new student success plan at nova · 2019. 10. 7. · extended learning institute (eli) ......

PROMOTING STUDENT SUCCESS AT NOVA:

THREE-PART PLAN

Research Report No. 04-06

Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)

March 2006

NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, PLANNING, AND ASSESSMENT

The purpose of the Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment is to conduct analytical studies and provide information in support of institutional planning, policy formulation and decision making. In addition, the office provides leadership and support in research related activities to members of the NVCC community engaged in planning and evaluating the institution’s success in accomplishing its mission.

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, PLANNING, AND ASSESSMENT

Dr. George E. Gabriel

STAFF MEMBERS

Margret Chang

Johan Dennett

Anita Dubey

Melanie Jenkins

Linda Jones

4001 Wakefield Chapel Road Annandale, VA 22003-3796

(703) 323-3129 www.nvcc.edu/oir

http://www.nv.cc.va.us/oir

Promoting Student Success At NOVA: Three-Part Plan

Table of Contents

Page

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1

Background....................................................................................................................... 2

Figure 1............................................................................................................................. 5

Part I: College-Level Activities

New to the College................................................................................................ 7

Applying for Financial Aid...................................................................................... 7

In Need of Academic Advising .............................................................................. 7

Receiving Communications from the College ....................................................... 8

Completing Programs ........................................................................................... 8

Part II: Common Campus-Based Student Stages (Early Engagement)

Alexandria Campus............................................................................................. 10

Annandale Campus............................................................................................. 12

Loudoun Campus................................................................................................ 14

Manassas Campus ............................................................................................. 17

Medical Education Campus ................................................................................ 21

Woodbridge Campus .......................................................................................... 23

Extended Learning Institute (ELI)........................................................................ 25

Part III: Campus-Specific Student Stages

Alexandria Campus............................................................................................. 28

Annandale Campus............................................................................................. 30

Loudoun Campus................................................................................................ 32

Manassas Campus ............................................................................................. 35

Medical Education Campus ................................................................................ 37

Woodbridge Campus ......................................................................................... .39

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Extended Learning Institute (ELI)........................................................................ 41

Appendix I: Table 1 - Proposed Activities to Promote Student Success at NOVA ......... 44

Appendix II: Proposed Plan of Action to Develop Student Success Plan ...................... 46

1

Promoting Student Success at NOVA: Three-Part Plan

Introduction The report “Promoting Student Success at NOVA: Three-Part Plan” introduces “The Pyramid”. It also identifies specific college-level and campus-level activities that focus on student engagement. These activities will be initiated during the Fall 2006 registration. To ensure that the College community has a good understanding of the plan, a brief background explaining the development of the Three-Part Plan is offered. The Three-Part Plan itself follows the background section. The Three-Part Plan explains to all stakeholders how the College will achieve its goal of student engagement that in turn leads to student success. Part one identifies the specific policies and activities that facilitate the implementation of the five sets of college-level procedures, each focusing on the following five student stages: those new to the College; those applying for financial aid; those in need of academic advising; those receiving communications from the College; and those completing programs. Part two introduces common campus-based goals and six student stages that focus on early student engagement. The activities employed by each campus to fulfill the common goals are delineated by campus and student stage. Part three delineates goals specific to the needs of each campus according to student stages. The strength of the plan is a coupling of college-level activities that serve as the foundation for the common campus-based and campus-specific activities. In sum, these activities create a new way of thinking and interacting with the students college-wide. The Three-Part Plan or "The Pyramid" addresses college-level activities (part 1), common campus-based student stages (part 2), and campus-specific student stages (part 3).

• Part one is the foundation of the plan and relates to institutional policies and procedures that sustain the four indicators of student success and student engagement.

• Part two identifies six areas within the common campus-based student stages. These student stages are: 1) Those still in high school 2) Those new to college 3) Those in need of financial aid 4) Those attending the first week of classes 5) Those experiencing academic difficulty and 6) Those negotiating the payment process. The focus is on early engagement. Campuses are required to implement at least three activities in each of the six areas.

• Part three allows each campus to identify other areas of focus. All three parts of the plan are designed to result in student success at NOVA.

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Promoting Student Success at NOVA: Three-Part Plan

Background Promoting student success is critical in NOVA's quest to become "one of the nation's top three community colleges" and its goal to become "a gateway to the American Dream."1 To achieve these goals as set forth in the strategic vision, NOVA identified four indicators of student success. To facilitate its entry "into the top tier of community colleges with respect to the retention, graduation, transfer, and career placement of its students" NOVA has established strategic goals related to each student success indicator. I. Chancellor’s Retreat In the summer of 2005, the VCCS Chancellor invited 23 college presidents and their senior administrators to a two-day planning retreat in Charlottesville, VA where the CCSSE results for each college were reviewed. The focus of the retreat was student success through student engagement. After the retreat, the NOVA team discussed the possibility of developing a student success plan for the College. During the following series of Administrative Council meetings, the team discussed and developed the Student Success Plan, in alignment with Dateline 2009 and NOVA’s Strategic Vision 2015. These three documents give high priority to student success in terms of retention, graduation, transfer, and job placement. II. The Four Indicators of Student Success The four indicators of student success are retention, graduation, transfer, and career placement. The retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-time students who enter in a fall semester and re-enroll the next fall semester. The goal is 60% retention by 2015. Graduation is defined as the number of annual graduates (those graduating in the summer, fall, and spring semesters). The goal is to achieve 4,500 graduates annually by 2015. Transfers are defined as any student graduating with a transfer degree (Associate in Arts, Associate in Science) in a given academic year and who subsequently enrolls in a four-year institution the following fall. The goal is 1,000 annual transfers by 2015. Career placement represents the percentage of graduate respondents with an Occupational Technical degree (Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Applied Arts, or Certificate), who were employed within 180 days of graduation. The goal is 90% placement by 2015. III. Listening to Students Shortly after the Chancellor’s retreat, it was decided that in order to develop a successful plan, student feedback was vital and NOVA would have to “listen to our students.” The Ccollected student feedback for a period of more than one year through various internal surveys, the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE), and the Greentree Gazette Study.

