Strategic Enrollment Management Committee (SEMC)
Meeting Summary
Monday, February 13, 2012
Present: Doug Allen, Amanda Blanton, Jackie Blakley, Linda Driggers, Lynn Lewis,
Lou Ann Martin, Gwen Owens, and Lisa Robinson
Absent: Gayle Arries
Guests: Rebecca Eidson and USC Leadership Participants
The following is a summary of the SEMC meeting which occurred on Monday, February 13, 2012.
Review/Approval of Minutes:
· The minutes of the January 23 meeting were approved.
Overview of LC²
· Lou Ann gave a brief overview of LC². She explained that there are two focus areas: 1) First-Year Learning Communities, and 2) a Comprehensive Academic Support Network. In Learning Communities, there are thematic, linked, and integrated communities. Thematic Communities link students through specific topics; Linked Communities provide students with an integrated approach to learning by linking one or two academic courses; and Integrated Communities introduce students to characteristics needed for academic success through their required major courses. The College is using Freshman Seminar (COL 105) to link communities. In the Comprehensive Academic Support Network, students are encouraged to take the Smarter Measure Readiness Assessment before orientation and advising. Smarter Measure assesses their readiness and career goals and prepares them to be successful by engaging them in pre-curricular learning. Degree Works is a software package that creates electronic educational plans for students. In year 3, the College would like to have an early alert system in place to track student progress and prompt if intervention is needed.
Retention Best Practice: Learning Communities
· Katy Goforth explained that MAT 032, RDG 100 and COL 105 are linked and build on the eight success principles; personal responsibility, self-motivation, self-management, interdependence, self-awareness, lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, and believing in oneself. Instructors interface these principles into assignments. Integrated communities are necessary for programs that do not require electives. An ISIS report is being developed that will identify the learning communities for which a student is eligible. The College is targeting first time students, but LC² is open for all students. As a best practice, Katy explained that students in COL 103 were given the assignment to complete sentences pertaining to class policies. The assignment gives students the opportunity to negotiate classroom policies and take responsibility for learning.
Enrollment Metrics 2012-2015
· Amanda discussed enrollment metrics for key strategic objectives in the College plan and discussed enrollment goals for specific student types for fall 2012 semester. The metrics include goals for Easley and Anderson Campuses, and the expectation is to grow enrollment through retention and strategic enrollment.
· Jackie suggested that the data go back one year prior to the surge in enrollment. In 2008 enrollment increased 10 percent and in 2009 enrollment increased 18 percent.
· Amanda reviewed recent financial aid changes. ATB students (students with no high school diploma enrolled in certificate programs) have to be admitted and tested before July 1. On or after July 1, ATB students can receive lottery but they cannot receive federal financial aid. This change may not impact returning students or continuing students. Other changes include:
o Students selected for verification need to order their tax transcripts from the IRS by July 30.
o Loan interest rates will increase from 3.4 to 6.8 percent.
o As of July 1, students can only receive 6 years of Pell as a full-time student.
o FAFSA Fridays will also be held on Easley and Anderson Campuses.
o All students, except transient students, will be required to take COMPASS.
· Over 900 students are on Financial Aid warning this semester, 300 are recoverable. The remaining 600 students will lose their financial aid for summer or fall. These students can enroll in a payment plan; it does not mean they cannot attend. The committee agreed to contact and provide intervention to help the 300 students who are recoverable.
· Lynn mentioned that TAP numbers have been increasing. She suggested mailing the students and their parents something for the students to bring with them so they remember to tell their advisors that they have earned TAP credit.
Enroll for Fall Action Plan
· Amanda reported that as of last Friday, applications are up 11 percent and 303 students have been admitted. This fall, students must be registered by August 2. The committee discussed possible actions for improving specific student populations. Suggestions were:
o Organize engagements and connections to keep students on campus.
o Use CRI data to contact students who indicated they were interested in coming to TCTC.
o Waive the application fee if students are on the free and reduced lunch program at school.
o Have TCTC students contact prospective students.
o Make sure on the front end that students are in the right program by talking to every student when they are admitted to the College.
o Target certain programs, i.e. Building Construction, Automotive, and HVAC programs but make sure the programs have been approved by SACS.
o Include advisors at prospect days at high schools.
o For returning students, have someone from the division office call them after they receive the letter from TCTC encouraging them to return.
· Amanda asked divisions for direction on the best way to distribute the red cards to current students so they are informed about the early deadlines. The following suggestions were made:
o Place cards and posters in every classroom and ask faculty to read the information to the students.
o Make sure advisors are aware of all the changes and have the advisors give the red cards to students.
o Place the red cards under windshield wipers of cars parked in the student parking lots.
· Next Meeting: March TBD
