Innovative Models for
Effective Collaboration Between
Universities and Community Colleges
Strengthening Opportunities for STEM Students
Brad Morrison
Michele O’Connor
Hesham Ali
Jack Heidel
Dana Richter-Egger
The Setting
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Omaha

Our Objectives

New Degrees
The largest city in Nebraska
The largest metropolitan center within 150 miles
Articulation
Scholarships
Research

The University of Nebraska at Omaha
Outreach

Broader Impact

A metropolitan university
~14,000 fte undergraduate students
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Metropolitan Community College

~7,500 fte students

~26,000 individual students
Why the Need for Collaboration?
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees



Articulation
Scholarships
Research

Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Institutions have to do more with less
New initiatives are necessary for healthy growth
Institutions operate in competitive environments
and have need for allies
Greater chance of acquiring funding with
collaborative efforts
Different perspectives from collaboration are
more likely to lead to innovations
Benefits Of Effective Collaboration
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives

New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships

Research

Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment

Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Enhance opportunities for students and faculty
Increased interaction → greater creativity
Better preparation for students to transition from
community college to university
Complimentary goals with minor conflicts
Maximize strengths and increases resources at
both institutions
Encourage faculty collaboration with colleagues
outside of their institution
Break down misperceptions that may exist
between the two institutions as a result of
enhanced communication
Challenges Of Collaboration
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact



Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
Different cultures and perspectives
 for students
 and for administration and faculty
Lack of sufficient funding
Finding time and willing participants
“Breaking down the walls”
Outcome difficult to quantify sometimes
Results not always seen immediately
Taking A Strategic Approach
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees

Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach


Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Many models of collaboration exist each with its
benefits and challenges
Perfect model may not be attainable in one step;
may have to be implemented in stages
Not all activities require significant funding
Can build upon existing structure and grow
gradually
Identify appropriate model for current
circumstances and strategic goals
Our Goal
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees

To recruit and retain STEM majors through a
broad, multifaceted effort to strengthen the
collaboration between UNO and MCC
Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
HOW?
 Funding from a NSF STEP Grant
Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
$2 million over 5 years
The intent is support expansion and adaptation of
currently successful activities within and between the
two institutions as well as the implementation of new
activities.
What is STEP Anyway?
Introduction
Goal

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM)
STEP Program
Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP)

PURPOSE

Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
A congressionally mandated NSF program
The first awards were made in the fall of 2003

to increase the number of students pursuing and
obtaining STEM degrees
Includes both community colleges and four-year
institutions
Insight from NSF
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees

Thoughts from Dr. Bement – NSF Director


Articulation
Scholarships

Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Foster flexible, creative and collaborative research
Build bridges across the ‘gaps’ that students fall
through
Create seamless educational pathways for our
students
Today's laboratory shapes tomorrow’s economy
Our Objectives
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
1. Expand, diversify and incorporate new STEM degrees
2. Develop agreements for the articulation of complete
programs of study
3. Attract and retain students through the use of
scholarships
 Particularly under-represented and non-traditional students
4. Improve the quality of and access to experiential
education opportunities and student support services
5. Increase outreach and recruitment activities
New Degree Options
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program

STEM Associate of Science Degrees at MCC
Outreach

Broader Impact

Pre-Biology
Pre-Biotechnology
Pre-Chemistry
Pre-Mathematics
Pre-Physics
Pre-Bioinformatics

Computer Science
Our Objectives

New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships

Research
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Previously in place
New
New Degree Options
Introduction
Goal

New Interdisciplinary Majors at UNO

Bioinformatics (new degree)
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships

Interdisciplinary
Research

Outreach

Broader Impact
Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges
Dissemination
Computer Science (College of Information and Technology)
Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
One of only a few such programs in the U.S.
Now has 37 majors
Many students in the program are involved in
interdisciplinary research supported by STEP and other
funding.
New Degree Options
Introduction
Goal

New Interdisciplinary Majors at UNO

Information Assurance (area of emphasis, MIS/CS)
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation

Scholarships
Research

Outreach
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
Medicinal Chemistry (a new degree track)

Broader Impact

Plans for conversion to an actual degree
Approved Fall 2005
Neuroscience (proposed new degree)

Students with this interest can currently use the
‘interdisciplinary studies’ major
Articulation
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Avenues for progression and transfer are
especially important in the STEM disciplines
because of the inherent hierarchical program
structure
Allows students to transition from community
college to university with sense of completion
and accomplishment
Articulation of Complete Programs
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Our Objectives

