COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Reinventing the Student Entry
Process through Distributed
Leadership
Jill Little & Sue Boyd, Ed.D.
Macomb Community College
Shanna Jaggars, Ph.D.
Community College Research Center
Teachers College, Columbia University
@sjaggars @CommunityCCRC @MacombCollege
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
Presenters
• Jill M. Little
– Vice President of Student Services, Macomb
Community College
• Sue Boyd, Ed.D.
– Dean of Student Success, Macomb Community
College
• Shanna Jaggars, Ph.D.
– Assistant Director, Community College Research
Center (CCRC)
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
AGENDA
• Welcome and Introductions
• Project Overview & Relevant Data
• Q&A
• Macomb Strategy in Resolving Issues Identified by
the Data
• Implementation Plan, Engaging Key Stakeholders
and Leadership Strategies
• Q&A
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Macomb Community College
• Located 4-miles north of Detroit, MI
• One college with multiple campuses
– South Campus – Warren
– Center Campus – Clinton Township
– East Campus – Clinton Township
– MTEC – Warren
• Fall 2013 Credit Headcount 23,725
• Consistently award the most associate
degrees in Michigan, top 2% nationally
• Comprehensive community college with
mission of education, enrichment and
economic development
• Early College, University Center,
Michigan State University College of
Osteopathic Medicine, Performing Arts
Center and Cultural Center
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Project Overview and
Relevant Data
Shanna Jaggars, Assistant Director
Community College Research Center
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
The Challenge of Choice
Dizzying array of
program & course
options
“Mistakes” = lost
time, money, delayed
/ derailed graduation
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Research Questions
What kinds of information do entering
students need to move forward with
confidence?
What information is currently provided to
students, and how?
Do student needs appear to be met by
current resources & services?
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Qualitative Research
Student
Focus
Groups
Document
Review
Advisor
Interviews
Emerging Findings
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Challenges of self-advising
Advisors
rushed,
didn’t
“teach”
selfadvising
skills
Entry
process
confusing
Orientation
didn’t lay
groundwork
Catalog &
online
resources
designed
by/for
administration
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Questions?
Do the data/findings resonate with what
you see on your college campus?
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
You have the data –
Now what?
Jill M. Little, Vice President, Student Services
Macomb Community College
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
Identify Themes
• Determine what makes sense for your institution
• Use the data to start the conversation
• What story does the data tell?
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Move Forward Strategically
• Identify key stakeholders early on to engage in
the conversation
• Develop targeted work teams with clear
expectations
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Implementation
through Distributed
Leadership
Sue Boyd, Dean of Student Success
Macomb Community College
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
How did Macomb accomplish so much in
such a small period of time?
• Clear expectations
• Accountability
• Student-driven decisions
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Structure of Work Teams
How Macomb identified work team members
• Orientation Work Team
– Key faculty members
– Key student services staff
• Information Review Work Team
– Key faculty member(s)
– Key academic administrators
– Key communications staff
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Unique Qualities of
Macomb Community College
• Highly unionized environment
– 9 unions that include administrators, faculty (full-time and adjunct),
clerical, managers, part-time non-teaching, maintenance, and police force
– Executive leadership only non-union positions
• Student Services has two-full service locations – one at each
main campus (South and Center)
• 12 full-time academic advisors – 6 at each main campus
• 6 full-time counselors – 3 at each main campus
• 5 full-time special services counselors – district-wide
• Financial Aid & Cashiers are not part of Student Services,
these departments are in the Business Unit
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
Work Teams Tasks
• Orientation Work Team
– Kickoff January 2012 with intent to focus orientation on immediate
and critical information needs
– Design to be dynamic, with content responsive to the information
needs of the particular student
– Require students to complete concrete helpful activities
• Information Review Work Team
– Kickoff January 2012 with intent to develop and maintain
resources that provide consistent information on courses,
programs, transfer and careers
– Across programs, provide consistent information in style and
content
– Ensure student-facing information is student-focused
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Work Team Accomplishments
• Orientation Work Team
– Implemented new steps to enter Macomb for Fall 2013 (Went Live:
April 29, 2013)
– Opened new Student Services Labs (Went Live: April 29)
– Implemented redesigned new student orientation for all new
students
• Modified version on April 29
• New version on July 8
• Information Review Work Team
– Implemented new process for marketing programs
– Created newly designed catalog (delivered June 2013)
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Achievement of Work Teams through
Distributed Leadership
• Structured meetings with clear agendas
• Working meetings with action items team members were held
accountable for
• Frequent meetings to keep the momentum going
• Always, always, always with student needs at the center of all
decisions made
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
Orientation Work Team
• Get back to basics
– Purpose, Goals, Learning Outcomes
• Data revealed different needs for different student populations
– FTIAC, Transfer, Guest, etc.
