my first semester. To get the opportunity to be celebrated today feels nice.” To the 112 students, “I’m proud of myself for getting here and I’m proud of everybody else,” Robinson exclaimed. Robinson now holds a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.6.
During her personalized academic plan process, one student found her niche. Alyssa Gordon, a sophomore Agriculture Science major with a concentration in plant and soil science from Palmetto, La. talked about her academic plan. At first, she explained that she was coasting. Southern University has always been home to her. “I was just coasting…I didn’t reach out to anyone. I was just here,” Gordon explained. Gordon also explained the definition of coasting which is just “existing only”. After starting her major, everything changed. “Since I transferred to the Ag department, I have found my niche. I can’t explain it; it is just meant to be,” Gordon declared.
With many avenues and sources to turn to, Gordon discussed that she was able to reach out to Dr. Ross. “She kept me on track and applied tough love which was something that I needed…because it’s always helpful to have that person that can always keep you on track when you are slacking. Especially when they see you have more potential and you are not maximizing it,” Gordon said. “I would say that the support team kept me on task,” Gordon stated. She is one of seven students who in the fall semester achieved a cumulative G.P.A. of 4.0.
All students received blue bags from the official financial aid department filled with various gifts. Every member of the appeals committee rose and gave expressions of support and praise to the students in attendance.