1. Engaging Students with Rigor, Challenge and Leadership
F. J. Talley, Mary Dorsey, & Devin Holt-Zimmerman,
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Kelvin Clark, Rider University
Monday, March 5, Freedom Ballroom F - Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown

2. St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Maryland state public honors college (since 1992)
1,600 students
Rural, waterfront location
Faculty student ratio of 1:10
Ranked as one of the best public arts schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report

3. Important Statistics for the College
First to second year retention rate of 88%
Four year graduation rate of 70%
but not all students met these benchmarks

4. And They Were… First Generation Ethnic minority PELL grant eligible
Urban or rural
Students with disabilities

5. College 101 Long weekend during summer prior to Fall semester
Linking on intensive writing course with other course
Minimal support during first year
Seen by many as remedial

6. Modern DeSousa-Brent
Named for Mathias DeSousa and Margaret Brent, important figures in Maryland history
Two-week Summer Bridge program
Cohort model with both challenge (rigor) and support
Leadership project component
High expectation vibe, significant opportunities for peer mentorship

9. DBSP Advising Model
Tinto (2005) outlined key factors institutions must provide if they are serious about retaining first-year students. Five factors, first-year students, and some are first-generation…F.I.R.S.T. Model
Foundation: Scholars must be satisfied with majors/minors offered; find the curriculum and faculty inclusive and supportive; and have access to adequate academic support resources (like ADA Accommodations)
Involvement: Scholars must be invested and fascinated with some facet of St. Mary’s (rural area, so involvement is life): athletics, clubs, organizations, community service, employment. How and where students engage the campus is a reflection of where they feel the most valued and comfortable
Relationships: Scholars must begin forming internal networks (faculty, staff, and peer) along with external networks (DBSP alumni and internships).
Security: Scholars must learn to navigate the Financial Aid processes and understand financial literacy
Targets: Scholars must set semester goals, aided by the proactive advising of DBSP staff

10. Fixed Versus Growth Mindset (Carol Dweck)
Fixed Mindset:
Basic qualities like intelligence or talent are fixed
Success results from brains rather than effort
If I fail, it’s because I wasn’t good enough
Less adaptable to change
Growth Mindset:
“Most basic qualities can be developed through dedication and hard work”
Success results from learning, embracing challenges and developing resilience
If I fail, I need to work harder or find a new way to attack the problem
More adaptable to change and growth

11. Summer Bridge “Summer Camp with Homework” or, “Academic Boot Camp”
Residential program for 2 weeks in late July
2-credit course plus short academic experiences in many disciplines
Field trips, evening study groups, social programming and bonding
Staffed by 16 undergraduate mentors, DeSousa-Brent (DB) staff and part-time College faculty
Focus on both academic and social integration activities
2 weeks of real college attendance

12. Full Year Programming
First year students have DB-specific first year seminar sections
DBConnect – full year mentoring for new students
7 student per upperclass mentor
Required study groups for first year students in classes with high first year student enrollment
Study groups offered for upperclass students in high risk courses
Sophomore and Junior Passport
Activities to keep sophomores and juniors engaged – free books for the semester as prize for one from each class
Academic and social programming for all
Degree audits

13. Leadership Project Student implement project of their own design
Individually or in a team of up to 5 students
Original focus was on diversity and inclusion
Results in 2 academic credits earned
Assisted by faculty and upperclass mentors
Reinforcing resilience and using available resources

14. Recent Leadership Projects
Promoting Diversity Training for Carroll County Schools
Documentary film on experiences of Muslim women in Southern Maryland
Saturday tutoring program for elementary and middle school students
Forum on College Affordability
One in Three Campaign on mental illness among college students
“Chicks Dig Vegans” – exploration of vegan lifestyle and recipes

15. Assessment Retention and graduation data DB Alumni Survey (2017)
Summer Bridge Survey (2017)
81% response rate

16. For Our DB Comprehensive data set, we track:
Traditional graduation and retention data
Credits
Progress to degree

18. Let’s Talk

21. Thank you for joining us today!
Please remember to complete your online evaluation following the conference.
See you in Los Angeles in 2019!