Luther College has announced the Catalyze Program will no longer be offered. The Catalyze Program will conclude its operations this summer, with the program officially winding down on July 26.
An email was sent to current Catalyze students on April 12 detailing the decision to shut down the program. The message provided a comprehensive list of Luther’s campus resources and assured that Catalyze Coaches will remain available to assist and connect students with other campus resources, including TRIO SSS, CAE Peer Coaching and Tutoring, Writing Center tutoring, and more. Students were encouraged to explore these support services for academic and personal assistance.
Catalyze is a joint initiative between the nonprofit organization College Possible and Luther College. The program has been a part of Luther for the past 8 years. Catalyze employs near-peer coaches, recent Luther graduates who engage directly with students on campus. These coaches serve as valuable resources for students, addressing their questions and concerns and fostering a supportive community dedicated to student success throughout their college years.
Catalyze coach Kailin Jolstad (‘23) spoke about this change, specifically touching on supports put in place to help students through this transition.
“I think right now we’re getting a lot of great support in place, such as TRIO (federal outreach and student services programs) potentially expanding their program to include DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students”, said Jolstad. “We also have other support resources such as student athletics success coordinator Dan Marlow, and Adam Lenehan in the CAE (Center for Academic Enrichment).”
Despite the conclusion of the Catalyze Program, students will still have access to the expertise and guidance of Catalyze coaches. They will continue to be available as usual, offering their services and serving as resources to students during this transition period.
In an effort to ensure a smooth transition, Catalyze will play a crucial role in connecting students with other exceptional resources and support available on campus. Their dedication and efforts aim to maintain a supportive environment for students, facilitating their academic and personal growth. Dean of Student Success Kate Elliott explained the reasoning behind the decision to end the program.
“This was a decision that we obviously didn’t take lightly. A lot of the stuff Catalyze does overlaps with the work that we’re already doing in the Office of Student Success. So we are really doubling down on some of those support measures, Elliott said. “We’re going to be adding more peer coaches and the TRIO Student Support Services is also inviting many of the students who are currently in Catalyze to come over to TRIO.”
While saying goodbye to the Catalyze Program, Luther is slated to expand its offerings, including the TRIO SSS program, CAE Peer Coaching and Tutoring, and Writing Center tutoring. These programs will continue to provide students with the necessary tools and support to succeed academically and thrive in their college experience. Assistant Dean of Student Success Ann Smith spoke about a conference she attended, and how that inspired her to figure out how to improve TRIO to include international students.
“I went to a conference earlier this spring, and while we have the definition of first generation (student) that we have to have with TRIO, [Luther] is also looking [reconsidering] what [being] first-gen at Luther College means,” Smith said. “So with that is kind of seeing what are some of the needs that they have specifically and how we can help support and think about that in a different way, as well.”
For more information about the transition and available support services, students are encouraged to reach out to administration or visit the Luther College Centers & Resources website.
