Leading Transformational Change:
A Total Focus on Hispanic Student Success
Eighteen Years of Excellence: Changing Lives & Communities
(South Texas College, 2010)
Location
(South Texas College, 2010)
Service Area• 93% Hispanic Enrollment
• First Generation-Low, Income College Students
• Over 90% on Financial Aid (State/Federal)
• McAllen MSA Fastest Growing in the Nation
• Youngest Population in the Nation
(South Texas College, 2010)
In Eighteen Years …• $3.9 million to $139 million budget
• 267 to 2,250 faculty and staff
• 1 to 6 Campuses
• 100+ degree and certificate program options
• 3 BAT Degrees
• 1,000 to over 30,000 credit bearing students
• 24,000+ Graduates
(South Texas College, 2010)
Critical Gap
Critical Gap
Critical Gap
Critical Gap
CompletionPoint
CompletionPoint
Birth to PK High9-12
Lower Division
Upper Division
Middle6-8
CompletionPoint
ElementaryPK-5
(7th–10th Grade Dropout)
(High School to College)
(First Year Retention & 2-
Year Completion)
(Transfer from 2-year to 4-year & 4-year
Completion)
Educational Pipeline Gaps …• Must address each segment
(Adapted from THECB, 2007)
The Hispanic Challenge• Degree Achievement Disparities
– Ethnicity
– Income
• The educational disparity between Hispanics and other groups in Texas is impacting economic development in region and state
• 60,000 new Hispanic students are expected to enter Texas community colleges in the next decade.
• 24,000 are expected to enter Texas prisons in the next decade.
• Most important social imperative for the next decade
• Closing the Gaps: A Tale of Two States – And One Million Jobs!! Perryman
• 10-5-2-1
Current Economic Challenge
• Do more with less
• Stay focused on mission
• Respond to community needs
• Make decisions based on what we value
The economic future of South Texas, to a great extent, will be influenced by our ability
to increase the educational level and competitive workforce skills of all residents
of Hidalgo & Starr Counties.
Focusing on C3
College Ready…
College Going…
College Completion…
Building a Culture of Evidence & Inquiry
• Quantitative Data: Identify Gaps in Student Success
– Enrollment Patterns
– Late Registration
• Qualitative Data: Understanding the Underlying factors of Gaps in Student Success
– Focus Groups
– Student Essays
Qualitative Data – Listen to the Voices
• Fall 2005 Barrier Study
– 25 Student Focus Groups & 387 Essays
– 22 Faculty and Staff Focus Groups
• Fall 2007 Follow Up Barrier Study conducted
• Spring 2010 Barrier Study 3 conducted
Quantitative Data - Late Registration
• Define Late Registrants
• Data is Key
• Broad Based Participation
• Proposed Plan
– Be ready to shift
– Communication Plan
• Recovery Plan
– Access is Mission Critical
What did we do? • Eliminated Late Registration
• Implemented Comprehensive Advising
• Implemented Faculty Advising Training
• Placed Counselors in the Classroom
• Financial Literacy
• Changed our Message
– Comprehensive Mission
– Build a College Going Culture
Follow Up Study - 2007
Did we make a difference?
2005 Barrier Study 2007 Barrier Study1. Money
2. Lack of Information
3. Work/Job Time Management
4. Facilities/Equipment
5. Child/Daycare/Family
6. Course Offerings
7. Developmental/THEA
8. Technology
1. Instructor Issues
2. Child/Family
3. Course Offerings
4. Developmental/THEA
5. Work/Job Time Management
6. Personnel
7. Money
8. Lack of Information
K-12 collaboration; College Ready & College Going.
Strategic Directions
…proudly provides opportunities to all students with high expectations
for their success.
…leads the transformation of the region to a
“college-going” culture whereby attending and completing higher
education is expected...
…catalyst for regional economic prosperity and social mobility.
