Athens Technical College Achieving the Dream Student Success 2017

Athens Technical College Student Engagement Athens Technical College

Goal 4: Increase the number of students earning a college credential Initiatives: Implementation of Degreeworks and Plans, Prior Learning Assessments, and Graduation Gala and Expo

DegreeWorks and Plans, Prior Learning Assessments, Graduation Expo and Gala, and Graduation Kala McNair Director of Registration and Records

DegreeWorks “DegreeWorks” is a computerized degree audit program and academic advising tool designed to assist advisors and the students in reviewing where students stand academically in the degree progress. A web-based program, DegreeWorks easily identifying courses that the student has completed and the courses the student will still need in order to fulfill the degree requirements.

Advantages of DegreeWorks Instructors/Advisors: Supports real-time delivery of academic advice through intuitive web interfaces Minimizes errors through consistent degree plans Supports more timely degree certification Reduces paperwork and manual program check sheets Supports and monitors unique program changes Students: Provides real-time advice and counsel Speeds time to graduation Provides intuitive web access to self-service capabilities Streamlines the graduation process Allows direct access to multiple related services and advice through hyperlinks to catalog information, class schedules, transcripts, help desk services, and FAQs

DegreeWorks Plans Plans are designed to assist students with a clear pathway to graduation Outlines each semester and allows students to make adjustments as needed Allows customization based on individual needs

Prior Learning Assessment Credits Athens Technical College recognizes that individuals can develop mastery of course competencies through non-traditional educational environments such as employment, training, professional certifications, non-credit courses, and other life experiences. The term prior learning is used to describe these methods of learning. The college awards credit for prior learning when the equivalency is validated by academically sound and rigorous assessment. Credit will be awarded only for demonstrable college-level learning, not for experience. Students must demonstrate mastery of course competencies through testing or appropriate documentation such as portfolios or certifications received from professional organizations. Students who believe they have the appropriate prior learning to request credit should make an appointment to speak with the dean responsible for the courses students are seeking prior learning credit.

Prior Learning Assessment Credits We have awarded PLA credits for the following courses/programs: Early Childhood Care Criminal Justice Cosmetology Fire Science First Semester Seminar

Graduation Expo and Gala One stop shop for all graduation needs Student can fill out graduation application, order cap and gown, join the alumni association, receive career assistance, etc. Inspires students to feel like they are part of “Class of 20 something” Every student who attends receives a commemorative t-shirt and a packet of vital graduation information Motivates current students toward earning a credential Graduation Gala: Celebration for friends and family Promotes graduation as a “big deal”

Graduation Expo and Gala 129 attended the Expo in 2016 150 attended the Gala in 2016 290 walked in graduation 194 attended the Expo in 2017 Gala is scheduled for April 17, 2017 324 have RSVP’d to walk in graduation Increase of almost 12% in student participation in graduation

Graduation Rates AY 2014 to AY 2015 graduation rates increased by .45% AY 2015, plans were piloted by Healthcare Accounting Welding Early Childhood Care and Education AY 2015 to AY 2016 graduation rates increased by 4.64% AY 2016, we held our first Graduation Expo and Gala December 2016, DegreeWorks Plans were launched campus wide Next steps: To increase graduation rates by 4% from AY 2016 to AY 2017 5% from AY 2017 to AY 2018

Questions

Credits Student Engagement – Goal 4 Ms. Kala McNair – Degreeworks, PLA, Graduation Expo and Gala, and Graduation