Student Support Services (SSS) Annual Report

2011–12 Project Year

The SSS team (left to right): Cheryl Wieseler, advisor and instructorTammy Hove, directorChivonne Marlow, advisor and tutoring/ mentoring coordinatorJennifer Folstad, administrative assistant

I should warn you. This report, like most reports you’ve probably seen, is full of numbers. From the number of personal meetings with students and the hours of tutoring, to the dollars invested in services and the percentage of students persisting, these figures and many more can be found on the pages that follow. While we tend to report results in terms of numbers, the work we do every day centers around our students, and each student is anything but a number to us.

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with Luther College students daily through a program that the college has faithfully supported nearly four decades. Student Support Services (SSS) is truly a visible reminder of Luther’s commitment to social justice and “practicing what we preach.”

If you were to focus solely on numbers, you may quickly become discouraged by statistics surrounding the population of college students SSS is designed to serve. Report after report indicates that while first-generation college students and students eligible for Federal Pell Grants are accessing higher education more readily, they continue to lag behind in degree completion. (Warning: numbers ahead) A report by the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education, for instance, indicates that over the last 30 years bachelor’s degree attainment by age 24 in the U.S. has skyrocketed by 45 percent for those in the top income quartile, while for those in the bottom income quartile, the rate has increased just 2 percent.*

Thankfully, SSS students at Luther College and other higher education institutions around the country are beating the numerical odds. We are pleased to report that 44 additional SSS students joined the ranks of Luther College alumni during the 2011–2012 academic year. We salute these talented and unique individuals who have given us the opportunity to be part of their lives the past four years.

While federal regulations require us to turn our SSS students into numeric codes every January as part of the Annual Performance Report (APR) submission process, I can assure you that Luther College and the SSS Program are doing everything within their power to see that these young adults realize their potential and do not wind up “just another statistic.”

You don’t have to take our word for it, however. We’ll let the students (and the numbers) speak for themselves.

Tammy HoveDirector of Student Support ServicesLuther College

*Developing 20/20 Vision on the 2020 Degree Attainment Goal: The Threat of Income-Based Inequality in Education. The Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. May 2011

The Luther College Student Support Services (SSS) Program has five purposes driving every service and activity:

1. to promote student engagement and institutional commitment through meaningful connections and experiences;

2. to support and encourage students’ academic progress and strong academic performance;

3. to help students gain financial knowledge and resources on their way to becoming financially independent and secure;

4. to help students gain the 4 P’s (personal awareness and responsibility, a motivating purpose, a plan of attack, and perseverance) in order to find their place in the world;

5. to help students develop and exercise leadership.

(To request a copy of the service/purpose matrix, contact the SSS Office.)

Preus Library 108Luther College700 College DriveDecorah, Iowa 52101563.387.1269sss.luther.edu

Luther College students participating in Student Support Services (SSS) are among approxi-mately 850,000 students across the country from 6th graders to Ph.D. candidates benefitting from a pipeline of opportunity programs known as TRIO. Besides SSS, TRIO programs include Upward Bound, Talent Search, McNair, and Educational Opportunity Centers. TRIO programs are designed to support income-eligible and first-generation students in their pursuit of a college degree, which strengthens our workforce, economy and global competitiveness.

From the DirectorSSS Purposes

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SSS participation:• TheLutherCollegeStudentSupportServicesProgramisfundedtoserve160participants. During2011–2012,theprogramserved170students.• Ofthe79incomingLutherstudentswhoappliedtoSSS,52studentswereinvitedtojoin

theprogram,and48becameparticipants.• 94%arefromIowa,Illinois,Minnesota,orWisconsin• 63%female;37%male

Federal Eligibility and EthnicityStudentsmustqualifyforparticipationinSSS,andeligiblestudentsenteringthecollegeareinvitedtoapply.AsmandatedbyCongress,two-thirdsofthestudentsservedmustcomefromfamilieswithincomesat150percentorlessofthefederalpovertylevelandinwhichneitherparenthasabachelor’sdegree.(First-generationcollegestudentscomposeapproximately20percentofLuther’sstudentbody.)

Federal Eligibility

73%First-generation and income- eligible

Income-eligible only

20%

First-generation only

5%

With a documented disability

1%

Ethnicity (170 students)

White 143

American Indian orAlaska Native

0

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 1 6 Asian7 Hispanic or Latino

13 Black or African American

With a documented disability and income-eligible

1%

Academic Achievement • AverageGPAofallSSSstudentsexceeded3.0• 36students(21%)earnedacumulativeGPA≥3.5• 93student(55%)earnedacumulativeGPA≥3.0• 144student(85%)earnedacumulativeGPA≥2.5• 63students(37%)madetheDean’sListduringtheyear!• 166students(98%)completedtheyearingoodacademicstanding

Persistence and Graduation Number Percentage

Participants completing the academic year 169/170 99%Participants persisting (Fall to Fall or graduating) 164/170 96%First-year student retention (Fall to Fall) 46/48 96%Graduation candidates completing requirements 44/48 92%

Student Satisfaction• 100%saidtheSSSOfficeenvironmentisfriendlyandwelcoming.• 98%believetheSSSstaffiscommittedtotheirsuccessandcaresaboutthemas individuals.• 95%havebeenencouragedandchallengedbySSSstafftodotheirbestincollege.• 86%saidtheirSSSAdvisorisoneoftheprimarypeopleoncampustheyturntofor adviceandsupport.• 86%believeSSSassistedtheminreachingtheirgoalsduringtheyear.• 87%saidSSSservicestheyreceivedhavecontributedtotheirsuccess.• 98%aresatisfiedwiththeassistancetheyhavereceivedthroughtheSSSprogram.• 98%wouldrecommendtheSSSprogramtoothereligiblestudents.(SSSStudentSurvey,May2012,30%responserate)

SSS Participants “Because of Student Support Services, my academic standing and personal goals are where I want them to be.”

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AdvisingThe foundation of the SSS Program rests on the ongoing individual advising that students receive from staff. Each SSS student meets routinely with his/her assigned SSS Advisor (Cheryl, Chivonne, or Tammy). During 2011–2012, SSS Advisors conducted more than 1,000 personal meetings with students (averaging six meetings per student) which translates to 32,390 minutes, or 540 hours, of student contact.

Advising involves assessing students’ individual needs (to determine the type and level of support they receive), establishing annual goals and strategies to reach those goals, and discussing progress. Monitoring progress also involves ongoing collaboration with professors and other offices to help ensure students are on track to graduate and take advantage of beneficial resources and opportunities available to them as Luther College students.

Tutoring ServicesA total of 121 tutor matches were made during the year, totaling 85,888 minutes (1,431 hours) of tutoring.

Tutoring involves 60 percent of first-year participants and 61 percent of second-year participants. Seventy-three participants benefitted from tutoring through SSS, including 37 students who received tutoring in more than one class.

Tutors met monthly for training that focused on various topics, including best practices, working with students with disabilities, discussions with faculty, and writing for all subjects.

MentoringTo assist first-year students with the transition to college, nine STAR (Student Transition Assistance Resource) mentors were hired and trained in the spring of 2011. Several mentors came to the campus during Registration, Orientation, and Advising Days (ROAD) to welcome potential SSS students to the office and explain the benefits of participation. The program officially began during August orientation, when first-year students were given the opportunity to have a personal mentor. Few participated, but the SSS advisors recommended it as needed to students who appeared to be struggling. Several of the mentors also served as tutors, giving them another way to reach students.

In addition to one-on-one mentoring, drop-in mentoring was held during January Term. Several students took advantage of this informal opportunity to “Chat With Chad” during the evening or “Kick It With Keaton” if mornings were more their style. Ongoing mentor training consisted of sessions devoted to knowledge about resources, empathy, personal responsibility, and crisis management. Role-playing was incorporated wherever possible. The mentors also assisted in reconstructing the mentoring handbook and planning events, such as the BBQ & A and Board Game Nights.

Financial Literacy EducationAdam Carroll, motivational speaker and founder of National Financial Educators, taught Luther students how to achieve financial success during his educational and highly entertaining program, “Winning the Money Game.” Luther’s Student Activities Council (SAC) arranged the September 22, 2011, appearance that inspired students to reflect on their personal spending habits and to consider multiple strategies to make their money work for them. Feedback from the 88 SSS students in attendance suggests they gained a “wealth” of knowledge!

Sixty-eight students learned even more about wise money management practices by completing an online financial literacy course that SSS offers through Decision Partners. First-year students began with Financial Literacy 101, a basic guide that includes information on budgeting, banking, credit cards, identity theft, financial trouble, financial aid, and personalized feedback. Sophomores continued their financial education with more detailed modules on credit reports, financial aid, financial planning, loans, and other real-world scenarios. The modules work through surveys, streaming media, quizzes, interactive exercises, and journaling opportunities that teach students the facts they need, and help them apply their new knowledge to their own financial decisions.

In addition to the two-part course, SSS students have access to modules that provide in-depth information on various topics related to personal finance. Examples include buying a car, paying for college (“Financial Aid 101”), getting married, saving and investing, credit card confidence, buying a home or renting an apartment, forestalling financial trouble, and understanding paycheck options.

Financial AssistanceGrantsThe SSS Program awarded $51,000 in grant aid to 66 first- and second-year students during the year. Participants must satisfy certain requirements to access these grants, including a brief application process, routine communication with their SSS advisor, and completion of the program’s financial education components. SSS directs 12 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Education toward grant aid, with a percentage match coming from Luther College. Grants, which are on top of each student’s financial aid package, average $750 per person.

Filing ServicesSSS partnered with the Financial Aid Office again this year to provide students with personal assistance to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines financial aid eligibility. In addition, several students took advantage of free tax preparation services offered in the Decorah community.

Program Services & Accomplishments “SSS has helped me navigate many of the uncertainties surrounding academic and student life.”

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1. Students enjoyed food and games during the Eat & Greet hosted by the SSS Leadership Council.2. SSS participants are always excited to receive “SPO Love” several times during the year!3. Dozens of students turned out for the “Kick Off to Finals” pizza party and board game night in Hovde Lounge.4. Career Center Director Keley Smith- Keller helped students determine their “Dependable Strengths” during a January Term workshop.

5. Students learned how to “Make Study Abroad a Reality” with the help of the Luther College Financial Aid Office and Center for Global Learning.6. Over 150 students and guests enjoyed the 11th Annual SSS Celebration Banquet in the spring.7. SSS students mingle and celebrate another great year on the library lawn.

SSS Photo Album “SSS has provided me with an extensive network of staff and students who are willing to help me in any way possible to prepare for the future.”

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“SSS students should take full advantage of this opportunity that other SSS students have helped to create,” said Justin Kaspryk, 2011–2012 SSS Leadership Council President. “Even if a student finds one textbook in the lending program, they could save a hundred or more dollars!” Graduate/Professional School PreparationFour Luther College SSS students attended the McNair and SSS Conference in Delavan, Wis., in early October. The retreat was hosted by the Wisconsin Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (WAEOPP) and focused on graduate school admissions. The featured presenter was Donald Asher, the internationally known speaker and author of Graduate School Admissions Essays, The Best Scholarships for the Best Students, and How to Get Any Job with Any Major.

During the intensive series of workshops, the students were given important information on the graduate school admissions timeline. There was also extensive discussion about choosing a graduate program, and applying to places that may be outside a student’s comfort area. Asher gave examples of materials that should be included in a student’s portfolio and in-class experience on how to write an outstanding personal statement. He talked about faculty recommendations and reassured the students that problem areas, such as low grades, can often be explained. Additionally, there was a considerable amount of information on how and where to look for funding opportunities.

BBQ & AOctober 5, 2011, was the trial run of the BBQ & A event. Directed at first-year students, it was created to develop rapport with faculty and have important questions answered.

The SSS peer mentors invited 10 professors from diverse departments to make up the faculty panel. The student panel consisted of six mentors and three other students chosen for their unique experiences. After enjoying barbeque sandwiches with the students, the faculty moved to tables at the front of the room and the first-year students asked questions, including how to write good essays, who they should know on campus, and how to write quality Paideia papers. A recurring theme among the professors was that students should come talk to them personally. The student panel followed, and they discussed topics such as time management, roommate issues, how to approach a professor, and study abroad.

Due to the positive response, the BBQ & A will become an annual event.

