Case Study: Southern Connecticut State University boosts student retention with IBM Analytics

Southern Connecticut State University builds a transformative, student-centered educational culture

Southern Connecticut State University faced the challenge of improving student retention and academic performance in a highly competitive field. They sought to move beyond traditional methods to identify which intervention activities were truly effective in supporting their diverse student body, which includes a high proportion of first-generation college students. To achieve this, the university partnered with IBM and initially utilized IBM SPSS Statistics to analyze student data.

IBM implemented its IBM Watson Analytics solution, a cognitive data discovery service. This enabled the university to quickly analyze complex data, identify key predictors of student success, and disprove common misconceptions with solid evidence. As a result, SCSU boosted student retention and GPAs, optimized its use of resources by targeting effective interventions like a financial literacy program, and equipped its students with valuable analytical skills. IBM's cognitive analytics proved transformative, allowing the university to make data-driven decisions that helped students reach their full potential.

Southern Connecticut State University

Michael Ben-Avie

Director of the Office of Assessment and Planning