Getting students started on the right path to success in college is an exciting and challenging goal. The Noel-Levitz College Student Inventory (CSI) is designed to help enhance orientation and retention activities by providing advisors and counselors with the information they need to intervene with students to ensure their success. The CSI measures a variety of factors that affect student retention including freshman academic motivation, social motivation, general coping skills and receptivity to support services.

At Missouri Western, all incoming freshmen that enroll in Griffon Edge and Freshman Seminar take the inventory, which is designed specifically for new students. Freshman Seminar instructors and Student Success Advisors schedule individual appointments with each student in order to discuss the inventory results. During these appointments, the high points and concerns indicated by the inventory are discussed with the student and suggestions are made that may help the student improve and enhance skills.