Ready or Not, Here I Am! NISOD Conference 2010

Arleen Arnsparger Project Manager, Initiative on Student Success Welcome to our Austin Community College Students! Center for Community College Student Engagement

Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE) & Starting Right: Listening to Entering Students Center for Community College Student Engagement

SENSE & Starting Right : Listening to Entering Students 3 years colleges Represents 1.5 million students 32 states, Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands Focus Groups

89% …of new students responding to the SENSE survey say they believe they have the motivation to do what it takes to succeed in college. Center for Community College Student Engagement High Expectations and Aspirations

85% …of new students responding to the SENSE survey say they’re academically prepared for college. Center for Community College Student Engagement

Entering students are highly motivated, are committed to achieving their academic goals, and sincerely believe they will. Center for Community College Student Engagement

…of our students leave in their first year. 50%

Center for Community College Student Engagement Helping students succeed through the equivalent of the first semester (12–15 credit hours) can dramatically improve subsequent success rates.

SENSE Benchmarks Early Connections High Expectations and Aspirations Clear Academic Plan and Pathway Effective Track to College Readiness Engaged Learning Academic and Social Support Network Center for Community College Student Engagement

Some Observations about Entering Students Students experience culture shock and academic shock. It’s over within the first three weeks! You have to ask to be told…but what if you don’t know what to ask? Center for Community College Student Engagement

Some Observations about Entering Students Students feel disconnected. “They didn’t notice me when I got here, they didn’t notice me when I left.” Orientation helps – but students want to meet faculty and other students before classes start. Students don’t consider it “advising” when someone simply helps them sign up for class. Center for Community College Student Engagement

What does all this mean for us? Create an “on-ramp” to college life. Streamline registration – help students understand the “what” and the “why.” Make everything more personal – show them we care! If we know what students need – make it mandatory! Center for Community College Student Engagement

Students Start Right When They… Make connections – between now and their future (setting goals) with faculty, staff and other students between what they’re learning and what’s important to them – personally and professionally

Center for Community College Student Engagement Students Start Right When They… Navigate successfully through college systems, processes and procedures They understand what they’re doing and why it matters!

Arleen Arnsparger Project Manager, Initiative on Student Success Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) Community College Leadership Program The University of Texas at Austin Web sites – Center for Community College Student Engagement For more information: