Innovative Models for Effective Collaboration Between Universities and Community Colleges Strengthening Opportunities for STEM Students Hesham Ali Brad Morrison Jack Heidel Michele O’Connor Dana Richter-Egger

The Setting Omaha  The largest city in Nebraska  The largest metropolitan center within 150 miles The University of Nebraska at Omaha  A metropolitan university  ~14,000 fte undergraduate students Metropolitan Community College  ~7,500 fte students ~26,000 individual students Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Why the Need for Collaboration? Institutions have to do more with less New initiatives are necessary for healthy growth Institutions operate in competitive environments and have need for allies Greater chance of acquiring funding with collaborative efforts Different perspectives from collaboration are more likely to lead to innovations Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Benefits Of Effective Collaboration Enhance opportunities for students and faculty Increased interaction → greater creativity Better preparation for students to transition from community college to university Complimentary goals with minor conflicts Maximize strengths and increases resources at both institutions Encourage faculty collaboration with colleagues outside of their institution Break down misperceptions that may exist between the two institutions as a result of enhanced communication Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Challenges Of Collaboration Different cultures and perspectives  for students  and for administration and faculty Lack of sufficient funding Finding time and willing participants “Breaking down the walls” Outcome difficult to quantify sometimes Results not always seen immediately Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Taking A Strategic Approach Many models of collaboration exist each with its benefits and challenges Perfect model may not be attainable in one step; may have to be implemented in stages Not all activities require significant funding Can build upon existing structure and grow gradually Identify appropriate model for current circumstances and strategic goals Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Our Goal To recruit and retain STEM majors through a broad, multifaceted effort to strengthen the collaboration between UNO and MCC HOW? Funding from a NSF STEP Grant  $2 million over 5 years  The intent is support expansion and adaptation of currently successful activities within and between the two institutions as well as the implementation of new activities. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

What is STEP Anyway? S TEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM)  A congressionally mandated NSF program  The first awards were made in the fall of 2003 PURPOSE  to increase the number of students pursuing and obtaining STEM degrees  Includes both community colleges and four-year institutions Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Insight from NSF Thoughts from Dr. Bement – NSF Director  Foster flexible, creative and collaborative research  Build bridges across the ‘gaps’ that students fall through  Create seamless educational pathways for our students  Today's laboratory shapes tomorrow’s economy Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Our Objectives 1.Expand, diversify and incorporate new STEM degrees 2.Develop agreements for the articulation of complete programs of study 3.Attract and retain students through the use of scholarships  Particularly under-represented and non-traditional students 4.Improve the quality of and access to experiential education opportunities and student support services 5.Increase outreach and recruitment activities Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

New Degree Options STEM Associate of Science Degrees at MCC  Pre-Biology  Pre-Biotechnology  Pre-Chemistry  Pre-Mathematics  Pre-Physics  Pre-Bioinformatics  Computer Science Previously in place New Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

New Degree Options New Interdisciplinary Majors at UNO Bioinformatics (new degree)  Interdisciplinary Computer Science (College of Information and Technology) Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)  One of only a few such programs in the U.S.  Now has 37 majors  Many students in the program are involved in interdisciplinary research supported by STEP and other funding. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

