Meeting The Needs of Under-Prepared Students: Support & Bridge Programs Meeting The Needs of Under-Prepared Students: Support & Bridge Programs Serving as the gateway to closing the achievement gap November 6, Fall WACRO Conference

Today’s Presenter Tiffany LeFlore, Academic Advisor University of Wisconsin -Waukesha

What is the Fresh Start Program? The Fresh Start program provides individualized academic advising and counseling, specialized academic support courses, and tutoring services to help students develop habits and skills that promote academic success.

Why is this support needed? “Based upon the work of Tinto (2004), Boylan (2001), and McGillin (2003), those seeking to improve success rates for academically underprepared students should lobby for a developmental education program” See more at: underprepared-students.aspx#sthash.KQAexTMw.dpuf

Who are Fresh Start Students?  Students are required to participate in UW- Waukesha’s Fresh Start program based on their: high school grades ACT scores participation in alternative high school programs missing high school courses

Our Students  Fall 2011, AI program was 1 st piloted  Current Total Enrollment: 275  47% first generation  175 students per cohort  Average HS GPA : 2.5  Average ACT Score : 17

Matriculation Timeline

Degree Attainment What come to mind when you see this image?

Obstacles in Retention What I commonly hear from students….  Academic  Individual  Social  Financial  Family

Connecting Students with Campus Resources  Introduce students programs, and resources:  Gear UP/TRIO/SSS program  Writing and math centers  Learning and study skills classes  Orientation  Career center  Willingness to do whatever it takes  Create a personal touch  Be an advocate  Faculty/Staff mentorship Challenges: Experience poor customer service Lack of comfort with professional communication Campus is scary even after tours & scavenger hunts. When to Use:How to Use:

Summer Bridge Program Summer Bridge Program  Students get the opportunity to adapt to campus culture, expectations, etc.  Students can take remedial coursework. The Perks are the small classes, individualized attention, and upon earning satisfactory grade can take degree credit courses.  Students begin to feel connected (community).  Promote summer course to students the semester before enrollment  Team building amongst a cohort Challenges: False Expectations Test scores only tell you so much Academic Preparation for college When to Use:How to Use:

LEC 100: Freshmen Seminar  Identify beliefs & generalizations student has…  Financial Literacy  Study Skills  Degree Requirements  Student can be self- advocates, responsible, and resilient. Challenges: Lack of experience/exposure Lack of self-awareness regarding interests, values, and ability Technology When to Use:How to Use:

Intrusive Advising  Students can be flagged for early alerts (Attendance, behavior, personal concerns)  FYE support groups  Survey/focus group to determine students needs  Use product like Hobsons AgileGrad  Require all faculty to report midterm grades  Create Committee(s) or Task force with team passionate members with students Challenges: Student are more than their grades Continuing financial aid Unusual personal circumstances Unsure of where to start When to Use:How to Use:

Questions ?

Contact US UW-Waukesha Academic Success Center 1500 N. University Drive Waukesha, WI