Student Leadership ConferenceNine SSS participants accompanied SSS advisor Cheryl Wieseler to the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP) Student Leadership Conference held October 28–30, 2011, in St. Charles, Ill. The conference provided TRIO students from across the Midwest an opportunity to develop their leadership skills through breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities. Luther students

Financial Assistance (continued)Steven Mark Anderson ScholarshipFour students received a $1,000 Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship for the upcoming year. The recipients—Emmanuel Avila ’13, Emily Banitt ’13, Johanna Mueller ’14, and Sarah Nicla ’14—were selected from among 31 applicants by the Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship selection committee. Approximately 60 SSS students have benefitted from this endowed scholarship, which Lloyd and Kathy Anderson established at the turn of the century in memory of their son, Pastor Steven Anderson, a 1985 Luther graduate. The Anderson family was on hand at the 11th Annual SSS Celebration Banquet to announce the newest recipients.

Karen Julesberg Scholarship – NEW!SSS students are benefitting from a scholarship established this year by 1960 Luther graduate Karen Julesberg of Madison, Wis. Twenty-four SSS students competed for the new scholarship in spring 2012, and the first Karen Julesberg Scholarship was awarded to Calvin Simmons ’12.

“It is both an honor and pleasure to provide financial support for students in the Luther Student Support Services program,” Julesberg said. “When I was considering the many worthwhile opportunities that support Luther students and programs, it took me some time to select one that not only fit my interests but also touched my heart. Once I learned about SSS, with its variety of activities designed to support income-eligible and first-generation students, my choice was easy.

“I am delighted that Calvin Simmons has been selected as the first recipient of this recently established scholarship. It is icing on the cake that he is planning to be an elementary school teacher because that was my original career, and I was also a Luther College elementary education instructor in the late 1960s.”

College Success CourseSixteen students learned important study strategies and life skills in GS110, a two-credit, seven-week course offered both fall and spring semesters. Instructed by SSS Advisor Cheryl Wieseler, the course focuses on goal setting, time management, memory techniques, reading strategies, note-taking skills, test-taking skills, critical thinking, communicating effectively, and utilizing college resources.

Textbook Lending LibraryWith more and more students finding it difficult to afford college textbooks, the SSS Leadership Council responded by launching a textbook lending program. The SSS textbook lending library, which currently contains 224 titles, quickly outgrew the bookshelves in staff offices and has moved to a larger adjacent storage area. Students who have made a recent donation to the collection are given first priority to check out books.

“Student Support Services is one of the best campus resources Luther provides.”Program Services & Accomplishments

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2011–2012 SSS AwardsOutstanding Tutor Award—Six tutors were nominated by students, and the award was granted to three: Michael Berndt ‘14, Brian Darling ‘12, and Dallas Wulf ‘12Outstanding Mentor Award—Rebecca Rudquist ‘14Exceptional Leadership Award—Chad Sonka ‘12Outstanding First-Year Student Award—Bee Vang ‘15Growth Award—Jorie Jackson ’12 and Martin Pena-Rodriquez ’14Perfect Attendance Award—Tony Chase ‘15Communication Award—Kelsey Kittleson ’12 and Ben Hanson ‘14Frequent Flier Award—Tony Dischinger ’14 and Katie Peterson ‘15Humorous Award—Tyler Rinken ’14 and Stacy Hopson ‘14Friendship Award—Blake Potthoff ’14 and Megan McDermott ’14 (Dynamic Duo); Nafisa Ahmed ’12, Louise Usanase ’12, and Jorie Jackson ’12 (Terrific Trio).

Congratulations to our Graduates!More than 40 SSS participants graduated from Luther College with the Class of 2012. Their plans following graduation are as diverse as the students. Here’s a sampling of what they are doing now:

Ryan Fett —Accounting, ManagementStaff Accountant, Hormel Foods (Fremont, Neb.)

Aaron Hoffland—Computer Science, Scandinavian StudiesJava Programmer, Menards (Eau Claire, Wisc.) Hannah Janaky—PsychologyResident Counselor, Quakerdale (New Providence, Iowa) Bianca Lutchen—German, Political ScienceFulbright English Teaching Assistantship (Offenbach, Germany) Kelsey (Kittleson) Millonig—BiologyInterviewing for medical school and working as an EMT (Cresco, Iowa)2012 NCAA Woman of the Year Finalist Carrie Niehaus—PsychologyPursuing graduate degree in School Counseling at the University of Iowa Jenna Pollock—Psychology, Social WelfareEmmet County Naturalist, Emmet County Conservation (Wallingford, Iowa)

Alison Sancken—Anthropology, HistoryParticipating in year-long internship in Japan through Labo International Exchange Foundation

participating included Hannah Grundhoefer ’12, Aaron Hoffland ’12, N’sira Kourouma ’13, Anthony Dischinger ’14, Burte Abdalla ’15, Kathleenjo Peterson ’15, Velvet Warne ’15, Santhi Sheehan ’15, and Alexis Reynolds ’15.

