MCLite Pilot Program at Midland College...
(Midland College Learning Initiative to Excel)

Title V / Basic Skills / Plato / Curriculum Technology / Intervention / MCLite / Tracking

Fall 2004 MCLite program
This pilot program was a collaborative effort, begun March 2004, by the Enrollment Management Committee in conjunction with Developmental Studies and Title V to design an intervention program to help THEA vulnerable students be more successful in their coursework and encourage student retention. These students were selected from the JumpStart early orientation sessions.

Over the past three years, the JumpStart cohort of students have been studied in an effort to identify some specific predictors of success and for retention. As a result of this study, it was apparent that those students who had failed two sections of the THEA test had a high probability of being unsuccessful in obtaining an acceptable passing grade of (2.0) gpa and /or in completing their courses. Thus, resulting in a lower retention rate for that group over other groups in the JumpStart cohort.

With the assistance of Tony Morrow, Director and developer of the Student Success Program at Abilene Christian University, a pilot program was created for volunteer students to receive added attention designed to combine a variety of supportive services in a very personalized fashion. Mr. Morrow visited our campus two times and was involved in meetings with the Enrollment Management Committee, Developmental Studies, Academic Coaches, Faculty, Staff and Administrators at Midland College.

First key element of the MCLite Program was the assignment of an Academic Coach with whom the student would have weekly contact. The services provided through academic coaching are a combination of mentoring, tutoring, advising and orientation to campus life. The Academic Coaches have been selected because of qualities which exemplify strong interpersonal skills and reputations which show a strong commitment to student success and retention.

Second key element of the MCLite program was a one hour course designed to create a successful college experience. The class introduced specific strategies that would help prepare the students for college classes, determine educational goals, identify personal strengths in learning, and career interests, and exposure to programs offered at Midland College. Guest speakers from the faculty and staff at Midland College assisted students in learning about the resources available. Involvement with campus sponsored and community events helped the student connect to the college community.

Three times during the course of the semester the student was required to have a personal interview with each of their instructors. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the student to the instructor, have the instructor provide some feed back concerning what is expected and what makes a successful student in their courses and to provide a written progress report from the instructor.

What tangible rewards did the students receive for completion of the course?
Received a $200.00 scholarship for books for their spring semester 2005
Participated in early registration for Spring classes

After the college census date, the MCLite class (SSP 0101) had 22 individuals enrolled to participate in the pilot program. Two classes sessions were taught on the same day in order to accommodate the day and evening students. There were 8 Academic Coaches chosen to be our mentors for these students. Each coach started with 2 or three students. At the end of the semester, there were 17 students who completed the program. Reasons for the students withdrawing from MCLite, were varied. Some decided they did not have time to do this, with their jobs outside of school time. Two students were dropped for non-attendance in the class and lack of communication requirements with their Academic Coach.

Surveys from the MCLite students about the program.
1. When asked, “How helpful was the MCLite program in passing your other courses this semester of college?” 87 % of those surveyed = it was helpful
2. When asked, “How much did the MCLite program help you know where to go to get assistance in the college environment?” 100% of those gave a positive response
3. When asked, “Did their Academic Coach provide the support they needed to be successful in college?” 100% responded = yes

Other Comments:
“My Academic Coach was great. She listened and was willing to help. The Instructor in my MCLite class is great too.”
“MCLite has made me become more involved in activities around Midland College. It helps me keep a daily planner.”
“MCLite gives me a more personal acquaintance with my teachers and an advantage in my school work.”

Comments from the Academic Coaches survey:
What was the strongest aspect of the MCLite program?
“showing the students the college cared about them.”
“establishing relationships”
“support system comprised of instructors, coaches and peers”

MCLite Student Success Program
Cohort: all THEA liable JumpStart students who did not participate in MCLite
THEA Liable students in Summer 2004 Jump Start – 112 students
MCLite participants from day 1 enrollment [25 students] not census day of 22 students)
Retention
100% of students who completed the MCLite pilot returned to MC spring semester
65% of the cohort returned for Spring 2005
Passing Students
83% of MCLite students earned 2.0-4.0 GPA
44% of cohort THEA vulnerable (excluding MCLite students) failed to meet the college standard of 2.0 GPA (which results in Academic Probation)
Hours earned – Full Time students (12-22 hrs.)
75% of MCLite students earned 12 hours or more
39% of cohort (THEA vulnerable w/o MCLite students) earned 12 – 22 hrs.

Spring 2005 Semester – MCLite program
After discussions with the MCLite Facilitator Team, Tony Morrow’s evaluation (consultant from Abliene Christian University)of the Fall program, and Academic Coaches a new pilot for MCLite was developed. It is presently a 2 hour course meeting twice a week.
One Instructor is teaching study strategies with an emphasis on application of these strategies (same Instructor who taught the Fall semester course). Professors from 3 core curriculum subjects discussing with our students – what study strategies they would suggest for their particular discipline. An Academic Coach will mentor each student. There are no tangible incentives (scholarship, tuition paid)