Interactive Tools for New Students League for Innovation in the Community College Conference on Information Technology October 22, 2008 Salt Lake City, Utah Presented by: Jason L. Steinitz, PhD Lida Mosovich Mary Beth Orrange

Erie Community College –Three campus environment; one urban, two suburban with three distinct cultures –13,000 FTE –Approximately 65 degree and certificate programs –Union environment Title III Grant – Increasing Student Success through the Integration of Academic and Student Support Services Introduction

Readying Incoming Students for Excellence (RISE) Why student online tools? –Provide a single source of consistent, accurate information about processes and programs. –Have that information accessible anytime, from anywhere. –Provide that information in a format that is engaging and interactive. –By answering standard student questions online, increase the personal one-on-one contact and attention many students require.

Student Tools: Admissions through Registration (STAR) Suite of tools developed to assist students in making informed decisions about their educational career. Areas of concern: –the admissions process –academic program selection –grade point calculation. Four tools developed: –Enrollment Guide –Interest Inventory –Department Informational Videos –GPA calculator.

ECC Enrollment Guide Provides single source of information on admission to ECC. Walks students step-by-step through the admissions process. When completed, provides paperwork students can bring to an admissions counselor to facilitate the admissions process. Enrollment Guide We have received positive feedback from students.

Interest Inventory  Interactive application where students rate interests within the different academic programs offered at the college.  Interest Inventory Interest Inventory  Students are directed to academic programs in which they are interested.

Departmental Informational Videos  Each video is 3 to 5 minutes in length; provides an overview of each academic program.  Videos are a combination of faculty interviews and classroom footage.  Culinary Arts Video Culinary Arts Video  Students’ curriculum decisions are assisted by the information in the videos.

GPA Calculator  Students required to have certain Grade Point Average (GPA) to get into a specific academic program are provided with an online way to determine their GPA.  GPA Calculator GPA Calculator

Other Uses of Tools  Admissions / Recruitment  College Success Skills Course  College Open House Presentations  Other departmental uses:  New student orientations  Advisory Boards  Potential adjunct faculty

STAR Tracking Enrollment Guide – average hits 1478 per month Interest inventory – average hits 775 per month GPA calculator – average hits 804 per month Department Informational Videos - varies

Other RISE (Title III Grant) Initiatives  Computerized Placement Test (ACCUPLACER)  Interdisciplinary Course Materials (ICM) for developmental courses  RISE Bridge program  Computers around campus  Smart Classrooms  Student Retention Alert (SRA)

Discussion Are students more involved or more isolated as a result of web-based tools?

Discussion Are we assisting the advisement and counseling process or replacing it?

Discussion What can be done to encourage the personal touch while introducing technology based processes?

Want more information? Jason L. Steinitz Professor of Geography Erie Community College (716) Mary Beth Orrange Professor of Mathematics Erie Community College (716) Lida Mosovich Software Support Specialist Erie Community College (716)

This PowerPoint Show can be found at: Tools can be found at Questions?