Student Support Network and Student Engagement and Retention Committee

Our students value the individualized attention they receive at Susquehanna University. Faculty and staff promote student success by working together in the following ways to support students in distress and to create the best environment for student learning.

Student Support Network

The Student Support Network (SSN) is designed to respond to academic, social, behavioral and health concerns about individual students.

The hub of the network is formed by three key student-support administrators who assist particular grade-level cohorts.

Faculty, staff, parents, and students may inform SSN of concerns they have about a student via e-alert or by directly contacting the SSN administrator who assists that student’s grade-level cohort:

SSN staff investigate the situation by directly assisting students, making referrals to additional resources when needed, and/or by partnering with existing academic and administrative departments.

Patterns that emerge in the SSN are referred to the Student Engagement and Retention Committee (SERC – described below) for review.

To refer a student, please submit an e-alert by using the online form or contact the appropriate SSN administrator. Information provided is confidential and will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

If you have questions or comments please contact James Black at black@susqu.edu.

Student Engagement and Retention Committee

The Student Engagement and Retention Committee (SERC) is comprised of a group of administrators and faculty that meets weekly for one hour to discuss and review systemic issues and related policies and procedures that may impact student persistence and engagement.

SERC members are intentionally selected because of their oversight over areas critical to student engagement and success. The discussions draw on the insights of the committee’s diverse membership, which includes faculty from each of the university schools, representatives from various student support offices, and members of the Student Support Network (SSN – described above). Committee recommendations such as modifications, revisions and policy implementation are made to the provost for consideration and action.

SERC Membership:

• Jenna Antoniewicz, Director of Community Standards and Student Conduct
• James Black (Chair), Director of Center for Academic Achievement
• Phil Gehman, Coordinator of Disability Services
• Diana Heeren, Director of Finance 
• Kathy Kroupa, Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Softball Coach
• Eric Lassahn, Director of Residence Life & Center for Civic Engagement
• Chris Markle, Director of Admissions
• Linda McMillin, Professor of History 
• Caro Mercado, Assoc. Dean of Students for Student Support & Director of First-Year Programs
• Helen Nunn, Director of Financial Aid
• Richard Orwig, Associate Professor Information Systems
• Anna Beth Payne, Associate Dean of Student Life and Director of Counseling Center
• Melanie Rohrbach, Administrative Assistant for the Center for Academic Achievement 
• Lisa Scott, Special Assistant to the President/Chief Diversity Officer & Assistant Provost
• Phil Winger, Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students
• Erin Wolfe, Associate Director of Financial Aid