Partnering
for
Student Success
The Issues and
The Action Plan
August 2008
A Brief History
Previous retention initiatives have helped The University of Montana
maintain its reputation as an excellent, student-oriented institution.
Partnering for Student Success builds on those past efforts and
proposes new programs and initiatives
Between 2006 and August 2008, Partnering for Student Success was
developed by faculty, staff & administrators on two campuses who
served on a Retention Task Force (RTF). The RTF was led by Teresa
Branch, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Arlene Walker-Andrews,
Associate Provost, with critical support from Bob Duringer, Vice
President for Administration and Finance.
With the assistance of a higher education retention consultant, RTF
members identified key issues and developed strategies and action
plans to address their concerns. Partnering for Student Success is
the result of their work.
GOAL
Improve student success at The University of Montana.
METRIC
UM will consistently place in the top quartile of
public, research- intensive institutions.
Partnering for Student Success
TARGETS
1st
to
2nd
80%
Year Retention Rate:
6-Year Graduation Rate
~71%
57%
43%
60%
1-Year Retention Rate- COT
Completion Rate - COT
45%
Partnering for Student Success
ISSUES*
K-12 Preparation for college
Transition to college
Integrated early curriculum
Student engagement
Student support
Faculty & staff development
* with examples
Partnering for Student Success
ISSUE
K-12 Preparation for college
Ensure Adequate Student Preparation
Example: Identify specific learning outcomes for a college-prep
high school curriculum
Example: Create embedded assessment tools used across
Montana
Example: Investigate feasibility of electronic high school
transcripts
Example: Implement a “Preparing for College” communication
program for pre-high school students, parents & schools
Example: Continue development of Programs of Study with high
schools
Partnering for Student Success
ISSUE
Transition to college
Obtain BOR Approval for Admissions Standards that
are appropriate for College-Level Work
Develop/Implement Accurate Placement Systems
Examples: Introduce online math placement for new, transfer
students; evaluate accuracy of placement systems
Enhance Orientation Communications
Improve Affordability
Review Business Policies and Procedures re: Retention
Partnering for Student Success
ISSUE
Integrated early curriculum
Introduce the Context-Based, “Big Questions” Curriculum
Example: Create a more intentional undergraduate experience
starting with the First Year that integrates with General Education
Expand Winter Session coursework
Provide Access to Developmental Coursework
for Under-prepared Students
Partnering for Student Success
ISSUE
Student engagement
Offer Co-curricular Opportunities
Example: Increase number, variety of service learning, civic
engagement, study/work abroad, undergrad research opportunities
and internships
Plan for Living/Learning Communities
Raise “Millennial Generation” Awareness
throughout campus community
Partnering for Student Success
ISSUE
Student support
Establish an Office for Academic Success
Implement Special Programming for At-Risk Students
Examples: Targeted support programs for struggling student;
Careers courses for Undecided students
.
Expand Early Alert Interventions
Expand Support for Nontraditional Students
Example: Online orientation for nontraditional, returning students
Expand Support for Students of Color
Partnering for Student Success
Faculty & staff development
ISSUE
Fund Innovations in Teaching and Learning Projects
Offer Multicultural Training
Example: Offer training for faculty, grad students in multicultural
teaching, advising
Offer Staff Training on student success issues
Improve Campus Communication about student success
Partnering for Student Success
Progress Monitoring &
Reporting Schedule
Units Report Milestones
Deadline for units to report
achievement of milestone
targets; Quarterly Report
issued 15 days later.
Units Report on Annual
Progress
Deadline for units to report
on annual progress and
proposed modifications to
Plan.
Annual Progress Report
published.
Partnering for Student Success
Partnering
for
Student Success
The Issues and
The Action Plan
August 2008