Student Advising Committee Survey Results Spring 2006 and Spring 2008

1. Student Advising CommitteeSurvey ResultsSpring 2006 and Spring 2008 SAC Members: Kim Bettelyoun, Jean Reeves, Karen Lone Hill, Georgia Rooks, Elizabeth Gibbons

2. Number who responded Spring 2006 Spring 2008 Students 100 Faculty 26 Center Directors 4 Counselors 6 • Students 113 • Faculty 23 • Center Directors 6 • Counselors 9

3. Students

4. StudentsHow many times have you met with your advisor this semester? 2006 2008 One Time 10.1% Two Times 14.1% Three Times 10.1% Four or More Times 19.2% I have not met with my advisor this semester 21.2% I do not know who my advisor is 27.3% • One Time 12.4% • Two Times 10.6% • Three Times 9.7% • Four or More Times 38.1% • I have not met with my advisor this semester 11.5% • I do not know who my advisor is 21.2%

5. StudentsWho has helped you the most during your college career? 2006 2008 Center Director 25.5% Center Counselor 52.0% Instructor 35.7% Family 36.7% Friends 28.6% • Center Director 27.9% • Center Counselor 56.8% • Instructor 42.3% • Family 48.6% • Friends 33.3%

6. StudentsWhat was your first contact with OLC like? 2006 2008 Really Friendly 39.0% Positive 53.0% Helpful 48.0% Hopeful 30.0% Exciting 25.0% Cold 5.0% Distant 9.0% Stressful 8.0% Depressing 6.0% None of the above 2.0% Other 4.0% • Really Friendly 46.4% • Positive 57.1% • Helpful 49.1% • Hopeful 27.7% • Exciting 28.6% • Cold 2.7% • Distant 8.9% • Stressful 11.6% • Depressing 2.7% • None of the above 3.6% • Other 7.1%

7. StudentsHow do you feel about the college at this point in time? 2006 2008 Really Friendly 33.0% Positive 55.0% Helpful 40.0% Hopeful 39.0% Exciting 33.0% Cold 3.0% Distant 13.0% Stressful 15.0% Depressing 9.0% None of the above 1.0% Other 3.0% • Really Friendly 38.4% • Positive 68.8% • Helpful 38.4% • Hopeful 44.6% • Exciting 29.5% • Cold 0.9% • Distant 7.1% • Stressful 13.4% • Depressing 3.6% • None of the above 4.5% • Other 8.9%

8. StudentsHow do you rate the advising at OLC? 2006 2008 Excellent 29.3% Good 31.3% Fair 27.3% Poor 13.1% • Excellent 36.0% • Good 37.8% • Fair 15.3% • Poor 12.6%

9. Faculty

10. FacultyHow many students have you formally advised this semester? 2006 2008 One to five 38.5% Six to ten 15.4% More than ten 34.6% I have not formally advised any students this semester 11.5% I do not know who my advisees are 7.7% • One to five 21.7% • Six to ten 26.1% • More than ten 26.1% • I have not formally advised any students this semester 26.1% • I do not know who my advisees are 4.3%

11. FacultyHow would you rate the advisement process of students at OLC? 2006 2008 Excellent 3.8% Good 26.9% Fair 42.3% Poor 26.9% • Excellent 4.3% • Good 8.7% • Fair 34.8% • Poor 52.2%

12. FacultyWhat suggestions would you make to improve students advising at OLC? 2006 2008 Certain students should be assigned to specific teachers Maybe the students could choose the advisor they wanted. Update Jenzebar with current advisee lists Formalize the process. I am not sure what if anything can be done to improve things College Center Orientation and advising choice and /or assignment for students. There needs to be better communication between the district centers and the academic departments. Consistency in Jenzabar Have the classes available that the students need and not put them in classes that they don't need just to make twelve hours. Another Jenzebar training with faculty and Registrar to identify any difficulties with finding advisees records. • Have faculty work with the district staff • Assign students to a specific faculty member • Have the faculty member's signature or approval a requirement for registering • Have counselors focus on issues specific to the student staying in school • Have faculty focus on issues specific to staying on track in a specific program. • Faculty should be involved with and aware of scholarship applications, award recognitions, and pending graduations for all students • Students need to forge a relationship with faculty so they can begin to take responsibility for their education. • One day needs to be set up for most centers for each department- and the student need to know that they NEED TO BE THERE for advising. If they can't make it on that day, then maybe they need call that department to speak with someone from that department and not the counselors at the centers • We shouldn't be having counselors advise students to negotiate grades • The institution should create a clear set of procedures for faculty and staff to follow • Advising should take place in the academic departments...especially for students taking upper division courses. • Advising needs to be scheduled over a several week period about two-thirds of the way through the semester. • Advising should not be done during registration time and the next semester's course schedule needs to be available during advising • Complete academic advising throughout the semester, not just at registration time

13. Directors

14. DirectorsHow do you rate the advising at OLC? 2006 2008 Excellent 0.0% Good 50.0% Fair 25.0% Poor 25.0% • Excellent 0.0% • Good 20.0% • Fair 80.0% • Poor 0.0%

15. DirectorsHow would you improve the advising process? What suggestions do you have? 2006 2008 We need to utilize our Jenzabar software to it's maximum capability faculty for the most part do not know the software and don't know how to register students let alone look at the other information available have faculty advisors meet with their students at least once a semester, particularly those who have completed their core maybe the center staff can work with students until they are done with the Core and then faculty can get involved. Advise, have advisors meet with advisee often make an effort to get to know them Maybe it would be best if they weren't given a department advisor until they reach a certain credit hour toward their degree. Leave advising to center staff until they have so many hours or are accepted into a degree program. Dept chairs need to find if students are majoring in their dept. Send a letter to them and by mid semester sit down with the students and review requirement or questions they may have. I think we'll be assigning our students to work either directly with counselor or director. during registration week-it's awfully busy to the point where some of our students are 'falling through the cracks' and are being left out on vital scholarship & other financial matters develop a checklist to go by with each student to ensure that each receives optimal assistance, hence maintaining retention. • Each student should be assigned an advisor and communicate with that advisor two times each semester. If the advisor attempts to make contact and gets no response then it is up to Center staff to follow up. • Some departments are better than others. • I would like to see a more coordinated effort between the counselor, director and the advisees. Maybe ensure that a person from each department is at the center during registration. • coordinating and working as a team so that we can better serve our students • not place them in classes they do not necessarily need right now unless there are no other classes available. • Find out right away the following from students, Their financial aid status, If they were able to travel, Check their record to find out the student is a 'weak' or strong student, Follow course of study, Encourage them to stay in school • At our center here we have our students listed under majors they listed • if even once during the semester if advisors for that dept can contact us and we can set up a day for both to come together.

16. DirectorsWhat do you think of the counseling process in your center? 2006 2008 I think we do Ok. But we do not have one on one contact with each of our students. We catch a lot of them during pre-registration, but some students are very independent and have their schedule planned well in advance. We need to do more out reach. It is good, have to get more information out to students though. Have to ask what they want and help them to work for it. Need to have them buy into their education they need to feel they own it and have a say. They need training. Counselor's have not had any type of training for years. We just assume they all know how to do what is required by their job descriptions. I think our Counselor gets bogged down with too much, although she is great at what she does and seems to be handling it well. I think once we start the student assigning process, we'll be able to assist more students and be more efficient. • students were placed in courses they had already completed satisfactorily • more diligence in updating status sheets would help. • The Counseling process works well in our center • counselors each take a portion of the alphabet and they keep those students/alphabet throughout the students college career. Adds for stability and continuity. • the actual counseling efforts are not as strong as I would like, this is because the counselors are not trained to actually counsel students other then show them their files, and what classes they need to take each semester. • The counselor is somewhat reserved and chose to not fully involve herself with the students, she does not trust them and does not know them away from work. • The counselor provides adequate information as needed when it pertains to the college, financial aid, registrar, scholarships, etc. • She maintains her record-keeping very well and kept them up-to-date; stays on top of requirements in paperwork. • She does need to improve greatly in working with the Student Organization not just sit in on their meetings. • She does not like to listen to personal matters of the students. • I think we can all do a better job and look for alternative ways also to serve our students. Here we met bi-weekly and discuss what works and what doesn't work.

17. DirectorsHow would you improve the counseling process? Suggestions? 2006 2008 require students to meet with either center staff or faculty before they are allowed to register Have some type of controls in the software to provide the permissions, showing that they have had a counseling session. Fine line to walk with students you want to help but not do everything for them. They need to be held responsible. But still shown the best way to get things done. Teach them the skills that will best make them successful in college but also let them work at it themselves Find trainings for them in academic advising, motivating students, career assessment, guidance training, life skills coaching. Childcare seems to be a problem, during or prior to reg week, we need to contact students that we know have children and provide childcare assistance applications and follow-up so that when classes do start, childcare won't be a big problem. I think by offering other options to students would be helpful to them. Like looking at other majors/minors. • I guess maybe if center staff is not real sure about advising they could maybe sit with the advisor and the student. • the advisor and the counselor(center staff) could have the schedule planned out in advance. • Setting deadlines for work to be completed, which we are trying to implement is essential so that no one lags behind and all student files are up to date at all times. • we need to get a general idea on what each students would like to do in the future, then go over the catalog and then look at all available options then register (this is for the freshmen students). • we need a real working tracking system which would allow all involved parties to open a file and say OK, this is where you have been, this is where you are at (have you decided on a major) the discuss where they are going. • Students feel out the center staff and talk to the one they feel they could trust. • It is important for center staff to be friendly to all who come to the center. • Counselors should encourage the students to handle their own affairs (there is a thin line with co-dependency), not via parents, etc. • Training for the counselors

18. Counselors

19. CounselorsHow do you rate the advising at OLC? 2006 2008 Excellent 16.7% Good 50.0% Fair 33.3% Poor 0.0% • Excellent 11.1% • Good 33.3% • Fair 33.3% • Poor 22.2%

20. CounselorsList the ways you actually assist students in your role as center counselor? 2006 2008 academically & w/financial aid go over status sheet with the students when you are scheduling courses for the next semester you find out what each student needs and then you advise the students of which classes are available Review catalog, pick a major, apply for pell & higher ed.,find classes and fix schedule online, start their status sheet, apply for scholarships online, apply for voc ed, using jeenzabar, using email, changes in schedule, applying for gas vouchers, inform them of extra curricular activities, attendance policy, notify to financial status, verify with their taxes, graduation applications, fees, and personal counseling, referring to other resources. assist the students in selecting the classes that they need to obtain their degree. if the student is a new student, ask what degree preference they are interested in get needed documents if they plan on attending advise them that they need to do a math placement, reading & writing placement in order for them to be placed in the appropriate course. assist them with a course verification, which shows them the courses they need for two semesters assist them with online registration Assist with Higher Ed, Scholarships and Financial Aid applications Assist them with Setting up email accounts assist them with not only everything that they need academically, but also listen to them if asked , about personal things that happen in life refer them to outside agencies for housing assistance, food stamps, daycare etc. • Go over their status sheet with them • let them know what classes they need to take • advise them to look at travel time/times of the classes/transportation issues • not to overwhelm themselves with alot of classes that require time and writing • Assist with financial aid such as the Pell, Higher Ed, Scholarships (both institutional and outside) • gather documents needed from both the registrar and financial aid offices regarding the students • assist with on-line (and paper) registration • maintain student files keeping them updated per semester • advise students on a needed basis. • assisting students in the academic and financial aid area • go through the student files more frequently • know what degree program their in and what classes are needed for them to graduate • Just be here for students who need help with anything • PICK-UP STUDENTS FOR CLASS OR RIDE HOME • NOTIFY STUDENT'S ON AIHEC ACTIVITIES • counselors provides student with certain tools needed • admissions • academic advising • orientation • student support • financial aid advising • preparation of financial aid applications • personal guidance including child care & transportation, housing, & attendance issues • facilitating communication between students & instructors • other assistance

21. CounselorsHow could your role as center counselor be improved? 2006 2008 Many student don't own vehicles and if i could pick up and transport a student to their classes it would be great. coordinate with the dept chairs on student needs as far as classes and make sure those students that need independent study or permission to take certain courses are completed in a timely manner during registration week. The advisors know their students and what their goals are If all those that assist the counselors to be competent in using jeenzabar, and being aware that Early entry students cannot travel to other centers or take upper level classes. My role as a counselor could be improved if their was another counselor available then I would have more time for each individual student. If we had more training as Counselors to improve in all area's of counseling & advising, we would improve especially in RETENTION for students • placement tests can be given to students prior to registration/if we were able to score them and advise them on which classes they can register for. • Department chairs to work closely with the counselors so that we can graduate students in a timely manner • department chairs to monitor students who are in their specific depts so that they will work with them from beginning to end • to have instructors/dept chairs accessible to students when they need grade changes/or to graduate • If a student has taken a course 3x then we should look at why that student(s) hasn't passed that course yet and make every effort possible to help that student • If I can't assist a student I always try to find an answer from another co-worker • Finding the time to work with a student one-on-one in helping them understand what their folders contain such as the status sheet, grade sheet, etc • improve by setting aside the time to work with each student and help them understand their educational plan/future. • Our role can be approved by getting more personal with the advisors so students do not get left out • More communication with the instructors so that they know that their students have been dropped or added. • Be a there to answer questions the best way possible and use the communications skills as a professional and help people as needed • ASSIST WITH ON-LINE REGISTRATION • BE MORE RESPECTIVE OF STUDENT PRIORITY • MONITOR STUDENT IMPROVEMENT • FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP BEGINNING OF SEMESTER • less pushing paper could improve more quality interaction with individual students

22. CounselorsWhat are the biggest issues that students face that keep them from being successful at OLC? 2006 2008 Transportation childcare students would drop mid-semester and they would come back following semester time computer time personal issues having a place to live employment Weather Expenses confidence that they can do it. financial situation no support from significant other addiction no aftercare alternative at all!!!! no extended family support no respect for lakota values must be taught by PARENTS! Being mis- advised Personal or financial issues • Money, Time, Transportation, Childcare • employment(leave time) • family issues • financial aid/probation/suspension • attendance • instructors who are willing to work with the student to be successful in college • motivation to keep up in school, poverty • lack of support from family/friends/etc • Certain instructors will use a grid and tell students that they aren't passing by midterm or close to finals...if they are gonna use a grid then I hope it is consistent with all the other instructors and if it isn't then I think that is a great disservice to our students. • Classes they need are not being offered at thier home centers • transferring to another center because the director and /or counselors don't assist the student • a class name changes and the student maybe took the class years ago, and come to find out, they are repeating that same class • Blaming! students are all adults, but they always tend to blame someone for their own mistakes, they jeopardize their own future • Students in need of financial assistance that, they drop all their classes. • It takes forever, I think thatswhats discourages them from coming back to school, especially the seniors that have to wait for their courses to be offered • freshman need more of a boost in understanding the policies, that are set for their benefit not ours • The online process needs to be smoother • students need to let counselors know of there problems such as tutoring, attendance, etc. • Need more tutors • if the teacher would be more understanding about issues that students have with work and families to make up classes • CHILD CARE, NO SUPPORT FROM SIGNIFICANT OTHER, ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE, DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY UNIT, NO LONG TERM GOALS, NO SELF-ESTEEM • childcare denials, gas money

23. How do you rate the advising at OLC? 2006 2008 Students Excellent 29.3% Good 31.3% Fair 27.3% Poor 13.1% Faculty Excellent 3.8% Good 26.9% Fair 42.3% Poor 26.9% Directors Excellent 0.0% Good 50.0% Fair 25.0% Poor 25.0% Counselors Excellent 16.7% Good 50.0% Fair 33.3% Poor 0.0% Students • Excellent 36.0% • Good 37.8% • Fair 15.3% • Poor 12.6% Faculty • Excellent 4.3% • Good 8.7% • Fair 34.8% • Poor 52.2% Directors • Excellent 0.0% • Good 20.0% • Fair 80.0% • Poor 0.0% Counselors • Excellent 11.1% • Good 33.3% • Fair 33.3% • Poor 22.2%