Learning Communities at Lamar University Lamar University, - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Learning Communities at Lamar University

• Lamar University, Beaumont, TX.
• Member of Texas State University

System

• 9000 students enrolled Spring 2007
• Majority commuter students
• 61% of LU freshmen are first-

generation students

– But only 42% of graduates are first- generation

LC Inception and Justification

• Began 2004

– University retention rate from Spring 2004 to Fall 2004: 66% – Large population of first-generation, commuters, and working students. – Intended to address academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and cultural needs of students. – Need for increased connection with university, and enriched academic and social experience. – LCs known for offering increased intellectual interaction, deeper learning, group identity, and enriched university experience.

Program Structure

• Program staff:

– Director and three student assistants

• Coordinate with department advisors
• Coordinate with departments to reserve

seats in classes

• Coordinate with campus resources to

target LC student needs

Program Structure

• Student cohorts based upon major.

– 2004 began with Business, General Studies, Pre- Nursing, and Pre-professional – 2005 added Psychology to existing majors – 2007 developing Criminal Justice and Sciences majors (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics)

• Students co-enrolled with cohort and share

common courses.

• Cohort lasts Fall and Spring semesters of

freshman year

Program Structure

• Weekly study meeting built into each group’s

schedule

– Designated room in Student Center building for LC groups – Program staff checks in with students during meetings – Special presentations throughout semester:

• Faculty representatives from respective LC major
• Campus resources and activities
• Attempt to identify unique student interests and encourage

involvement

Program Structure

• Students recruited for Fall semester during

freshman Orientation in summer

– When students report to advising offices in departments of major, they are given the chance to enroll in LC.

• Previous LC students assist with promotion

– Any student who enrolls is accepted; there is no application or screening process. If accepted into Lamar, students are able to enroll in LC program. – Limited to 20 students per major; first-come-first- serve basis.

Difficulties & Solutions

• Budget limits resources to support students

– Partner with campus programs and offices: tutoring, mentoring, advising, Student Affairs professionals

• Small staff

– Only one full-time employee (Dr. Daniel Bartlett) devoted to program

• LCs one of several programs under direction of Dr.

Bartlett

– Time divided amongst several student retention initiatives Student assistants maintain regular phone and e-mail contact to keep LC students connected and updated. Previous LC students have volunteered time to meet new students.

Difficulties & Solutions

• Large population of First-generation

students, commuters, and working students.

– Comfortable, personal network and support system through LC group and staff – Academic enrichment through study group – Academic support through program

Difficulties & Solutions

• Student population has difficulty attaining

involvement and connection with university experience

– Comfortable, personal network and support system through LC group and staff – Departmental/faculty representatives meet students during weekly LC group sessions – Targeted interests by major – Small cohort allows personal connections by program staff

Difficulties & Solutions

• LCs based on major can be tricky when

many freshmen will change major

– LC classes largely Core Curriculum – Students take courses of their choice outside

• f LC cluster as well

– Changing major doesn’t disqualify students from LC; they can take the Core classes with LC group – Students still benefit from cohort support

Successes

• University administration supportive
• Faculty beginning to recognize benefits of LC to

students as well as to teaching

– Ex: English instructors report pleasant experience due to LC cohort involvement in class

• Due to group connection and support, LC students have

proven to be more likely to engage in class discussion and to be prepared for class.

• Departments have been very willing to work with

LC program.

– Faculty and staff support in coordination

Successes

• LC Retention rates and GPA higher than

university averages

• Program growth

– More students and increasing majors for LCs

• Student Satisfaction

– Students report high satisfaction with LCs

Assessment

• Evaluate

– Retention rates

• Evaluate one year rates of persistence

– GPA

• Compared to University average
• Following comparison groups by major and

semester of entry

– Student satisfaction

• Surveys conducted at end of semesters in weekly

study session as well as in LC classes.

Assessment

• GPA

– University Average: 2.3 – LC Average: 2.7

• First-year retention rates

– 2004-2005 cohort: 45 of 57 students

• 79%

– 2005-2006 cohort*: 59 of 86 students

• 67% (*in September 2005, Hurricane Rita closed campus for three

weeks and caused dramatic reduction in enrollment still being

• vercome today)

One year university-wide retention rates average 66% in years prior to Hurricane Rita

Assessment

• Student surveys

– 91% of LC students would participate again – 90% would recommend LCs to a friend Engagement 85% of LC students reported socializing with

• ther members of their LC

Assessment

• LC Student Survey

– Students wrote in that the “best aspects of participating in Learning Communities” included:

• Meeting other people in their major and making

friends

• Having people to depend upon
• Seeing familiar faces in class and on campus
• Easily comparing notes, studying, and

communicating with classmates

• Having a set time to meet and study

Summary

• LCs are new at Lamar but have already

demonstrated success in increasing retention, GPA, and student satisfaction.

• New LCs are in development with other

majors.

– Will develop LCs that cross majors but cluster based upon similar degree plans (ex: Fine Arts, Sciences, Education)

Thank you

• Dr. Daniel Bartlett

Box 10221 Lamar University Beaumont, TX 77710 409-880-8115 dcbartlett@my.lamar.edu I welcome your comments, suggestions, or questions.