Innovative Models for Effective Collaboration Between

Universities and Community Colleges Strengthening Opportunities for STEM Students

Hesham Ali

Brad Morrison Jack Heidel

Michele O’Connor Dana Richter-Egger

The Setting

Omaha The largest city in Nebraska The largest metropolitan center within 150 miles

The University of Nebraska at Omaha A metropolitan university ~14,000 fte undergraduate students

Metropolitan Community College ~7,500 fte students

~26,000 individual students

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Why the Need for Collaboration?

Institutions have to do more with less New initiatives are necessary for healthy growth Institutions operate in competitive environments

and have need for allies Greater chance of acquiring funding with

collaborative efforts Different perspectives from collaboration are

more likely to lead to innovations

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Benefits Of Effective Collaboration

Enhance opportunities for students and faculty Increased interaction → greater creativity Better preparation for students to transition from

community college to university Complimentary goals with minor conflicts Maximize strengths and increases resources at

both institutions Encourage faculty collaboration with colleagues

outside of their institution Break down misperceptions that may exist

between the two institutions as a result of enhanced communication

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Challenges Of Collaboration

Different cultures and perspectives for students and for administration and faculty

Lack of sufficient funding Finding time and willing participants “Breaking down the walls” Outcome difficult to quantify sometimes Results not always seen immediately

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Taking A Strategic Approach

Many models of collaboration exist each with its benefits and challenges

Perfect model may not be attainable in one step; may have to be implemented in stages

Not all activities require significant funding Can build upon existing structure and grow

gradually Identify appropriate model for current

circumstances and strategic goals

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Our Goal

To recruit and retain STEM majors through a broad, multifaceted effort to strengthen the collaboration between UNO and MCC

HOW? Funding from a NSF STEP Grant

$2 million over 5 years The intent is support expansion and adaptation of

currently successful activities within and between the two institutions as well as the implementation of new activities.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

What is STEP Anyway?

STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) A congressionally mandated NSF program The first awards were made in the fall of 2003

PURPOSE to increase the number of students pursuing and

obtaining STEM degrees Includes both community colleges and four-year

institutions

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Insight from NSF

Thoughts from Dr. Bement – NSF Director Foster flexible, creative and collaborative research Build bridges across the ‘gaps’ that students fall

through Create seamless educational pathways for our

students Today's laboratory shapes tomorrow’s economy

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Our Objectives

1. Expand, diversify and incorporate new STEM degrees

2. Develop agreements for the articulation of complete programs of study

3. Attract and retain students through the use of scholarships Particularly under-represented and non-traditional students

4. Improve the quality of and access to experiential education opportunities and student support services

5. Increase outreach and recruitment activities

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

New Degree Options

STEM Associate of Science Degrees at MCC Pre-Biology Pre-Biotechnology Pre-Chemistry Pre-Mathematics Pre-Physics Pre-Bioinformatics

Computer Science Previously in place

New

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

New Degree Options

New Interdisciplinary Majors at UNO

Bioinformatics (new degree)

Interdisciplinary Computer Science (College of Information and Technology)

Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)

One of only a few such programs in the U.S. Now has 37 majors Many students in the program are involved in

interdisciplinary research supported by STEP and other funding.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

New Degree Options

New Interdisciplinary Majors at UNO

Information Assurance (area of emphasis, MIS/CS)

Plans for conversion to an actual degree Medicinal Chemistry (a new degree track)

Approved Fall 2005 Neuroscience (proposed new degree)

Students with this interest can currently use the ‘interdisciplinary studies’ major

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Articulation

Avenues for progression and transfer are especially important in the STEM disciplines because of the inherent hierarchical program structure

Allows students to transition from community college to university with sense of completion and accomplishment

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Articulation of Complete Programs

A to B – getting Associates Degree then Bachelors

More challenging to implement Requires higher level of coordination More people involved to accomplish

Now available in 7 STEM areas; MCC → UNOPre-Biology Pre-Chemistry Pre-Biotechnology Pre-Mathematics Pre-Physics Pre-BioinformaticsComputer Science

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Scholarships

STEP Scholars - $1000/semester 2004-05

16 Scholarships awarded Fifteen scholarships were renewed for the second year

2005-06 18 Scholarships awarded

2006-07 Recruitment currently underway Three MCC students have applied

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Scholarships

Bridge Scholarships at MCC Covers the expenses for the last quarter of study

2004-05 4 students - 4 male (1 minority

2005-06 16 students - 13 male (3 Minority), 3 female First MCC student received a UNO Bridge Scholarship

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Early Undergraduate Research

Faculty recruit qualified early undergraduates into a motivational research activity and then to supervise the students involved for one or more semesters. Focus on 1st and 2nd year students Encourages these students to consider a STEM major Funding provides for

Faculty summer stipend Tuition waivers for students, up to 3 credits/student Limited funds for materials/supplies

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Early Undergraduate Research

Proposals selection criteria Evidence for successful recruitment and retention of

students into a STEM major On what personal experience or successful external

models of EUR is the is the project based? Number of students projected to be involved Sustainability

Anticipated duration Is it an ongoing project or one-time? Will continuation require additional funding?

