In September 2019, the U.S Department of Education awarded a Title III: Strengthening Institutions Program (CFDA 84.031A) grant to Morton College, which has designed a project entitled MC-SUCCESS in order to increase autonomy by providing enhanced services for low-income students through high-quality academic programs, institutional strengthening, and fiscal stability. Two significant strategies will include the establishment of a STEM Resource Center and the development of an Engineering AS degree to increase STEM engagement and success.
MEASURABLE ObjectiveS
The MC-SUCCESS measurable objectives are set against the 2018 baseline data and the setting of these objectives was designed and supported by MC administrators and key staff members. The objectives are based on a thorough review of research and studies that prove success, an enrollment of 63% low income students, many Hispanic students (84.4%), and a thorough analysis that included two major documents (MC 5-year Strategic Plan and the statewide ILEA). In addition to the measurable objectives (Tables 3 - 6), activities and direct products are tied to measurable objectives to ensure that the focus remains on moving toward program success.
Activity 1 – Enhancing and developing STEM programs
By 2024, increase the number of faculty members implementing programs and practices based on best practices learned in conferences, seminars, symposiums, workshops, and site visits such as the STEM Resource Center, as well as improved courses and programs, including a new Associates of Science in Engineering.
Activity 2 - Improving student support services
By 2024, develop outreach materials, new or enhanced resources for students, policies and procedures for tutoring or mentoring, and answer the research question “Will improved advising, tutoring, and mentoring be differentially more effective on achievement and completion rates in college STEM programs for students?”
MC-SUCCESS LOGIC CHART
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
DATA
OUTCOMES
WORKFLOW PROCESS
This reporting structure composed of dedicated staff working collaboratively with key college administrators, will keep Dr. Stan Fields, MC President, well-informed on the status of the project.
The MC-SUCCESS staff will design and implement data report templates and use standardized processes and automated data imports from student information systems (SIS) that provide a secure FERPA-compliant privacy protocol, and unique identifiers will capture individual participant records. Tracking will capture performance outcome data including support services accessed, training completion, certification or degree attainment, and university transfer. From experience working on complex project, the MC-SUCCESS lead administrators have identified four key parts to an efficient program. These include: 1) Engagement of key staff members; 2) Shared leadership involving joint decision making, processes, procedures, and input; 3) Communication plans and methods, including a MC-SUCCESS website and dashboard to show progress; and 4) Cross collaboration that is both internal (with key team members) and external (with community members, business leaders, university associates, and public school partners).