Comprehensive Assessment of the First Year of College @ A&M-Kingsville University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Comprehensive Assessment of the First Year of College @ A&M-Kingsville Dr. Dann Brown Dean of University College

Today’s Remarks What and where is Texas A&M University-Kingsville? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Today’s Remarks What and where is Texas A&M University-Kingsville? What’s a javelina? What is University College? Why am I here? Who are our students? What are the Foundational Dimensions? How do they inform policy and practice? What did we learn from our campus self-study? What actions have been taken as a result of information obtained from the self-study?

What is A&M-Kingsville? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What is A&M-Kingsville?

Where is A&M-Kingsville? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Where is A&M-Kingsville?

Let’s Begin with a Quiz University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Let’s Begin with a Quiz A C B

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What is a Javelina?

Our Mascot, Our History “You can’t spell Javelina without A&I!” University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Our Mascot, Our History “You can’t spell Javelina without A&I!”

What is a University College? Transition … Engage … Learn … What is a University College? Developmental education Retention Services Academic advising & Texas Success Initiative Undeclared majors (LBAR) Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring University Honors Program Freshman Convocation (to become Spirit & Traditions Council)

What Does a University College “Do”? Transition … Engage … Learn … What Does a University College “Do”? One of six undergraduate Colleges @ A&M-Kingsville Serves as primary liaison between academic and student affairs A member of interdivisional working group (TBD) Home of the Javelina first year experience programs Entry point for incoming freshmen Leadership for retention issues on campus – partnered with AVP of Enrollment Management (recruitment issues)

Who Are Our Students? University College Transition … Engage … Learn …

Who Are Our Students? Often Underprepared Academically University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Who Are Our Students? Often Underprepared Academically

Who Are Our Students? Math Often a Barrier to Success University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Who Are Our Students? Math Often a Barrier to Success

Who Are Our Students? Academic Advising is Key University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Who Are Our Students? Academic Advising is Key

Who Are Our Students? More Are Declaring Majors University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Who Are Our Students? More Are Declaring Majors

Who Are Our Students? Additional Assistance Important University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Who Are Our Students? Additional Assistance Important

Who Are Our Students? Additional Assistance Important University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Who Are Our Students? Additional Assistance Important

Who Are Our Students? Best Practices Needing Review University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Who Are Our Students? Best Practices Needing Review

What Are the Foundational Dimensions? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Are the Foundational Dimensions? An Introduction to the Foundations of Excellence® in the First College Year Program & Process

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … FOE Provides Far More Formative Information than Traditional Performance Measures Measure 02 03 04 05 06 Freshmen Earning Degree within 6 Years (All Freshmen) 26 (27) -1% 22 (30) -8% 26 (30) -4% 29 (30) -1% 31 (32) -1% Freshman Retention Rate (All Freshmen) 59 (65) -6% 55 (65) -10% 51 (65) -14% 61 (65) -4% 63 (66) -3% TSI Retention Rate 53 (55) 46 (56) 70 (56) 82 (56) 61 (58)

Four Assumptions The academic mission is preeminent University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Four Assumptions The academic mission is preeminent The first college year is essential and lays the foundation for future academic success Systematic evidence provides validation Foundational Dimensions have application to the entire undergraduate experience

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … The Dimensions Foundations Institutions approach the first year of college in ways that are intentional and based on a philosophy of the first year that informs relevant policies and practices. Foundations Institutions create organizational structures that provide a comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated approach to the first year.

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … The Dimensions Foundations Institutions deliver intentional curricular and co-curricular learning experiences that engage students in order to develop desired knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors. Foundations Institutions make the first college year a high priority for the faculty.

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … The Dimensions Foundations Institutions facilitate appropriate student transitions through policies and practices that are aligned with the mission. Foundations Institutions serve all first-year students according to their varied needs.

