Always a Big Thing: Optimizing Student

SuccessChristine M. Nowik

Dean of Student and Academic Success Harrisburg Area Community College, Central

Pennsylvania's Community College

Elizabeth Stearns-SimmsAssistant Dean of Student Affairs/CSAOUniversity of Montana, Helena Technical

College

Student Success Initiative Implementation at HACC

Generating Buy-InInspiring ChangeFinding Success

Student Success at HACC Multi-campus institution of 20,000

students Largest and oldest community

college in PA Focus on “retention” Assumptions about students’ help-

seeking behaviors

Buy-in

The right top-level supportThe right faceThe right product, process,

initiativeThe right voices

Clear Goals

Goals beyond just retention: Student Success

Five data points for HACC Fail rate in targeted classes Movement from dev to college-level Completion of college-level work with

grades of C or better Term-to-term Completion of degree/credential

Other Related Goals

Move from a transactional to a relational culture

Move from passive service provision to active outreach

Use faculty validation theory, identity theory, and self-efficacy theory to build student success

Intentional Change

Hearing vs. UnderstandingResistanceThe Personal Nature of Change

Why vs. HowDiscomfort

Outcomes at HACC 72% of faculty teaching high-risk courses

submitted progress surveys (Fall 2014, Spring 2015)

3.2% retention increase at one campus (5% for men); 1% overall increase (fall to spring)

Modest increases in fail rates in Fall 2014 Positive feedback from students, especially

about kudos Improved communication loop (holistic

support) Positive feedback from faculty