1. Bridge to Success MSU Great Falls College of Technology Presented by: Theresa Busch Retention Counselor/Carl Perkins Project Officer

2. The Idea  Attended a Vincent Tinto Presentation  Learned that the number one influence on retention is a student’s connection to the campus  Held week before classes begin  Developed a five day program which included:  Study Skills  Math and English Skills  Team building (Low Ropes Course)

3. The Structure  Day 1: Basic Study Skills  Time management  Note taking  Reading comprehension  Organizational skills  Interpersonal Communications  Test Taking/Anxiety  Responsibility  Creator Language/Victim Language  Anxiety  Goal Setting  Decision Making

4. The Structure  Day II: English Update  Sentence Structure  Punctuation  Capitalization  Paragraph structure  Topic Sentence

5. The Structure  Day III: Math Skills  Break out students based on placement scores  Review Pre Algebra  Review Intro to Algebra  Review College Algebra

6. The Structure  Day IV and V: Team Building  Balance beam  Blindfolded mind field  Rope exercise(s)

7. Evaluations  Students couldn’t take five days from schedule  Modified to 2 ½ days  Cover Study Skills  Math and English Brush Up  Team building

8. What do they absolutely love?  Teambuilding  Math  Interpersonal Communications  Writing  Note Taking  Time Management

9. Cost  $200 for team building exercises  $1280 - 8 faculty at $40/hr for 16 hours  $50 – basic supplies – sticky notes, portfolios, note pads, high lighters, pens, pencils  $450 – catering (funded by Student Services)  $1530 – Total Cost of Bridge for 25 students

10. Outcomes  Faculty commend program and know Bridge students in their classroom  Students spread the word about program success to others  We need to offer multiple sections  Just before classes begin helps students with first day jitters  112/148 or 75% persist to graduation  35 – have jobs on campus – tutors, workstudy

11. Student Testimonial  “Coming to school wasn’t an easy decision, Bridge helped me realize that I can accomplish great things.” SL  “I love the fact that I have friends who will be in my class the first day and I will have someone who knows my story.” KJ  “Bridge helped me to realize that need to connect to someone on campus who cares about my success. I really appreciate the college providing me this service.” BA

12. Questions