Fall 2005: Developmental Math
The Math subcommittee, consisting of the math faculty began restructuring the Developmental Math course to include PLATO and other technology initiatives by early summer 2005 and implemented in the fall 2005. Title III funds were used to purchase 25 computers to set up a math lab. Additionally, Maplesoft Software was purchased and a math coach contracted with SCCC to help math faculty restructure the way DMA was being taught.
Spring 2006: Developmental English
The English subcommittee, consisting of the English faculty, restructured the Developmental English course to include PLATO and other technology initiatives. Implementation began in spring 2006.
During this time the English faculty independently instituted a more comprehensive, essay-driven placement instrument in an attempt to address their finding that about half of the students were misplaced in both Freshman Composition and Basic English. During Summer 2007, a dedicated, multimedia learning center was created for DEN classes with 26 computers and configurable furnishings.
Fall 2006: Introduction to Biology
During fall 2006, Title III supported a faculty driven initiative to improve success in Introduction to Biology I which was identified as the gateway science course. The restructuring consisted of evaluating and adjusting course content and textbook to that which could be realistically taught to non-science majors in three contact hours; aligning assignments in the laboratory component to better match classroom assignments; changing the lab from “walk-in” to assigned time periods; increased active-learning exercises in the classroom.
Spring 2007: Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts faculty determined that many of their students were enrolled in developmental courses and needed additional help with understanding basic concepts such as measuring and understanding proportions. During spring 2007, calculators and some basic equipment were purchased to aid these students.
Fall 2007-Summer 2008: Communications/Media Arts
Faculty began working on the specifications needed to upgrade the Communications classroom. In spring 2008, Title III funds were used to purchase audio equipment that helped SCCC become involved in iTunes U, an affiliation that enables faculty to record and podcast their lectures. During summer 2008, funds were used to purchase 16 computers and peripherals, a high definition LED projector and television, software, and configurable furnishings.
Spring 2008: Minority Peer Mentoring/ Student Multimedia Labs
A manual for peer mentoring and initial training of Mentors was completed during spring 2008. Due to the success of the dedicated multimedia learning center for DEN, Title III funds were used to outfit 3 mini multi-media classrooms/student labs. Research began to outfit each mini-lab with projectors and screen, 3-4 computers and configurable furnishings. The transformation of these multimedia labs was completed in fall 2008.
Fall 2008: Culinary Arts
It was determined that a Culinary Lab would be the best way to retain students in this program. A request for bids was submitted and the lab should be fully functional by spring 2009.
Spring 2009: Grant End Activities
T3 funds will continue to be used to fund professional development and travel, technology, minority peer-mentoring, PLATO, ANGEL, and off-site registration technology. Core members of the T3 Team and the Steering Committee will work on ways to ensure continuation of activities generated by the grant after the funding ends.
A Primary Objective of the grant is to strengthen the College by improving the success and retention of students through: