Underprepared Students Project Plans 2000-2002

MVCC Institutional Priority:

• Expand and integrate programs, services and access to ensure the success of underrepresented and underserved students.

Outcomes:

• Assessed and expanded programs and services to support underprepared students:

• Placement Testing Program - all new full-time students are required to complete placement tests in writing, reading, and mathematics. Implemented a computerized Assessment and Testing Center.

• Orientation Program - all new full-time students are required to attend the orientation program. The programs is offered with a computerized component for easier access. Students are able to refer back to the Web site to review important information.

• COL-101 - all new full-time students are required to enroll in and complete the COL-101 course. The course is a continuation of the required orientation program and provides students with a faculty mentor, 

• Early Warning Support System - all faculty are contacted to identify students who are having attendance or academic progress problems. Students are contacted to

• Standards of Academic Progress - all students with grade point average below 2.0 are required to meet with a counselor to discuss success strategies.

TRIO

• DREAM: Direct Results Through Educational and Academic Mentoring - a program for minority students sponsored by the Multicultural Student Affairs department.

• PASS: Programs for Academic Support and Success - sponsored by the Counseling and Career Development Center, the program includes workshops on stress management, test anxiety, learning styles, problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking. Additional study skills workshops are offered through a partnership with the Academic Skills Center.

• Student Support Services - a variety of services are available to student with special needs. These include:
  Diagnostic Testing Program - students who suspect a learning disability can request testing from a diagnostician.
  High School Transition Meetings - the Center for Disability Services staff meet with high school counselors/teachers to discuss the needs of special-needs students who will enroll at Moraine Valley.
  Learning Disabled Support Group - students with identified learning or physical disabilities can participate in a group that charts their academic, personal, and social needs on campus.

In progress/Planned: 

• Investigating the use of a writing sample for reading and writing assessment and placement.

• Investigating the use of a student needs assessment.

• Investigate the use of diagnostic testing to replace screening instruments and to develop modularized instruction.

• Investigate methods to better assess and place an increasing second language population in the district.