POTSDAM – SUNY Potsdam is one of eight colleges nationwide selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to join its fourth cohort of member institutions participating in the Student Success Equity Initiative (SSEI).

This multi year initiative is designed to help increase the academic success of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students, as well as address the equity gaps these demographics experience. The initiative is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

"We take great pride in joining the Student Success Equity Initiative, as we make it our mission to give every student the opportunity to succeed here at SUNY Potsdam -- and in their futures," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith. "We are honored to be working with institutions from across the country to break down barriers for students from historically underserved populations, ensuring they can make the most of their college experience and reach their career goals."

Following a rigorous application process, AASCU selected SUNY Potsdam for its newest SSEI cohort, along with Adams State University (CO), East Georgia State College, Missouri State University, North Carolina A&T State University, SUNY Cobleskill, Western Michigan University and Winona State University (MN).

"We are proud to add this new cohort to the SSEI program to help more institutions close equity gaps among Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students," said Jacquelyn R. Jones, AASCU's assistant vice president for student success. "Addressing barriers that preclude achievement is instrumental in helping diverse students succeed during and after college."

Participating SSEI schools are required to assemble a team of campus leaders that includes presidents, provosts, chiefs of diversity, and student success and data experts. During this team-learning experience, schools receive customized support to help them make data-driven decisions that center the realities of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and low-income students.

"This initiative provides our campus with yet another opportunity to exercise our commitment to creating and sustaining equitable pathways to education for all of our students," said SUNY Potsdam Chief of Diversity Dr. Jacqueline Richardson-Melecio, who will serve as the SSEI campus team lead.

Throughout the program, members become better equipped to tackle the barriers these students face, so they no longer stand in the way of academic achievement.

Cohort members participate in in-person and virtual learning with peers at other institutions, having access to a variety of resources, such as webinars and online modules. Additionally, SSEI provides access to subject matter experts who can offer advice on equity, student success, analytics, advising, institutional transformation, and systems and strategic planning.

SSEI is made up of institutions with rural, suburban, and urban campuses from around the country. The latest cohort includes one Hispanic-serving institution, one predominantly Black institution, and one historically Black college and university. The selected institutions serve 57,402 students with an average Pell eligibility of 37.5 percent. Including this fourth cohort, 60 colleges are members of SSEI.

Learn more about the SSEI cohorts selected in 2021, 2022 and 2023.