If the proposed research is interdisciplinary Projects that specifically target underrepresented

groups are especially encouraged.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Early Undergraduate Research

2004-05 6 projects funded 37 students participated in EUR activities, most

received 3 semester hours of tuition waivers

2005-06 6 projects funded 24 students participated in EUR activities

2006-07 7 projects funded

54 of those 61 EUR students from years 1 and 2 are currently pursuing STEM degrees

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Recruitment and Outreach

MCC STEP Coordinator Recruits at area high schools and community events

distributing STEP literature for both UNO and MCC STEM programs.

Focused on providing prospective students and their families a broad view of STEM educational opportunities.

Centralizes creation of all promotional materials Assists with coordination of joint activities between the

two institutions The “go to” person for both institutions

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Impact Beyond Intended Goals

New Graduate Teaching Assistant Positions UNO graduate students (4 in math currently) teach at

MCC which reimburses teaching salary to UNO Other departments are being encouraged to also

participate

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Impact Beyond Intended Goals

“Interdisciplinary Research Inquires in General Chemistry” a (separate) but similarly aligned NSF-CCLI grant General Chemistry and Environmental Geology

students study of lead contamination of soil Geology students collect soil samples

Focus on an EPA Superfund site within Omaha Chemistry students analyze the samples Self-selected geology and chemistry students do further

analysis and interpretation of the aggregate data Activity is repeated each fall and spring semester

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Impact Beyond Intended Goals

“Taking Science for a Test Drive” A NSF-CCLI proposal from Biology and Chemistry Significantly expands upon the STEP-EUR which it is

modeled after Targets MCC students and UNO pre-service teachers

and general non-STEM majors Sixty students per year, in groups of ten, will participate

in two-week research experiences during summer Will rigorously test the assertion that EUR is an

effective means of recruiting STEM majors and of positively impacting the attitudes of non-STEM majors, particularly pre-service teachers.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Evaluation

How well are students acquiring important STEM knowledge, skills and concepts as defined by respective curriculum requirements at UNO and MCC?

Are the STEP activities encouraging higher levels of participation in STEM courses and programs at UNO and MCC?

How are program and course offerings within and between UNO and MCC meeting the needs of students in providing effective transitions between the colleges?

How are STEP project activities providing greater accessibility to STEM related areas of study and career opportunities?

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Social Climate Assessment

What are majors’ and non-majors’ perceptions, beliefs, and experiences in STEM courses? Do the STEP goals of inclusiveness and diversity

extend beyond the students who are directly involved (scholarships or EUR support)?

Results suggest that the social climate in STEM courses and departments is remarkably positive.

The results were surprising given literature indications that a negative social climate may be at least partly responsible for a lack of interest in STEM majors.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Sustainability

Math/Science Learning Center Both one time and ongoing funding are will be used to

form a Math/Science Learning Center at UNO. This center will be a significant way in which the

activities of the STEP grant will be institutionalized. The Center will

Assess science education effectiveness Coordinate peer mentoring and peer led team learning Offer workshops for STEM faculty and students Provide

Entry level tutoring Course modules Specialized instruction Study skills training

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Sustainability

The Scholarship Program may be the most difficult because of its large budget All the scholarships offered total approximately

$100,000 per year. Private support for STEP scholarship endowments is

being actively pursued by the Principal Investigator and the Arts & Sciences Dean in conjunction with the Nebraska University Foundation.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

UNO STEM Graduates

0

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2001-02

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2003-04

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Projected

Actual

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

STEM Transfers from MCC to UNO

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5

10

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50

1997-98

1998-99

1999-00

2000-01

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2003-04

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

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Projected

Actual

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

What We Have Learned

Be Broad Based and Inclusive The greatest strength of the UNO/MCC STEP grant is

its breadth. It includes six UNO departments in two different colleges and two different educational institutions.

Cast a Wide Net There are many dynamic connections between the

UNO academic areas that make up the STEM disciplines (biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, and physics); how they will develop and grow is impossible to predict.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

What We Have Learned

Reach Out to Actual & Potential STEM Majors Science has a great intrinsic appeal. It takes some

students longer than others to come to this realization; they may need extra encouragement in the meantime.

By All Indications -- Success Success is attributed to both the generality of the

approach and to the interest and enthusiasm of the participants.

The sharing of “Best Practices” will assist institutions regardless of their level of experience in STEP.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Challenges Faced

Establishing a good working relationship between UNO and MCC. The different cultures of the two institutions means a relationship is not automatic and must be developed.

Encouraging MCC students to continue their education at UNO.

Uneven success in Early Undergraduate Research (EUR).

Letting the world know what we are doing.

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Overcoming those Challenges

Inclusion of MCC faculty and students in EUR Need to focus more on increasing students’

sense of belongingness Increasing student recognition of the grant

program/efforts Make better use of the campus advisory

committee More sophisticated evaluation of the most

innovative activities, such as EUR

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Dissemination

Innovative Models for Effective Collaboration between Universities and Community Colleges, Hesham Ali, Jack Heidel, Michele O’Connor and Dana Richter-Egger, 110th annual meeting of the higher learning commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), in a Collection of Papers in Self-Study and Institutional Improvement, Volume 1, pp. 73-75, Chicago, April 8-12, 2005.

http://avalon.unomaha.edu/step/

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination

Acknowledgements

The National Science Foundation DUE STEP Grant #336462

The University of Nebraska at Omaha College and Departmental support

Metropolitan Community College College and Division support

The University of Nebraska System Excellence and priority funding

Introduction

Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges

Dissemination