A. Internal Surveys Some of the surveys used to gather student feedback included the Learning Resource Services survey (LRS) and Student Services survey (SS). The College also solicited, reviewed, and analyzed student comments from the 2004 graduating class. While survey results from respondents varied, the vast majority of respondents suggested areas of improvement within the purview of college administrators.

1 Northern Virginia Community College, November 2004, Strategic Vision 2015: Gateway to the American Dream

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B. Community College Survey of Student Engagement Data from internal surveys were coupled with the Community College Student Report (CCSR), a survey instrument designed by CCSSE "to capture student engagement as a measure of institutional quality."2 Student engagement as defined by CCSSE is the "amount of time and energy that students invest in meaningful educational practices."3 In its assessment, CCSSE used five benchmarks denoting areas educational research has shown to be important in providing quality education. Benchmarks are defined as groups of conceptually-related items that address key areas of student engagement. The survey results summarized in five benchmarks -- active and collaborative learning, student effort, academic challenge, student-faculty interaction, and student support for learners -- revealed that NOVA performed below the peer and national average of 50% for all benchmarks in 2004 and 2005. C. Greentree Gazette Study The Greentree Gazette Study was another means used to solicit feedback from students. A series of eight focus groups followed by working lunches comprised of 20 higher education industry representatives garnered data on NOVA’s service delivery. The focus groups contained current for-credit students from four-year and two-year institutions. An observer was included in each group to distinguish between national and regional opinions and practices in four-year and two-year colleges in the regions under study. Results from this study alerted NOVA that, while it did well in the classroom, the institutional processes, practices, and services rendered were unsatisfactory.

IV. Evolution of the Plan The focus of the Chancellor’s two-day planning retreat was "student success through student engagement." All of the data were reviewed, analyzed, and documented, resulting in ‘Student Success at NOVA – Three-Part Plan.” The plan maintains alignment with the operational definition of student success at NOVA - to narrow the gap between students' aspirations and achievements in terms of retention/persistence, graduation, transfer, and primary goal achievement. It also focuses on "success through early engagement" and engagement "by design" and not "by accident".4 V. Dr. Brown’s Visit To ensure proper implementation of the plan, Dr. Thomas Brown, a nationally renowned expert on student retention and success, was recruited to deliver a cross-campus presentation entitled: “Pathways to Student Persistence." At the beginning of 2006, Dr. Brown spent three days conducting staff development sessions to ensure that all College employees understood their role in the Student Success Plan. Simulation activities and discussions strengthened the realization that policies and procedures designed to enhance student engagement improve retention. According to Dr. Brown, a triad for student success develops when there exist simultaneously high quality teaching, comprehensive support programs, and developmental advising programs. Data reveal that high quality teaching already exists at NOVA. Student engagement will complete the triad by generating frequent interaction between staff and students. The frequent interaction will facilitate early detection of potential problems. This will lead to early intervention and an opportunity to demonstrate a genuine concern for student success at all levels.

2 OIR Report No. 17-05, Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) Survey Results: 2005 Institutional Report for NVCC. 3 Ibid 4 A chronology of the development of the Student Success Plan is given in the appendix.

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VI. Review of Plan Between August 2005 and January 2006 the Student Success Plan was reviewed and discussed during various Administrative Council meetings. Drafts prepared by the Provost staff were revised twice – once in October 2005 and again in January 2006. In addition, the Student Success Plan was reviewed and discussed by the Deans of Students during their Deans Working Group sessions. The plan was also presented to and additional feedback was solicited from the Instructional and Student Services Committee. After numerous draft revisions and through the collective effort of various groups, the Student Success Plan was approved by the Administrative Council. VII. Implementation The Student Success Plan was completed February 15, 2006 and approved by the Administrative Council on March 7, 2006. The plan will be publicized and promoted on all campuses between April 1, 2006 and May 15, 2006 before being fully implemented during the Fall 2006 registration. Implementation of the Student Success Plan for the Fall of 2006 will transition the College into another phase in its quest to fulfill its strategic vision. The Student Success Plan will generate an atmosphere that fosters student engagement. As a whole, student success and engagement focus not so much on attracting the student, as much as on facilitating a pleasant and rewarding educational experience that takes the student from a starting point (e.g. high school, career change) and into the workforce or on to a four-year institution for higher education. The ultimate goal remains the same, the fulfillment of a dream.

Promoting Student Success at NOVA:

Three-Part Plan

Student Success

at NOVA

Part III:

Campus-Specific Student Stages

Part II:

Common Campus-Based Student Stages

(Emphasis on Early Engagement)

Part I:

College-Level Activities

5

Student Success Plan - Part I:

College-Level Activities

Student Stages: 1. New to the College 2. Applying for Financial Aid 3. In Need of Academic Advising 4. Receiving Communication from the College 5. Completing Programs

Student Success Plan Part I

Activities to be Implemented at the College Level

Student Stage: New to the College

1 Systemic follow-up to students applying to the College, to include providing specific information and identifying appropriate contacts related to the choice of program made by the student.

2 Transcript evaluation of previous academic work completed in a timeframe (usually within a week of receipt) that informs selection of courses to take at NOVA for meeting program goals.

3 Rewriting narrative in Schedule of Classes to speak more distinctively to the needs of new students as well as to the needs of continuing students.

4 Organization of campus one-stop Student Services Centers to provide a consistent array of services to new students.

5 Renewed emphasis on and commitment to the principles and practice of strong customer service.

Student Stage: Applying for Financial Aid

1

Dedicated financial aid representatives on each campus working in close concert with the College Financial Aid Office to provide direct person-to-person services to students and an accessible point of receipt for required student documents.

2

Effective integration of financial aid processes into the overall institutional enrollment management plan so that students, faculty, and staff clearly understand and act on the timelines associated with obtaining aid.

3 Automated packaging of loan offers for students requesting financial aid but not qualifying for need-based aid.

Student Stage: In Need of Academic Advising

1 Clarification and enhancement of standard academic advising services available to all students as well as special services based on student need, program attributes, and faculty expertise.

