Student Affairs and IT: Partnering for Student Success
A Partnership for Innovation
Chico State is reimagining how core student services are designed and delivered through a campus-driven collaboration between Student Affairs and the Division of IT. This initiative brought together staff and managers from across campus for design sprints focused on discovering new approaches to enhance efficiency, connection, and the overall student experience.
Co-Created by Our Staff
During these sessions, Chico State teams identified the most significant challenges facing students and staff. From those discussions, six key opportunities emerged—each aimed at strengthening belonging, equity, and success from a student’s first contact through graduation.
From Vision to Action
Through collaboration between Student Affairs and IT, these ideas are being transformed into real solutions. Our teams are leveraging modern tools and integrated systems to automate and personalize services, allowing staff to focus more on meaningful student interactions and less on administrative processes.
Our Focus Areas
- AI Co-Pilot: 24/7 student support navigator with smart referrals and automated intake
- Career Readiness Tools: AI-enabled mock interviews and career exploration tied to labor trends
- Digital Onboarding Hub: One portal for registration, orientation, financial aid, and engagement
- Orientation as a Micro-Course: Career-infused, equity-centered onboarding
- Personalized Outreach: Pre-application invitations and matched first-year coaches
- Purpose Pods: Themed student cohorts that build belonging
Inside Our Student Experience Transformation
This work reflects a campus-wide commitment to modernizing student services, improving equity and retention, and empowering staff through smarter, more connected systems. The effort draws on integrated tools through collaboration between Student Affairs, IT, and other campus partners to create a seamless and supportive experience for every student.
Why It Matters
This initiative strengthens Chico State’s ability to support students at every stage of their journey. It will enhance enrollment and retention outcomes, reduces administrative barriers, and allows staff to focus on what matters most: direct student connection and guidance. By making it easier for students to get the help they need in advising, onboarding, and career preparation, the initiative promotes earlier engagement and a deeper sense of belonging, especially first-generation and underserved students.
Looking Ahead
The work now underway establishes a foundation that will continue to evolve as new projects and ideas emerge. Future efforts will expand digital experiences, streamline student support systems, and integrate additional tools that respond to changing student needs.
Through this collaboration, Chico State is shaping a more connected, inclusive, and forward-thinking campus experience—one that prepares every student for success.