Presented by:Dr. John Selmon

Cindy Reuss

Purpose of College EssentialsSeven week seminar for adultsWelcoming environment with other adultsInstructor-led sessionsLearn study skillsSee how college worksGain self-confidence

Who is Eligible?

Student must be out of school at least five yearsNot currently enrolled as a student at a collegeNot currently enrolled as a student at a collegeMust not have taken college classes in the last five yearsAges 23 to 60 and beyond

Weekly Topics Include:Campus tours and general overview

HandbookSyllabusAssessment Study Packet

Computer skillsComputer skillsCareer AssessmentFinancial Aid/ScholarshipsTime management, study skills, goal settingHow to get good gradesAdvising as a groupRegister for classes & bring a friendSurvey

Seven Weeks at a GlanceWeek 1: Tour, apply online, go over handbook, icebreaker (snacks), hand out assessment study guideWeek 2: Computer basics (Word), intro to Web search, Bookstore presentationWeek 3: Career assessment test, sign up for program of interestinterestWeek 4: Fill out FAFSA online, discuss “Getting Started is the Hardest Part” discuss concernsWeek 5: Advising as a group, discuss time management, study skills, goal settingWeek 6: “How to Get Good Grades in School,” learn how to access the College Web siteWeek 7: Register for classes & bring a friend, survey

Types of Questions Adults Ask

Will I be successful?Can I afford it?How do I get started?How will it pay off in the end?Will I be able to balance my family, work and school?

Total Students Over 4 Semesters270 have taken the class124 have received a

voucher

609 credit hours have been purchased(outside voucher )

65 continue to take classes (16 males/49females

That is 54% of those who received a voucher.

674 credit hours withvoucher

10 credit hours per person (average)

65 vouchers turned in

Fall 2007Statistics

46 students enrolled (9 males/37 females)29 completed the seven weeks (voucher)

i d f l23 registered for classes134 credit hours were taken Winter 2008 semester

Survey Results – for improvementSit in on an actual class to see what it’s likeIntro to computer sessionNeed more info on tutoring

Improvements MadeAllowed students to sit in on an actual class for 30 minutes.

Feedback: students saw adults like themselves in the classroom and they realized the material was doableclassroom and they realized the material was doable.

Added “Word” basics and Web search to the courseFeedback: helped ease anxiety of those who never used a computer before.

Instructor spends more time preparing class for the assessment test.

Feedback: students still want more tutoring.

Winter 2008Statistics

67 students enrolled (23 males/44 females)42 completed the seven weeks (voucher)

i d f l22 registered for classes85 credit hours taken Spring 2008 semester

Survey Results – for improvementOffer organic refreshmentsAdvertise it moreMore help in preparing for assessment test

Improvements MadeOrdered a veggie tray and bottled water for those that don’t like pretzels and popcorn and soda.

Feedback: Students commented on how nice it was to have food that was healthy as a snack.

We heavily advertise each session now through radio, direct mail brochure and newspaper and on the Web site.

Feedback: On our registration form we ask how they heard about the class to track effectiveness

We spend more time preparing for assessment testFeedback: Students are still requesting more time.

Spring 2008Statistics

34 students enrolled (7 males/27 females)25 completed the seven weeks (voucher)5 registered for Summer 2008 semester (12 credit hours)5 registered for Summer 2008 semester (12 credit hours)29 registered for Fall 2008 classes169 credit hours taken Fall 2008 semester

Survey Results – for improvementIntroduce learning stylesMake it longerHave a night where students take assessment together

Improvements MadeWe introduced a session on “How to Get Good Grades,” and added a session on time management.

Feedback: Students have indicated that these sessions are very helpfulare very helpful.

We have not added time to these sessions at this time.Due to lack of space we cannot have all students test at the same time however it’s a great idea.

Fall 2008Statistics

43 students enrolled (16 males/27 females)31 completed the seven weeks (voucher)

i d f Wi l40 registered for Winter 2009 classes286 credit hours taken Winter 2009 semester

Survey Results – for improvementDon’t limit voucher to next semesterMake the course six-weeksAllow one absence for class

Winter 2009Statistics

80 students enrolled (32 males/48 females)completed the seven weeks (voucher)

i d f S i lregistered for Spring 2009 classescredit hours taken Spring 2009 semester

Survey Results – for improvement

Improvements MadeWe allow Winter students to use their voucher either Spring, Summer or Fall semesters.

Feedback: Students were happy about this however some would like no limits on when they can use thesome would like no limits on when they can use the voucher.

We have decided to leave the class at seven weeks. Some want more time some want less.We assess absences on a case by case basis. If there is a very good reason we have allowed the one absence rule but we don’t advertise it.

MarketingDirect mail – buy mail listsNewspapersRadioW b itWebsiteWord of mouthBrochures

Most successful form of advertisingNewspaper , radio, brochures and word of mouth

Findings & RecommendationsCollege Essentials for Veterans – neededAdults got comfortable with other adultsAdults felt excited about starting collegeFelt assured they could do itFound a buddy to take classes with

Q & A