2 Identification of advising options and points of connection for all students and faculty advisors.

3 Training program and resource development for all associated with academic advising.

4 Advising and registration for fall semester available to students in the preceding spring semester. 5

Organization of campus one-stop Student Services Centers to provide a consistent array of services to continuing students.

7

Activities to be Implemented at the College Level (Cont’d)

Student Stage: Receiving Communication from the College

1 Clarification of expectations for student receipt of and response to communications through e-mail, regular mail, telephone, NovaConnect, NOVA web site, and NOVA web portal.

2

Development of comprehensive communications plan for students in which the College is proactive in providing students with general and specific follow-up communications through clearly defined channels and media.

3 Improved layout and organization of Schedule of Classes in association with web and NovaConnect versions of schedule.

4 Comprehensive implementation of document imaging and management system.

Student Stage: Completing Programs

1 Streamlined and well-defined procedures for graduation processing.

2 Expeditious production of student transcripts.

3 Reconceived transfer web sites to assist students at varied points in their NOVA career as well as provide resources for effective academic advising.

4 Focused attention to career opportunities and job placement on a program-by-program basis.

8

Student Success Plan - Part II:

Common Campus-Based Student Stages


Student Stages: 1. Students Still in High School 2. Students New to the College 3. Students Needing Financial Aid 4. Students in the First Week of Classes 5. Students Experiencing Academic Difficulty 6. Students Negotiating Payment Process

Student Success Plan - Part II: Common Campus-Based Student Stages


Alexandria Campus

1. STAGE: Students Still in High School

1 Promote College wide scholarships (JKC/ Legacy)

2 Each campus holds an open house (rotating schedule)

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2. STAGE: Students New to the College

1 Implement NOVA days for all campuses

2 Hold academic advising week for new students

3 List campus specific orientation days in welcome letter

4 Compile a “new student kit”

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3. STAGE: Students Needing Financial Aid

1 Target students with specific scholarship opportunities

2 Publicize NOVA Trak for career/Intern opportunities

3 Designate a position to answer online SFA questions

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5

10 Most recent version

Student Success Plan - Part II: Alexandria Campus(Cont’d)

4. STAGE: Students in the First Week of Classes

1 NOVA Connect registration activities

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5. STAGE: Students Experiencing Academic Difficulty

1 Institute a college-wide early probation/suspension program to be administered on the campus level

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6. STAGE: Students Negotiating Payment Process

1 Promote FACTS deferred payment program

2 Promote free tuition through employer contacts

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Annandale Campus


1 Continue to support the Pathway to the Baccalaureate initiative.

2 Establish a dual enrollment program with FCPS; particularly with the Pathway schools.

3 Increase by two the number of Honors Committee High School Outreach Scholarships.

4 Partner with Annandale HS librarians on development of information literacy core competencies skills development so HS students are prepared for college level work.

5 Offer Summer Art Institute/Experience for HS students.


1 Provide an initial orientation using the STEPS program. Incorporate participation by all divisions and units.

2 Initiate a counseling advising week during the first two months of the fall semester.

3 Expand and publicize the ambassador program to include campus tours during the first two weeks of classes.

4 Increase the appropriate placement of directional and informational signage the week before the first day of classes.

5 LRS units will provide orientation sessions to the library, five tutorial units within the first two weeks of classes.


1 Increase awareness of FACTS.

2 Provide financial aid workshops at lest once a semester.

3 Develop a communication plan to promote campus-based student scholarships (ex: Rotary, LLI)

4 Develop a communication plan around financial aid.

5 Dedicate a financial aid representative.


Student Success Plan - Part II: Annandale Campus

(Cont’d)


1 Present social events for students in the first two weeks of each semester to encourage peer relationships and “fun” atmosphere and reduce tension/anxiety.

2 Hold campus “fairs” to allow students to meet the faculty and meet administrators early in the semester.

3 Promote the use of student e-mail.

4 Sponsor a gymnasium open house.

5 Support a “give away” for new students.


1 Create a centralized “early alert” system that faculty can use to support students that begin having trouble in a course.

2 Develop handout materials on enrollment cancellation policies, bookstore refund policies, and other related issues.

3 Continue to support Perkins Peer Tutoring Project for ESL and Developmental English.

4 Establish a Perkins Peer Tutoring Project for math courses.

5 Prepare and disseminate promotional materials for campus academic support services.


1 Provide face-to-face/peer assistance during the registration process.

2 Create “road maps” to specifically address registration steps.

3 Create a registration center staffed by a student services specialist.

4 Extend the business office hours on the day before the census date to allow extra time for students to pay for classes.

5 Expand parking and NOVA Card location for easier payment access.




Loudoun Campus


1 Provide instruction to individual high school students in finding science project/fair resources using library databases and Internet.

2 Inform, register, and issue community patron cards to interested students 16 and older with valid identification. Explain community patron library borrowing privileges.

3 NOVA/Mason Pathways to the Bachelor Degree and provide off site testing at high schools for Pathways and other student access initiatives.

4 Counselors will visit local High Schools at least once each semester and facilitate group placement testing on campus

5 Financial Aid Advisors will offer workshop on financial Aid to students while in High School.

6 Offer summer workshops and courses that focus on career development (resume writing/interview techniques, etc).

7 Offer an ICP (Intensive College Prep) ESL course for HS students that focus what is necessary to enter college.

8

Co-sponsor with the credit theater program a theatrical production (Batboy the Musical) which requires some HS age students. This promotes the credit theater department on campus and acquaints students with the campus and the potential opportunities available to them.


1 Continue offering a Learning Community that pairs a MTH 3 and an SDV 100 class

2 Provide a support group for first generation college students starting Fall 2006

3

Provide student orientation to online NVCC resources and services; required part of SDV100, taught by librarians and evaluated by students, takes place in networked classroom to provide active learning

4 Conduct New-Student 30-Minute Orientation Sessions.

5 Utilize Student Ambassadors – to welcome and direct new students to appropriate locations.

6 Validate and engage students by maintaining a patient, supportive attitude.

7 Eliminate unintended barriers that frustrate students: Example: staff will print ELI exam passes for students to eliminate the need to use card-swipe printing.

