From orientation to graduation: SSI expands student support across campus

At Purdue University Fort Wayne, student success extends far beyond the classroom. Over the past year, the Office of Student Success Initiatives (SSI) has worked to strengthen the university’s coordinated approach to student support by providing proactive outreach, personalized guidance, and programs designed to help students persist, succeed, and graduate.

Led by Giang Petroviak, executive director of student success initiatives, the office was created to bring together several key student-facing services under one umbrella while expanding support for students during critical moments throughout their college experience.

Since opening nearly a year ago, SSI has focused on building a more connected student support network that helps students navigate challenges, build a sense of belonging, and stay engaged throughout their academic journey.

The SSI team supports a wide range of student populations through individualized outreach and specialized programming, including first-generation students, first-year and transfer students, second-year students experiencing the “sophomore slump,” 21st Century Scholars student support, underserved student populations, and seniors preparing for careers after graduation.

“Our work is centered on helping students feel connected, supported, and confident throughout their time at PFW,” Petroviak said. “Student success looks different for every student, and our team works intentionally to meet students where they are and connect them with the right resources and opportunities.”

Over the last year, the office has expanded collaboration across campus to strengthen student engagement and retention efforts. SSI now serves as the home for New Student Orientation, Family and Parent Programs, and the Center for Veteran and Military Student Success, formerly known as the Office of Military Student Services.

One of the office’s largest and most visible initiatives continues to be New Student Orientation (NSO). Throughout the year, the SSI team coordinates a variety of orientation experiences designed to help incoming students transition successfully to college life at PFW.

Orientation programs introduce students and families to academic expectations, campus resources, student organizations, technology tools, financial processes, and support services available across the university. Students also connect with faculty, academic advisors, orientation leaders, and fellow Mastodons before classes begin, helping build early confidence and a sense of belonging on campus.

New changes have been made to New Student Orientation this summer to continue to better the overall new student experience. Students will begin with a self-guided online orientation that can be completed at any time and a resource they can come back to when needed. Students will then get the opportunity to connect one on one with their academic advisors and will complete an orientation experience in the summer to familiarize themselves with campus. To conclude their orientation experience, all new students will be invited to the Mastodon Stampede, a new welcome weekend style event to begin their college journey.

The office has also continued to strengthen support for military-affiliated students through the Center for Veteran and Military Student Success. The center provides assistance with VA educational benefits, transition support, campus engagement opportunities, and connections to both university and community resources designed to help military-connected students succeed academically and personally. The office also offers training to the campus community on how to best support our military affiliated students through Green Zone training.

Additionally, SSI has increased its outreach efforts to help students stay on track academically and personally. Through targeted communication campaigns, personalized support, and coordinated campus partnerships, the office works to identify students who may need additional encouragement or intervention before challenges become barriers to success.

As the Office of Student Success Initiatives looks ahead, the team plans to continue expanding programs and partnerships that support student persistence, engagement, and career readiness. Future efforts will focus on strengthening the student experience from orientation through graduation while ensuring all students have access to the resources and support needed to achieve their goals.

The Office of Student Success Initiatives is located in Walb Student Union, Room 118, while the Center for Veteran and Military Student Success is located in Room 120 of Walb.