Students Speak! Are We Listening? NISOD 2012

89% …of traditional-age entering students responding to the Survey of Entering Student Engagement say they believe they have the motivation to do what it takes to succeed in college.

I College, here I come!

I Have a Goal! On the SENSE survey, traditional-age entering students say… 78% want to obtain an associate degree. 79% want to transfer to a four-year institution. 61% want to complete a certificate program.

Where am I heading?

I Next step – college!

Am I Ready for College?

86% …of traditional-age entering students responding to the SENSE survey say they’re academically prepared for college.

I think I’m ready…

71% of traditional-age entering students responding to the SENSE survey learned that they are not ready for college-level courses that require skills in reading, writing and/or math.

New students years of age… More attend full-time Work fewer hours than older students Have fewer family responsibilities Yet… they spend less time preparing for class.

During the first 3 weeks of community college, students years old … 46% came to class unprepared at least once. 28% skipped class at least once. 29% did not turn in an assignment at least once.

48% drop out before the beginning of their second year.

David Conley, Distinguished Professor, University of Oregon:  “Nobody manages the transition very well. For most institutions of higher education, it isn't a transition at all. The student just shows up…there is very little process or systematic thought for what is going on for the student in terms of all the dimensions that are required to make that transition.”

SENSE Benchmarks for Effective Educational Practice Early Connections High Expectations & Aspirations Clear Academic Plan & Pathway Effective Track to College Readiness Engaged Learning Academic & Social Support Network

Welcome to college!

We wear them down…

Students don’t know what they don’t know… but we think they should…and behave as though they do!

What entering community college students are telling us: Fewer than half participated in on- campus orientation. 11% in online orientation SENSE 2011 Cohort Data

Students need orientation...

 48% …of younger entering community college students say they never saw an advisor during their first three weeks. 37% for non-traditional-aged students SENSE 2011 Cohort Data

Younger students are less likely to… Use academic advising and planning They ask their friends what to do… 53% vs. 42% for older students SENSE 2011 Cohort Data

I have an advisor…

What year old new community college students are telling us: 28% enrolled in a class designed to teach them the skills needed to succeed in college.

Creating an on-ramp to college…

What makes a class a good class?

Is this learning?

This is learning!

Younger community college students are less likely to…. …say they are getting prompt feedback from instructors about their progress – they’re looking for GRADES!

What’s my GRADE?

Younger community college students are less likely to… Go to a tutor Go to math, English and computer labs Ask an instructor for help Discuss an assignment or grade with an instructor

In college, I need help, but…

Students don’t do optional!!

What questions does the information raise for you? What is one thing you and the college can do to address these findings?

Houston Community College Student Success Class Fall to spring persistence increased for all groups except Asian students, which remained constant at 78%. Largest gain has been for African American students – from 69% to 75%. Community College Survey of Student Engagement

Skagit Valley College Pilot Fall-Winter Persistence

Zane State Mandatory testing & placement, mandatory orientation, mandatory FYE course, mandatory advising for at-risk students 3-year mandatory FYE course associated with 10% increase in fall-to-fall persistence. 3-year graduation rate for developmental students now exceeds 50%. Survey of Student Engagement

What Matters Most for Student Success?

Some Observations about Entering Students Students experience culture shock and academic shock. Students don’t know what they don’t know…but we expect them to! You have to ask to be told…but what if you don’t know what to ask?

What does this mean for community college leaders? Create an “on-ramp” to college life. Show students the relevance of what they’re doing – help them understand the “what” and the “why.” Make everything more personal – show them we care! If we know what students need – make it mandatory!

High Performing Colleges …make student engagement inescapable! Imagine Success!

Inescapable…

Arleen Arnsparger, Project Manager Initiative on Student Success Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE)