210 likes | 280 Views
Insights into Transfers to Tigers Mentoring Program. Presented by: Haley Hamam Will Classen. Meet the Presenters. Haley Hamam Director of Transfer Council Senior, B.A. Political Science Will Classen Associate Director of Transfer Council Junior, B.S. Economics . Today’s Program.
E N D
Insights into Transfers to Tigers Mentoring Program Presented by: Haley Hamam Will Classen
Meet the Presenters • Haley Hamam • Director of Transfer Council • Senior, B.A. Political Science • Will Classen • Associate Director of Transfer Council • Junior, B.S. Economics
Today’s Program • About Clemson • Transfer Population • Transfer Council • An Overview and Our Role • Transfers to Tigers • How It Works • Why It Works • Accomplishments • Implementation on Your Campus • Questions and Comments
Clemson University: A Brief History • Land-grant institution founded in 1889 through the will of Thomas Green Clemson • Clemson offers 380 organizations for students • Our core values are: • honestly • integrity • respect • Clemson believes in academic excellence and providing student’s with a social atmosphere conducive to higher learning
Clemson: Our Town • Clemson University is located in the upstate of South Carolina at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the shores of Lake Hartwell • Clemson is set in a small college town that attracts students looking for a strong sense of community, school spirit and a love of winning – in academics, in athletics, and in life
Clemson by the Numbers • Freshman-Sophomore Retention Rate: 90.5% • Transfer Student Retention Rate: 85.8% • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1 • Number of transfer students enrolled in Fall 2010: 1058 • Top Ranking in “Clemson Town-Gown Relations” by 2011 Princeton Review • Top Ranking of “Jock Schools” by 2011 Princeton Review • 1st rated Best Value in Public Universities in South Carolina by Kiplinger’s magazine in 2009 • 3rd ranking for Alumni Giving and Participation among National Universities • 5th ranking “our happiest students” by 2011 Princeton Review • 13th ranking of Accounting Program among Public Institutions • Ranked 23rd public institution by US News and World Report
Our Transfer Population • Transfer students represent approximately 30% of new students each academic year • Bridge to Clemson Program • In-state and Out-of-state four-year institutions • Technical colleges
Transfer Council’s Role • To provide new transfer students an outlet through student government to voice concerns and opinions • To provide specific programming to support the academic needs unique to transfer students • Transfers to Tigers Mentoring Program created as a committee
Transfers to Tigers Mentoring Program • Offers a way for new transfer students to get answers to questions through a relaxed approach • Mentors and mentees are matched as compatible through applications that identify their interests • Connects past transfer students with new transfers and makes them feel like a part of the Clemson family
A Few Stats • First active year: Fall 2009 • Approximately 700 mentees in Fall 2010 • Approximately 150 mentees in Spring 2011
Mission: Transition • Academic program TC presents that is a required component for transfer students • Applications distributed and filled out during program • Mentors and mentees matched the next day
Mock Presentations • Our Transfers to Tigers Committee Chairs speak at summer orientation to all parents of the incoming transfer students • Then, at extended orientation (the day before classes begin), the transfer students hear about this program
Mentors and theirResponsibilities • Volunteer-based • Receives training Each Semester • Attend Monthly Meetings • New Incentive Program • Weekly E-mails to mentees
Why It Works • Peer to peer (transfer to transfer) • Honest answers that a student values • Mentors and mentees matched by interests so advice is always tailored • Mentors genuinely want to help • Committee Chairs are very passionate about this program • Mentee participation is completely voluntary so if they are using the program, they really value the service
Data Compilation • Mentors update log weekly • Google Spreadsheet log can be accessed, edited, and evaluated easily • Opportunity to reflect on data
Accomplishments • Increase in mentees and mentors • Received some funding • Data shows that mentees are getting answers to both academic and social questions • Mentees are finding ways to be involved
Our Goals • Begin mentor/mentee contact in the summer prior to enrollment • Make application available online (Clemson’s and CUSG Website) • Publish mentor e-mail address • Create informative video and new brochures • Connect with college advisors
Our Challenge To You • Bring this idea back to students on your campus • Encourage your transfer students to become more involved on campus, more proactive with the decisions that directly effect them • Empower transfer students to feel that they are part of your University’s family from their first day on campus • Need help getting started? E-mail us!! • Haley: hhamam@clemson.edu • Will: wclasse@clemson.edu