building a retention program for first generation college students - 2015 noda annual conference
TRANSCRIPT
Building a Retention Program for First Generation College Students
Julia A. Martínez
Retention Specialist, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Introduction
• Retention Specialist – Oversee department-wide transition and retention
plans to support increased persistence rates
• Student Academic Services (SAS) Mission – Access, transition, academic success
– Programs include: • Connections for Academic Success
• Cal Poly Scholars
• Educational Opportunity Program
• Student Support Services
• Educational Talent Search
• Upward Bound
2
Definitions
• First Generation
• Low Income
• Partner High School
• Underrepresented Minority
3
Populations Served 2014-15
43
38
66
4
56
8
68
9
31
0
16
6
22
4
21
3
TOTAL URM STUDENTS LOW INCOME FIRST GEN: NO 4 YR DEGREE
FIRST TIME FRESHMEN
Cal Poly SAS
4
Populations Served 2014-15
70
1
16
3 2
29
27
6
80
51
64
67
TOTAL URM STUDENTS LOW INCOME FIRST GEN: NO 4 YR DEGREE
NEW TRANSFERS
Cal Poly SAS
5
Objectives
• Identify how Cal Poly’s SAS is building a
retention program based on best practices
• Associate the material presented to your
experience through a self-reflection activity
• Apply knowledge and experience of first
generation college students to address themes
on your campuses
6
Agenda
• Introduction
• Content
• Discussion Activity
• Reflection
7
Theoretical Framework
8
Adapted from Astin’s (1993) I-E-O Model
Supported by Kuh’s (2009) Theory of Engagement
Student Student
Academic Services
Retention
Input Environment Outcomes
Theoretical Framework
9
Environment (Cal Poly)
Learning Opportunities
Student Academic Services
Retention Services
Resources
Individual
Student Time and Effort
Supported by Kuh’s (2009) Theory of Engagement
Research
• Literature Review
• Conferences
• Informational Interviews
• Benchmarking
10
Literature Review
11
Success Oriented Mindset
Academics and Path to
Graduation
Study Skills and Organization
Tutoring and Study Groups
Targeted Intervention
Sense of Community
Family Navigating the
University
Faculty and Staff Networking
Career Financial Service and Leadership
Informational Interviews
• Interviewed SAS staff
• Asked 2 questions:
– What transition and
retention services are
offered?
– What other services
would you pursue if you
could?
• Compiled notes and
identified themes
12
Assessment
Communication
Collaboration with Campus and Community Partners
Program Planning and Implementation
Programming Matrix Theme/
Need
What is
Offered
Population
Subset
Gap Possible
Solutions
Success
Oriented
Mindset
Academics and
Path to
Graduation
Study Skills and
Organization
Tutoring and
Study Groups
Targeted
Intervention
Sense of
Community
Family
Navigating the
University
Faculty and
Staff Networking
Career
Financial
Service and
Leadership
• Top services:
– Targeted interventions
– Sense of community
– Success oriented mindset
• Campus partners:
– International Center
– Student Ombuds Services
– Kennedy Library
– Career Services
13
Programming Matrix • Areas of focus for 2015-16:
– Financial • Taxes
• FAFSA
• Summer classes and transfer credits
– Family • Welcome Workshops
• Parent Newsletter
– Service and Leadership • Student Leader Development
Program
• Day of Service
• Strengths and Leadership Field Day
• Continued events – Finish the Quarter Strong
• Social
• Resource Fair
• Field Day
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Theme/
Need
What is
Offered
Population
Subset
Gap Possible
Solutions
Success Oriented
Mindset
Academics and
Path to
Graduation
Study Skills and
Organization
Tutoring and
Study Groups
Targeted
Intervention
Sense of
Community
Family
Navigating the
University
Faculty and
Staff Networking
Career
Financial
Service and
Leadership
Summary of Results
15
93
.5%
93
.6%
93
.4%
91
.2%
91
.0%
91
.7%
93
.8%
94
.8%
92
.2%
LOW INCOME (PELL ELIGIBLE)
F IRST GENERATION (NO 4YR DEGREE)
UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY
(URM)
FIRST TIME FRESHMEN PERSISTENCE RATES
General Population (Freshmen & NotSpecial Population)
Control Group (Freshmen & SpecialPopulation & Not Program Participants)
Program Participants (Freshmen &Special Population & ProgramParticipants)
Summary of Results
16
94
.9%
93
.6%
94
.8%
94
.3%
96
.0%
94
.5%
95
.3%
95
.5%
96
.1%
LOW INCOME (PELL ELIGIBLE)
F IRST GENERATION (NO 4YR DEGREE)
UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY
(URM)
NEW TRANSFER PERSISTENCE RATES
General Population (Transfer & NotSpecial Population)
Control Group (Transfer & SpecialPopulation & Not Program Participants)
Program Participants (Transfer & SpecialPopulation & Program Participants)
Discussion
• Think – On Your Own – How can this material relate to your experience?
• Identify one theme
• Fill in the matrix for that theme
• Pair – With Your Neighbor – What is one theme for which you are offering lots of
support?
– Where can you offer more support?
• Share – With the Group – What are some main takeaways from your
conversations?
17
Reflection
• What are 3 things you are going to do when
you return to your institution?
– Highly Selective Institution
– Large Institution
– Small College
– Two Year College
18
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