Research from the Center for Community College Student Engagement indicates a college-wide culture of connection and caring promotes student persistence and success. What can staff do to support student success?
Staff can be prepared to provide exceptional customer service and use support systems to meet students’ needs.
Details about how staff can support student success
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By Katherine Staples April 13, 2010 - 2:58 pm
All areas need to work together to assure that students who work do not overload themselves with so many classes that they cannot succeed.
By Julie Cuellar Reck April 13, 2010 - 5:22 pm
Support Center services?
http://www.austincc.edu/support/financialaid/center/
By Paula King April 13, 2010 - 6:25 pm
I have been in DL @ ACC for 10 years and I have only one suggestion as follows:
Students should be required to take a technology class before taking classes in Distance Learning ( specifically online ).
By Helen Dailey April 13, 2010 - 6:50 pm
Don’t forget to send students to the Learning Lab before they fall too far behind. Sometimes a little help can make a big difference.
By Donn Brooks April 14, 2010 - 9:20 am
I have considerable experience with failure, both in my personal experience and in observing students for forty years as an educator. Most academic problems proceed from organizational issues such as: absence and tardiness, failure to get req1uired materials, inattention during class, working on extraneous activities during class, etc. Students who buy into the concept that these issues need to be resolved will find that delivery of the academic product becomes more effective. Almost without fail students who take care of these little things have success when dealing with the subject matter. Conversely, when students do not focus on the material or are not prepared for class they rarely have success.
By Nancy Miller April 14, 2010 - 9:39 am
Katherine is right. We all need to work together to be sure students who work, do not overload themselves with so many classes they cannot succeed. Frequently students tell me they can’t withdraw from a class and they can’t cut back on work, when they complain or show they can’t keep up with classes and homework.
By Jamie Powell April 14, 2010 - 10:44 am
Excellent comments, we should take students workloads in consideration when supporting the students needs. A good idea is to always ask the students their plans for work and school when we have the opportunity. Students rely on us to help them become successful. Asking them their plans is one of the first things we do during an initial contact. We then give them an idea of how much time is needed to devote to school and courses. This helps them think through plans in case adjustments need to be made.
By Marvi Reyes April 14, 2010 - 11:25 am
I think the new schedule planning worksheet helps students recognize the amount of in-class time is required. It doesn’t address out-of-class hours, but at least it’s a start. Take a look: http://www3.austincc.edu/it/eforms/forms_int/STSE.050.pdf
By Paul S April 15, 2010 - 6:41 pm
Students sometimes leave if they feel unconnected. To build connection in the classroom, an instructor can occasionally give a question or 2 for student groups to discuss (I like groups of 2). This will help students meet others and allows the instructor 3 or 4 minutes to meet with students and explore content in a small group setting.
This can be used for those who primarily lecture.
By Vicky D. April 17, 2010 - 10:14 am
The question of what staff can do to support student success at the college level is actually more difficult that it may appear. This is due to several reasons:
Learning is a participatory process. Even the best professors can stand at the front of the classroom and deliver the best lectures along with powerpoint presentations, but if the students are not interested then no learning will take place. Professors cannot exert mind control over students, and some students come to class expecting to “be fed” information and not do their part to participate in the learning process. Professors can ask questions to engage the students, but if the students don’t care about the class (but only about the grade/credit) no real learning or engagement will take place.
College students come in all shapes and sizes, and this includes maturity. Attendance in class is a necessity, but some students understand this while some do not. These are young adults and the choice to attend class is theirs.
Learning is not a spectator sport. It requires both parties (the professor and the students) to participate in the process.
By Bob Pendleton April 18, 2010 - 3:49 pm
There really is such a thing as an introvert. Roughly 50% of the population does not enjoy interacting with strangers. Forcing people to take part in two person activities in class is a sure way to keep introverts from ever coming to your class again. Larger groups are easier. It gives us a chance to become comfortable with the group before being forced to interact.
There are several other groups who may find small group interactions painful.
By Melinda Townsel May 24, 2010 - 3:10 pm
Librarians are real supporters of Student Success. We love working with students and getting to learn about their interests. It’s a wonderful experience!!
We ALSO love working in partnership with teaching faculty assist students with their research needs. Again, it’s a wonderful experience.
We are ACC!!!