EMT MINUTES
October 12, 2006
Present: A. Azevedo, S. Gilchrist, K. Leybold-Taylor, A. Lundquist,
L. McClusky, L. Miller-Bernal, C. Patella, C. Speaker, A. Staples
WELLS 111
Laura McClusky shared a discussion Milene Morfei had with transfer and WILL
students during her Wells 111 class. The new transfer students felt
that they did not have an understanding of how things worked at the college,
they did not feel like part of the community, and overall felt “marginalized.”
They expressed that orientation did not fully let them know what resources
were available to them i.e. the WILL room.
Karla brought up that in the past we had a separate Transfer orientation.
However, those students felt that being “separate” prevented them from feeling
like part of the whole campus community. Therefore EMT adjusted their
orientation schedule to include them in more new student programs.
Other members of EMT also pointed out that not all transfer or WILL students
attend all of orientation do to work and family schedules. C. Patella
pointed out that many of these students still have the perception of college
as that of the community college they came from and four year institutions
are very different than two year colleges not just in class work load but
in services to non-traditional students. The adjustment to leaving
that environment and coming to Wells is difficult for some students.
ACTION: L. McClusky suggested that a special brochure for WILL students
be created that could answer many of their questions. A. Lundquist
agreed that written materials need to be developed and WILL and transfer
orientation leaders should be identified to assist with their orientation.
She agreed that there should be some programs specifically designed to meet
the needs of these students as well as programs for all new students.
L. McClusky suggested that the Dean of Students Office share the orientation
schedule with Wells 111 faculty so they have some knowledge of what students
were given. This would be helpful to them during their open discussions
in Wells 111. The Dean of Students Office will be surveying students
on the orientation schedule and will also be seeking faculty and staff input
that were involved in orientation. A. Lundquist is also reviewing the
numerous written materials sent to students over the summer.
CIRP SURVEY
C. Patella asked C. Speaker to review last year’s CIRP survey (which was
our first coed class) to the responses from students of our last all women
class. The CIRP survey provides faculty and administration with information
concerning the incoming freshmen class: what student’s attitudes are,
demographic information, experiences they have in high school, and what activities
they perceive themselves to participate in while in college. This survey
is completed within the first few weeks of college - well before students
have an opportunity to be influenced by their college environment.
Since many comments have been made as to how different our new students are
from our current students, C. Patella felt it would be interesting to review
this data.
After reviewing the past two years, C. Speaker said in general there were
more similarities than differences between the two classes. Some of
the differences were:
· Entering 2005 Class – smaller percentage were
involved with tutoring other students (55% compared to 80%)
· Entering 2005 Class - more students came
from a high school that did not have a service requirement (51% of our new
students did not need to do this).
· Entering 2005 Class – smaller percentage rated
finding “purpose in life” as a reason to go to college.
· Entering 2005 Class – greater percentage of new
students felt they could have influence the political structure, are more
involved in creating artistic work, and more students are covering their
educational expenses.
· Entering 2005 Class – smaller percentage felt
that they would participate in a protest/demonstration.
· Entering 2004 Class – had a stronger belief that
going to college would strengthen their religious belief.
C. Speaker pointed out that there were many consistencies with the demographic
background of the two classes. The two classes had consistent ethnic
backgrounds and parent educational backgrounds. A majority of our students
who enrolled had Wells College as their first choice college.
The survey divides the responses into gender, all responses, and comparison
to national responses.
L. McClusky asked if their were any specific questions to students regarding
sexuality and racism. C. Speaker reviewed the questions and even though
there were no direct questions to these areas, there were questions that
asked students about their attitudes i.e. “Would you be likely to make
friends with a student from another culture while in college?”
ACTION: Faculty members felt this was interesting and asked C. Speaker
to share with the group the last few years. They also wondered how
public this data was and if it could be shared with the faculty.
The group discussed surveys in general. EMT does participate in the
“Your First College Year” survey that is done at the end of the student’s
first academic year. This information helps institutions with retention
efforts. EMT will need to find a vehicle to distribute this survey
since Wells 102 does not exist anymore. A. Lundquist also suggested
that a “student satisfaction” survey to seniors is a useful tool for
enrollment and retention efforts.
NEXT MEETING
OCTOBER 26, 2006, HENRY WELLS ROOM, 10:00am