T EXAS A & M U NIVERSITY P ALO A LTO C OLLEGE

1. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY PALO ALTO COLLEGE Timothy P. Scott, Ph.D. Carmen Velasquez Adrienne Bentz September 12, 2011 Asheville, North Carolina

2. EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE SCIENCE SCHOLARS PROGRAM STEM Transfer from Community College to a Large Research University Timothy P. Scott, Ph.D. Associate Dean College of Science, Texas A&M University Carmen Velasquez Director of Student Engagement and Retention Palo Alto College

3. SCIENCE SCHOLARS PROGRAM: A National Science Foundation (NSF) funded effort to increase the number of students receiving bachelor's degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). . National Science Foundation: Scholarships in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics DUE-0728685 - $597,435

4. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: • The Science Scholars Program has the following objectives: • Build collaboration with Palo Alto College to increase number of STEM majors transferring to TAMU. • Increase matriculation of academically talented, traditionally underrepresented minority transfer students from Palo Alto College. • Use best practices from established first generation in college freshman programs to build similar learning communities for transfer students from Palo Alto College. • Increase retention and graduation rates of STEM students transferring to TAMU through this program. • Increase the involvement of underrepresented students in undergraduate research.

5. PALO ALTO TO TEXAS A&M: 180 miles/approx 3hrs: Distance from PAC to TAMU

6. PALO ALTO COLLEGE: • Established in 1983 • Campus opened its doors in 1987 • Originally built on 111 acres and served 2,050 students • Currently 146 acres and serving over 9,000 students

7. PALO ALTO COLLEGE STUDENTS:

8. PALO ALTO COLLEGE : • Top Reasons Students attend Palo Alto College • Proximity to home • Affordability • Small, student friendly environment • Growing STEM majors • Active Student Clubs – Tri Beta Biological Honors Society, Society of Future Engineers • Increase in STEM tutoring centers • Rigorous science and math programs

9. PALO ALTO COLLEGE : • TOP 5 Transfer Institutions • Texas A&M University – San Antonio • University of Texas at San Antonio • Texas State University – San Marcos • St. Mary’s University – San Antonio • University of the Incarnate Word – San Antonio

10. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY:

11. FIRST STEPS: • Articulation Agreement – December 2006 • Campus Administration Program Coordination – point of contact at PAC and TAMU STEM Faculty Advisors Financial Aid Offices • Alignment of Degree Plans – Coursework Introductory Biology Inorganic Chemistry Organic Chemistry Physics Math

12. RECIPIENTS: • Up to $10,000 in scholarship funding per year per student • 2 yr/4 yr – Associate’s – Bachelor’s Science • 2 yr/5 yr – Associate’s – Bachelor’s Engineering • Participate in Learning Community at PAC and TAMU • Limited work hours • Research Opportunities

13. RECRUITMENT Target Audience: • Incoming Freshmen to PAC – min. Math SAT 550, top 10% of high school class, participate in Campus Connections/PAC Access Point • Existing PAC students min. 3.0 GPA , STEM majors • Interest in transferring to TAMU to complete bachelor’s degree in STEM • Financial Aid Eligibility – complete FAFSA Recruited by: • Recruitment Socials – Student Center info tables • Campus Fliers • Recruitment Letter sent to qualified students • Identified by STEM faculty members • Financial Aid office • TAMU Prospective Student Center in San Antonio

14. PROGRAMTO DATE: • 20 students selected as Science Scholars • 17 Science Scholars have transferred to Texas A&M University • 3 students from first cohort graduated in spring 2011

15. PROGRAM COMPONENTS: beginning at Palo Alto • Science Scholars Banquet/Orientation • AggiE-folio – web-based electronic portfolio Study Schedules – course/exams Math Skills Critical Thinking Technology Skills Writing/Communication Skills Leadership/Extracurricular • Student Learning Center Hours • PAC-TAMU shared advising • Limited work schedules

16. ESSENTIAL TRANSITION COMPONENTS: • Student/family visits to Texas A&M University Transfer Information Day Aggieland Saturday • Student Support – Non-traditional Students Students with families and children Single parent Spouse relocation Veterans – contacts on campus, medical care

17. TAMUSCIENCESCHOLARSORIENTATION Held in August – beginning of academic year Attendees: All Scholars – current and new to TAMU Welcome and Introductions – all Student Panel – current scholars What I wish I had known as I entered TAMU? What was the biggest challenge I faced transitioning? What was the most helpful thing I discovered to help with my transition and academic success? Q&A Life in Aggieland – Getting Around Backpack of goodies Campus resources Facebook Timetables on foot Living arrangements Campus layout Bus Routes Maps of the community Lunch/Network – find out something you didn’t already know about someone Academics Courses in degree plans Progress towards degree Scholarship timetable (expires in two years) Study Skills Schedules – schedules – schedules!! Identify possible study groups Plans for weekend travel - impact on study time, caution when driving, etc. Input from current scholars - study skills, groups and tips

18. LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY: • On campus living – Residence Halls • Off campus living • Monthly Science Scholars Meetings • Facebook • Socials • Fall – Spring Socials for Scholars • Before Final Exams Social • Graduation Celebrations • Student Organizations • Rec Center

19. MONTHLYMEETINGS • All Scholars – Fall and Spring • Food • Semester Timelines - Deadlines • Q-drops • Mapping of Schedules • Agenda – Topics – Resources • Student Counseling Services • Career Center • Research Opportunities • LSAMP • Graduate School • Professional School

20. ADVISING • Departmental Advisors • Advising monthly through program • One size does not fit all • 2+2 – 2+3 • Multiple Majors – across Colleges • Excess Credit Hours • Pathways to graduation and career pursuit • Peer Advising: Schedules/Combination of Classes Selection/Insight of Professors Study Groups Transition

21. Transfer Shock • GPR • Other Issues • Homesick • Death • Legal • Veterans Affairs • Community

22. RESEARCH EXPERIENCES • Depth of knowledge through experience • Different from books – real world applications • Exposure to graduate education • Poster Competitions • Additional support through grant opportunities - LSAMP, awards, fellowships

23. LESSONS LEARNED • Recruitment challenging • Campus Admission • Rewards for CC partner • Alignment of plans and obtaining Associate’s Degree • Learning Community at CC • No established program for all other transfers on campus • Excess Credit Hours • Data Collection