8

Provide clearly-defined HOW TO handouts: ABLE and competency testing procedures, video streaming for ELI courses, where to find test scores/grades on NovaConnect, etc.

9 Provide informational/orientation sessions for all CE Intensive ESL students. This session provides information on the College/campus/class locations/library/parking services/police/etc


Student Success Plan - Part II: Loudoun Campus (Cont’d)


1 Visit local High Schools with counselors to encourage future NOVA students to apply for Financial Aid.

2 Conduct Financial Aid sessions for New Students (15-minute sessions)

3 Market to students through various means information regarding the many financial aid opportunities available to them and assist them in taking advantage of these opportunities.

4 Enroll as many students as possible in Student Development courses.

5 “Be visible” with NVCC ID, office door open, and monitor the hall for students in need of assistance but who are reluctant to ask for help.


1

Make the first week of classes—and the entire semester—a better experience for students by providing more mentoring and professional development for adjunct faculty so they will be more comfortable with college policies, course planning procedures, classroom management techniques, campus resources, teaching methodology, etc.

2

Provide student orientation to online NVCC resources and services; required part of SDV100, taught by librarians and evaluated by students, takes place in networked classroom to provide active learning (SCOUT)

3 Enroll as many students as possible in Student Development courses.

4 “Be visible” with NVCC ID, office door open, and monitor the hall for students in need of assistance but who are reluctant to ask for help.

5 Offer additional diagnostic testing once the student is placed in a course. This is to ensure the student is properly placed.


1 Faculty contact students who have intermittent attendance

2 Encourage students to make use of peer tutoring, writing center, math center and faculty help during office hours

3 Support group for first generation college students starting Fall 2006

4 Provide In-class tutors (e.g., in developmental English courses)

5 Listen, encourage, and help them make contact with a counselor


Student Success Plan - Part II: Loudoun Campus (Cont’d)


1

Encourage faculty to be more diligent in identifying students who do not appear on, or who have been dropped from, the class rosters, and alert the students early enough to fix the problem during the first 2 weeks of the semester.

2

Payment information displayed in PowerPoint on computers outside office

3 Key dates calendar displayed

4 Display of student responsibilities

5 New student orientation presentation by BO at start of semester

6 Orientation presentation to faculty on tuition, payments and college business practices




Manassas Campus


1 Counselors visit service area high schools; cultivate and maintain positive relationships with high school contacts; Place college ads in High School sports schedules and calendars.

2 Campus representatives participate in area “College Nights”, Career Fairs, and Financial Aid Programs. Counselors available as guest speakers in their area of specialization.

3 HS Outreach Coordinator promotes current and encourages new dual enrollment opportunities with students and school personnel.

4 Group placement testing at high schools will be scheduled when appropriate; on-site placement testing for Bridge Partnership and dual enrollment students.

5 Develop pamphlet/material for prospective “international” students re: process to apply.

6 Host a “Parent” event – orientation, tours, program specific information; Publish notices of significant NVCC activities and programs in high school parent newsletters.

7 Host NOVA DAY for service area high school students and counselors – tours, orientation, services available, etc.

8 Host a program, luncheon and reception for service area counselors – tour, updated information, etc.

9

Career Coaches at Manassas Park HS and Osborne HS provide programs, services and activities that motivate and prepare HS students for college placement tests and subsequent enrollment at NVCC; includes programs for parents.

10 Develop and host a Prospective Student Orientation Program.

11 Conduct collaborative programs with community-based College Place office.

12 Thru CEWD, WorkKeys testing provided to students who have not passed the traditional SOL for Writing.

13 Thru CEWD, KeyTrain, computer-based courses are provided that help students prepare for WorkKeys testing.

14 CEWD hosts Annual Construction Technology EXPO for 400 – 500 high school students.

15 SAT prep classes, driver improvement classes, and College for Kids classes offered thru CEWD that provide high school and younger students with exposure to the campus.


Student Success Plan - Part II: Manassas Campus (Cont’d)


1 Hire frontline receptionists at all points of entry to assist new students and improve directional and informational signage during first weeks.

2

Counseling Center hosts a “Welcome to NVCC-Manassas” event for new students to include an “Open House” including academic information; campus tours, maps of campus and off-site locations and directions, reminder to verify their class schedule...

3 Front line staff participates in professional development activities to sensitize staff to the needs of students.

4 Offer students the opportunity to fill out surveys about business office, parking or police service to obtain feedback for improvement.

5 Provide Spanish language interpreter in Business Office when possible.

6 Host a Back-to-School picnic.

7 Offer expanded hours in Student Services Center to accommodate students’ acclimation to NVCC.

8 STD Library Module provides the basics of library research. Help define topics and locate research and citation information. (Offered in STD 100 course.)

9

CEWD provides special orientation sessions to assist new ESL students in their admission, registration and testing functions to provide appropriate placement in either non-credit or credit ESL classes.

10 CEWD provides individualized assistance with F-1 visa-related paperwork for new ESL students.


1 Financial Aid Advisors present information sessions at high schools and in community.

2 Provide assistance to students and prospective students/families to apply for PIN, submit FAFSA, and train students to check financial aid status on NovaConnect.

3 Oversee, operate and promote the VA DSS Virginia Childcare Provider Scholarship Program.

3 Maintain adequate and well placed financial aid displays throughout campus (kiosks, etc.).

4 Financial Aid Advisors provide appropriate level of training for all SSC staff.

5 Develop and publicize information on alternative sources of support for tuition payment.




1 Effectively publicize changes in the class schedule (meeting times and room locations, cancellations.); and significant due dates, deadlines, (drop w/ refund) as deadlines approach.

2 Provide adequate staffing to trouble shoot with students experiencing NovaConnect navigation difficulties.

3 Extended bookstore hours and extended hours to allow students to pay tuition, buy parking permits and get student ID cards.

