Hit the Books and the Beach 6 weeks to College Ready Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Where We’re Going… The Problem… What is FastTrack? Short Term Success (Summer 2015 & 2016) Long Term Success (Summer 2015) Why is this Successful? How might I implement a similar program? Lessons Learned Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
The Problem… Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
The Problem… Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
What is FastTrack? The Facts A free 6-week summer program Designed for first time college students who place in developmental mathematics and English Students attend classes 4 days a week for 3.5 hours Students take non-credit mathematics and English Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
What is FastTrack? The Facts At the end of the program, students retest in math and English to determine new placement Students turn in a graduation and career portfolio to earn one credit for freshman seminar Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
What is FastTrack? Student Characteristics First Generation Low Income Trends in School Systems/High Schools Kinesthetic Learners Learning Disabilities Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
What is FastTrack? What FastTrack Does for the Student FREE The opportunity to start in higher level courses Introduces them to the college atmosphere Provides access to college resources before the fall semester (tutoring, computer labs, IT, etc.) Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
What is FastTrack? What FastTrack Does for the Student Registration assistance from advisors Introduces students to educational technology (Banner, Blackboard, , etc.) Helps students adjust from high school to college (high school mentality) Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Short Term Success Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Short Term Success Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Short Term Success Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Short Term Success Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Long Term Success Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Long Term Success Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Long Term Success Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Long Term Success Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL
Why is FastTrack Successful? Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL Early Intervention Connecting Sooner Provides a “soft landing” Sets students up for success Students receive needed information and access to resources earlier Time saved Money/credit hours saved
How Might I Implement a Similar Program? Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL First Things First Make sure your administration is on board Collaborate with necessary departments Someone needs to own it Collect your resources Get local high schools excited
How Might I Implement a Similar Program? Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL The Process Set identifiable goals for the year Seek out staff and instructors who desire to work with lower level students Identify and market to first-time college students in your area Have information systems in place
How Might I Implement a Similar Program? Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL The Process Develop freshman seminar curriculum that will benefit these students Find creative ways for faculty and administration to engage these students Develop a communication plan
How Might I Implement a Similar Program? Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL Obstacles Class sizes Computer lab space Extra time needed for technology use Classroom management (high school mentality) It is truly a FAST track Consistent information
Lessons Learned Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL Make sure advisors and other staff know the type of student the program is geared toward Have consistent department meetings Department communication Have a set registration period with no exceptions Make sure information is consistent across all departments
Lessons Learned Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL Someone needs to own it Simplify your program Be mindful of amount of class time Make sure you have adequate staff Have an attendance policy Consistency, consistency, consistency
Questions? Calhoun Community College - Decatur/Huntsville, AL Wes Harris Freshman Seminar Advisor Jill Sharp Freshman Seminar Advisor