1. Athens Technical College
Achieving the Dream
Student Success 2017

2. Athens Technical College
Student Engagement
Athens Technical College

3. Goal 4: Increase the number of students earning a college credential
Initiatives: Implementation of Degreeworks and Plans, Prior Learning Assessments, and Graduation Gala and Expo

4. DegreeWorks and Plans, Prior Learning Assessments, Graduation Expo and Gala, and Graduation
Kala McNair
Director of Registration and Records

5. DegreeWorks
“DegreeWorks” is a computerized degree audit program and academic advising tool designed to assist advisors and the students in reviewing where students stand academically in the degree progress. A web-based program, DegreeWorks easily identifying courses that the student has completed and the courses the student will still need in order to fulfill the degree requirements.

6. Advantages of DegreeWorks
Instructors/Advisors:
Supports real-time delivery of academic advice through intuitive web interfaces
Minimizes errors through consistent degree plans
Supports more timely degree certification
Reduces paperwork and manual program check sheets
Supports and monitors unique program changes
Students:
Provides real-time advice and counsel
Speeds time to graduation
Provides intuitive web access to self-service capabilities
Streamlines the graduation process
Allows direct access to multiple related services and advice through hyperlinks to catalog information, class schedules, transcripts, help desk services, and FAQs

8. DegreeWorks Plans
Plans are designed to assist students with a clear pathway to graduation
Outlines each semester and allows students to make adjustments as needed
Allows customization based on individual needs

11. Prior Learning Assessment Credits
Athens Technical College recognizes that individuals can develop mastery of course competencies through non-traditional educational environments such as employment, training, professional certifications, non-credit courses, and other life experiences.
The term prior learning is used to describe these methods of learning.
The college awards credit for prior learning when the equivalency is validated by academically sound and rigorous assessment.
Credit will be awarded only for demonstrable college-level learning, not for experience.
Students must demonstrate mastery of course competencies through testing or appropriate documentation such as portfolios or certifications received from professional organizations.
Students who believe they have the appropriate prior learning to request credit should make an appointment to speak with the dean responsible for the courses students are seeking prior learning credit.

12. Prior Learning Assessment Credits
We have awarded PLA credits for the following courses/programs:
Early Childhood Care
Criminal Justice
Cosmetology
Fire Science
First Semester Seminar

13. Graduation Expo and Gala
One stop shop for all graduation needs
Student can fill out graduation application, order cap and gown, join the alumni association, receive career assistance, etc.
Inspires students to feel like they are part of “Class of 20 something”
Every student who attends receives a commemorative t-shirt and a packet of vital graduation information
Motivates current students toward earning a credential
Graduation Gala:
Celebration for friends and family
Promotes graduation as a “big deal”

14. Graduation Expo and Gala
129 attended the Expo in 2016
150 attended the Gala in 2016
290 walked in graduation
194 attended the Expo in 2017
Gala is scheduled for April 17, 2017
324 have RSVP’d to walk in graduation
Increase of almost 12% in student participation in graduation

16. Graduation Rates AY 2014 to AY 2015 graduation rates increased by .45%
AY 2015, plans were piloted by
Healthcare
Accounting
Welding
Early Childhood Care and Education
AY 2015 to AY 2016 graduation rates increased by 4.64%
AY 2016, we held our first Graduation Expo and Gala
December 2016, DegreeWorks Plans were launched campus wide
Next steps: To increase graduation rates by
4% from AY 2016 to AY 2017
5% from AY 2017 to AY 2018

17. Questions

18. Credits Student Engagement – Goal 4
Ms. Kala McNair – Degreeworks, PLA, Graduation Expo and Gala, and Graduation