Retention Specialist to Help “High Risk” Students Complete LPN and RN Programs

1. Retention Specialist to Help “High Risk” Students Complete LPN and RN Programs Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

2. Introductions: Staff /Departments/Roles Math, Science, Engineering, and Health Professions Gloria Dimoplon, Ph.D. Dean of Math, Science, Engineering, and Health Professions Phyllis D. Thomson, M.S., R.N. Associate Dean of Health Professions/Grant Administrator Instruction and Student Services Sharon D. Baker, Psy.D Assistant Dean of College-Wide Retention Beverly Felder, RN, MPA Retention Specialist Corporate and Continuing Education Wendy Breitmayer, B.S. Director of Workforce Transitions Judy Burman, B.A. Workforce Transitions Adult Program Coordinator Finance and Administration Kim Wagner , MBA Assistant Controller Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

3. ECC’s Nursing Program • Program status • Retention in nursing program • CSSI Grant is a multifaceted strategic support/retention program for nursing students Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

4. CSSI Grant Critical Project Activities/milestones • Provide personal and supportive advising services to students to address factors impacting college retention and success • Coordinate educational support services (academic, financial, personal, and career-related assistance) for students in collaboration with staff, faculty, administration, and community agencies • Provide linkages to college and community resources for eligible students Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

5. Implementation Overview • Identify eligible students (Feb. – Aug. , 2005) • Hire a Retention Specialist (April 2005) • Grant modification (October, 2005) • Assess students needs (Ongoing) • Provide services (Ongoing) Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

6. CSSI Grant Goals20-30 total students • Within the first 6 months, support services will result in a 5% increase (1-2) in the number of LPN/RN students retained • Within the second 6 months, support services will result in an additional 5% increase (2-4) in the number of LPN/RN students retained • Target students : WIA adult, dislocated workers and incumbent workers in the nursing program • Served 22 total students Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

7. Funding • Total funding - $145,000 • CSSI Grant: $100,000 • Leveraged funds: $45,000 • Project Dates- February 2005-June 2006 • Local contact Chicago Metropolitan Workforce Board  Workforce Board of N. Cook County Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

8. Leveraged Funds: Sources • Federal Financial Assistance Grants • Elgin Community College Education Fund • State funded grant programs • N. Cook County Workforce Board Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

9. Leverage Funds: Uses • Staff Time (Administrators/Student Intake) • Pell and SEOG financial aid assistance • Office space, equipment, and student services departments Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

10. Implementation • Informational Letter to Students • Telephone Pre-Screening • Return Call • Assessment • Appointment • Intake Paperwork • WIA • Assessment test • Assess Eligibility • Enter into State system • Career Advising/Job Development • Vouchering Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

11. Workforce Transitions Authorization Sign-In Sheet Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

12. Services Offered • Initial Needs Assessment • Educational Support • Financial Assistance • Career Development • Personal Support • Follow up Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

13. Initial Needs Assessment • Educational Assessment • Financial Assessment • Personal Assessment • Disabilities Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

14. Educational Support • Tutoring • Workshops • Time Management • Study Skills • Test Taking Skills • Budgeting • Reading a Textbook • Customer Service Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

15. Financial Assistance • Supplies (Stethoscope) • Testing Fees • Childcare • Tuition • Books • Uniforms • CPR certification • Drug screens • TB testing • Transportation Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

16. Career Development • Resume Writing • Interviewing Techniques • Job Searches • Scope of Practice • Relationship Development Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

17. Personal Support • Kleenex • Chocolate • Empathy • Referrals • Counselor • Community Services Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

18. Communication • Regular “touch-base” contact • Follow through on questions • Visibility/Availability • Newsletters Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

19. Documentation • Needs Assessment Form • Spreadsheet • Financial • Hours • Tracking • Case Notes • IWDS Tracking System Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

20. CSSI Contact Spreadsheet Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

21. CSSI Contact Spreadsheet Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

22. Assessment Retention Academic Performance Degree completion Persistence Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

23. Successes • 95% retention rate • 91% success rate • 4 students passed LPN exams • 3 students qualified for RN exam • 5 students qualified for LPN exam • 4 expected graduates • Position will receive institutional funding • Student success stories Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

24. Challenges/Future Plans • Ambiguity – roles/processes/approval (Beverly) • New territory (Sharon) • Departments/staff/campuses (Sharon) • Partnerships (Phyllis) • Intake (Judy) • Leveraged funds (Kim) Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006

25. Questions And Answers Triton College Presentation April 7, 2006