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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
50
100
150
200
250
300
1997-98
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
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
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
1997-98
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
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
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