1. Outline Strategies for recruiting and retaining underrepresented students Mesa and retention of underrepresented students Strategies for tracking diverse populations Question-Answer/Discussion Concluding remarks

2. Recruiting and Retaining Underrepresented Students in STEM Wendy A. Bohrson Director, CWU STEP STEP Supervisor: Jessica Nye STEP faculty and staff: Michael Braunstein, Lucinda Carnell, Anthony Diaz, Lisa Ely, Rachel Foss, Eric Foss, Maria Godinez, Martha Kurtz, Michael Jackson, Greg Lyman, Aaron Mayfield, Andy Piacsek

3. Metrics STEP STEM cohorts: typically ~80-85% underrepresented (first generation, low income, minority, female, disabled). 2007-2013: Doubled the number of students who apply to STEP Program. STEP students: Higher GPAs and declare majors at a much higher rate than control group. 2007-2012: Increase in proportion of minorities graduating with STEM degrees from ~13 to 18% 2012: STEP underrepresented student retention rate is 92% compared to 79% at CWU in general. Goal is recruitment and retention of freshmen, sophomores and transfer students, with an emphasis on traditionally underrepresented students in STEM programs at Central Washington University

4. Central Washington University STEP Strategies 1) Tailored program of recruitment for STEP, STEM, College of Sciences in collaboration with CWU Office of Admissions Specialized Recruiter STEM graduate of CWU, bilingual, Hispanic and from one of the areas of intense recruiting Visits high schools multiple times. Goal is to develop lasting relationships with teachers, counselors.... Initially supported by STEP grant; transitioned to full time university funded position last year Also offer organized visits to CWU to meet faculty and students, visit departments

5. Central Washington University STEP Strategies 2) Tailored program of retention through STEP Engagement in discipline: STEP freshman inquiry-based classes, undergraduate research/teaching experiences Academic support: advising session each quarter, STEP office (STEP Mom), tutoring Social support: Living Learning Community Financial support: tuition waivers, book stipends Close alliance with other programs like CAMP, Trio, McNair…

6. Central Washington University STEP Strategies 3) Institutionalize essential parts of program Curricular: Classes, undergraduate research experiences fully supported by college Academic support: STEP office staffed, tutoring available Recruiter: now a permanent member of Admissions staff Financial support: Tuition (partial) waivers continue Social: LLC continues

7. Central Washington University STEP Acknowledgements Dr. Marilyn Levine, Provost Dr. John Swiney, Associate Vice-President Enrollment Management Dr. Kirk Johnson, Dean, College of the Sciences Dr. David Darda, Associate Dean, Dean College of the Sciences Kathy Gaer-Carlton, Matt Cziske, Andres Moreno, Fernando Galvan, Admissions Offices of Financial Aid, First-Year Experience, Registrar Funding from: National Science Foundation, Central Washington University