Full-Time College for Working Adults Counselor Hiring Justification

To be addressed today… What is the College for Working Adults? What do the data indicate? Are there extraordinary needs? How does the request help meet the college’s mission and goals?

What is the CWA? An evening and weekend degree program for working adults Students earn up to three of the following degrees in three years: – AA-T in Psychology – AA in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences – AA in Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities – AA in Economics

What is the CWA? Wraparound Support Services Predetermined curriculum Consistent schedule from semester to semester Program orientation Guaranteed registration Cohort learning communities Peer mentoring and tutoring Regular faculty meetings Dedicated evening/weekend counseling

What do the data indicate? Successful record of degree completion

What do the data indicate? Rapid growth and high demand for the program

What do the data indicate?

Decreasing success and retention trends

Are there extraordinary needs? Counseling is a critical component for student success and retention CWA counselor serves 227 students – New students attend one-hour introductory counseling sessions – Continuing students meet with counselor at least once per semester to update SEPs

Are there extraordinary needs? PT counselor does not have adequate time to provide case management and follow up with students Gaps in counseling service – Only 63% of students met with counselor in Fall 2014 – Only 66% of students were registered for classes in Spring 2015

Are there extraordinary needs? Frequent turnover of PT counselors – Damages trust between students and counselors – No designated CWA counselor: May 22, 2015 – August 14, 2014 February 5, 2015 – March 5, 2015 PT counselor may only work a maximum of 18 hours/week

Educational Master Plan Completion 2.4 – Identifying pathways Completion 2.6 – Intentional counseling Completion Mentorships Completion 2.9 – Removing barriers Completion 2.11 – Transfer Completion 2.12 – Monitor student success

Summary Increased counseling needs as CWA program has grown Counseling is critical to success and retention Without full-time counseling support, CWA will have to limit future growth