20. “Relationships Matter for Student Success:” A Conversation with Isis Artze-Vega and Peter Felten

In this conversation, Dr. Isis Artze-Vega and Dr. Peter Felten discuss the significance of relationship-rich education in fostering student success. They emphasize the need for academic leaders to create environments that prioritize meaningful connections among students, faculty, and staff. The discussion covers strategies for supporting first-generation and non-traditional students, the importance of intentionality in building relationships, and the role of faculty and staff in nurturing these connections. They also explore the challenges of diversity in faculty-student relationships and the necessity of recognizing and rewarding those who contribute to a relationship-rich culture. The conversation concludes with insights on mentoring, online learning, and the concept of relationship accelerators as tools for enhancing student engagement and success.   Takeaways Provosts must model relationship-rich behaviors to foster a culture of connection. Strategies should be designed to help students understand the importance of relationships for their success. First-generation students often need guidance on how to build academic relationships. Intentional connections are crucial for student retention and success. Creating a relational culture is essential, especially in large institutions.