1. History of GPS LifePlan
Creation and innovation was not a linear process, rather a confluence of needs and resources that resulted in a pilot project
2000: President Larry Litecky assumed the presidency of Century College
2002: Best Practice visit to Valencia Community College. Learned about “LifeMap.”
2003: shared this idea. No action.
: Retention and counseling concerns. Student experience.
After President Larry Litecky assumed the presidency of Century College in 2000, he began a practice of visiting other colleges and talking with their presidents about innovative practices that might be adapted for use at his new institutional home.
Kicked off at Century in Spring of 06 at Orientation; into full swing for academic year. LifeMap only had Career and Education components; Century decided on a more holistic approach – but compare the video. Goals included: engage and retain students, streamline and coordinate student journeys to minimize confusion and less wasting time/resources, unite current campus efforts and services under a common framework and provide a common language. Most things were already happening, no significantly new concepts but a new structure/organization to them.

2. History of the GPS LifePlan
: Working groups = GPS LifePlan
2006: eFolio “wrapped” into GPS
2006: Rolled out at Century College in fall
2008 summer: Phase II (gone far beyond LifeMap)
2008: Expansion to MnSCU

3. Program has three parts: GPS website eFolio Campus Activities
What is GPS LifePlan ?
GOALS + PLANS = SUCCESS
where you are now
plan where you want to go
navigate a route to get there
Program has three parts:
GPS website
eFolio
Campus Activities
Liked and thus kept concept of providing guidance and direction thus GPS name. GPS program has three united parts and all work together for maximum success. Students have tools and support and have a way to track and store progress. BROCHURE & FACT SHEET.

4. Major GPS Initiatives at Century
Academics: Teaching Circles, Awards of Excellence, Class assignments, Developmental classes and other targeted populations
Counseling/Advising Appointments
New Student Orientation
Workshops throughout the semester
Student Success Day
eFolio Support – Fall 08 – ME - Randy
Hired two Student Experience Directors
GPS is a campus wide effort and for maximum success, needs to be very prevalent. United efforts by Academic Affairs and Student Affairs is a key element. May not have to create all new things but just unite and re-package current things – all workshops under one schedule and each fit into one of five modules. Use in classes - not only career planning or first year experiences - but also in less obvious places/subjects (Chemistry)

5. Where is all started (and is still at)

6. Phase 1 – fall 2006 release
Initial Plan had 7 modules / sub-Plans. Been reviewing program as of late and based on feedback, consolidated into 5 modules. This is the old/current design and structure. Access on Century site… <LINK>.

7. Phase II – fall 2008 release
Currently in process of a re-design to make web site fresher, more appealing, more user friendly and to accommodate new structure of 5 modules – Career, Education, Finance, Leadership, and Personal. Content has also been under review by Work Group (MnSCU schools plus DARs, Vet Affairs, etc) and being made more ‘generic’ to thus appeal to MnSCU and not just Century.

8. eFolio - 2006 eFolio Provides a virtual three-ring binder
Allows more ownership for the student
Can password protect areas and provide feedback
Can be shaped and polished for use beyond college
experience
eFolio is a big part of GPS as this is where the products of the efforts exist. Similar to an academic/career version of MySpace or Facebook. eFolio is also undergoing a revamping – new look and easier to navigate. Aim is to roll out Jan 09.

9. Key Resources GPS Outreach Coordinator: Jill Aitchison Randy LaFoy
phone:
GPS/eFolio Media Coordinator:
Randy LaFoy
phone:
randyalafoy.efoliomn.com