Engaging Students with Rigor, Challenge and Leadership F. J. Talley, Mary Dorsey, & Devin Holt-Zimmerman, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Kelvin Clark, Rider University Monday, March 5, 2018 Freedom Ballroom F - Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown

St. Mary’s College of Maryland Maryland state public honors college (since 1992) 1,600 students Rural, waterfront location Faculty student ratio of 1:10 Ranked as one of the best public arts schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report

Important Statistics for the College First to second year retention rate of 88% Four year graduation rate of 70% but not all students met these benchmarks

And They Were… First Generation Ethnic minority PELL grant eligible Urban or rural Students with disabilities

College 101 Long weekend during summer prior to Fall semester Linking on intensive writing course with other course Minimal support during first year Seen by many as remedial

Modern DeSousa-Brent Named for Mathias DeSousa and Margaret Brent, important figures in Maryland history Two-week Summer Bridge program Cohort model with both challenge (rigor) and support Leadership project component High expectation vibe, significant opportunities for peer mentorship

DBSP Advising Model Tinto (2005) outlined key factors institutions must provide if they are serious about retaining first-year students. Five factors, first-year students, and some are first-generation…F.I.R.S.T. Model Foundation: Scholars must be satisfied with majors/minors offered; find the curriculum and faculty inclusive and supportive; and have access to adequate academic support resources (like ADA Accommodations) Involvement: Scholars must be invested and fascinated with some facet of St. Mary’s (rural area, so involvement is life): athletics, clubs, organizations, community service, employment. How and where students engage the campus is a reflection of where they feel the most valued and comfortable Relationships: Scholars must begin forming internal networks (faculty, staff, and peer) along with external networks (DBSP alumni and internships). Security: Scholars must learn to navigate the Financial Aid processes and understand financial literacy Targets: Scholars must set semester goals, aided by the proactive advising of DBSP staff

Fixed Versus Growth Mindset (Carol Dweck) Fixed Mindset: Basic qualities like intelligence or talent are fixed Success results from brains rather than effort If I fail, it’s because I wasn’t good enough Less adaptable to change Growth Mindset: “Most basic qualities can be developed through dedication and hard work” Success results from learning, embracing challenges and developing resilience If I fail, I need to work harder or find a new way to attack the problem More adaptable to change and growth

Summer Bridge “Summer Camp with Homework” or, “Academic Boot Camp” Residential program for 2 weeks in late July 2-credit course plus short academic experiences in many disciplines Field trips, evening study groups, social programming and bonding Staffed by 16 undergraduate mentors, DeSousa-Brent (DB) staff and part-time College faculty Focus on both academic and social integration activities 2 weeks of real college attendance

Full Year Programming First year students have DB-specific first year seminar sections DBConnect – full year mentoring for new students 7 student per upperclass mentor Required study groups for first year students in classes with high first year student enrollment Study groups offered for upperclass students in high risk courses Sophomore and Junior Passport Activities to keep sophomores and juniors engaged – free books for the semester as prize for one from each class Academic and social programming for all Degree audits

Leadership Project Student implement project of their own design Individually or in a team of up to 5 students Original focus was on diversity and inclusion Results in 2 academic credits earned Assisted by faculty and upperclass mentors Reinforcing resilience and using available resources

Recent Leadership Projects Promoting Diversity Training for Carroll County Schools Documentary film on experiences of Muslim women in Southern Maryland Saturday tutoring program for elementary and middle school students Forum on College Affordability One in Three Campaign on mental illness among college students “Chicks Dig Vegans” – exploration of vegan lifestyle and recipes

Assessment Retention and graduation data DB Alumni Survey (2017) Summer Bridge Survey (2017) 81% response rate

For Our DB Comprehensive data set, we track: Traditional graduation and retention data Credits Progress to degree

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