Constructing a Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure for Student Success at Fairmont State University
Constructing a Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure for Student Success at Fairmont State University
Fairmont State University has been awarded a US Department of Education Strengthening
Institutions Program grant that will provide more than $2.2 million dollars over a five-year period for several capacity-building initiatives in support of student success with the
endowment goal of $410,000.
The project is titled “Bridging the Gap for Underserved Students: Constructing a Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure for Student Success at Fairmont State University.”
The grant funds the development and piloting of several new initiatives on campus that will directly impact the student experience, including: a Student Professional Corps and career mentoring program intended to help students make meaningful connections between their current experiences and future career goals; a Student Success Ambassador program to help students better connect with the various resources that will help them achieve their educational goals, and; Hy-Flex courses that are delivered in a hybrid and flexible format to allow students to participate in face-to-face, online synchronous, and online asynchronous learning modalities within a single course in order to accommodate various life circumstances that can present obstacles to degree completion for students.
More information about Title III
Title III Special Feature from the Office of Sponsored Programs
Hy-Flex Course Development
A leader in the Appreciative Advising movement, returned to Fairmont State University to provide professional development training aimed at enhancing student engagement and retention. Her expertise, which has been part of the university's strategy for a decade,equips faculty and staff with tools to foster a culture of care in support.
As a pioneer of the Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) course design model, Dr Brian Beatty provided Fairmont State University with the opportunity for a truly adaptable learning environment. His "student-directed-hybrid" approach allows students to choose between in-person and online attendance, directly supporting the university's mission to improve retention and accessibility. With Dr Beatty's methods, Fairmont State empowers students to balance their education with personal and professional demands, ensuring that flexibility is a core component of there academic success.
The Student Empowerment Liaison plays a key role in advocating for the student body and fostering a supportive campus culture. Liaisons assist with student outreach, mentorship, and resource navigation to ensure every student has access to the tools needed for personal and academic success. This work directly supports the campus community by bridging the gap between students and administration, creating an inclusive environment that amplifies student voices.
The Junior Research Assistant (JRA) plays a key role in supporting the Office of Institutional Research. JRAs assist with research, data collection, and analysis of institutional materials to ensure the college maintains accurate, high‑quality information for accreditation reporting and strategic planning. This work directly supports the campus in making informed, data‑driven decisions that enhance outcomes for students, staff, and faculty.
The Hy‑Flex Classroom Assistant, supports the university’s mission to expand access to education and enhance learning flexibility. A HyFlex classroom is a hybrid-flexible learning environment where students can choose to attend in person, participate online synchronously, or engage asynchronously, all while achieving the same learning objectives. With student success and retention in mind, the hyflex class format ensures flexibility to students who need to manage various personal and professional priorities.
Hy‑Flex Classroom Assistants help maintain smooth classroom operations by managing the technical and communication needs of Hy‑Flex teaching environments. This allows instructors to focus fully on teaching, while the assistant bridges any gaps between students and instructors, ensuring that all learners stay engaged and connected.
Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning Innovation/Title III Project Director
206 Hardway Hall
304-367-4664
valerie.morphew@fairmontstate.edu
Chief Information Officer
129A Colebank Hall
304-368-7118
paul.steinhaus@fairmontstate.edu
