Course Project Background: Analysis of Structure and Dynamics

Be sure to address the following questions in your analysis:

In Week 3, you gathered information on best practices, providers, and target populations. This week you will complete the background research for your white paper by analyzing the structure and dynamics of student support (who is providing what kinds of services to which groups of students) and identify gaps that could impede student success.

· Are providers concentrated in one area of the institution (academic, student affairs, administration, etc.)? Is there evidence of collaboration between different areas? If so, describe those collaborative efforts.

· How many and what kinds of programs/services are targeted at first-year students? Can other practices be adapted for that population?

· Based on your knowledge of student persistence and retention theory, where do you see gaps in service?