About Us

The Morgan State University Office of Student Success and Retention (OSSR) collaborates with the University's various schools—including the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Engineering, the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Business and Management, the School of Education and Urban Studies, the School of Community and Public Health, the School of Architecture and Planning, the School of Social Work, and the School of Global Journalism and Communication—as well as numerous academic support programs, to provide continuous, quality support for undergraduate students from matriculation to graduation. This comprehensive program aims to enhance student retention and persistence to graduation by focusing on academic success and achievement through early intervention and systematic tracking of undergraduate students.​

In alignment with the University's "50 by 25" initiative, which aspires to increase the graduation rate to 50% by 2025, OSSR has implemented several campus-wide retention initiatives:​

• New Student Orientation (NSO): Facilitates the mandatory New Student Orientation Program, ensuring a smooth transition for incoming freshmen. ​

• First-Year Programs: Offers academic advisement for first-time freshmen during the summer and fall semesters of their first year, providing guidance and support as they begin their academic journey. ​

• Academic Improvement Mandate (AIM): Engages and rehabilitates students who are eligible for dismissal or suspension by promoting academic success and holistic wellness to help them return to good academic standing. ​

• Early Alert & Response System/Navigate360: Assists faculty with interventions for students performing below expectations, enabling timely support to improve academic outcomes. ​

• Placement Testing (ALEKS): Proctors, scores, and disseminates 1,200-1,600 tests per academic year to ensure appropriate course placement for students. ​

• Financial Aid Support: Works to reduce the number of students ineligible to receive financial aid by assisting with FAFSA filing campaigns and addressing financial aid probation issues. ​

Through these initiatives, OSSR strives to produce graduates who are well-prepared to meet the challenges of internships, graduate and professional schools, and careers following their successful matriculation and graduation from Morgan State University.