4 Campus police participate in all STD 100 orientation classes.

3 Provide information in appropriate ways and places re: process and procedural steps to accomplish Adding/Dropping/Swapping courses, approval signatures required, etc.

4 Re-establish a “Student Ambassadors” program and make ambassadors available to assist students to find rooms, read their class schedules, direct students to appropriate offices, etc.

5 Present ongoing “mini” sessions re: college survival skills.

6 Provide adequate and well-located supply of maps and directions to campus and off-site locations.

7 Create and disseminate a “What If” document re: processes and signatures required for various transactions (overrides, etc.).


1 Promote and publicize tutorial services – with faculty as well as students.

2 Publicize services available in Math Lab and Writing Center to faculty and students.

3 Conduct Study Skills and Survival Skills sessions throughout the semester.

4 Conspicuously publicize “Withdrawal without grade penalty” and “Change to audit” deadline.

5 Provide trained peer tutors in classrooms for developmental English and ESL classes.

6 Create Academic Success teams; to include counselors, instructors, and additional staff resources to work together with identified “at risk” students to develop a plan for success.

7 Identify faculty volunteers for the Writing Center to help students with essay writing.




1 Publicize and reinforce significant tuition payment and refund dates and deadlines.

2 Promote and publicize FACTS tuition payment plan as alternative; provide adequate supply of FACTS brochures in strategic locations on campus.

3 Develop and distribute a document to assist students in understanding their account status.

4 Provide clear instructions and criteria to students for obtaining refunds or forgiveness of debt after the deadlines. Plan to get the documents translated into Spanish as well as English.

5 Provide a Spanish language interpreter, when possible, in the Business Office.

6 Have third party payment instructions printed in English and Spanish.




Medical Education Campus


1 Bridge Program

2 High School Expo-High School Visits

3 Campus Tours

4 Camp MEC and Other Summer Campus

5 Articulation with Health Academies (CCTI Program, HCOP)


1 New Student Orientation (Student Services-Students with less than 16 credits)

2 Program Discipline-Specific Orientations

3 Campus Tours

4 Free Catalog

5


1 Super Saturday

2 Fairfax County Family Services Financial Aid Workshop for High School Students

3 Scholarship Board Updates

4 Walk-in Financial Aid Advising and Information

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Student Success Plan - Part II: Medical Education Campus(Cont’d)


1 MEC Day

2 Student Activities Planning Board Club Recruitment Day

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1 Academic Success Center-Tutoring

2 Early Warning Program – Nursing Student Remediation Program

3 Open Lab Time in Nursing and Allied Health

4 Rapid Response ---from Faculty –to Students -- to Student Services

5


1 Refer to FACTS

2 Easy to find the Business Office

3 Greeted in a friendly way

4 Assisted in an efficient manner

5 Refer to online payments, if appropriate, and assist students directly to help them access lobby pc




Woodbridge Campus


1

The current practice of having campus representatives attend high school sponsored College Nights will be expanded to include all feeder high schools. A formal presentation will be developed and an orientation for the campus representatives will be provided.

2 The Student Ambassador program will be enhanced to include more ambassadors, an orientation and expanded use of ambassadors in campus activities (i.e. College Nights).

3 Develop and implement a team approach to recruitment related activities with high schools. This approach may include counselors, faculty, staff and student ambassadors.

4 Promote math and English placement testing opportunities to juniors and seniors, as well as to their teachers and counselors.

5 Host open house events for the three high schools identified for partnership relationships in 2006-07.


1

Faculty advisors will be assigned to new students in a timelier manner to promote early contact (engagement). This early contact may entail personal letters, face to face conferences, on line exchanges, etc.

2 Develop and conduct group orientation and registration events.

3 Host campus wide fall cook out with information on student organizations and campus resources.

4 Conduct a review of SDV-100 and identify topics and delivery methodologies approach to the target audience.

5


1 Provide at least two timely financial aid information workshops for students and their families each semester. These workshops will include assistance with and opportunities to apply for financial aid.

2 Explore the feasibility and effectiveness of making financial aid information available to students and their families in or through the high schools.

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Student Success Plan - Part II: Woodbridge Campus (Cont’d)


1 Host campus wide fall cook out with information on student organizations and campus resources.

2 Require all faculty to provide students with a complete and detail course syllabus.

3 Faculty will establish a process or events to interact with students outside of class during the first week of the term.

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1 Continue the NOVA Gold Program by enhancing awareness among students, staff and faculty.

2 Establish and pilot a process to identify, refer and assist students in academic trouble early in the semester.

3 Identify and implement strategies to enhance awareness and utilization of Tutoring Center. Possible strategies may include classroom visits by tutors and group orientations.

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5


1 Coordinate the Business Office hours of operations so they are consistent with Student Services to enable students to complete the enrollment process in one campus visit.

2 Contact students with tuition payment options (Financial Aid, FACTS, etc.) before they are dropped for non-payment.

3 Review the NOVACONNECT tuition payment checklist to assure that it is informative in a student-friendly manner.

4 Establish a process for credit card payment on campus.

5




Extended Learning Institute (ELI)


1 Support Dual Enrollment with private high schools unable to offer AP courses.

2 Redesign distance learning website for easier navigation to important information.

3 Distance Learning Counselors participate in outreach activities with local high schools.

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1 Offer Freshman orientation for all incoming freshmen (e.g. virtual)

2 Redesign distance learning website for easier navigation to important information and help.

3 Staff information tables on campus at least once/semester

4 Offer well-designed developmental courses in English, reading, and mathematics, which will provide the foundation for successful college-level work.

5


1 Financial Aid for Students - Highlight financial aid options on distance learning website

2 Distance counselors will provide first tier support for students seeking financial aid

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Student Success Plan - Part II: Extended Learning Institute

(Cont’d)


1 Students receive Quick Start Syllabus no later than the first week of class to inform them on how to get started in their distance course

2 Faculty encouraged to welcome all enrolled students in their distance course(s)

3 Email welcome message from ELI director

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1 Early Warning Alert System

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1 Updated distance learning website to notify students of their payment options

2 Well-informed distance counselors will work with distance students

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Student Success Plan - Part III:

Campus-Specific Student Stages

In addition to the six “must-do“ areas presented in Part II, each campus decides on other areas of focus. Refer to Appendix I for the list of Student Stages (Table 1).

