The National Institute for Student Success (NISS) was established as a non-profit Institute within Georgia State University (GSU) in 2020 in response to the growing demand from institutions for help and guidance in establishing their own cultures of student success that mirror that which Georgia State has built. Georgia State’s innovations led the university to go from a 31% graduation rate for PELL students in 2007 to 58% in 2021, improved graduation rates overall by 70%, lowered summer melt by 37%, and transformed its student body to be more diverse (53% minority students in 2008 to 77% in 2021). The NISS was created to disseminate these evidence-based practices proven by Georgia State to change outcomes for all students, but especially the most vulnerable college students.
With the Foundation’s support, NISS partnered with a cohort of 10 SUNY campuses to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic process designed to identify institutional barriers to student success and develop customized, evidence-based implementation plans. Working alongside campus leadership, NISS analyzed student progression data and institutional practices across areas such as advising, financial aid, registration, and course access, culminating in a tailored playbook of recommendations for each institution. Based on those assessments, six campuses were selected to advance to the implementation phase, during which NISS is providing embedded coaching and technical assistance to help campus leaders implement proven strategies such as predictive analytics, proactive advising, completion grants, academic recovery programs, and AI-enhanced student supports. Together with matching investments from participating campuses and SUNY System Administration, this next phase aims to translate evidence-based recommendations into lasting institutional change that improves enrollment, persistence, and graduation outcomes for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students.
National Institute for Student Success | Catalytic Giving | Focus Areas