Building a Culture for Success Through Mentoring and Coaching: The Key for Improving Student Retention and Completion in a Community College

Transcription

1 Building a Culture for Success Through Mentoring and Coaching: The Key for Improving Student Retention and Completion in a Community College Presented by: Rodolfo Ruiz-Velasco Beverly A. Phelps Dorsey Thomas Sara Martinez College of Lake County Title V Grant College of Lake County The College of Lake County (CLC), a public, two-year community college and emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. Each semester we serve around 18,000 credit students, with more than 80 percent enrolled in transfer or career preparation programs. Located in Grayslake, IL Two sites: Lakeshore Campus, Waukegan, Il Southlake Campus, Vernon Hills, Il 1

2 Title V Cooperative Grant Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is the lead institution in the Title V Cooperative project in partnership with College of Lake County (CLC). The two institutions propose a cooperative partnership based on their geographic proximity, similar student populations and mutual commitment to improving postsecondary retention and graduation for Hispanic students. Intercampus Programs will improve academic success, retention, transfer and graduation of students at both schools. Support services such as mentoring, advising, college visits, orientation programs and financial literacy workshops for transfer students and veterans will address the needs of at-risk students, transfer students, veterans and their families. The Past Rising Hispanic Serving Institution 2

3 Latino Population FALL 2009 (COLLEGE LEVEL) 17 % FALL 2013 (COLLEGE LEVEL) 24% THE LATINO STUDENT ENROLLMENT INCREASED BY 7 % IN 3 YEARS AT THE COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY. Retention Initiatives College Visits FAFSA Workshops Active Learning Veterans Assistance Parent Orientations Coaching and. Peer Mentoring 3

4 The Present PEER MENTORING Mentoring Goals Foster community Promote retention Build awareness Create Connections Prepare students Form Friendships 4

5 Summer Bridge Program High school students Remedial courses (ENG & MTH) Tuition Waived 8 weeks JumpStart Friday Transitioning from High School to College workshops College visits Peer Mentor 5

6 Peer-Mentoring Program Data Peer-Mentors Mentees 123 Students 13 Mentees 53% Hispanics 35% Hispanics Student Success Stories 6

7 Peer Mentoring Retention (Fall 2011-Fall 2012) Retention Rate The retention rate of the students participating in the Title V grant Peer Mentoring Program was 15 % higher than the control group of Non-Title V Participants. Peer-Mentoring Program 2012 Fall 2012 Success Rate When comparing the grades of the Title V participants and the control group: Title V participants received a higher percentage of A grades (30%) than the control group of non-title V participants (19%) that is an 11% difference. Overall, there was a 92 % satisfaction rate of all our academic support services and college events. Hispanic Students: 3 year cohort from Fall Fall to Fall persistence rate increased in three years. 7

8 The Future RETENTION SOFTWARE Student Success Program ( SSP ) Sinclair Community College findings, Students are five times more likely to graduate Term-to-term retention rate increase 26% (compared to non-atrisk) 37% (compared to eligible but non-participating students) Students involved in SSP are more likely to: Return the next semester Complete more courses successfully Have higher GPAs Be enrolled two years later 8

9 Student Success Program ( SSP ) Positive Student Feedback from Sinclair Community College Did the coaching help you in your Math 122 course? Absolutely! [The coach] was helpful because she knew what she was talking about.. What made you decide not to accept coaching? Would you participate if you were referred for coaching in another course? I was overconfident and felt like I could handle things on my own looking back I would have definitely met with the coach, the extra support would have been helpful. Would you encourage other students to participate in the coaching process? I ve told other students in the class to participate and they did and it helped them a lot. General this was a lifesaver for me and I am thankful for the program and the coach. Student Success Program ( SSP ) 9

10 Student Success Program ( SSP ) Software Benefits Allows faculty to notify Coaches of ANY issues that may affect the success of a student An intuitive and efficient system to assist students in difficulty to find the help that they need Automated electronic notification improves communication between instructors, coaches and students, eventually eliminating paper and less efficient processes Customizable to institution s needs Student Success Program ( SSP ) Software Benefits Case management focus provides immediately accessible and thorough student information Gives Coach ability to monitor and track students throughout their CLC career Preventative/proactive measures Potential retention rate increase 10

11 Student Success Program ( SSP ) Role of Coaches Holistic approach to help at-risk students Makes contact with student to make an appointment Meets with student to create Goals, Action Plan and Completion Deadlines Refers student as needed to student services/offices or community resources Refers student with behavioral concerns directly to Student Development (ideally referred to SD instead of Coach using Behavioral Complaint Form) Follows up with and monitors student s progress until end of semester Case Studies This student came to the first class on 8-26, and I didn t see him again until 9-9. He says that he didn t have a ride to school. He has missed 4 out of 6 classes. This student has demonstrated disruptive behavior and has manipulated other to take notes for him, do his work, and if in noncompliance with his wishes, will make fun of other students. He is seen by peers as intimidating and they now do not want anything to do with him in class. 11

12 QUESTIONS Building a Culture for Success Through Mentoring and Coaching: The Key for Improving Student Retention and Completion in a Community College Rodolfo Ruiz-Velasco College of lake county Grayslake, Illinois Title V cooperative grant manager Phone rruizvelasco@clcillinois.edu 12