Tyler Junior College
Tyler Junior College wants to pursue student success goals systematically.
With Achieving the Dream, it will:
- Improve developmental mathematics education outcomes by implementing alternative instructional design methods, diagnostic testing, expanded lab facilities, an Early Alert system, midterm grade reports, a Student Success Course required for those enrolled in lower-level developmental math, and Supplemental Instruction;
- Develop a comprehensive New Student Experience by creating Freshman Interest Groups to connect first-time-in-college (FTIC) students with those possessing similar interests; a refresher course for the college’s mandatory placement test; a College Orientation Course, which aims to help students transition successfully into the college lifestyle; and intrusive academic advising/faculty mentoring for disadvantaged students;
- Implement a strategic professional development program via Professional Development for Student Success, focused on developing mentorship skills and improving interactions with students to improve equity; and
- Broaden the college's work with partner organizations and institutions to improve student success.
The college's intensive summer program with the Tyler Literacy Council is an example of the partnerships the college hopes to incorporate in a student success agenda. Other steps the college has taken to facilitate student success include reorganizing departments to improve the alignment of faculty and resources. The college is also beginning a strategic planning process that uses data more fully. In addition to Achieving the Dream, TJC is also involved with the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which is a component of the reaffirmation process for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS/COC). QEP is an opportunity for the TJC to enhance overall quality and effectiveness by focusing on an issue the college considers important to improving student learning, that is, reading comprehension.
Tyler Junior College (TJC), founded in 1926, offers more than 60 concentrations for associate’s degrees and certificates. Facilities at its 90-acre main campus in the east Texas city of Tyler include residence halls accommodating 1,000 students. The college has a history of fielding national competitive athletic teams in various sports. Its marching band and precision dance team, the Apache Belles, have performed at national sports events. TJC has alumni chapters in Texas' largest cities, in New York City, and in California.
In Fall 2009, the college had 11,045 students; 37% were students of color. Of the Achieving the Dream cohort entering TJC in Fall 2009, 62% placed into at least one developmental course. Seventy-one percent of all students enrolled at the college in Fall 2009 received financial aid.
The Achieving the Dream Model
Achieving the Dream community colleges commit to our Student-Centered Model of Institutional Improvement. Based on four principles, the model frames the overall work of helping more students, particularly low- income students and students of color, stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree.
Each college approaches the work differently, but Achieving the Dream’s five-step process provides practical guidelines for keeping the focus where it belongs and building momentum over time. Throughout the process, Achieving the Dream coaches offer customized support and help each college’s core team implement data-informed programs and policies that build long-term, institution-wide commitment to student success.
