Achieving the Dream Strategy Institute 2011 Am I Ready for College? Is the College Ready for Me?

Center for Community College Student Engagement  Kay McClenney Director Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE)  Arleen Arnsparger Project Manager Initiative on Student Success Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE)

Entering students are highly motivated, are committed to achieving their academic goals, and sincerely believe they will. Center for Community College Student Engagement

90% …of new students responding to the SENSE survey say they believe they have the motivation to do what it takes to succeed in college. Center for Community College Student Engagement

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Center for Community College Student Engagement Welcome to college! Video Removed

Center for Community College Student Engagement We wear them down! Video Removed

85% …of new students responding to the SENSE survey say they’re academically prepared for college. Center for Community College Student Engagement

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Students don’t know what they don’t know… but we think they should! Center for Community College Student Engagement

 …of our students leave before the start of their second year. 50%

Center for Community College Student Engagement  Helping students succeed through the equivalent of the first semester (12–15 credit hours) can dramatically improve subsequent success rates.

Center for Community College Student Engagement  Quantitative  CCSSE  CCFSSE  SENSE  Qualitative  Initiative on Student Success / Starting Right Center for Community College Student Engagement

Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE) & Starting Right: Listening to Entering Students Center for Community College Student Engagement

SENSE & Starting Right : Listening to Entering Students 4 years 232 colleges Represents 1.6 million students 37 states, District of Columbia, Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands Focus Groups

Measuring Student Engagement …the amount of time and energy students invest in meaningful educational practices

What we’re learning about student engagement:  It’s unlikely to happen by accident. It has to happen by design.

SENSE focuses on… Early Connections High Expectations and Aspirations Clear Academic Plan and Pathway Effective Track to College Readiness Engaged Learning Academic and Social Support Network Center for Community College Student Engagement

What entering students are telling us: During their first 3 weeks… Almost 30% didn’t really feel welcome. Fewer than half participated in on- campus orientation.

Personal Connections Entering Students’ First Impressions of Their Colleges Center for Community College Student Engagement The very first time I came to this college, I felt welcome.

Orientation Center for Community College Student Engagement

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Center for Community College Student Engagement Getting Started Video Removed

Center for Community College Student Engagement 1.Is it mandatory? For whom? 2.What does your college data show about the impact of orientation on student persistence and first term academic success? 3.What are you doing to bring it to scale? Discussion Questions - Orientation

What entering students are telling us: During their first 3 weeks… Fewer than one-quarter enrolled in a class designed to teach them the skills needed to succeed in college.

Student Success Classes Lead to… Student Success! Houston Community College System Florida Community Colleges

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Center for Community College Student Engagement 1.Is it mandatory? For whom? 2.What does your college data show about the impact of student success courses on student persistence and first term academic success? 3.What are you doing to bring it to scale? Discussion Questions – Student Success Courses

What entering students are telling us: During their first 3 weeks… 70% said an advisor helped them pick classes. Fewer than 60% said an advisor helped them select a major or program. Fewer than 40% said an advisor helped them set academic goals and create a plan for achieving those goals. Only 26% said a college staff member talked with them about balancing school with other commitments. out

Center for Community College Student Engagement What do students say is the most important college service? Academic Advising & Planning

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Center for Community College Student Engagement 1.Is it mandatory? For whom? 2.What does your college data show about the impact of academic planning on student persistence and first term academic success? 3.What are you doing to bring it to scale? Discussion Questions – Academic Planning

Center for Community College Student Engagement 1.Mandatory orientation? 1.Mandatory Student Success Courses? 2.Mandatory Academic Planning? Next Steps

Center for Community College Student Engagement Tools to Help You Examples from Member Colleges Student Focus Group Toolkit (can be adapted for faculty and staff focus groups) Video clips Accreditation toolkit

Center for Community College Student Engagement The Road to College Completion! Video Removed