“When students participating in focus groups
are asked if they ever have considered dropping out
of college, many students say they have. And when
asked what helped them stay in college, students’
answers, almost without exception, are about relationships.
They talk about a specific person, whom they mention
by name – a faculty member, an advisor, an
administrative support professional – who inspired
them to stay.”
Dr. Kay McClenney, Director
SENSE – Survey of Entering Student Engagement
The Critical First Three Weeks. 14 Ideas from
the VPTL and the SENSE Advisory Team.
"Engaging Today's Students: It's All About Relationships". A powerpoint from the Richland College Student Engagement Workshop, August 17, 2009. Mary Darin
MetLife Starting Right Focus Groups. The report of focus groups conducted Oct 14-15, 2008 to gather information about the perspectives and experiences related to first term community college students. Groups of students, faculty, and student services professional were interviewed.
Seven Steps to Success: Enrolling at Richland College. A one page brochure designed to guide new students through the challenging steps of getting through the enrollment process.
Student Online Orientation. For New-to-College students. Includes "What Makes Richland Unique" video, campus map, college directory. Divided into 7 sections: Getting Started, What's Next, Be Successful, Student Services, Get Connected, College Resources, Student Responsibilities.
Office of Student Life. Many, many ways to get involved at Richland: Art exhibits and receptions, intramural sports, speakers and performers, student clubs, student government, and Leadership Richland.
Learn about Core Classes. A brief powerpoint explaining the core curriculum to students. Pursuing the core can provide a sense of purpose and direction to course work.
Did You Know? Video. An 8 minute YouTube video designed to stimulate conversations about our changing world. Discuss online at the Shift Happens wiki.
Richland Student Learning Outcomes. The newly completed statement of what Richland students should know and be able to do when they finish Richland (+ attitudes) Also Known as Linking Soul to Role in Building Sustainable Local and World Community.
Center for Tutoring and Learning Connections. Students can learn about available tutoring services, study skills workshops, and the various Science Corner opportunities.
2009-2010 Strategic Planning Retreat Report : Student Engagement. A report of significant accomplishments, major goals and activities, and challenges for student engagement at Richland. Includes information on the Achieving the Dream Institute held in Austin, April 2009.
GREEEN Richand Commons. Presented as a mindmap, this document attempts to lay out some of the ways in which Richland learners are being engaged in building a world of characterized by social, economic, and environmental justice (The Triple Bottom Line).