Innovative Models for Effective Collaboration between Universities and Community Colleges Presented by: Hesham Ali Department of Computer Science College of Information Science & Technology University of Nebraska at Omaha Michele O’Connor Educational Services Math, Science and Health Careers Metropolitan Community College

Objectives For This Session Motivate audience to increase level of collaboration Identify advantages and challenges of collaboration Present different collaborative models along with working examples from UNO – MCC partnership Discuss features of different models to choose best-fit model for given circumstances

What is Collaboration? Dictionary definition: “To work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort.”1. Joining together efforts for a mutual goal Mutually beneficial and mutually respectful a win-win situation Two levels of collaboration Simple Models – one activity at a time Complex Models – multiple activities with common goal and objectives 1.Dictionary.com,<http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=collaboration>; accessed 1 April, 2005.

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

Benefits Of Effective Collaboration Enhance opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions Increased interaction between faculty leads to greater degree of creativity Better preparation for students to transition from community college to university Complimentary goals with minor conflicts Maximizes strengths and increases resources at both institutions Encourages faculty to work collaboratively with colleagues outside of their institution Breaks down misperceptions that may exist between the two institutions as a result of enhanced communication

Challenges Of Collaboration Different cultures at the university and the community college From student perspective From administrative/faculty perspective Lack of sufficient funding for implementing collaborative activities Finding time and willing participants “Breaking down the walls” Outcome difficult to quantify sometimes Results not always seen immediately

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

Models for Collaboration Simple models Complex models

Simple Models Comprised of one or few related activities Easier to implement May not require additional or special funding Leads to expansion of new opportunities for growth at both institutions

Simple Model 1: Articulation At The Course Level First step towards larger scale articulation Increases a student’s ability to transfer effectively between institutions Requires and encourages collaboration and communication between faculty and academic departments at both institutions

Simple Model 2: Articulation At The Program Level More challenging to implement Requires higher level of coordination More people involved to accomplish A to B – getting Associates Degree then Bachelors MCC crafted previous general education coursework to create six new degree options designed to meet degree requirements at UNO Pre-Biology Pre-Chemistry Pre-Biotechnology Pre-Mathematics Pre-Physics Pre-Bioinformatics

Articulation At The Program Level, cont. Allows students to transition from community college to university with sense of completion and accomplishment Complementing versus competing course scheduling

Simple Model 3: Professional Certification Community colleges are often better prepared for providing training programs University labs often have more advanced labs Example: Cisco certification for UNO and MCC students lab is located at UNO course instruction provided by an MCC certified instructor Students from both institutes take the training: MCC students take it as an MCC course while UNO students take it as a lab component of an existing course

Other Examples of Simple Models Shared funding of Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA’s) Mentoring programs for students and faculty Coordinated advising Shared resources

Complex Models A number of activities bundled together to achieve a common goal with a set of specific objectives Require external funding; funding at state, foundation, or federal level Number of awards are increasing and becoming more accessible Require even higher degree of coordination, planning and implementation at various levels

Complex Model 1: TELCEDS Technology Enhanced, Learner-Centered Student Delivery Systems State funded grant 1999-2003 to facilitate sharing resources and provide a smooth transition from MCC to UNO Develop several articulated online courses at the sophomore and junior level and make them available to all CC students Joint seminars for students and faculty Online real-time advising Utilize joint resources to provide students at both institutes certification opportunities

Complex Model 2: NSF STEP “UNO and MCC STEPping Together” Awarded in May, 2004 with one singular purpose: To recruit, retain and increase the number of students pursing and obtaining STEM degrees by strengthening the collaboration between UNO and MCC. The grant supports expansion and adaptation of currently successful activities within and between the two institutions as well as the implementation of new activities.

A New Dance…the 5-STEP Develop agreements for the articulation of complete programs of study Attract and retain students through the use of scholarships, particularly under-represented and non-traditional students Improve the quality and access to experimental education opportunities and student support services Expand diversity and incorporate new STEM degree/certificate options Increase outreach and recruitment acuities

Scholarships One option offered to under-represented students entering UNO as new freshman Another option offered to Adult Learners, students transferring into UNO declaring a STEM degree option A third option offered at MCC to cover the last 30 hours of completion of an Associate degree A fourth option called “Bridge Scholarship” offered to MCC STEM graduates who continue their education at UNO in pursuit of a 4-year STEM degree.

Experiential Education Opportunities and Student Support Services Early undergraduate research opportunities at UNO Career exploration opportunities of STEM areas at MCC Student mentoring programs linking STEM students with internal and external professionals Math and science center tutoring and remediation at both institutions

Recruitment and Outreach New STEM discipline outreach coordinator to coordinate efforts for both MCC and UNO Centralizes creation of all promotional materials Assists with coordination of joint activities between the two institutions The “go to” person for both institutions

Small Group Activity Share examples of collaborative activities between community college and universities currently in place at your institutions? Do they follow any of the discussed models or follow a different model? How to select the proper collaboration model(s) to implement?

Criteria for Choosing the Proper collaboration Model(s)? Key parameters: The current resources The overall environment The expected demand The discipline(s) involved How does it fit with the strategic plans of your unit and your school

Summary Collaboration can be wonderful but difficult Takes coordination, accommodation, and compromise Desire may arise from external motives - e.g. funding and need for resources Desire may also come from internal motives - e.g. vision of administration or faculty and then funding is sought Advanced collaboration: adopting a common assessment program that includes objectives of courses and programs (AQIP-driven approach)