Study AbroadSeventeen students learned about making study abroad a reality during an SSS workshop on February 13, 2012. Helping to educate students about their extensive travel options were Jon Lund and Corby Preus from the Center for Global Learning, Kathy Kerber from the Financial Aid Office, and representatives from programs (IFSA, ISA, and ACM) offering study-abroad opportunities to Luther students. Three Luther SSS students who have studied in England, Spain, and Turkey also shared firsthand accounts of their travels.

It is worth noting that 19 Luther SSS students participated in a study-abroad experience during 2011–2012.

Professional DevelopmentSSS staff participated in several professional development and networking opportunities during the year. Tammy attended the 30th annual conference of the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) in Washington, D.C., in September 2011. In February, Chivonne attended the 31st annual conference on the First-Year Experience (FYE) with two colleagues in San Antonio, Texas. And in August 2012, Cheryl completed the three-day On Course I Workshop in Baltimore, Md.

Grassroots AdvocacyLuther SSS students and alumni joined several hundred thousand people across the country in making their voices heard in Washington, D.C., about the value of TRIO programs, including Student Support Services. Coordinated by the SSS Leadership Council, the advocacy campaign empowered young students to exercise their civic responsibility by contacting their congressional representatives. Most contacts were made through e-mail, and many students were surprised and pleased to receive personal letters from legislators in response.

Eleventh Annual SSS Celebration BanquetAttendance at the 11th Annual SSS Celebration Banquet on March 28, 2012, reached an all-time high of 157, including 98 SSS participants. Guests enjoyed live piano music during dinner, which featured chicken caprese over linguine, salad, green beans, rolls, and apple pie topped with cinnamon ice cream. The campus comedy improv group “Top Banana” made a lasting impression during the evening, as did guest speaker Capt. Nicholas Bonifazi, a 2005 Luther graduate and former SSS participant. In addition, many students walked away with door prizes and/or awards.

Program Services & Accomplishments “The SSS staff encourages students to strive for excellence and never give up.”

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The Luther College Student Support Services Program received $284,754 in grant monies during the 2011–2012 fiscal year to fund services for 160 eligible students (approximately $1,780 per student). This was a decrease of $9,110 from the previous year, due to a 3% across-the-board cut in TRIO funding. Luther College also contributed $23,240 toward the project which included matching dollars for student grants, along with costs unallowable to the primary SSS budget such as Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) institutional member-ship dues.

The SSS Program also benefits from an endowed scholarship known as the Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship, for which SSS students compete annually, and the new Karen Julesberg Scholarship.

Financials

Federal Grant Funding $284,754

$159,364Staff Compensation(salaries and retirement contributions)

56%

Luther College Funding $23,240

$34,000 SSS Grants 12%

$29,874 Health Care Premiums 10%(employer’s share of medical insurance)

$18,574 Indirect Costs 7%$17,008 Peer Tutoring 6%$11,563 FICA, Disability and Life Insurance 4%$5,018 Professional Development 2%$3,560 Meetings and Events 1%$3,425 Student Travel 1%

$2,368 Educational Materials, Supplies, Other 1%

$17,000*SSS Grants

73%

$1,678 Professional Memberships 7%$1,571 Printing/Copying 7%

$2,484 Supplies, Other 11%

$ 507 Meetings and Events 2%

*This is the college’s required share of SSS grant monies, which directly benefit first-year and sophomore SSS students.

“Through SSS, I have an incredibly caring and devoted support system which gives me the tools and encouragement to accomplish my goals.”

Photo credit: Maria da Silva ’15

Luther College700 College DriveDecorah, Iowa 52101563.387.1269sss.luther.edu

In the interest of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, SSS has printed and made available to constituents a limited quantity of these reports. Please contact our office at 563-387-1269 or sss@luther.edu to obtain a copy.