Proactive Care and Connection
Active academic support approach goes beyond traditional tutoring by being relationship-focused and addressing both academic and non-academic challenges through interventions that may include financial assistance, mental health support, or belonging initiatives rooted in compassion for students’ unique experiences.
Connection Deficit
Students struggle to find human connection and caring support in educational environments
Reactive Support
Traditional approaches wait for students to seek help, creating barriers for those most in need
Whole student
Academic struggles often stem from non-academic issues requiring comprehensive support

Proof Points
Active academic support transforms outcomes by directly addressing modern students’ critical needs for connection, belonging, and comprehensive care through proactive relationship-building.
- Caring Campus model students had 18% higher retention rates than peers without caring faculty
- Students with proactive support show 12% improved academic performance and 26% reduced course failure
- Campus interventions promoting belonging increase retention by 9-10% for first-year students
- Students experiencing personalized support demonstrate stronger academic self-efficacy and engagement
Coppin State University implemented active academic support through its Eagle Achievement Center, a centralized support hub coordinating various student success initiatives. This comprehensive strategy increased first-year to second-year retention from 66% in 2017 to 74% in 2023. The “Reimagine Yourself at Coppin” re-engagement campaign successfully re-enrolled 114 former students in fall 2023, demonstrating how active academic support principles extend beyond current students.
Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD
Benefits
Active academic support creates caring campus environments that improve student outcomes while fostering institutional cultures focused on relationship-building and comprehensive student development.
Relationship Building
Meaningful connections between students and faculty/staff improve engagement
Early Intervention
Proactive identification and support prevent small challenges from becoming major barriers
Holistic Care
Comprehensive support addresses both academic and life challenges affecting student success
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