Morgan Community College Retention Team Meeting Minutes

November 2, 2015

Members present: Dan Marler, Teri Eades, Deb Wacker, Connie Tormohlen, Andrea L’Heureux, Kent Bauer, Kathy Frisbie, Monica Ramirez, Suzanna Spears, Todd Schneider, Gwen Steffen, Kim Maxwell, Derek Grubb, Kelly Overturf (by phone), Carol Kuper, Lee Green.

Gwen called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as written.

Retention Team Work 2014-2015 Review:

  1. Todd summarized the committee’s activities from last year.
  2. Gwen discussed Dan’s work with his surveys. She also addressed communication with MLT. Dr. Hart said MCC was 3rd in the state with regard to student retention. Intrusive advising should continue.
  3. Derek reported that our current retention rates is 68%, which is considered impressive among two- and four-year colleges in Colorado.

Retention Plans for 2015-2016:

  1. The team recommends that AIR sessions and Intrusive Advising continue.
  2. AAA101/COM102: Todd led discussion regarding the change from AAA101 to COM102. He pointed the similarities between the two, noting that COM102 can count as an elective in AA degrees, but not AS degrees. A syllabus exists for the class, which is not a GT class. Faculty credentials should include a degree in English or Communications.
  3. Dan asked if an alternative schedule could be devised to accommodate students in this class. Discussion followed regarding a schedule that could get this class completed at or before the beginning of the semester. It might be useful to consider a 3-hour, 5-day class. Gwen pointed out that this class could be eligible for scholarships.
  4. Retaining students: Monica led discussion regarding providing informal lunches/social gatherings among students in specific programs, such as STEM, auto tech, etc. This would allow students to provide support for each other.
  5. Other thoughts: Suzanne pointed out the need to post news about the various student organizations. The group discussed ways to spotlight students “doing good.” This could involve use of the portal to recognize students. Making a Difference (or I Made a Difference Today) is the theme of this project; Kim will head this project beginning during Spring 2016 semester. A small reward (e.g., a pin, candy bar, etc) will be presented to the students during class in front of other students. The committee recommended a weekly reward. At the end of the semester we could hold a potluck to honor the students. Kim will talk with K.C. Sailsbery about including these students in the MCC wellness program.
  6. Suzanne also reintroduced the idea of using workstudy students as mentors. She suggested that the Student Support Center could do more to promote the idea.
  7. Kent recommended that this committee document our work, including successes and failures, for the Higher Learning Commission report. He pointed out that the committee needs to develop goals and benchmarks. Derek reminded the group that AQIP and HLC and MCC retention strategies need to align with each other. Our meeting minutes need to be where HLC can access them.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for November 30, 2015.

Respectfully submitted,

Lee Green, Secretary

Items for follow up:

Action / Who is responsible / Timeline
Continue AIR sessions and Intrusive Advising
Development of COM102
Obtain scholarships for COM102
Coordinate informal lunches/social gatherings among students in specific programs
Post news about the various student organizations
Making a Difference (or I Made a Difference Today) and including these students in the MCC wellness program.
Contact the director of the Student Support Center regarding using workstudy students as mentors.
Ensure that AQIP and HLC and MCC retention strategies are aligned
Ensure that Retention Team meeting minutes are accessible to HLC.