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When students begin their college experience, they may already have assumptions about what success looks like<\/a>. For some, that might mean showing up to class and turning in assignments on time. For others, maybe it simply means putting your best effort forward. But what if the first step to success is understanding who you are<\/em>?<\/p>\n That\u2019s the power of the College Success Factors Index 2.0 (CSFI)<\/a>, a research-backed, self-assessment tool available with every college success<\/a> MindTap.<\/p>\n Rather than testing students, the CSFI lets students practice self-assessment. They rate themselves across 10 key areas proven to affect student outcomes in college and beyond, from time management<\/a> and persistence to wellness and family involvement. The results are a personalized snapshot of where they\u2019re thriving \u2013 and where they need support.<\/p>\n Unlike some traditional assessments, the CSFI 2.0 doesn\u2019t judge. Instead, it provides text-aligned feedback to directly support growth and self-reflection. For example, we heard from one student who believed that she was strong in persistence before taking the assessment. Yet, her results told her a different story. With guidance and support, she began applying two of the recommended, text-aligned strategies and now proudly shares: \u201cI\u2019ve become more persistent and resilient.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not just a 1-10 result. It\u2019s more like: you do this well, and here\u2019s where you could improve.\u201d \u2013 Student and CSFI user.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In a recent Food for Thought webinar<\/a>, Dr. Jenny Billings of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College shared how the CSFI has transformed her students\u2019 self-awareness and academic journeys. In her course, Dr. Billings builds an entire learning experience around CSFI student results to maximize impact with tactics like:<\/p>\n \u201cWe want them to grovel in their results a little,\u201d Dr. Billings joked. \u201cThen go forth and be great.\u201d<\/p>\n Instructors across the country are witnessing CSFI\u2019s impact on student success<\/a>. At the Community College of Beaver County, adjunct faculty member Anitre Bell uses the CSFI<\/a> to help students uncover their strengths and areas for growth.<\/p>\n \u201cI want students to learn about themselves and view themselves through a different lens. And show students how beneficial college is to their educational, carer and personal success.\u201d \u2013 Anitre Bell, Adjunct Faculty, Community College of Beaver County<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Bell\u2019s students often enter her class believing they\u2019re \u201cready for college,\u201d but struggle to articulate or apply the skills they need to succeed. The CSFI helps to bridge that gap. For example, one of her students originally thought responsibility was his strongest trait, until the CSFI revealed otherwise. Over the semester, he focused on class participation and reading engagement. The results? His scores and confidence improved dramatically.<\/p>\n These stories echo what Dr. Billings sees in her own classroom. With the CSFI, students discover how to both succeed in college and grow as individuals.<\/p>\n In both in-person and online learning environments, CSFI drives peer-to-peer connections.<\/p>\n Students can form communities with each other based on similar strengths and challenges. They may develop accountability groups or even co-create improvement plans. This peer-driven approach not only boosts engagement but also reinforces that students aren\u2019t alone in their struggles.<\/p>\n \u201cWe tell them: find your people. Then go forth together!\u201d \u2013 Dr. Jenny Billings of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n CSFI isn\u2019t just for students. Instructors and administrators can use reporting to:<\/p>\n \u201cThis levels the playing field from the get-go,\u201d said Dr. Billings. \u201cIt tells me where I step in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n <\/div>\nSelf-reflection over self-judgement <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why the CSFI works:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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From insight to action<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Instructor voices, student growth<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Peer connection: building community through self-discovery<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Instructors and administrators receive real-time support<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Explore the full impact with these helpful CSFI resources:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Interested in learning more about the College Success Factors Index (CSFI 2.0)?<\/h2>\n