The Integrated STEM Experience The Science 120 Learning Community

The Challenge Increase graduation rates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Our Solution NSF support through NSF STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) New Advising Plans Support for bottleneck courses Freshman Year Communities (Cohorts )

Symposium Presentations The Process Faculty directed activity Field work Assess quality of campus lake and creek water Rigorous techniques Student designed research questions Water temperature, chemistry, and suitability for vertebrates Comparing water quality of upland creeks Gravel size and diversity of stream invertebrates Water quality tests Comparative studies on native species Transition Students Welcome students Expand comfort zones Build confidence Develop class identity Integrate with Community Sonoma County Water Agency Southern Sonoma Resource Conservation District Goldridge Resource Conservation District SSU Field Stations & Nature Preserves Skill building Critical thinking Laboratory skills Field skills

Assessment WestEd is using a in-depth sophisticated analysis to measure the impact of the STEM-FYE strategy coupled with annual cohort surveying.

Surveys were revealing Not at allSlightlyModeratelyA lot a. Were the Peer Mentors effective for delivering the “Transitional Elements” sessions?  (12%)  (15%)  (34%)  ( 39%) b. How important were the peer mentors for your success this semester?  (15%)  ( 22%)  (27%)  (37%) c. How important were the peer mentors for your transition to being a college student, this year?  (15%)  (24%)  (17%)  (44%) 13. Think about the Peer Mentors this semester.

Outcome 85% retention of STEM majors in Science 120 vs. 70% for all STEM freshman Peer mentors provide transitional support Students learn basic scientific methodology Students explore all STEM disciplines Students bond with students, STEM faculty, and community partners Students are on track to a timely graduation Faculty join together across disciplines to provide innovative STEM curriculum

Summary Innovative curriculum, high impact pedagogy, dynamic faculty, institutional support, and various assessment methods were all utilized to create a successful program.

Internal Advisory Committee Chair - John Kornfeld, Director, Ugrad Studies Andrew Rogerson, Provost Nathan Rank, Chair, Biology (Co-PI) Jennifer Lillig, Chair, Chemistry Ali Kooshesh, Chair, Computer Science Meng-Chih Su, Engineering Science Matt James, Chair, Geology Brigitte Lahme, Chair, Math & Statistics Lynn Cominsky, Chair, Phys & Astro (Co-PI) Merith Weisman, Director, CCE Tim Wandling, English Karina Nielsen, Biology Caroline Christian, ENSP External Advisory Committee Catherine Halversen, Lawrence Hall of Science Bryant Hichwa, SSU Emeritus, Phys& Astro Becca Lawton, Geologist Georgia McDaniel, Environmental Planner S 3 Team ­Lynn Stauffer, Science & Technology (PI) ­Lynn Cominsky, Chair, Physics & Astro and Director, NASA E/PO (Co-PI) ­Jeremy Qualls, Physics & Astronomy (Co-PI) ­Nathan Rank, Chair, Biology (Co-PI) ­Claudia Luke, SSU Preserves(Co-PI) ­Karina Nielsen, Biology ­Martha Shott, Math & Statistics ­Carolyn Peruta, S3 Student Services ­Ben Ford, Mathematics & Statistics ­Brigitte Lahme, Mathematics & Statistics ­John Sullins, Philosophy ­Suzanne Rivoire, Computer Science ­Farid Farahmand, Engineering Science ­Mike Smith, Geology ­Carmen Works, Chemistry ­Julie Greathouse, Student Academic Services ­Merith Weisman, Director, CCE ­Ted Britton, WestEd, External Evaluator Thanks to Team