College Begins In
Kindergarten
Department Led – Division Supported Enrollment Services
http://jagtv.southtexascollege.edu/
Connecting with the Community
Cultivating Relationships
• 183 Elementary Schools
– 7 School Adoptions
– Campus Visits
• 56 Middle Schools
– Get on the right track
• 56 High Schools Campuses
– Summer Leadership Institute
Innovative High School Partnerships
• STEM Focus
• 9 Early College High Schools
• McAllen College and Career Technology Initiative
• Dual Enrollment Academies
– Medical Science
– Engineering
– Computer Science
• Kindergarten – 8th grade
• Junior Jaguars
• It is never too early to begin preparing for college
http://juniorjaguars.southtexascollege.edu/
College Begins in Kindergarten
Our Approach: 10-11th Grades
• Picking up momentum
• Time to take care of business
• Why TAKS is so important?
• Dual enrollment opportunities
• Will you need to take ACCUPLACER?
• Visit a college campus
• Academies
• Demystify the process
• College Bound
• Admissions Application
• FAFSA
• Test prep & remediation
• One-stop shops
• Orientation
Our Approach: 12th Grade
Recovery Programs & at Risk Students
• 5th Year Seniors
• TAKS Liable &/or Missing Credits – through age 25
• Maintain Enrollment & Momentum
• College Success + DE Credit
• GED
• Quick Wins
Department Led – Division Supported Student Support Services
• College Success: a parent’s perspective
• Difference between high school & college
• Get Connected – Clubs & Organizations
• Avoid being a P.C.P. student
After Graduation – What is Next?
First Year Connections• Foundations of Excellence 2007• Implemented 2008 - $100K budget• To date: over 13,500 attendees• Next Steps – Increase Academic Affairs role
“Trying to bring the parents in early on is important,” She recalls a student survey that indicated the top impediment to keeping Hispanic students in the college pipeline was a lack of information for parents who influence students’ college-going decisions. “‘Can you please give this information
to my parents?’ was the leading request of respondents.”- Dr. Patricia Gándara
Co-director of the Civil Rights Project at the UCLA
Don’t Forget About Your Current Student Body
• Outreach not limited to K-12
• Student “call to action” notices
– Mass notification
– Plasmas
– Whiteboards
– Student Portal Targeted Announcements
– Social Networking
Priority Registration• Focus
– Gatekeeper Courses
– At Risk Students
– Change Student Behavior
• Expand to Academic Divisions
• Incorporate Financial Aid
• Departmental Led, Division Supported
Professional Development & Training
• Summer Leadership Institute
– ISD Counselors & Faculty
– Promote “College Going Culture”
– NACADA Training Modules
– “Credit Smart Espanol”
– Shadow SAEM and Instructional Support Units
• Dual Enrollment Faculty and Staff Development
Comprehensive Advisement• FTIC Case Management Academic Advisors
• Faculty Advising
• Counselors – Probation/Suspension students
• Student Success Specialists – Transitional Advising
• Beacon Mentoring– Target Gatekeeper courses
STC - Case Management Results
Fall 2006 Fall 2008 Fall 2009
CMFTICs
Non CM
FTICs
CMFTICs
Non CM
FTICs
CMFTICs
Non CM
FTICs
Term GPA 2.17 2.18 2.50 2.16 2.35 2.00
Fall – FallRetention
55.7% 48.2% 68.5% 51.3% 65% 53.9%
N 618 618 880 880 1797 1797
Department Led – Division Supported Student Financial Services
Financial Aid Case Study• Seek to understand the financial aid process from the
students’ lens.
• 3 separate qualitative studies
• Part I – Convenience Sample Content Analysis
– 73 Online students enrolled in LASS courses
– Short answer instrument delivered online
• Part II – 6 Focus Groups & 9 Interviews
– Early & Late Applicants
• Part III – Case Study Analysis – 5 participants
– 2 Early, 1 Mid, 2 Late Applicants
Qualitative Themes• Student Self-Perceptions
– Welfare mentality
• Customer Service Complaints– Long lines– Students leave face to face encounters with questions unanswered.– Students have reluctance to visit, many cannot communicate their
needs.
