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Background
Dona Ana Branch Community College (DABCC) is the fastest-growing community college in New Mexico and the state’s third largest degree-granting institution. Created in 1971 as a branch campus of New Mexico State University, the college’s central campus in Las Cruces is contiguous to the state university’s campus.
The college’s remarkable expansion parallels a 97 percent growth in its Hispanic enrollment from 2,044 in Fall 1996 to 4,026 in Fall 2004. Total enrollment for DABCC is just over 6,000 students. The U.S. Department of Education has designated it a Hispanic-serving institution.
Achieving the Dream Goals
Data, including a dissertation study by the Mathematics and Physical Science Department chairman, suggest that tutoring, Pell grants and work-study help students persist. While Hispanic females have the college’s highest course passage rates; Hispanic males have the lowest. In response to these trends, DABCC intends to
- Improve passage rates in remedial courses (especially among Hispanic males in developmental math);
- Increase retention;
- Raise graduation rates.
To improve pass rates on placement tests, the college will offer math refresher courses prior to testing. Curriculum changes will incorporate supplemental instruction and service learning. Post-tests will be given at the end of each developmental math course. If these strategies are successful, they will be used in English and other courses that students have identified as difficult. Student orientation, financial aid outreach and mentoring will also be enhanced. The college will explore financial aid incentives to assist students with unmet need, and it will launch a marketing campaign to encourage students to complete their degrees.
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