Dear Zane State Students,
The Success Committee would like to thank everyone who completed the Student Needs Assessment Survey in March or participated in the Student Voices Panel in April. Your feedback has been invaluable in helping us recognize what’s working well and where we need to improve to enhance your Zane State experience.
One of our greatest strengths, as identified by students, is the welcoming support and guidance provided by Zane State employees.
Students also identified several key areas for improvement. Here’s what we’re doing in response:
- Financial aid guidance: The Financial Aid Department is developing an AI chatbot, expanding financial literacy training, and increasing outreach to assist with FAFSA completion. Progress on this initiative is expected by Fall 2025.
- Blackboard navigation: The Blackboard Workgroup will help faculty adopt a standard course template by Fall 2025 and transition to Blackboard Ultra by Fall 2026.
- Credit transfer clarity: The Transfer Workgroup is enhancing online resources and advising tools, including transfer maps, to better support transfer students by Fall 2025.
- Career guidance: We are reviewing current services to make career support more effective, personalized, and accessible by Fall 2025.
- Online and hybrid course availability: Academic divisions will prioritize expanding these options for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Faculty familiarity with tools: Academic Affairs will establish a Teaching & Learning Center and launch professional development initiatives by Fall 2025.
- Access to information: We’re working with Communications to improve website and My ZSC navigation for easier access to support resources by Spring 2026.
We truly value the insights you’ve shared and are committed to continuing this conversation. The Student Voices Panel will resume in the fall, and we’re looking for new members to replace graduating students. If you're interested in sharing your perspective and contributing a few hours next semester, we’d love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Deb Hysell and Heather Merry
Co-Chairs, Student Success Committee