Committee Meetings and Minutes

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Success Equity Committee

Meeting Minutes

Current Status of Minutes: Draft
Date	August 8, 2012
Time	3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location	HBC 222

Members Present
Richard Armenta, Bethany Bell, Melissa Curtis, Judy Green, Charlotte Gullick, Marcus Jackson, Juan Molina, Teresa Moore, Ursula Pike, Cheryl Richard, Nicole Young
Guests Present
John Jacobs, Milton Gatewood

Item # 1:	Approval of Minutes
Presenter	Richard Armenta
Discussion	Due to a limited number of members in attendance, action on approval of the minutes was deferred to next meeting.

Item # 2:	Definition of Equity
Presenter	Richard Armenta
Discussion	Deferred to next meeting to allow more complete discussion

Item # 3:	Report from Cultural Competence Work Group
Presenter	Marcus Jackson
Discussion	Marcus reported on the work of the Cultural Competence Work Group and the visit the members had with Dr. Rhodes. There are multiple definitions of cultural competency or competence; and in large part the definition chosen depends on the emphasis a particular project may take. The Group has come to realize that cultural competence is an idea or effort perhaps larger than student success. Definition: recommended by the CCWG is that Cultural competence is the capacity to anticipate cultural needs and changes, recognize opportunity for equity and function, within the context of cultural differences. The committee administered a survey in which there were over 800 responses from faculty, staff, and students. All racial and ethnic groups were represented in the group of respondents. Data from the survey was presented to Shirley Gilbert along with student data from CCSSE, SENSE, and SSI. The CCWG Group recommended that ACC establish an Office of Cultural Competence, create as a permanent department, include cultural competence in college curriculum also collaborate with Student Life to offer classes in cultural competence, maybe in orientation, create a cultural competence workshop, In the workshop: " How do you measure the content or is it a process?". How I define myself To create institutional change, we have to build an aspect of self retrospection; causing people to reflect on the culture that we bring to the table. It is more than conveying history. Diversity, inclusion is the next step. Part of it is listening and creating a more positive experience. The college also uses data from SENSE and CESSE regarding how student feel about the college climate/environment. Someone asked why are surveys not done every semester? One possible factor is cost. In addition, surveys are alternated so as not to inundate students with surveys. Interesting results are that African American students report the highest rate of communication satisfaction yet the lowest success rates. Some issues include PELL eligibility, child care, should we ask questions to students about does the curriculum meeting their cultural needs. Much discussion ensued. Work of Cultural Competence Group has provided a construct of a way of looking at the interaction of cultures and has begun to suggest some theory about why some students succeed and some do not as related to institutional climate. The other question related to the specifics of where they falter, where they do not succeed: Is it the institutional culture, environment, and climate? Then where would it be the most effective to inoculate, treat, or help provide the tools? A key to help students involves attending to the priority of SSI. Dr. Rhodes is suggesting that the institution has already made a decision that we are going to look at some very specific indicators of student success such as success rates: passing certain classes, completing their certificates and programs, and improving the rate of progress through Dev Ed. Look at using the info from Cultural Competence Group to help us develop main topics to study. What are we specifically looking for? The strategies that need to be developed that are the focus. The committee agreed that If we know the data it will help us develop the strategies to impact success. Focusing on data as a way to get started and strategies those we may recommend will be the order of the day for us. Marcus has agreed to send a copy of the questions from the survey to SEC.

Item # 4:	4. Review/Discussion Student Services Report Handouts
Presenter	All
Discussion	In reviewing the report to the Board on Student Services the group focused on data related to "withdrawal." Some were asking for more specific reasons for withdrawal. It was suggested that committee members to go through the withdrawal process online and make suggestions as to what could improve. Comments from members on how to affect the withdrawal rate included: Use cense CESSE data to help define goals. Utilize faculty training including informing students about time management, etc. Promote workshops by Student Life It was noted that Dev. Ed. students must meet with a counselor prior to withdrawal in order to mitigate problems and/or hasty decision by students. A suggestion was made to a counselor come talk to the SEC to answer questions about withdrawal and intervention strategies. An observation was made that rates in terms of percents may describe an incomplete picture. Both rates and total numbers need to be reviewed. A note on p. 14 was provided as an example. Default rate regarding student financial aid is also related to attrition. Milton suggested we get some industries to partner with us to provide work while attending high school/college at the same time. Committee members want to further investigate the college default rates. Melissa agreed to provide info to committee on African American students from College Connection, ACC enrollments. Upon further examination of the Student Services report, the committee noted that P. 6, African American student enrollment 2007 -2011 stayed the same. P. 7, The Fall census data and population numbers from the fact book are not the same and need to be reconciled. P. 23, Assoc. Degree Completions – % is up but it is not satisfactory. Members agree that we must be realistic and focused about the strategies that might impact those goals and get an idea of what other groups are doing. Then we may be able to suggest some recommendations around the table. Charlotte will look at strategies from other colleges (Valencia) and send them to Richard. Items for the next meeting: Definition of equity at next meeting. SEC Subcommittee was appointed to look at the data more closely (along with what other colleges may be doing) and make recommendations to the large group regarding strategies for consideration. Subcommittee members include: Charlotte Gullick, Teresa Moore, Melissa Curtis, Marcus Jackson, and Richard Armenta.

Item # 5:	Handouts
Presenter	Cultural Competence Recommendations Spring 2012
Discussion	Copy & Paste this link to view https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xXcLZ2YYB48CtRFb6qitFxqRwzVYONRQQvYcHdGVpdM/edit

Item # 6:	Future Meetings
Presenter	All
Discussion	*Next meetings Wednesday, August 29, HBC, Room 222, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2012, HBC, Room 222, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2012, HBC, Room 222, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Item # 7:	Handouts
Presenter	Policy Compliance Report on Student Success
Discussion	Copy & Paste this link to view https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxIIhYQyjd-XVmgtX3I0Q0kwMUE

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