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … The Dimensions Foundations Institutions ensure that all first-year students experience diverse ideas, worldviews, and cultures as a means of enhancing learning and as preparation for today’s pluralistic world. Foundations Institutions promote student understanding of the various roles and purposes of higher education, both for the individual and society.

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … The Dimensions Foundations Institutions conduct assessment and maintain associations with other institutions and relevant professional organizations in order to achieve ongoing first-year improvement.

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … A Quick Assignment A more detailed list of the nine Foundational Dimensions is provided in your packet. In small groups, identify the following: 2-3 dimensions within which you are stronger 2-3 dimensions within which you are weaker A dimension or two which would be a challenge for you to define and/or explore on your campus and why.

What Did We Learn from our Campus Self Study? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Did We Learn from our Campus Self Study?

What Did We Learn from our Campus Self Study? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Did We Learn from our Campus Self Study? G E

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Did We Learn? The lack of a philosophy for learning in the first year of college has significant second order consequences Philosophies for the FYE differ between colleges, programs, departments and faculty / staff These differences also have consequences

Examples of Consequences University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Examples of Consequences Orientation paradigms Academic advising Centralization of services (or vice versa) Residence life policies Assessment and evaluation

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Did I Learn? Must be certain that campus is ready to commit to the FOE process Many campuses have failed to complete We did not complete according to schedule Avoid competing with other self study “issues” on campus SACS reaffirmation, e.g.

University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Did I Learn? Non-academic issues may negatively impact the process Faculty Senate disbanded, fall 2005 (reconstituted late spring 2006) Stability of senior administration key VP Finance & Administration, VP Student Affairs, ED Planning & Analysis, AVP Academic Affairs, AVP AA / Enrollment Management, AVP SA / Dean of Students, Various Directors

Retaining Our Well-Prepared Students a Priority University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Retaining Our Well-Prepared Students a Priority 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Retention Services Increasingly a Predominant Component of College University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Retention Services Increasingly a Predominant Component of College

What Actions Have We Taken? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Actions Have We Taken? “It’s the Philosophy, stupid!” Campus community engaged in broader discussions defining “retention” Retention Has a Local Address Workshop 75 faculty and staff from all administrative units Action Items provided in your handout packet

What Actions Have We Taken? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Actions Have We Taken? Inter-Divisional Working Group established to overcome silos Provost & VP Academic Affairs, VP Student Affairs, VP Institutional Advancement, VP Fiscal Affairs, AVP AA / Enrollment Management, Dean / University College

What Actions Have We Taken? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Actions Have We Taken? FOE has integrated with / inspired other campus initiatives Time to Degree Task Force Core Curriculum Task Force Student Success Task Force Title V Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions Proposal “Engaging Learners, Enhancing Success” Flat-rate tuition proposal approved by BOR

What Actions Have We Taken? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Actions Have We Taken? Academic advising emphasized in the FYE Academic advising fee proposed and approved – will generate >$300K annually for freshman academic advising (more advisors) Mandatory freshman academic advising now required in 5/6 undergraduate colleges Technology used as part of intrusive advising philosophy

What Actions Have We Taken? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Actions Have We Taken? Various FYE policies under review or modified Web-based registration or schedule changes prohibited Required freshman – sophomore residency now first year only Increasing engagement a key focus Recognizing importance of student opinions regarding campus services

What Actions Have We Taken? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … What Actions Have We Taken? True Blue Campus & Community Campaign Demonstrates a common commitment to student success in a positive manner Communications regarding activities Publicity Banners in Kingsville and on campus

Perhaps Our Most Important Outcome? University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Perhaps Our Most Important Outcome?

Questions? Dr. Dann Brown (361) 593-3290 Dann.Brown@tamuk.edu University College Transition … Engage … Learn … Questions? Dr. Dann Brown (361) 593-3290 Dann.Brown@tamuk.edu 700 University Boulevard MSC 206 Texas A&M-Kingsville Kingsville, TX 78363