Office for Student Retention & Educational Innovation

Our Mission

The mission of the Office for Student Retention & Educational Innovation is based on the premise that all students should have a full, positive, and well-textured collegiate experience; however, that experience should also include preparation for what is to come after graduating, whether that be further education or a career or both.

Students should be supported academically, and obstacles or impediments that cause a lack of academic focus should be addressed. Programming and support will be given towards persistence, retention, and timely graduation. Moreover, and more specifically, the office aims to support and develop student programming that enriches experiences, builds cohesion and a sense of belonging to the University, and fosters warm relationships with peers, faculty members, and staff.

We will strive to find student successes in and out of the classroom and collaborate with others on and off campus to do so. We will celebrate student successes throughout the process and highlight achievements, development, and growth.

A Message from the Assistant Vice President for Student Retention & Dean of Students

Dear Students,

The Office of Student Retention & Educational Innovation would like to welcome all new and returning Kean Cougars back as we approach a new academic year. Let this year be filled with academic and personal growth and success. Our faculty and staff stand committed to helping provide you with any resources and tools you may need as you pursue your education. If you are a current Kean student, please view the Campus Resources tab. If I can be of assistance, please find me in the Office of Student Retention & Educational Innovation (CAS Rm. 123) or email retain@kean.edu.

Marvin Adames, Esq.

Assistant Vice President for Student Retention

& Dean of Students

OUR NOTABLE EVENTS

Women in Leadership Panel

In March of 2023, our office celebrated women leaders from across our campus and community in honor of March being National Women's Month.

We were joined by Katherine Gallagher, Senior Vice President for Student Success and Special Council to the President; Dr. Sancha Gray, Senior Vice President for EEI; Dr. Stephanie Baker, Executive Director for CAPS; Ms. Sara Pena, Director for External Affairs, PSE&G and Dr. Tamika Quick.

To find out more information about our 2024 event, please click here

Cougar Pop-up Shop

Ensuring that Kean Scholars have a professional wardrobe, they need to be able to attend academic workshops, job interviews, and internships comfortably.

Find out more about the Spring 2024 Pop-up Shop HERE:

National First Gen Day

Since 2021, Kean has been designated as a First-Gen Forward Institution, joining hundreds of institutions to commit to first-generation student success.

Find out more about our First Generation college student programming HERE:

Halfway to Graduation Ceremony

Each year, the Division of Student Success & Retention celebrates our second-year students moving into their third year at Kean University with our Halfway to Graduation Celebration!

Find out more about our Halfway to Graduation 2024 celebration HERE:

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