New Degree Options New Interdisciplinary Majors at UNO Information Assurance (area of emphasis, MIS/CS)  Plans for conversion to an actual degree Medicinal Chemistry (a new degree track)  Approved Fall 2005 Neuroscience (proposed new degree)  Students with this interest can currently use the ‘interdisciplinary studies’ major Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Articulation Avenues for progression and transfer are especially important in the STEM disciplines because of the inherent hierarchical program structure Allows students to transition from community college to university with sense of completion and accomplishment Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Articulation of Complete Programs A to B – getting Associates Degree then Bachelors More challenging to implement  Requires higher level of coordination  More people involved to accomplish Now available in 7 STEM areas; MCC → UNO Pre-Biology Pre-Chemistry Pre-Biotechnology Pre-Mathematics Pre-Physics Pre-Bioinformatics Computer Science Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Scholarships STEP Scholars - $1000/semester  16 Scholarships awarded  Fifteen scholarships were renewed for the second year  18 Scholarships awarded  Recruitment currently underway  Three MCC students have applied Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Scholarships Bridge Scholarships at MCC  Covers the expenses for the last quarter of study  4 students - 4 male (1 minority  16 students - 13 male (3 Minority), 3 female  First MCC student received a UNO Bridge Scholarship Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Early Undergraduate Research Faculty recruit qualified early undergraduates into a motivational research activity and then to supervise the students involved for one or more semesters.  Focus on 1 st and 2 nd year students  Encourages these students to consider a STEM major  Funding provides for Faculty summer stipend Tuition waivers for students, up to 3 credits/student Limited funds for materials/supplies Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Early Undergraduate Research Proposals selection criteria  Evidence for successful recruitment and retention of students into a STEM major On what personal experience or successful external models of EUR is the is the project based?  Number of students projected to be involved  Sustainability Anticipated duration Is it an ongoing project or one-time? Will continuation require additional funding?  If the proposed research is interdisciplinary  Projects that specifically target underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Early Undergraduate Research  6 projects funded  37 students participated in EUR activities, most received 3 semester hours of tuition waivers  6 projects funded  24 students participated in EUR activities  7 projects funded 54 of those 61 EUR students from years 1 and 2 are currently pursuing STEM degrees Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Recruitment and Outreach MCC STEP Coordinator  Recruits at area high schools and community events distributing STEP literature for both UNO and MCC STEM programs. Focused on providing prospective students and their families a broad view of STEM educational opportunities.  Centralizes creation of all promotional materials  Assists with coordination of joint activities between the two institutions  The “go to” person for both institutions Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Impact Beyond Intended Goals New Graduate Teaching Assistant Positions  UNO graduate students (4 in math currently) teach at MCC which reimburses teaching salary to UNO  Other departments are being encouraged to also participate Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Impact Beyond Intended Goals “Interdisciplinary Research Inquires in General Chemistry”  a (separate) but similarly aligned NSF-CCLI grant  General Chemistry and Environmental Geology students study of lead contamination of soil Geology students collect soil samples  Focus on an EPA Superfund site within Omaha Chemistry students analyze the samples Self-selected geology and chemistry students do further analysis and interpretation of the aggregate data Activity is repeated each fall and spring semester Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Impact Beyond Intended Goals “Taking Science for a Test Drive”  A NSF-CCLI proposal from Biology and Chemistry  Significantly expands upon the STEP-EUR which it is modeled after  Targets MCC students and UNO pre-service teachers and general non-STEM majors  Sixty students per year, in groups of ten, will participate in two-week research experiences during summer  Will rigorously test the assertion that EUR is an effective means of recruiting STEM majors and of positively impacting the attitudes of non-STEM majors, particularly pre-service teachers. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Evaluation How well are students acquiring important STEM knowledge, skills and concepts as defined by respective curriculum requirements at UNO and MCC? Are the STEP activities encouraging higher levels of participation in STEM courses and programs at UNO and MCC? How are program and course offerings within and between UNO and MCC meeting the needs of students in providing effective transitions between the colleges? How are STEP project activities providing greater accessibility to STEM related areas of study and career opportunities? Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Social Climate Assessment What are majors’ and non-majors’ perceptions, beliefs, and experiences in STEM courses?  Do the STEP goals of inclusiveness and diversity extend beyond the students who are directly involved (scholarships or EUR support)? Results suggest that the social climate in STEM courses and departments is remarkably positive. The results were surprising given literature indications that a negative social climate may be at least partly responsible for a lack of interest in STEM majors. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Sustainability Math/Science Learning Center  Both one time and ongoing funding are will be used to form a Math/Science Learning Center at UNO.  This center will be a significant way in which the activities of the STEP grant will be institutionalized.  The Center will Assess science education effectiveness Coordinate peer mentoring and peer led team learning Offer workshops for STEM faculty and students Provide  Entry level tutoring  Course modules  Specialized instruction  Study skills training Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Sustainability The Scholarship Program may be the most difficult because of its large budget  All the scholarships offered total approximately $100,000 per year.  Private support for STEP scholarship endowments is being actively pursued by the Principal Investigator and the Arts & Sciences Dean in conjunction with the Nebraska University Foundation. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

UNO STEM Graduates Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

STEM Transfers from MCC to UNO Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

What We Have Learned Be Broad Based and Inclusive  The greatest strength of the UNO/MCC STEP grant is its breadth. It includes six UNO departments in two different colleges and two different educational institutions. Cast a Wide Net  There are many dynamic connections between the UNO academic areas that make up the STEM disciplines (biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, and physics); how they will develop and grow is impossible to predict. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

What We Have Learned Reach Out to Actual & Potential STEM Majors  Science has a great intrinsic appeal. It takes some students longer than others to come to this realization; they may need extra encouragement in the meantime. By All Indications -- Success  Success is attributed to both the generality of the approach and to the interest and enthusiasm of the participants. The sharing of “Best Practices” will assist institutions regardless of their level of experience in STEP. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Challenges Faced Establishing a good working relationship between UNO and MCC. The different cultures of the two institutions means a relationship is not automatic and must be developed. Encouraging MCC students to continue their education at UNO. Uneven success in Early Undergraduate Research (EUR). Letting the world know what we are doing. Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Overcoming those Challenges Inclusion of MCC faculty and students in EUR Need to focus more on increasing students’ sense of belongingness Increasing student recognition of the grant program/efforts Make better use of the campus advisory committee More sophisticated evaluation of the most innovative activities, such as EUR Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Innovative Models for Effective Collaboration between Universities and Community Colleges, Hesham Ali, Jack Heidel, Michele O’Connor and Dana Richter-Egger, 110th annual meeting of the higher learning commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), in a Collection of Papers in Self-Study and Institutional Improvement, Volume 1, pp , Chicago, April 8-12, Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination

Acknowledgements The National Science Foundation  DUE STEP Grant # The University of Nebraska at Omaha  College and Departmental support Metropolitan Community College  College and Division support The University of Nebraska System  Excellence and priority funding Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreach Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcomes Challenges Dissemination