generating buy-in inspiring change finding success
TRANSCRIPT
Always a Big Thing: Optimizing Student
SuccessChristine M. Nowik
Dean of Student and Academic Success Harrisburg Area Community College, Central
Pennsylvania's Community College
Elizabeth Stearns-SimmsAssistant Dean of Student Affairs/CSAOUniversity of Montana, Helena Technical
College
Student Success Initiative Implementation at HACC
Generating Buy-InInspiring ChangeFinding Success
Student Success at HACC Multi-campus institution of 20,000
students Largest and oldest community
college in PA Focus on “retention” Assumptions about students’ help-
seeking behaviors
Buy-in
The right top-level supportThe right faceThe right product, process,
initiativeThe right voices
Clear Goals
Goals beyond just retention: Student Success
Five data points for HACC Fail rate in targeted classes Movement from dev to college-level Completion of college-level work with
grades of C or better Term-to-term Completion of degree/credential
Other Related Goals
Move from a transactional to a relational culture
Move from passive service provision to active outreach
Use faculty validation theory, identity theory, and self-efficacy theory to build student success
Intentional Change
Hearing vs. UnderstandingResistanceThe Personal Nature of Change
Why vs. HowDiscomfort
Outcomes at HACC 72% of faculty teaching high-risk courses
submitted progress surveys (Fall 2014, Spring 2015)
3.2% retention increase at one campus (5% for men); 1% overall increase (fall to spring)
Modest increases in fail rates in Fall 2014 Positive feedback from students, especially
about kudos Improved communication loop (holistic
support) Positive feedback from faculty