1. Bachelors Completion Strategies: Practices and Partnerships for Student Success

2. Introductions Why are we here today? Breaking down the barriers that prevent people from getting an education has been the foundation of Lasallian education since the 1700s.

3. Who were the students in the 1700s? 18 th and 19 th Century France: Only the wealthy received education Courses were taught in Latin (not practical) The majority working and non- working poor remained uneducated “This social situation is not good:” Established schools for the poor Taught courses in French Provided education that was practical Provided education on social skills that helped students integrate into society So who are today’s bachelors completion students? What barriers do they face to completing a bachelors degree? Here’s what the research states…

4. Barriers to Completion Time demands Limited time for school Length of time in school Life Roles Worker, Spouse/Partner, Parent, Caregiver, Community Member Financial Barriers Lack of degree planning

5. Identifying the Adult Learner & Non-Traditional Student The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Delays enrollment after high school Attends part-time Works full-time while enrolled Is financially independent Has dependents other than a spouse Is a single parent Does not have a high school diploma National Student Clearinghouse Anyone 25+ years of age

6. Identifying the Adult Learner & Non-Traditional Student 73% Non-Traditional (NCES) 38% 25+ years of age (NSC) 2010 – 2020 (NCES) 11% increase in enrollment under 25 20% increase in enrollment 25+ The “New” Majority

8. Most Important 1. Academic Reputation 2. Evening/Weekend Courses 3. Cost 4. Financial Aid/Scholarships 5. Location

9. So who is Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and what strategies have we been implementing to help students complete bachelor’s degrees?

10. Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model Transfer of Credit Policy Partnerships with community & technical colleges Location, location, location Credit for Prior Learning Program Directors as Academic Advisors Popular Degrees

11. Bachelor of Science Programs Accounting Business Human Resource Management Human Services Industrial Technology Information Technology Marketing Police Science Sales and Marketing SMU programs are: Evening accelerated courses for non- residential students and working adults For individuals who have completed some college but have not finished a bachelor’s degree All SMU students in the Twin Cites area are transfer students

12. Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model Transfer Credit Policy: “C-” or better from regionally accredited institutions No limitations on specific subjects Note: PhyEd courses are capped Preliminary degree plans

13. Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model Partnerships with Community & Technical Colleges: Articulation Agreements Leveling of course work – Saint Mary’s only offers 300 and 400 level courses Office Locations Tables and Events 4-Year degrees offered on location.

14. Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model Location, location, location! Minneapolis Apple Valley Plymouth Oakdale Rochester Other sites

15. Winona Campus Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has been a network of people dedicated to advancing our students in their individual pursuits of higher education

17. Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model Credit for Prior Learning: We have our own process We honor prior learning assessments from other schools. We’ll take CLEP & DANTES, too!

18. Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model Program Directors as Academic Advisors Individualized attention Up-to-date programmatic information Feedback loop between students and program directors regarding program quality Career guidance and mentoring

19. Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model Practical Degrees Accounting Allied Healthcare Management Business Administration Human Resource Management Human Services Information Technology Marketing Nursing Police Science Psychology Sales & Marketing

20. Admission Remove Barriers to admission Be responsive to inquiries Realize students are consumers and they have choices Understand motivation for obtaining a degree

21. Additional Services Student Services One-stop model from admissions to matriculation Financial Aid – Bridge to Bachelor’s Scholarship Writing and research support Tutoring Dedicated advisor throughout program Marketing and Communications Special Programs

22. When isn’t this program model a good fit for some students? “I’ve earned 20 credits and I want to transfer to Saint Mary’s University.” “I want to major in social work.” “I need all online courses.”