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TCC President Bill Law welcomed the students to the kickoff event, where they received information about the initiative as well as a Dream Big messenger bag, containing a school planner, coupons for student union vendors and information from the financial aid office. One lucky attendee was awarded a $50 gift card from the campus bookstore. Attendees also enjoyed a Southwestern buffet and live entertainment by a local salsa dance troupe. Before the end of the event, students had the opportunity to learn salsa steps or use available computers to complete their initial online assessments.
Also in the fall, TCC introduced its Collaborative Success Initiative (CSI), a proactive approach to helping students accomplish the goals that drew them to the college. Through the collaborative efforts of Dream Big, the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Academic Affairs, the program is intended to decrease course withdrawal rates by increasing student campus engagement and providing students with appropriate resources early in their college experience.
Student affairs professionals were paired with faculty members who teach courses with traditionally high withdrawal rates. The courses identified for the fall 2005 initiative were MAT 1033 (Intermediate Algebra) and ENC 0020 (College Prep English). The student affairs staff members served as campus contacts for 119 students enrolled in these classes, keeping in touch throughout the semester via individual meetings, student referrals and monthly e-mailed newsletters. Student affairs staff also worked with faculty members to help develop strategies to integrate engagement and retention activities into their courses.
For more information, contact Alice Maxwell, director of communications and public information, maxwella@tcc.fl.edu.
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