Student Success and Retention

Franklin College Student Success Team

The Student Success Team is a group of Franklin College staff committed to fostering the success of Franklin College students.

At Franklin College, we don’t just support one another; we inspire one another toward higher goals. Whether it’s by building an inclusive community or connecting with faculty and staff advocates, we ensure our students reach their full potential. We also realize that stretching out of comfort zones and pursuing excellence can be both transformative and challenging.

We want to help students and families get the care, referrals, answers, and support needed to ensure success. The student success team collaborates with all Franklin College departments, faculty, staff, students, and their families to create a caring culture.

Family members, student peers, faculty, and staff can make a referral to the Student Success Team anytime you feel a student is struggling with success and persistence at Franklin College. Students may refer themselves, too. You can make a referral by emailing studentsuccess@FranklinCollege.edu.

When a student is referred to the Student Success Team, we formulate a plan to guide that student to programs and services that support academic success, social integration, personal well-being, financial resources and other appropriate services as the need determines.

Reasons for referrals vary but may include the following:

  • Homesickness
  • Family Emergency
  • Illness/Medical Concerns
  • Academics
  • Feeling Lost/Questioning Decision to attend FC
  • Relationship Issues
  • Financial Issues
  • Behavioral Concerns
  • Athletic Concerns
  • General Questions

If you need immediate assistance, please contact Franklin College security at 317.738.8888.

Kellie Schmidt, Associate Dean for Student Success
Sara Kinder, Counselor

See below for frequently asked questions and concerns that the Student Success Team has addressed. If you need additional direction, please contact a member of the Student Success Team directly.

I’m having trouble with my courses.

Seeking help when you are struggling is a critical component of academic success.  If you need help, act quickly before you get too far behind.

1. Visit your professor’s office hours, which are likely posted in your syllabus and outside of your professor’s office.  Your professor can assist you in understanding difficult material and can give you specific advice on how to be successful in class.

2. Second, utilize the services of the Academic Resource Center, which include the Write Place, Math Study Center, Speech Lab, Academic Mentoring, and Peer Tutoring.  ARC services and schedules are posted on myFC.

3. Ask successful students in the class to form a study group.  When functioning efficiently, study groups can be an effective means of learning.

I have a Business Office hold on my account, and I cannot register for classes.

A Business Office hold indicates that you have an outstanding financial balance that is owed to the college.  In some cases, the Business Office is able to remove the hold if a payment is made, a payment plan is arranged or other financial commitments are met.

For details about your balance, you can visit Student Financial Services in the Business Office on the first floor of Old Main. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 am-5 pm, and Friday, from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.  If you have questions about financing your education or if your family has experienced a change in financial circumstances, contact Brad Jones, Business Office Manager.

I want to get involved on campus, but I don’t know where to start.

Research shows that students who are involved on campus tend to have a more enjoyable college experience.  The Student Activities Center oversees the many opportunities for involvement on campus.

1. The Student Activities Fair, held during orientation, is a showcase of many of the clubs, organizations, and activities on campus.  During the fair, students have the opportunity to interact with student organization leaders, ask questions, and get involved.  If you are interested in any of the clubs and organizations showcased at the fair, you can typically sign-up on the spot.

2. The Grizzly Guide, a publication of the Student Affairs Office, provides a written summary of each club and organization along with the contact information of the organization leadership.  If you are interested in any of the clubs and organizations featured in the Grizzly Guide, contact the president of the club or organization for more details.

3. If you are unsure which club or organization you’d like to join, chat with your friends, faculty adviser, and others on campus for suggestions.  Don’t be afraid to try something new!

I have an issue with my roommate or housing situation.

If you are having an issue with your roommate, the first course of action is to sit down with your roommate and talk about the problem. Have an honest and respectful discussion regarding the living situation. Oftentimes, this can help resolve the situation. If this does not help, seek assistance from your Resident Assistant, Residence Hall Coordinator, or the Director of Residence Life. Additional information regarding residence life at Franklin college can be found here.

I am dealing with a personal or emotional issue.

College can be a challenging time for many students. FC understands this, and we have professionally trained counselors available for students. The Counseling Center is on the second floor of the Student Center (SC 222) and is open Monday-Thursday, 8 am-5 pm and Friday, 8 am-4 pm. Appointments are free and confidential for all students. Contact Sara Kinder to schedule an appointment.

I am worried about how to pay for college.

Attending college is an investment in your future, and most students have to pay something to attend college. Scholarships, loans, and grants are all ways to help pay for your education. If you are concerned about your financial situation, visit the office of financial aid in the Von Boll Welcome Center or Student Financial Services on the first floor of Old Main.