The Effect of the Missouri University of Science & Technology Success Mentor Program on Academic Performance & Retention Lynn Stichnote, Director Admissions Patty Frisbee, Director Student Success Programs

Success Mentor Program Rationale for developing the program Gaining buy-in Implementation Research and data Follow-up

Success Mentor Program an early intervention program that takes a proactive approach to assist new students who may be at risk for being successful at S&T. Student Success

What Does Success Look Like the First Year -Developing intellectual & academic competence -Establishing & maintaining relationships -Exploring identity -Deciding on a career -Maintaining health and wellness -Considering faith and spiritual dimensions of life -Developing multicultural awareness -Developing civic responsibility Source: Upcraft, Gardner, & Barefoot (2005, pp. 8-9)

Disconnect on being college ready – preparedness, coping skills Students struggle to persist to their second year Not fitting-in Not getting involved Not connecting with others Weak in: study skills, test taking skills, self- management skills, problem solving skills, communication skills Not understanding the importance of setting goals Lack of academic and social support Major/career options Key Issues that Hinder Student Success

Not acquired effective learning strategies in high school Weak stress-tolerance, problem solving and analytical skills Students not engaged Need to focus not only academic but non-academic support Source: ACT Policy Report: The Role of Academic and Non-Academic Factors in Improving College Retention. Why?

-Connect -Guide students to be successful -Retain students OBJECTIVES

- “Conditional Admission” evolves to Success Mentor - Students meet published admission standards - Academic record suggests student may have barriers to succeed at S&T - Early intervention to help in persistence and academic success ADMISSIONS

Low grades in key courses related to major High test score but low GPA – Which is often personality or attitude issues that carries over to college. High GPA and very low test scores When and how many times ACT/SAT taken/low sub scores Major/High School/course challenge/rigor/grade inflation Holistic review of transcript to highlight possible areas of intervention Admissions - Red Flags

Student flagged in database Special admission letter Meet with a Success Coach during orientation Connect throughout 1 st and 2 nd semester Success Coaches Success Mentor Program

FS2013 we had 120 students flagged “Success Mentor” program (conditionally admitted) FS2014 – 166 students flagged None are eligible for scholarships No pattern of majors Success Mentor Program

Student Success Plan Blackboard updates Goal setting Time Priority/self-management Careers/Majors Guidelines/Agreement – Explained and signed during PRO With student and families – Recommended activities to strengthen their chance of success LEAD; Tutoring; involvement Reconnection I & II, key programs Student Success Plan

Admissions Financial Aid Counseling & Disabilities Support Services COER Student Diversity Programs Undergraduate Studies Student Affairs Library Academic Departments Greeks Athletics Blue key, Phi Sigma Pi (honors) Faculty/advisors/staff Student Success Collaboration

Sustain Data needed - For students and families - Campus Support Evaluate and make necessary changes - Trainings - Development - Guidelines Student Success Future

Challenges Sustained commitment to funding Success Coach salaries and training Administrative oversight Freshmen and sophomore retention activities Data Analysis Student and family buy-in Campus buy-in Faculty advisor training Promote program

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21 Questions? Lynn Stichnote: Phone: Patty Frisbee: Phone: