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In this column, I would like to expand that discussion and talk about the five benchmarks that encompass the 38 engagement items from the CCSSE survey that reflect many of the most important aspects of the student experience. These benchmarks are the most powerful contributors to effective teaching, learning, student retention and student success. Data includes the years 2007-09.
In the category of “Active and Collaborative Learning,” students were asked about contributing to class discussions, making class presentations, working with classmates and tutoring. HCC had a score of 54 when considering both full-time and part-time students combined. Other small colleges earned a 51.2 score. The total CCSSE cohort group, which included large universities, earned a score of 50. From this you can see HCC ranked higher than its peers, as well as larger schools, in this category and others.
In the area of “Student Effort,” students were asked about preparing drafts of papers, coming to class prepared, using peer or other tutoring and using skill labs and computer labs. HCC had a score of 60.6 when considering full-time and part-time students combined. Other small colleges earned a 51.1 score. The total CCSSE cohort earned a score of 50. HCC really scored well in this category.
In the area of “Academic Challenge,” students were asked about synthesizing and organizing ideas and information, making judgments, applying theories and using information to perform a new skill. HCC had a score of 57.2 when considering both full-time and part-time students combined. Other small colleges earned a 50.3 score. The total CCSSE cohort earned a score of 50.
In the area of “Student-Faculty Interaction,” students were asked about communicating with instructors, discussing grades and assignments, talking about career plans and discussing ideas from readings and class with instructors outside of class. HCC had a score of 58.4 when considering both full-time and part-time students combined. Other small colleges earned a 51.6 score. The total CCSSE cohort earned a score of 50.
In the area of “Support for Learners,” students were asked about the college providing support that students need to help them succeed, encouraging contact among diverse students, helping students cope with non-academic responsibilities and providing social and financial support. HCC had a score of 58.4 when considering both full-time and part-time students combined. Other small colleges earned a 51.6 score. The total CCSSE cohort earned a score of 50. This report may be downloaded at www.ccsse.org.
HCC’s male mentoring program, PRIDE, was also noted as one of the best programs in the nation for cultivating connections on campus. As stated in the CCSSE brochure, “The PRIDE program uses a variety of high-touch interventions to create an on-campus support system, builds community connections through business field trips and college visits, and offers technology support with a loaner laptop for each participant.” At the end of PRIDE’s first semester, 94 percent of participants said the program had been very important or important in helping them remain enrolled and successful.
From the President’s Perspective, I am very encouraged by the findings of the CCSSE survey and the progress we have made in student engagement on the HCC campus. We will continue to reach out to our students to engage them on a number of levels. As mentioned above, I am pleased to find our PRIDE program has been nationally recognized for assisting our students and am hopeful it will provide the connections these students need in order to stay in college and graduate.
Feel free to send me an e-mail message at president@halifaxcc.edu with your thoughts or ideas. Also to learn about our current programs, stop by campus, call us at 252-536-HCC1 (4221), or visit us at www.halifaxcc.edu.
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