A to B – getting Associates Degree then
Bachelors
More challenging to implement
New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Requires higher level of coordination
More people involved to accomplish
Now available in 7 STEM areas; MCC → UNO
Pre-Biology
Pre-Biotechnology
Pre-Physics
Computer Science
Pre-Chemistry
Pre-Mathematics
Pre-Bioinformatics
Scholarships
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
STEP Scholars - $1000/semester
 2004-05
New Degrees

Articulation

16 Scholarships awarded
Fifteen scholarships were renewed for the second year
Scholarships
Research

Outreach

Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
2005-06

18 Scholarships awarded
2006-07


Recruitment currently underway
Three MCC students have applied
Scholarships
Introduction
Goal
Bridge Scholarships at MCC
STEP Program

Our Objectives
New Degrees

Articulation
Covers the expenses for the last quarter of study
2004-05

4 students - 4 male (1 minority
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

2005-06


16 students - 13 male (3 Minority), 3 female
First MCC student received a UNO Bridge Scholarship
Early Undergraduate Research
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research

Faculty recruit qualified early undergraduates
into a motivational research activity and then to
supervise the students involved for one or more
semesters.

Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
Focus on 1st and 2nd year students
Encourages these students to consider a STEM major
Funding provides for



Faculty summer stipend
Tuition waivers for students, up to 3 credits/student
Limited funds for materials/supplies
Early Undergraduate Research
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives

Proposals selection criteria

New Degrees
Evidence for successful recruitment and retention of
students into a STEM major

Articulation
Scholarships
Research

Outreach

Broader Impact
Number of students projected to be involved
Sustainability

Assessment
Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges
Dissemination


On what personal experience or successful external
models of EUR is the is the project based?
Anticipated duration
Is it an ongoing project or one-time?
Will continuation require additional funding?
If the proposed research is interdisciplinary
Projects that specifically target underrepresented
groups are especially encouraged.
Early Undergraduate Research
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
2004-05

Our Objectives

New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research

2005-06
Outreach

Broader Impact

Assessment
Sustainability

6 projects funded
24 students participated in EUR activities
2006-07

Outcomes
6 projects funded
37 students participated in EUR activities, most
received 3 semester hours of tuition waivers
7 projects funded
Challenges
Dissemination

54 of those 61 EUR students from years 1 and 2
are currently pursuing STEM degrees
Recruitment and Outreach
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program

MCC STEP Coordinator

Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation

Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact


Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
Recruits at area high schools and community events
distributing STEP literature for both UNO and MCC
STEM programs.

Focused on providing prospective students and their
families a broad view of STEM educational opportunities.
Centralizes creation of all promotional materials
Assists with coordination of joint activities between the
two institutions
The “go to” person for both institutions
Impact Beyond Intended Goals
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives

New Graduate Teaching Assistant Positions

New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

UNO graduate students (4 in math currently) teach at
MCC which reimburses teaching salary to UNO
Other departments are being encouraged to also
participate
Impact Beyond Intended Goals
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives

“Interdisciplinary Research Inquires in General
Chemistry”
New Degrees

Articulation

Scholarships
Research
a (separate) but similarly aligned NSF-CCLI grant
General Chemistry and Environmental Geology
students study of lead contamination of soil

Outreach

Broader Impact
Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
Geology students collect soil samples

Focus on an EPA Superfund site within Omaha
Chemistry students analyze the samples
Self-selected geology and chemistry students do further
analysis and interpretation of the aggregate data
Activity is repeated each fall and spring semester
Impact Beyond Intended Goals
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees

“Taking Science for a Test Drive”


Articulation
Scholarships

Research
Outreach
Broader Impact

Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

A NSF-CCLI proposal from Biology and Chemistry
Significantly expands upon the STEP-EUR which it is
modeled after
Targets MCC students and UNO pre-service teachers
and general non-STEM majors
Sixty students per year, in groups of ten, will participate
in two-week research experiences during summer
Will rigorously test the assertion that EUR is an
effective means of recruiting STEM majors and of
positively impacting the attitudes of non-STEM majors,
particularly pre-service teachers.
Evaluation
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation

Scholarships
Research
Outreach

Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

How well are students acquiring important STEM
knowledge, skills and concepts as defined by respective
curriculum requirements at UNO and MCC?
Are the STEP activities encouraging higher levels of
participation in STEM courses and programs at UNO and
MCC?
How are program and course offerings within and between
UNO and MCC meeting the needs of students in providing
effective transitions between the colleges?
How are STEP project activities providing greater
accessibility to STEM related areas of study and career
opportunities?
Social Climate Assessment
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research

What are majors’ and non-majors’ perceptions,
beliefs, and experiences in STEM courses?

