Monday, November 7, 2016

Salt Lake Community College

At the recent TYFY Conference I attended in Denver, CO, I met an outstanding team of employees from Salt Lake Community College and attended their session titled, "Pathways to Student Engagement: Defining the First Year Experience in the Community College Context." I actually learned a lot from their session, and I will try to do justice to their presentation.

What is FYE?
  • Introduce new students to higher education culture
  • Combine in-class and out-of-class programs
  • Create meaningful interactions
  • Increase academic preparation and retention
  • Integrate three or more programs with high impact
Why should we listen to Salt Lake Community College? Sixty percent of incoming students declare that they plan to transfer. Seventy-three percent transfer. Enough said.



Pre-college

Mandatory Placement and Orientation for all incoming first-year students.
  • Online
  • 90 minute
  • Half-day
  • Express Registration
  • District Specific
  • College Access program specific offered in the high schools, Trio, PACE, etc

Accuplacer Tips and Tricks Workshop--given prior to taking the placement exam. Students can take the 1/2 hour version or a full hour version that includes instructional tips from English and math faculty and/or tutors.

Horizonte Scholarship Program--This partnership runs between the SLCC Access and Outreach office, First-Year experience office, and the local school district. Fifty scholarships are offered annually to give students 75% off tuition and a fees and book stipend. Students in this program must attend a six-week orientation program the final quarter of their senior year to receive the scholarship.

Bridge to Success--free four week summer classes 1.5 hours per day
  • How to read a syllabus
  • How to handle money
  • College resources
  • Meet your peer mentor
  • Academic emphasis training (Math and or English)
  • Meet with a faculty member
  • Learn Canvas and have homework in the system
Bridge into Math--This eight-day boot camp gives students access to a program called edready.org. The purpose is not to teach new material but to refresh on material students may have forgotten. Students use the software and a tutor along with specific assignments to meet student need. Students then retake the Accuplacer exam. Seventy-five percent of students persist in this bridge program. Students improve according to the following data collected from the program: 54% skipped one math level, 38% skipped two levels, and all improved their Accuplacer score. Bridge programs are free to students and count as college service for faculty who participate.



First -Second Semester

StartSmart E-Mails--The email campaign provides students with helpful tips and information concerning college life such as college dates, deadlines, upcoming events, reminders, student development resources and services, as well as tips on student success. These emails are sent weekly to all first-year students enrolled in the first and second semesters of classes.

New Student Welcome Week--Welcome Days seek to introduce new and continuing students to SLCC's services and resources. These events and activities make connections during the first three weeks of the semester to ensure student persistence. Students have the opportunity to meet with the offices providing resources through an Academic Programs and Resource Fair as well as to explore clubs and organizations through Club Rush.

DegreeWorks Workshop--A one-hour workshop where students learn how to navigate DegreeWorks and create a two-semester degree plan.

Academic Boosters--A one-hour academic success tips workshop open to all students.

Essentials of College Study EDU1020--A three-credit General Education course designed to assist students in identifying their learning style(s) and how to better prepare for the rigors of college. Topics include the nature of the adult learner, time management, test-taking strategies, communication skills, memory strategies, study techniques, information technology, and accessing college resources. Personal issues such as financial considerations, stress, and life choices are also discussed. The college philosophy is that General Education classes only need a reading requirement if the course has traditionally shown a high failure rate due to the reading level of the textbook.



First Year Seminar SLSS 2900--A one-credit elective course designed for students to develop and implement an academic and career pathway through experiential activities assessing their personal values, priorities, strengths, and challenges. Skills and concepts learned in this course will center on motivational theory, the culture and value of higher education, strategic goal setting, developing academic competencies, and problem solving.

Bruin Scholars--A two-semester cohort program for students testing into sixth grade level English. Preference is given to the first generation underrepresented populations. The objective is for students to build foundation of knowledge, behaviors, skills, and attitudes to become successful at the college level. Students take their developmental English courses and orientation courses together, working closely with each other and their instructors to promote a successful transition and integration into the college community.

When College Strikes!~ How to survive as a Bruin--A two-semester cohort program for student testing into the eighth grade level English. This program is similar to the Bruin Scholars program, but students take their EDU1020 and an additional General Education class together with an English course, working closely with each other and their instructors for student success.

Beyond the Second Semester

TEACH Program-- This is a partnership between the Utah Association for the Education of Young Children, early childhood providers, First-Year Experience office, and the department of the Family and Human Studies. This is a scholarship program intended to help early childhood professionals increase their levels of education, compensation, and commitment to the field. The program follows recipients until they complete their Bachelor's degree.

Access U-- A transfer pathway program made as a partnership between SLCC and the University of Utah in order to create a seamless and successful transition from SLCC to the University of Utah. This program helps SLCC accomplish its mission of preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions, and the University of Utah in providing supportive and inspiring platform for success in moving toward graduation with a Bachelor's degree.



No comments:

Post a Comment