• Leverage resources and timely institutional projects
– Use of website consultant expertise
• View through the lens of a new student
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
New Student Orientation:
What it Looks Like
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
New Entry Process
OLD: 7 Easy Steps
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Complete Application
Apply for Financial Aid
Student ID Photo Taken
Placement Test
Orientation/Course
Planning Session
6) Register
7) Pay for Classes
NEW: Macomb Easy Start 1-2-3
1) Discover Online
–
–
–
–
Apply for Admission
Apply for Financial Aid
Participate in Orientation
Prep for Placement
2) Connect On-Campus
–
–
–
–
Meet with Advisor
Take Student ID Photo
Take Placement Test
Course Planning Session
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Improve the Entry Process
7 Easy Steps
1) Complete Application
2) Apply for Financial Aid
3) Student ID Photo Taken
4) Placement Test
5) Orientation/Course
Planning Session
6) Register
7) Pay for Classes
Macomb Easy Start 1-2-3
1) Discover Online
2) Connect On-Campus
3) Advance at Macomb
–
–
–
–
Register for Classes
Pay for Classes
Buy textbooks
Participate in Introduction
to Online Learning
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
Student Services Labs
• Computer labs formerly used for onsite orientation
• Repurposed for students with technology needs
related to in-take processes
• Using technology to track and monitor usage
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Student Services Labs Student Usage
• Most common reasons:
– New Student Orientation
– Registration Help
• Student Services Labs by the Numbers:
–
–
–
–
May: 690 students
June: 866 students
July: 2,200 students
August: 1,583 students
• Winter 2014 registration period was just as busy
• Total unduplicated students to date: 7,974
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Information Review Work Team
• Identify student communication points
– Comprehensive review college-wide
• Review other college catalogs
– Identify layout and template ideas
• Determine elements necessary to meet student and institutional needs
• Develop template to ensure consistency across college programs
• Seek appropriate institutional approvals
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
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FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
College Catalog Redesign
• Old Catalog
• New Catalog
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
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INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Recommendations for Implementation
• Get the right players involved
– Executive leadership support required
• Leverage institutional resources
• Alignment with priorities at your organization
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
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FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
Implementation Anywhere
• Commit to extensive review of in-take processes
and then do the review
– Review materials from student perspective
• Conduct student focus groups or student surveys
to receive feedback directly from the students on
processes
• Conduct interviews/surveys with front-line staff to
determine where they see gaps
• Review findings and commit to tackling those that
fit your institutions’ priorities and resources
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Budget Implications
• Staff time and effort
• Incentives for students to participate in focus groups and
surveys
• Snacks for staff and students
• Major implementation changes may require professional
services (e.g. technology improvements)
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Budget Implications at Macomb
• Received $378,000 over 4 years
– Included IR & IT resources to compile 50,000 student
records to study registration habits of new students
– Travel costs to disseminate findings to colleagues
– Consultant fees for technology improvements
– Professional services for initial focus groups
• Included outreach, mailings, scheduling, facilitating,
recording and initial analysis
– Incentives for students to participate
– Project coordination which included reimbursement for staff
time and effort
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
Leveraging Institutional Resources at
Macomb Community College
• Website redesign
• Planning done in the past
• Realignment of Organization
– Student Services
– Credit and Non-Credit offerings
• Timing is everything!
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
Keep Students at the Center
• Focus on Student Success and Achievement of
Educational Goals
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE
LEAGUE
FOR
FOR
INNOVATION
INNOVATION/ /MARCH
MARCH4,
4, 2014
Questions?
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESEARCH CENTER / MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LEAGUE FOR INNOVATION / MARCH 4, 2014
For more information
Macomb Community College Contacts:
Jill Little: littlej@macomb.edu or Sue Boyd: boyds@macomb.edu
Please visit us on the web at
http://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu
where you can download presentations, reports,
and briefs, and sign-up for news announcements.
We’re also on Facebook and Twitter.
Community College Research Center
Institute on Education and the Economy,
Teachers College, Columbia University
525 West 120th Street, Box 174, New York, NY 10027
E-mail: ccrc@columbia.edu Telephone: 212.678.3091
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