Implementing the Completion by Design Initiative

A Perspective through the Lens of a Small Rural College

Bladen Community College Dublin, North Carolina Chartered in October 1967 as Bladen Technical Institute Opened for classes in January 1968 with about 70 students on a temporary site Local businessman and philanthropist donated 25 acres for permanent campus Opened with two buildings on new site in July 1971 Name changed to Bladen Technical College in 1979 Name changed to Bladen Community College in 1989 Opened a satellite campus on east side of county in 1995

Bladen Community College Dublin, North Carolina Campus has 15 buildings on 41 acres Satellite campus has 2 permanent buildings College offers 30 fully accredited curriculum programs and over 100 continuing education programs and classes More than 5,000 students are served each year

Bill and Melinda Gates

Sarah’s Story

“NC community colleges sharpen focus on graduating more students” by Jane Stancill &newsobserver.com January 21, 2015 Only 39.1 percent of students who entered a public, two-year college in the United States in 2008 had earned a credential six years later, according to a report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The N.C. Community College System calculated its six-year completion rate at 41 percent for those who entered in 2004. The new goal is 59 percent for the students who entered last fall to remain continuously enrolled, complete a credential or transfer to a four-year school. Davis Jenkins, a senior research associate at Columbia University’s Community College Research Center, has worked with North Carolina on the changes. “It’s rethinking the (student’s) path, starting with the end in mind and then providing this on-ramp to programs,” Jenkins said, “and once students are in programs, very carefully tracking their progress using technology, and human advisers intervening when students are going off track.” “North Carolina is a leader in this,” Jenkins said. “This is a very new way of operating for the community colleges.”

National Completion Initiatives CbD QEP CA CM AtD CCA Aspen

5 Year Initiative Sponsored by Gates Foundation Raise Completion Rates

Three Key Completion Goals: Earning certificates and degrees Transferring to four-year institutions Raising their value in the labor market

Loss and Momentum Framework From students transitioning from high school or the adult learner re-entering the system to successful completion KEEPING THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND

Sample Momentum Points From interest to enrollment Sample Loss Points Sample Momentum Points Prospective students do not learn about their college of choice via outreach activities and arrive poorly prepared for success. Students do not get information about postsecondary options that help them select the college that is the best fit for their skills and goals. Students do not meet with financial counselors and fail to understand how much assistance is available to them. Prospective students receive outreach support that sets up realistic expectations and helps them effectively prepare for college. High school students dually enrolled in community college courses, giving them a jump-start on their educational goals. High school students are given the placement test for local community college so they understand their current level of academic preparedness and can make adjustments as needed. CONNECTION From interest to enrollment How can we increase the number of entering students who are prepared and motivated to enter a college-level program of study?

Sample Momentum Points From enrollment to entry into program of study Sample Loss Points Sample Momentum Points Students do not understand the assessment process and failure to prepare for placement tests results in assignments to courses that are not aligned with real skill levels. Students must seek help in choosing a program of study on their own and fail to do so early on. Students complete the developmental education sequence only to find that they are not prepared to succeed in courses in their program of study. Students work with an advisor to create an educational plan and receive follow-up support. Students engage in a holistic assessment process that accurately places them in courses commensurate with their skill level. Students meet with financial aid advisors and receive on-going guidance on funding their educational pursuits. ENTRY From enrollment to entry into program of study How can we increase and accelerate the rates at which new students choose and successfully enter a program?

PROGRESS Sample Loss Points Sample Momentum Points Students are unclear on the requirements for success in their program of study and do not enroll in the right courses in the right sequence. Students encounter limited availability of their required courses, which slows their progress toward completion. Students lack information about whether their courses of study will prepare them for transfer and/or desired careers. Students participate in a structured program of study in which they are aware at all times of what they need to do to succeed. Students get regular feedback via technology on progress in their program of study. Students can see a clear connection to and path from their program of study to their desired occupation or transfer destination and major. PROGRESS From program of entry to completion of program requirements How can we accelerate rates at which students complete their program requirements?

Sample Momentum Points Completion of credentials of value Sample Loss Points Sample Momentum Points Students earn a credential that is not “stackable”, or part of a sequence of credentials that accumulate to build student’s qualifications in the field; to pursue further study that would allow advancement in their field, they must start all over again. Students receive limited guidance in their choice of courses and accumulate credits that do not lead to a credential. Students accumulate credits that do not count towards a degree and/or are not transferable to a four-year institution. Students are incentivized to earn a credential before transferring to a four-year institution. Students do not face barriers to graduation in the form of fees or paperwork. Students receive support in transitioning to advanced study and/or career pathways. COMPLETION Completion of credentials of value How can we ensure that our programs prepare students for further education and/or for career advancement?

Preventing Loss, Creating Momentum Loss Points Momentum Points Uninformed Counseling in High School Holistic Assessment Process Unprepared Unadvised Regular Advising College Transfer Support

Bladen CC’s Involvement * Third-year cohort of NC community colleges * Team: Chief Academic Officer Chief Student Development Officer Director of Institutional Research Director of Advising Faculty Members Public Information Officer * Nine months to create a Completion by Design action plan

Bladen Community College 4 P Problem-Solving Action Plan Prepare Practice Produce Plan Connection Entry Completion Progress

Stakeholder Engagement! Self-Assessment Connection High school Recruitment Counseling Resources Careers Entry Admission Financial Aid Placement Developmental Studies Gatekeepers Progress Advising Feedback Requirements Tutoring Programs of Study Completion Credentials Transfers Career Ready Policies Practices Programs Processes Stakeholder Engagement!

Making It All Fit! Developmental Redesign Pre-Developmental Cohorts Online Tutoring Tutoring by ENG/MAT Instructors Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for UNC Schools and Independent Schools Structured Programs of Study Math and English Restructured College Success Skills (ACA 115) and College Transfer Success (ACA 122) Required Lunch and Learn Sessions Career and College Promise 11% Increase in 2015-16 NC Investing in Rural (NCiRIS) Innovative Schools College and High Schools Programs Coordinator / Counselor Training Career Technical Education High School to College Articulation Basic Skills Plus Multiple Measures Retention Task Force (New Student Orientation) Minority Male Mentoring Program Stackable Credentials

Making It All Fit…Next Steps! Increase NCiRIS Participation by 60% in the Spring Semester Early Alert Integration Enhance Degree Audit and Evaluation Services Separate Advisement and Registration (Kick-Off Events) Promote Student Clubs and Activities Waive Graduation Fees for Certificate Earners Implement a Student-Centered Website Environment More Effective use of Social Media Applications Integrate EMSI Career Coach into Website Environment Simplify Educational Plans Promote BCC to ITV High School Classrooms Stay Abreast of our Local Industry’s Needs

How often do we achieve the goals we never set?