The Matriculation Institute: Student Success Academy, housed in the Division of Student Affairs, connects students with the resources, skills, and guidance needed to succeed from entry through graduation. The Matriculation Institute provides a comprehensive support system that helps students navigate academic expectations, strengthen personal and professional skills, and build a meaningful sense of belonging at Fayetteville State University.

Through individual coaching, students gain accountability, direction, and structured support. Collaborative study sessions, offered in partnership with tutoring services, build academic confidence and strong study habits. Wellness programming promotes balance and resilience, while leadership development and financial literacy initiatives equip students with critical life and resource-management skills. Student engagement opportunities ensure that participants are connected to campus life, organizations, and traditions that reinforce belonging and persistence.

Together, these elements help students remain enrolled, progress toward graduation, and prepare for life after FSU.

The Matriculation Institute offerings include workshops, speaker series, and one-on-one mentoring. Subject matter experts with demonstrated experience as motivational life coaches—and proven success connecting with our target student demographics—serve as speakers, workshop facilitators, and mentors.

Ultimately, The Matriculation Institute fosters retention, persistence, and graduation by developing the whole student: academically, personally, socially, financially, and professionally.

The Matriculation Institute is built on a set of core pillars that guide our holistic approach to student support. These pillars reflect the essential areas students need to thrive at Fayetteville State University—from academic readiness and wellness to engagement, leadership, and career preparation. Each pillar is intentionally designed to remove barriers, strengthen skills, and ensure students are equipped to persist from their first term through graduation.

• Collaborative study sessions offered with tutoring services

• Workshops on study strategies, time management, and test preparation

• Structured accountability check-ins through coaching

• Opportunities to join student organizations and leadership programs

• Participation in campus traditions that build pride and belonging

• Service-learning and community involvement that connect classroom and co-curricular learning

• Peer mentoring and networking to foster support and community

• Life skills workshops focused on communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution

• Financial literacy education on budgeting, credit management, and responsible financial choices

• Leadership development and goal-setting activities

• Programming centered on mental, emotional, and physical well-being

• Resiliency training and stress management resources

• Connections to campus wellness services and peer wellness ambassadors

• Professional skills development in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving

• Support in clarifying career interests and long-term goals

• Exposure to internships, networking opportunities, and professional pathways (in partnership with Career Services)