Tool URL: http://libguides.lccc.wy.edu/FirstYearSeminar
Institution URL: http://www.lccc.wy.edu
NA
SETTING:
Two-year community college located in southeast Wyoming and serving a diverse student population on our main campus, satellite campuses, and online. Describes experience with the development and implementation of a 3-hour credit first-year seminar offered as a face-to-face, blended/hybrid, and online course.
Appropriate for two-year: Institutions
Two-Year Institution Size:
Appropriate for four-year: Institutions
Four-Year Institution Size:
Planning and developing content for a 3-credit hour first-year experience course for the purpose of student retention and program completion.
GOALS / EXPECTATIONS:
- Increase first-year student success, retention, and completion and encourage student engagement across the College
- Support the development of academic success skills and career goals for all students
- Support the intentional development of a campus support system for all students
Represents the curriculum deemed necessary for a first-year seminar that would provide the skills and foundation necessary for success as a student and life-long learner. Course competencies developed include: 1) evaluate how personal values, beliefs, and habits affect college learning and success, 2) employ teamwork and collaborative skills, 3) navigate support services vital to college success by creating intentional networks of personal relationships and resources 4) exhibit self-management, reading, study, and test-taking skills, 5) articulate the connection between aptitudes, academic plans, and career options as related to life goals, and 6) demonstrate information literacy skills.
MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS:Reports on student success rates for completing the first-year experience course. Longitudinal reports on student retention and completion. Surveys students immediately following course completion and at graduation.
FEATURES:
Instructors teaching this class must complete a two-day training session provided by LCCC’s Center for Teaching and Learning.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
- Assessment of information literacy skills using an institution-wide rubric for Information Literacy (ability to research and identify appropriate, credible resources and apply resources ethically)
- Assessment of problem solving skills through a portfolio consisting of reflection papers and selected assignments using institution-wide Problem Solving rubric (ability to analyze a task, apply tools, implement a plan, and reflect on its effectiveness)
- Assessment of collaboration skills through assignments completed in groups using the institution-wide Collaboration rubric (ability to foster teamwork, consider needs of stakeholders, and work toward a specific goal as part of a team)
ACHIEVED OUTCOMES:
This course is part of the general education requirements for degree seeking students at Laramie County Community College as of Fall 2016. Increased retention and completion rates are anticipated Spring 2016. Course implemented and offered to undeclared students Fall Semester 2014 and Spring Semester 2015.
IMPACTS:
Student retention and completion
- Support required for development of online first-year experience course
- Knowledge and expertise of LMS to create assignments and provide resources to students and instructors
- Value and importance of trained instructors
- Continuous review of content
- Continuous monitoring of data to determine program effectiveness, student retention and completion
RESOURCES AND COSTS NEEDED:
RESOURCES NEEDED
Instructors for teaching multiple sections, classrooms equipped with computers, existing personnel to provide expertise in both academics and student services; planning and implementation team, training sessions for instructors teaching first-year experience course; online course development expertise.
COSTS
Instructors and supplies - $50,000
Establishment of an advisory committee representing both academic and student services area; development of a video promoting course and explaining value from a student and instructor perspective; continuous improvement for online and hybrid course
LINKS:
NA
Karen Lange
Associate Dean
Laramie County Community College
1400 E College Dr
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007
Phone: 307-778-1204
Fax: 307-778-1399
Karen Lange
Associate Dean
Laramie County Community College
1400 E College Dr
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007
Phone: 307-778-1204
Fax: 307-778-1399