Student Success Plan - Part III: Campus- Specific Student Stages

Alexandria Campus


1 Assign a counselor to focus on outreach activities at areas high schools

2 Assign a counselor to meet with all DC public schools (DC CAP program)

3 Apply for Talent search grant to counsel 1st generation students about HS

4 April Open house for areas HSs - target campus specific programs

5 Acting Provost will visit each high school principal within service area by September

6 Have an open house at Arlington Center for current HS students 2. STAGE: Students New to the College

1 Develop a virtual tour of the Alexandria Campus

2 Conduct a new student orientation in July

3 Assign Academic advisors to program placed new students

4 Have a special orientation program for international (F-1) students

5 3. STAGE: Students Needing Financial Aid

1 Participate in Super Saturday SFA program

2 Conduct 2 scholarship days on campus- fall and spring

3

4

5


Student Success Plan - Part III: Alexandria Campus (Cont’d)


1 All faculty will provide as part of the syllabi information regarding resources for assistance

2 All faculty declare their willingness to provide academic advice or help direct students to the most appropriate people/offices for that purpose

3 All faculty provide means within the context of their classes for students to engage one another

4 All faculty will engage in a division-level professional development activity in the week before fall classes to set the tone for the new campus learning environment

5 All faculty will observe the Seven Principles of Good Practices for Undergraduate Education


1 Conduct an orientation specifically for identified at risk students

2 Faculty and staff attend a professional development workshop on advising at risk students

3 Create a process for referring at risk students to counseling

4 Host “At Risk Student” workshop with Tom Brown; unit/divisions follow-up

5 6. STAGE: Students Negotiating Payment Process

1 Look at extended hours (evenings and weekends) for business office

2 Provide streamlined ways for students to make in person payments during registration

3

4

5



Annandale Campus

1. STAGE – Students Transferring

1 Provide workshops on transferring to colleges and universities with one-on-one opportunities to work with counselors and/or faculty advisors.

2 LRS will work with GMU on Lumina Foundation grant to enhance instruction in Information Literacy core competencies so transfer students will have skills needed for advanced collegial work.

3 Sponsor a transfer fair.

4 Develop and present “Transfer Yourself” workshop.

5 Provide a campus based professional development workshop on academic advising. 2. STAGE – Students with Special Needs

1 Upgrade JAWS.

2 LRS has specialized equipment for students with special needs.

3 LRS will provide tutors for students with special needs.

4 LRS will provide customized testing accommodations for students with special needs.

5 Provide workshops for faculty concerning sections 504 and 508. 3. STAGE – Students Capable of Academic Challenge

1 Increase Honors course and option offerings.

2 Support student participation in the Beacon Conference for scholars at two year colleges.

3 Continue to support PTK.

4 Hire and train Perkins Peer tutors for English, ESL, and Math.

5 Continue to support Calliope and the annual Student Writing Contest.


Student Success Plan - Part III: Annandale Campus (Cont’d)

4. STAGE – Students Receiving Communication from the Campus

1 Provost will send and information letter to Annandale students.

2 Produce and distribute Annandale Campus decals.

3 Regularly meet with campus PIO to relate campus news for possible publication.

4 Write a campus marketing proposal which uses the College TV system as the media for dissemination of information.

5 Distribute promotional materials to local libraries.

5. STAGE – Students Entering the Workforce

1 Sponsor a Job Fair.

2 Publicize our Internship Program.

3 Invite industry leaders to speak to students and faculty.

4 Meet regularly with business advisory groups.

5 Provide workshops on resume writing and interviewing. 6. STAGE – Students Seeking Collegiate Experiences

1 Provide participation opportunities in intramural activities.

2 Promote Clubs.

3 Provide opportunities for students to engage in the legislative process.

4 Provide co-curricular academic activities.

5 Enhance the campus climate to reflect Annandale pride.



Loudoun Campus

1. STAGE: Students Capable of Academic Challenge

1 Create Honors Learning Community

2 Encourage membership in the Honors Club

3 Encourage membership in Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

4 Offer honors section of MTH 152 in the spring

5 Encourage qualified students to become peer tutors

2. STAGE: Students seeking collegiate experience

1 Continue to provide leadership training for clubs.

2 Continue to provide a broad range of campus activities.

3 Broaden the variety of clubs and organizations.

4 Collaborate with the Student Advisory Council.

5 Contrive to work with Student Activities Leadership Team to provide College-wide student activities. 3. STAGE: Students Completing Academic Programs

1 Train faculty advisors regarding the graduation application process

2 Use learner reflections to improve students’ academic skills

3 Increase active learning using group projects, student presentations, role-playing, debates, service learning projects, reenactments, field trips, etc.

4 Encourage use of campus resources (e.g., Writing Center, attending speaker series) by offering incentives

5 Annual or biannual events (orientations, concurrent session events, etc.) to help adjuncts provide better learning environment for students

6 Increase and improve student-faculty interaction using tools like Webboards, Blackboard, and end-of-semester roundtables


Student Success Plan - Part III: Loudoun Campus (Cont’d)

4. STAGE: Students who need help with teaching, learning and other classroom experiences

1

Increase interactions in the classroom by varying the activities, including things like “clicker response systems”, individual white boards for student answers during class discussions, and increased use of small group work and group presentations

2 Respond to different learning styles by incorporating more online activities, and more student work using instructional software

3 One on one follow-up instruction for information retrieval assignments

4 Counselors will partner with a Math professor to plan and conduct a Learning Community for a group of students who place in MTH 3 and enroll in an SDV course (Fall 2007).

5 Offer Study Skills Workshop in Fall and Spring semesters.

6 One on one follow-up instruction for information retrieval assignments.

7

Assist students in using technology (hardware/software) related to assignments ( specifically Microsoft Office Applications, copier, scanner, printer, email, Internet, VIVA databases, library catalog, wireless network, etc.

