Men of Distinction: Student Success Cohort Model

Dr. Sheila Ruhland, President

Gretchen Adams, Trustee

James Curtis, Trustee

Dr. Valerie Robertson, Dean of Student Development and Success

Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)

October 6, 2016

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WASHINGTON COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES

34 TWO-YEAR COLLEGES

• Tacoma Community College ⁻ Founded 1965 Service Area Pierce County

• Programs⁻ 29 Associate Degrees

⁻ 52 Professional Certificates

⁻ 72 Programs of Study

⁻ One Bachelor of Applied Science Degree - Health Information Management

• Highest Enrolled Programs⁻ College Transfer

⁻ Adult Basic Skills

⁻ Business

⁻ Corrections Education

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THREE YEAR ENROLLMENTTREND(2012-2015)

Academic Year

Full-timestudents

Part-timestudents

Annual FTEs

2012-2013 8,123 9,594 7,383

2013-2014 7,972 8,366 7,266

2014-2015 7,976 9,065 7,222

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STUDENT PROFILESTATE FUNDED(2014-2015)

• Ethnicity

⁻ Asian/Pacific Islander 15%⁻ African American 14%⁻ Native American 4%⁻ Hispanic 13%⁻ Other, Multiracial 2%⁻ White/Caucasian 61%

• Median Age 25 years

• Qualify for Financial Aid 47%

• Gender

⁻ Female 60%⁻ Male 40%

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MEN OF DISTINCTION

MISSION AND GOALS

• A cohort model designed to provide a system of support that engages entering at-risk or first generation males of color.

• The year-long program contributes to the persistence and completion rates of the cohort.

• Selecting a focus population.

• TCC Goals and Outcomes• Data – Transition and Success Rates

• Mission Statement and Strategic Plan

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CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP

33

.70

%

60

.50

%

64

.50

%

39

%

54

% 58

%

75

%

88

%

2010 2012 2013 2014 2015

PER

CEN

TAG

E EN

RO

LLED

AT

END

OF

YEA

R

PROGRAM YEARS

MEN OF DISTINCTION PERSISTENCE VERSUS TCC POPULATION

Overall Population MOD Cohort

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MEN OF DISTINCTION COHORT MODEL

Program Elements

• Summer transition program

• Required enrollment in the college success course

• Full time enrollment (12-15 credits)

• Program coordinator/navigator

• Mentors

• Engage in events and activities

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MEN OF DISTINCTION COHORT MODEL

Summer Transition Program Goals

• Career goal clarification

• Completed educational plan

• Professional Occupational Program

• Transfer Plan

• Financial aid process completed

• College ready in English and math

• Improved time and money management skills

• Able to navigate the college environment

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MEN OF DISTINCTION COHORT MODEL

Summer Transition Program (continued)

• College Success Course

• Weekly seminars – addressing barriers to success

• Identify learning style preferences

• Ability to navigate the college environment

• Some work study opportunities

• Culminating event/ceremony

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MEN OF DISTINCTION SUMMER ACADEMY

Eligibility • 18-24 years of age

• Identify as African American, Hispanic/Latino/Asian/Pacific Islander, and/or

• First-generation

• High school diploma or GED

• Place at English 85 or above

• Commit to taking summer classes

MOD 2016 – Group PhotoMOD 2016

MOD Rites of Passage Ceremony

Student Stories- What does it mean to be a Men of Distinction?

“To me, Men of Distinction means being a part of a group here at TCC that sets an example for everyone else. We know what we want to accomplish in life, and we are coming here to reach our goals. We have each other for support, as well as our instructors.” Eduardo Andres

“What I've learned from being in Men of Distinction is that there are people all over that will love to help you out, it's just a matter of searching for them. I learned that you are more successful when you ask for help and that college is easier to get through when you work with others.”Mohamed Diawara

“Men of Distinction is something to be proud of and happy that you are with a group of peers and staff that care about you. It has made my first quarter at college fun and exciting to come back again next quarter … it means to be a man who has perseverance to work for what he wants in life.”Austin Martin

“Man of Distinction means to be successful and helpful to my community … we can achieve our goal and become a strong community. Only with unity we can have the power of making our community better and better every time. With our education we can do better things not only for our family, but our community.” William Ico Coc

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MEN OF DISTINCTION Lessons Learned

• Takes commitment to get started

• Won’t see results right away

• Dedicated Staff is important

• Community partnership is important

• Bridge the transfer divide

• Financial resources and support crucial

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MEN OF DISTINCTION

Next Steps• Model of success with other populations

• Create internships and service learning opportunities

• “Females of Distinction” Program

Questions?Contact Information

Gretchen Adams, Trusteegadams@tacomacc.edu

James Curtis, Trusteejcurtis@tacomacc.edu

Dr. Sheila Ruhland, Presidentsruhland@tacomacc.edu

Dr. Valerie Robertson, Dean of Student Development and Successvrobertson@tacomacc.edu