I want to update you on some important developments in Student Services and invite you to attend the upcoming academic and workforce information sessions where you will learn about recent developments in these programs.

Student coaching and InsideTrack

I’m excited to announce a new grant-funded initiative that has the potential to transform the advising experience for our students and enable advisors to have an even greater impact on their success.

InsideTrack, a San Francisco-based provider of student coaching software and services, received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help a small group of community colleges develop and implement student coaching processes. It selected ACC as a grant partner after hearing about our work with guided pathways and technology-supported advising and retention strategies.

Over the next two years the company will help ACC develop a sustainable, scalable student coaching program that will be integrated with our existing advising processes. An initial group of advisors will be trained in InsideTrack’s coaching methodologies; other advisors will receive advanced training to become future trainers. To customize the program for our needs, InsideTrack also will work one-on-one with about 125 students.

You may wonder how this coaching differs from our current advising. Advising generally focuses on helping students navigate degree plans and college policies to achieve their goals. Coaching extends this support to help students develop skills in self-advocacy, motivation, and problem-solving so they can truly drive their success.

The InsideTrack project also will give advisors – including faculty advisors – a chance to build on their knowledge and credentials. We anticipate offering a formal certification process for those who complete the training.

After a detailed needs assessment this spring, we expect to begin student coaching and staff training in the fall. Stay tuned – there will be much more information to come.

Academic, workforce program update sessions

I encourage all faculty and staff to learn the latest developments in ACC academic and workforce programs at information sessions Friday, April 14 and Friday, April 21.

The sessions will be helpful for anyone who deals with students and each will feature different programs. I appreciate all the department chairs, faculty, and staff who have agreed to be part of the agenda. See times and locations of academic and workforce program update sessions.

New compliance manager

Charlene Buckley will focus on matters relating to Title IX and other federal regulations.

I’m pleased to introduce another new member of our Student Services team. Charlene Buckley has joined ACC to fill the new role of compliance manager focusing on matters relating to Title IX and Title VI, (prohibiting discrimination), the Violence Against Women Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She will be the liaison to students, faculty, and the administration for any complaints relating to these regulations and will work with ACC’s Clery Act compliance officer and others to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment.

Charlene is a career student affairs professional who has worked at private and public institutions. Before coming to ACC, she was dean of students and deputy Title IX coordinator at Southwestern University. She also worked in Student Judicial Services at the University of Texas at Austin, where she focused on Title IX investigations.

Before moving to Texas, Charlene was associate dean for student conduct at Wake Forest University, where she partnered with students, faculty, and staff to promote student success within a variety of contexts, including the conduct process. She worked extensively on Title IX policy and implementation as deputy Title IX coordinator, and supported students and their families as a member of the university CARE team. A Pennsylvania native, Charlene also held positions at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.

Charlene lives with her husband and two daughters in Pflugerville. Her office is in the Student Services area on the Highland Business Center sixth floor.

Tutor conference

I want to thank all who participated in our March Tutor Conference, including organizers, presenters, and attendees. More than 350 faculty, staff, and guests spent the day learning ideas and best practices for improving interactions with students. Our Learning Lab staff spent months planning this event, and their efforts were apparent. See pictures from the day.

It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the end of another semester. Thanks for all you do day in and day out to make it a great experience for our students and our colleagues.

Dr. Virginia Fraire
Vice President of Student Services

Tags: From the Student Services VP, InsideTrack, student services