8 Counselors will partner with a Math professor to plan and conduct a Learning Community for a group of students who place in MTH 3 and enroll in an SDV course (Fall 2007).

9 Offer Study Skills Workshop in Fall and Spring semesters.

5. STAGE: Academic Advising

1 Refine campus advising system, making clearer the roles of counselors and faculty

2 Sponsor, advertise, and support an advising week in the spring semester

3

4

5


Student Success Plan - Part III: Loudoun Campus (Cont’d)

6. STAGE: Students Transferring

1 Show the student the transfer portion of SCOUT including NVCC academic advising sheets and VCCS online transfer guides. Refer to counseling or faculty member as appropriate.

2 Help student locate transfer portion of out-of-state or private institution’s web site.

3 Create bulletin board, display, and bookmark to support and promote Advising Week March 20-24,2005

4 Facilitate Transfer Workshops in fall and spring semester.

5 Invite area university/college admissions staff on campus to provide general information and to make on-site admissions decisions.

6 Participate in College Transfer Night in cooperation with Loudoun County High Schools (over 300 colleges and universities participate).



Manassas Campus

1. STAGE: Students Capable of Academic Challenge (#7)

1 Honors courses and honors options offered.

2 Identify and invite students to serve as peer tutors.

3. Opportunities for selection to PTK, Who’s Who, National Registry and other scholarship opportunities.

4. Present outstanding annual Tutor of the Year Award. 2. STAGE: Students Seeking Collegiate Experience (#8)

1 Host Student Recognition and Awards ceremonies for students and parents to recognize achievements, leadership and service.

2 Publish campus literary magazine.

3 Provide series of art shows and receptions; Dean’s Brown Bag series, Student Activities Fair.

4 Sponsor student clubs and student leadership development experiences and activities.

5 Promote service learning projects in class activities. 3. STAGE: Students Starting Classes for Next Semester (#9)

1 In-class Advising power point presented by faculty to students in class prior to first week of registration for next semester.

4. STAGE: Students Transferring (#10)

1 Students encouraged to attend annual College Fair; host and publicize individual 4 year college representatives on campus.

2 Promote and publicize use of on-line transfer information, including articulation agreements w/ 4 year institutions; Make transfer guides available in Counseling Center.


Student Success Plan - Part III: Manassas Campus (Cont’d)

5. STAGE: Students Completing Academic Programs (#11)

1 Train faculty on the graduation (application) process.

2 Provide a variety of career planning and counseling opportunities for students.

6. STAGE: Students Who Need Help with Teaching, Learning and Other Class

Room Experiences (#13)

1 Promote the availability of tutors for students.

2 Promote and publicize tutorial services – with faculty as well as students.

3 Publicize services available in Math Lab and Writing Center to faculty and students.

4 Conduct Study Skills sessions throughout the semester.

5 Conspicuously publicize “Withdrawal without grade penalty”, “audit” and other significant deadlines.

6 Provide trained peer tutors in classrooms for developmental English and ESL classes.

7 Create Academic Success teams, to include counselors, instructors, and additional staff resources to work together with identified “at risk” student to develop a plan for success.

8 Identify faculty volunteers to serve in Writing Center to help students with essay writing. 7. STAGE: Students in Need of Academic Advising (#14)

1 Designate as Student Advisory Week the third week of classes during the Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 semesters.

2 Expand and/or reinforce In-Class Advisory Program in conjunction with Academic Advisory Week. 8. STAGE: Students who need assistance with international issues (#15)

1

CEWD provides special orientation sessions to assist new ESL students in their admission, registration and testing functions to provide appropriate placement in either non-credit or credit ESL classes.

2 CEWD provides individualized assistance with F-1 visa-related paperwork for new ESL students.



Medical Education Campus

1. STAGE Students Capable of Academic Challenge

1 Develop MEC Honors Program

2 Grow MEC PTK Chapter

3 Accelerated curricula certificates and degree programs

4 Interdisciplinary activities: virtual rounds, case studies competitions

5 2. STAGE Students Entering the Workforce

1 Participate in college-wide NOVA Track to assist students to find employment

2 Annual MEC Job Fair/Expo

3 Assist with resume writing and interview skills

4 Job Postings Bulletin Board

5 3. STAGE Students in Need of Academic Advising

1 Walk-in Academic Advising in the Student Services Center

2 Monthly Program Information Sessions (on-site and/or on-line)

3 Review of student academic progress each semester

4

5


Student Success Plan - Part III: Medical Education Campus (Cont’d)

4. STAGE Students Who Need Assistance With International Issues

1 Assessment of incoming international transcripts by academic deans

2 Personalized attention to international students and appropriate advising or referrals to other NOVA programs (if capacity is reached for nursing and allied health programs)

3 Work with foreign-educated nurses and refer to CFEN

4

5

5. STAGE Students Who Need Assistance With Registration

1 Midnight Madness for registration

2 Individualized assistance from Program Administrative Assistants

3 Effective Use of One Stop including Student Services and Business Office with Academic Programs and Continuing Education and Workforce Development

4 Internal Signage

5 6. STAGE Students Who Need Assistance With Service Learning Projects

1 MOMS Project (Mission of Mercy) Dental

2 Annual Health Festival

3 Give Kids a Smile Day (Dental)

4 Asthma Education

5 MEC Clinical Network student clinical rotations



Woodbridge Campus*

1. STAGE: Students Seeking Collegiate Experiences (Campus Life(

1

The College is focusing on recruiting and retaining recent high school graduates. This focus is supported by research which identifies early and sustained student engagement as a factor contributing to student persistence and student success, especially for younger students. For these reasons, the Woodbridge Campus will identify and implement activities for this student stage in addition to the six required stages

2

3

4

5

2. STAGE

1

2

3

4

5

3. STAGE

1

2

3

4

5

*The Woodbridge campus will revise this section at the end of the Spring semester, after the on campus Student Success Committee has completed its plan.


