When asked what GradUP means to her, Christina Cross, associate professor of business at Lone Star College-University Park, says that it is an initiative that allows faculty, staff and administrators to align themselves around one specific goal: graduation. 

To help move the needle on student success at LSC-University Park, Cross implements GradUP in her classes by inquiring about students' goals and having conversations individually about registration, the courses they should be taking on their path to a diploma or certificate, and their well-being. 

Due to the pandemic, Cross admits teaching has become a little more complicated, but that all professors at LSC-University Park have collaborated to ensure student success. She posts announcements on D2L, employs the discussion boards to periodically inquire about their goals, and checks in with them to discuss how they are doing with the new delivery format. She also has Webex sessions in order to have live conversations and see her students' faces. 

"Since the onset of COVID-19 and social distancing measures, my conversations have shifted a bit," said Cross. "Often, my questions are more personal. I may just be inquiring about how they are doing overall."

Cross’ students echo her devotion to their education.

“Cross’ classes were really well-organized with announced goals for each week, fixed deadlines based on the syllabus, and the structure of the content on D2L,” said Mohab Mahmoud, a LSC-University Park graduate. “It also encouraged us to communicate our thoughts, find common goals and life direction between us, and build valuable relationships. It was easy to reach out to Cross and get a quick response back from her. She helped me personally to overcome some of the obstacles I had in my academic path.”

Cross notes that she is quite proud of how the entire LSC-University Park organization is behind one goal and genuinely cares for each student, their success and their well-being. 

"Students are receiving the same message of graduation from all faculty and staff," said Cross. "Advisors are using consistent messaging as students go from class to class. Additionally, there is prominent signage in the halls, which enables graduation to remain top of mind. This alignment and repetition make graduation more tangible for students."

For Cross, helping her students get to their finish line with the college and open the next chapter of their lives has ripple effects. 

"I have seen several of my students walk across the stage, and it is powerful to see that they are changing not only their future, but also setting an example for their friends and family," said Cross.