• Student Correspondence– Lack of Notification– Online Reluctance
• Reliance on F/A Office• Perceptions of Staff
– Training needs– Lack of empathy
Again, that look….• “Her eyes told me exactly what she thought”
• “She made me feel stupid”
• “She was quick and cold, telling me to leave so she can continue her phone call”
• “If I ask a question, it means that I don’t understand, you do not have to look at me like that”
• “The treatment is different every time you go!”
How Does it Actually Work?• From start to finish, students really do not know the
complete picture.
• Many do not connect the idea of federal, state and institutional interfacing.
• They do not understand the disconnect between STC FA decisions, and federal FAFSA based decisions.
• In addition, much confusion is compounded by the needs and action/contact with the admissions (bursars) office.
• Students may not clearly understand the nature of the Pell and standards imposed.
Actions/Changes• Office Name – Student Financial Services
• Added Staffing
– Associate Director, Coordinator for Front Line Services, Technology Expertise, Outreach staff
• Customer Service Training - FISH
• Implementing Banner CRM
– Track all correspondence with students
• Incorporating Financial Aid into SA&EM initiatives
– College Bound
– Priority Registration (Spring)
– 2009 50%+ of FAFSAs received before June 1
• 2010 - $60 Million Administered
THE FOUR!
MakeTheir Day!
Be There!
Play!Attitude!
How can we be present for the Students
and Co-workers?
Be There!
Smile!
Be Patient
Be Confident
Graduation/CompletionDepartment Led – Division Supported
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
Why is Completion Important?
Retrieved from www.AIE.org – 2010 Texas Median Wages by Degree Level Source US Census Bureau Community Survey 2010
$19,000No High
School
Diploma
$26,000High
School
Diploma
$40,000Associate
Degree$50,000Bachelor’s
Degree
$60,000Master’s
Degree$80,000
Doctoral
Degree
$86,000Professional
Degree
Graduation is the Path to the Middle Class
• Serving as a pathway to prosperity
• Helping create high-skill, high-wage jobs
• 95% Graduate Placement Rate for Eight
Straight Years
• Preparing graduates for good paying jobs with
an A+ employer satisfaction rating
Student Intent & College Accountability
• Fall 2011 - Over 80% of First Time in College Students indicated that their intent is to earn a Degree or Certificate.
Graduation Rates Do Not Tell the True Story
• IPEDS (Who is counted?)
– First-time freshman
– Enrolled Full-time
– Seeking a Degree
– Enrolled in the fall semester = FTFTF
– 150% of Degree
Graduation Rates Do Not Tell the True Story cont.
• IPEDS (Who is not counted?)
– Transfer students
– Part-time students
– Returning students
– Students who begin in the Spring semester
– Dual Enrollment Students who earn a degree in high school
Profile of STC 2010 Graduates
Total in Cohorts 835 30%
10+ years 637-9 years 804-6 years 294
3 years or less 327
Total Not in Cohorts 1950 70%2nd+ Award 420
Not Included 1530
Total 2010 Graduates 2785 100%
Graduation Rate and Total Graduates
Institution of Higher Education FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010
South Texas College 13.6% 13.9% 12.7% 11.7% 13.0% 14.7% 17.1%
Very Large Colleges - Statewide 8.3% 8.8% 9.1% 9.0% 8.7% 9.7% 10.4%
Source: THECB, Accountability System.
