Morgan Community College Retention Team Meeting

November 19, 2014

Members present: Betty McKie, Carol Kuper, Todd Schneider, Kathy Frisbie, Michael Shriver, Kim Maxwell, Jaylene Evans, Connie Tormohlen, Gwen Steffen, Derek Grubb, Terri Eades, Kelly Overturf, Dan Marler, Lee Green.

Gwen called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm. Minutes were approved as written.

Old Business

  1. Connie provided a report from the subcommittee on Intrusive Advising. She pointed out that the Early Alerts program protects MCC and also shows students that someone is aware of their progress, or the lack thereof. There are a number of problems, however, with this program including changes in student contact information, adjunct faculty who are not trained in early alerts, student resentment toward non-faculty contact, and the fact that many students self-advise.

Some recommendation from the committee: requiring specific advisors and mandatory advising sessions. Carol reported that she used to have a list of advisees but that function is no longer available through Banner.

Follow-up: Dan has a list of students, majors, and advisors. He and Derek could work together to generate a list of advisees for faculty. Betty suggested that the Divisions continue this conversation and report back.

  1. Linger Longer Program, Dan. This program is devised as an effort to build community and should target the Developmental Education classes. We could include micro-presentations and food. Gwen suggested having Dan introduced to Dev Ed classesand the Student Support Center early in the semester. Kelly asked how this program could translate to the Centers – she asserted that Center students need to know Fort Morgan campus personnel, especially those working in I.T., financial aid, etc.

New Business

  1. Innovative Educators, Derek. This webinar is focused on helping educators develop a culture of retention. The first part has already taken place but we can watch it for up to one year. Derek will send out the link so members can watch independently, then we can discuss it at a future meeting.
  2. Trio Grant, Derek. This grant provides funding for three core services: advising and long-term planning, financial aid and registration assistance, and tutoring. It focuses on students who might be considered vulnerable because of factors such as being first generation college students or English language learners. Betty suggested that our concurrent enrollment students also be included. Committee members expressed support for pursuing this grant.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lee Green, Secretary