Student Success Plan - Part III: Woodbridge Campus(Cont’d)

4. STAGE

1

2

3

4

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5. STAGE

1

2

3

4

5 6. STAGE

1

2

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5



Extended Learning Institute (ELI)


1 Tech Prep – high schools participation in career and technical program of studies

2

3

4

5


1 Placement tests to all incoming students to ensure appropriate class placement

2 Redesign distance learning website for easier navigation to important information and help.

3 Staff information tables on campus at least once/semester

4

5 3. STAGE: Students Needing Financial Aid

1 Financial Aid for Students - Highlight financial aid options on distance learning website

2 Distance counselors will provide first tier support for students seeking financial aid

3

4

5


Student Success Plan - Part III: Extended Learning Institute(Cont’d)

4. STAGE: Students in First Week of Classes

1 Students receive Quick Start Syllabus no later than the first week of class to inform them on how to get started in their distance course

2 Faculty encouraged to welcome all enrolled students in their distance course(s)

3 Email welcome message from ELI director

4

5


1 Updated distance learning website to notify students of their payment options

2 Well-informed distance counselors will work with distance students

3

4

5 6. STAGE: Students Entering Workforce

1 Career Services - career information, employment resources, or job search assistance

2 Workforce Training Programs for office skills

3

4

5


APPENDIX I

Student Success Plan: Appendix I

Table 1. Proposed Activities to Promote Student Success at NOVA

In October 2005, campuses were asked to submit a set of Student Success Plans/Concepts/Activities. This document groups these concepts/activities under the categories of different “Student Stages”.

# Student Stages

1 Students still in high school 2 Students new to the College 3 Students needing financial aid 4 Students in the first week of classes 5 Students experiencing academic difficulty 6 Students negotiating payment process 7 Students capable of academic challenge 8 Students seeking collegiate experience (campus life) 9 Students starting classes for next semester

10 Students transferring 11 Students completing academic programs 12 Students entering workforce 13 Students who need help with teaching, learning and other class room experience 14 Students in need of academic advising 15 Students who need assistance with international Issues 16 Students who need assistance with registration 17 Students receiving communication from the College 18 Students with Special Needs 19 Students who need assistance with class schedules 20 Students who need assistance with Service Learning Projects 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

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APPENDIX II

Proposed Plan of Action to Develop Student Success Plan

A task force consisting of the following members of the Admin Council created the timeline for development of the Student Success Plan at NOVA. Charlene Connolly, Barbara Wyles, and George Gabriel met to discuss the details on developing a Student Success Plan.

1) Three-Part Plan i) Part I: College-Level Activities - Five components (Completed; open for suggestions)

ii) Part II: Common Campus-Based Student Stages “Six Must-Do Areas” for campuses (To be finalized during the January Administrative Council meeting)

iii) Part III: Campus-Specific Student Stages - (Compiled; To be updated in January 2006)

2) Proposed Tasks The following tasks are proposed to be carried out between November 2005 and June 2006.

i) Activities promoting student success proposed by the campuses will be organized in a document based on “The Stages of Student Life at NOVA”.

ii) This list, organized by “Student Stages,” will be given to the provosts requesting additions, changes, and modifications based on the input from the campus community.

iiiiii)) The provosts are asked to meet with the campus community when modifying this list. This meeting should be used to promote the Student Success Plan and influence buy-in from faculty and staff in the campuses. If the campuses prefer to have external speakers, they’ll be made available for the meetings.

iv) At the end of this campus meeting, the campuses should provide the updated lists and a selected cluster of activities that will promote student success on their campus. It is preferred that these items are prioritized with the fall 2006 semester as the focus.

v) The cluster of activities provided by the campuses will be integrated into a formal Student Success Plan with a focus on student activities organized under “Stages of Student Life” to be implemented beginning with fall 2006 registration.

vi) A speaker may be invited to speak at the Cross-Campus day in January 2006.

3) Suggested Time Line for Development of Student Success Plan i) A list of proposed activities, organized by “Student Stages,” will be distributed to the

Administrative Council on November 22, 2005.

ii) Campus meetings will be held during late January or early February.

iii) Campuses will submit an updated list of activities and cluster of activities for student success to the President by February 15, 2006.

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iivv)) A draft of the Student Success Plan, that integrates the clusters of activities from the campuses, will be submitted to the President by the workgroup on March 1, 2006.

v) During the March 7, 2006 Administrative Council meeting, the Student Success Plan will be finalized and decisions for the following will be made: the roll-out plan, logistics, and resource requirement. .

vi) Between April 1, 2006 and May 15, 2006, the Student Success Plan will be publicized and promoted at all campuses. .

vii) Beginning with fall 2006 registration, the Student Success Plan will be implemented.

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NVCC Mission and Strategic Goals: 2005 – 2015

Mission The mission of Northern Virginia Community College is to respond to the educational needs of its dynamic and diverse constituencies through an array of comprehensive programs and services that facilitate learning and workforce development in an environment of open access and lifelong educational opportunities.

Strategic Goals

I. STUDENT SUCCESS - Northern Virginia Community College will move into the top tier of community colleges with respect to the retention, graduation, transfer, and career placement of its students.

II. ACCESS – Northern Virginia Community College will increase the number and diversity

of students being served to mirror the population growth of the region.

III. TEACHING AND LEARNING – Northern Virginia Community College will focus on student success by creating an environment of world-class teaching and learning.

IV. EXCELLENCE — Northern Virginia Community College will develop ten focal points of

excellence in its educational programs and services that will be benchmarked to being the best in the nation and strategic to building the College's overall reputation for quality.

V. LEADERSHIP – Northern Virginia Community College will serve as a catalyst and a

leader in developing educational and economic opportunities for all Northern Virginians and in maintaining the quality of life and economic competitiveness of the region.

VI. PARTNERSHIPS – Northern Virginia Community College will develop strategic

partnerships to create gateways of opportunity and an integrated educational system for Northern Virginians who are pursuing the American Dream.

VII. RESOURCES – Northern Virginia Community College will increase its annual funding

by $100 million and expand its physical facilities by one million square feet in new construction. This includes the establishment of two additional campuses in Western Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, as well as additional education and training facilities in or near established population centers.

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