Three-Year Rate - Cohort Graduating Rate
Institution of Higher Education FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010
South Texas College 13.6% 13.9% 12.7% 11.7% 13.0% 14.7% 17.1%
STC graduates represented by the Graduation Rate Percentage
223 188 212 201 207 286 327
Total number of STC graduates certified for the year
1,492 1,961 1,236 1,879 2,044 2,287 3,012
Source: STC fact book
How Do We Impact the Graduation Rate?• Graduation Task Force (Dean Driven)
– Cross Divisional
– Review Process
– Identify Strategies
• Graduation Targets Taskforce (VP Driven)– Cross Divisional
– Review Graduation Trends
– Set Stretch Targets by Program
• Cohort Success Initiative (CSI) (VP Driven)
• Graduate on Time (GOT)
CSI & IPEDS• Laser focus on improving graduation rates
– Focus on IPEDS eligible cohort: FTFTF
– In addition to, not in place of current strategies
• Cross Divisional Members, Support & Strategies
• Review eligible cohorts beginning with 2007– Create timeline for review of cohorts using 150%
of degree as benchmark
• 19 additional graduates = 1% IPEDS increase
• Summer 2010
– Establishment of College-wide Cohort Success Initiative Task Force
• CSI Goal
– Double the cohort graduation rate in the next year
• How will this be achieved? – Academic Affairs strategies
– Student Support Services
– Academic Support Services
– Data Management and Reporting
– Coordination Across Divisions
Graduate on Time (GOT)
Fall 2011
Total Credit Student Headcount 30,558
Returning Students -14,700
Current Dual Enrollment HS Students -10,461
Transfers in from Other Institutions -992
Entering Class – Not Seeking a Degree/Cert. -13
Entering Class – Part-time -1,602
CSI Cohort for Fall 2011Entering Class – Full-time, First-time Cohort 2,790
GOT Students Fall 2010 Cohort -FTIC and TSI complete and Declared Majors 972
Fall 2011 -DATA - CSI & GOT Cohort
Customized Jagnet Student Portal
Jagnet Portal
Customized Jagnet Portal
Retention Status (Fall to Spring)
Fall 2011GOT Cohort
Spring 2012Returned
Spring 2012Stop Outs
972 802 (83%) 170 (17%)
Spring 2012 Status of GOT Cohort
Attendance Status
Spring2012 Returned Full Time Part Time
802 545 (68%) 257 (32%)
Overall GPA & Average Completion Rate
GOT 2011 Cohort GPA Average Completion Rate
802 Returned 2.34 79%
169 Stop outs .94 35%
• Graduation Rate– The GOT program can play an important
role in increasing graduation rate.
• Student Success– The GOT program can positively impact
student success by developing relationships with students and assisting them to navigate the system and graduate on time from South Texas College.
Desired/Potential Impact
The Results
Admissions Application – Dashboard Data
FAFSA Applications– Dashboard Data
Gear Up College Bound Results
• 90% of 2011 Cohort Completed College Admissions Application
• 70% attending college this Fall
Number of Students Testing in College Bound District
ACT2007 2008 2009
370 418 546
First Time in College Enrollment
9% Increase in Percent of HS Graduates Pursuing Texas Higher Education the
Fall After High School Graduation
STC - Enrollment History 1993 to 2011 (Fall)
Dual Enrollment
DE Matriculation
1,879
2,043
2,289
3,027
3,468
1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
34%
13%
8%
11%
Graduates
Enrollment
-3%
5%
Gaining Momentum
• 1st 17 Years of STC’s Existence (1993-2009)19,756 graduates
• By 2014 – The number will Double – 39,500 graduates
• By 2016 – STC will certify our 50,000 graduate!
• Employment becomes the new Challenge.
Every Student Counts!
We are always becoming…
We have not arrived…
Goals:
– 100% Retention Rate
– 100% Graduation Rate
– 100% Placement Rate
– 100% Transfer Student Success
Next Steps…
Completion by Design
“Substantially increasing the completion rates for the students of
South Texas College!”
Closing Achievement Gaps
STC Enrollment Goals:
• Fall 2015 Enrollment – 36,131
• Fall 2020 Enrollment – 45,371
STC Completion Goals:
• 2015 – 5,349 annual graduates
• 2020 – 7,671 annual graduates
We must continue to ensure that students are challenged in the
classroom, not in our processes.
Questions, Discussion, Idea Sharing?
William Serrata, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
South Texas College