Michael MacNeil served as associate dean of student and curricular affairs from 2003 to 2009.
Michael Mac Neil has spent a lot of time thinking about student success. It’s a concept that is tricky to pin down and challenging to achieve, but in his role as associate dean of student and curricular affairs, Mac Neil has moved the Faculty of Public Affairs closer to the goal.
From academic integrity to curriculum planning, Mac Neil has, since 2003, championed the issues that enhance the quality of the Carleton experience for students. As one of his final projects in the position of associate dean, he led a student success committee to create a document that will make a difference for students for years to come.
Released in May 2009, Student Success 2.0 reviews the myriad factors that contribute to, or impede, student success. What is meant by “student success” is complex and nuanced, and can be measured in part by student retention rates, graduation rates, and satisfaction and engagement surveys.
“Success is not just academic. It’s also the quality of the experience, a student’s development as a person, career preparation and good citizenship,” says Mac Neil.
The committee of faculty and undergraduate students spent the winter term drawing together existing material on Carleton data and best practices. The report offers process-oriented recommendations so that departments consider student success as an element of all the decisions they make.
“The report isn’t prescriptive,” says Mac Neil. “Rather, it shares ideas and systems that will keep student success at the forefront. Departments will need to put together plans for student success and champion it.”
The report stresses the need for monitoring and assessment of the curriculum, academic rules, student services, teaching and opportunities for non-curricular activities. Mac Neil cites initiatives such as Alternative Spring Break and other community service-learning opportunities as positive enrichments to the student experience outside the classroom.
As associate dean, Mac Neil coordinated the undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Public Affairs, and helped to move new courses and programs of study, such as global politics and the Institute of African Studies, through the review and approval process.
“The introduction of a co-op option in most of our undergraduate programs, and the creation of programs that are in demand by students and the public and private sectors, help us attract and prepare students. This is part of the student success equation,” he says.
Mac Neil identified a role for alumni, too. With students looking for career-focused services from the university, the network of alumni can provide mentorship, co-op placements and community service-learning opportunities.
“It’s really everyone’s responsibility to contribute to student success,” he says. “I hope I’ve made an impact by putting student success at the centre of what we do.”
As he steps down from his post as associate dean and starts a sabbatical year of research, Mac Neil is already thinking about how to increase engagement and collaboration for students in his classroom. An associate professor in the Department of Law, Mac Neil will make his class student-focused and create opportunities for engagement outside of lectures.
“My teaching is affected by my work as associate dean,” says Mac Neil. “This is a great place for students to study, and I will continue to do what I can to enhance that.”
Fast fact…
Alumni can help students succeed by becoming mentors, opening their workplaces to students and volunteering in many capacities. To get started, contact your department of interest or Alumni Services at CUproud@carleton.ca.