Do the STEP goals of inclusiveness and diversity
extend beyond the students who are directly involved
(scholarships or EUR support)?

Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Results suggest that the social climate in STEM courses
and departments is remarkably positive.
The results were surprising given literature indications
that a negative social climate may be at least partly
responsible for a lack of interest in STEM majors.
Sustainability
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives

Math/Science Learning Center

New Degrees
Articulation

Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact

Both one time and ongoing funding are will be used to
form a Math/Science Learning Center at UNO.
This center will be a significant way in which the
activities of the STEP grant will be institutionalized.
The Center will

Assessment

Sustainability

Outcomes

Challenges
Dissemination
Assess science education effectiveness
Coordinate peer mentoring and peer led team learning
Offer workshops for STEM faculty and students
Provide




Entry level tutoring
Course modules
Specialized instruction
Study skills training
Sustainability
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees

The Scholarship Program may be the most
difficult because of its large budget

Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

All the scholarships offered total approximately
$100,000 per year.
Private support for STEP scholarship endowments is
being actively pursued by the Principal Investigator and
the Arts & Sciences Dean in conjunction with the
Nebraska University Foundation.
UNO STEM Graduates
Introduction
Goal
300
STEP Program
Our Objectives
250
New Degrees
Articulation
Projected
Actual
200
Scholarships
Research
150
Outreach
Broader Impact
100
Assessment
Sustainability
50
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
0
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9
1
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1
2
2
2
2
STEM Transfers from MCC to UNO
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
50
45
New Degrees
40
Articulation
35
Scholarships
30
Research
Projected
Actual
25
Outreach
Broader Impact
20
Assessment
15
Sustainability
10
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
5
0
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
0
1
2
3
4
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19 19 19 20 20 20 20
What We Have Learned
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Be Broad Based and Inclusive

Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

The greatest strength of the UNO/MCC STEP grant is
its breadth. It includes six UNO departments in two
different colleges and two different educational
institutions.
Cast a Wide Net

There are many dynamic connections between the
UNO academic areas that make up the STEM
disciplines (biology, chemistry, computer science,
geology, mathematics, and physics); how they will
develop and grow is impossible to predict.
What We Have Learned
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Reach Out to Actual & Potential STEM Majors

Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships

Research
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
By All Indications -- Success

Outreach

Science has a great intrinsic appeal. It takes some
students longer than others to come to this realization;
they may need extra encouragement in the meantime.
Success is attributed to both the generality of the
approach and to the interest and enthusiasm of the
participants.
The sharing of “Best Practices” will assist
institutions regardless of their level of experience
in STEP.
Challenges Faced
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research

Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment

Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Establishing a good working relationship
between UNO and MCC. The different cultures
of the two institutions means a relationship is not
automatic and must be developed.
Encouraging MCC students to continue their
education at UNO.
Uneven success in Early Undergraduate
Research (EUR).
Letting the world know what we are doing.
Overcoming those Challenges
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives


New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships

Research
Outreach
Broader Impact

Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination

Inclusion of MCC faculty and students in EUR
Need to focus more on increasing students’
sense of belongingness
Increasing student recognition of the grant
program/efforts
Make better use of the campus advisory
committee
More sophisticated evaluation of the most
innovative activities, such as EUR
Dissemination
Introduction
Goal
STEP Program
Our Objectives
New Degrees
Articulation
Scholarships
Research
Innovative Models for Effective Collaboration between
Universities and Community Colleges, Hesham Ali, Jack Heidel,
Michele O’Connor and Dana Richter-Egger, 110th annual
meeting of the higher learning commission of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), in a Collection of
Papers in Self-Study and Institutional Improvement, Volume 1,
pp. 73-75, Chicago, April 8-12, 2005.
Outreach
Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
http://avalon.unomaha.edu/step/
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Goal

STEP Program

Our Objectives
New Degrees
The National Science Foundation

Articulation
DUE STEP Grant #336462
The University of Nebraska at Omaha

College and Departmental support
Scholarships
Research

Outreach

Broader Impact
Assessment
Sustainability
Outcomes
Challenges
Dissemination
Metropolitan Community College

College and Division support
The University of Nebraska System

Excellence and priority funding