Beyond the Survey: Where Real-Time Support Meets Long-Term Strategic Impact

Session Abstract: What if a survey could do more than collect data? What if it could connect students in real-time to the support they need while also providing insights to strengthen long-term student success initiatives?

Addressing non-academic barriers such as food and housing insecurity is critical to improving student success at community colleges. To better understand these barriers and students' engagement with support services, Ozarks Technical Community College developed a dual-purpose survey to inform institutional planning and give students an immediate way to request assistance. Actionable insights from the survey have strengthened the college's culture of holistic, data-informed student care and encouraged innovation in removing barriers to student success.

Keywords: Student Basic Needs Insecurity, Holistic Student Support Services, Data-Informed Decision Making