University Business - February 2012 - (Page 21)

By the Numbers Tracking Community College Trends Because community colleges serve such a diverse population and face unique challenges separate from their four-year peers, it’s important to monitor and analyze trends specific to these institutions. A recent policy brief from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) does just that, giving a 20-year overview of trends in educational attainment. A significant portion of the research zeroed in on race as an indicator of increased success. Christopher Mullin, program director for policy analysis at AACC, says,“Our community colleges cover almost every square inch of the country. I think it’s encouraging to see that there’s a larger percent increase for all students of color as compared to white students to show there’s a ramping up of [enrollment of ] these students.” Students of color—especially Hispan% Increase in Associate Degree ics—had significant increases in earned Attainment by Race* credentials, enrollment, and associate deHispanic 383% gree attainment. From 1989-1990 through Asian/ 2009-2010, degree attainment by this group Pacific Islander 230% increased a whopping 383 percent; among Black 204% white students, that increase was 52 percent. American Indian/ Another issue for campus leaders involves Alaska Native 182% tracking transfers. Mullin points to research White 52% on transfer credit acceptance. When all of *Based on community college data from 1989-1990 through students’ credits transferred to a four-year in2009-2010 Source: “The Road Ahead: A Look at Trends in the Educational stitution, 82 percent completed a bachelor’s Attainment of Community College Students,” American Associadegree within six years, compared to 42 pertion of Community Colleges—Policy Brief 2011–04PBL cent who only had some credits transfer over. And completion isn’t the only issue. Transfers are also very difficult to track once they’ve moved on, as they often don’t notify an institution when they’re leaving, Mullin says. “It presents an inaccurate picture and people publicly come out and say ‘their [graduation] rates are low and they’re not doing a good job,’” he says. “That can influence policy decisions.” The full policy brief can be accessed at www.aacc.nche.edu/Publications/Briefs. —Kristen Domonell Shifting Gateways Ross Gittell will utilize his background in university teaching, strategic planning, and management as the new chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, effective February 1. He succeeds J. Bonnie Newman, interim chancellor since August 2011. Gittell was previously a professor at the University of New Hampshire’s school of business and economics and is considered a foremost authority in the state for economic analysis and forecasting. ... John Zacharek has been named vice president for development and executive director of the Onondaga Community College (N.Y.) Foundation. He will lead its growing development efforts and further enhance the college’s professional, community, and alumni relationships. ... Larry McDougle, president of Owens Community College (Ohio), is resigning September 30 due to health issues. ... Michael Chipps, part of the Nebraska Community College system for 32 years, is the new president of Northeast Community College (Neb.). He was formerly chief executive officer and president of Mid-Plains Community College (Neb.) since 2003. ... David Shockley is the new president of Surry Community College (N.C.), effective January 1. He succeeded Deborah Friedman, who retired. —K.D. Follow the (FB) Leader In November, Ivy Tech Community College (Ind.) hit a 50,000 Facebook fan milestone. Two months later, the count neared 54,000. The page didn’t get to be what’s likely tops among community colleges on Facebook by accident. Jeff Fanter, vice president of communications and marketing for the system, which has 200,000plus students enrolled annually, shares some success secrets: • Having a purpose. Ivy Tech uses FB to better serve current students and applicants, providing quick answers to posted questions. • Presidential promotion. In letters to current and prospective students, the president mentions Facebook as a resource, Fanter says. Ivy Tech’s customer service center, which sends out 1.4 million communications a month, also notes the page on correspondence. • Assigning staff shifts. Five people take turns checking in on FB, he says, so even answers requiring outside help get answered fast. universitybusiness.com But as the page’s popularity pops, all the traffic jams up staff time. The service center may be taking over FB duties, Fanter notes. • Keeping it fun. Contests for prizes such as $50 bookstore gift cards have included movie trivia and posting the best story about how Ivy Tech is a life-changer. Fanter estimates they held 20 contests in 2011. When his team sees a “like” slowdown, they get creative. • Allowing students to help. Fanter is proud to report that students post answers to questions on the wall. But staffers do watch for inaccurate information to correct. • Enhancing the user experience. FAQ links to common need-toknows are in the works, and the team hopes to do more with video. • Stopping to bask. “Everything we post easily has 100 comments,” Fanter says. A recent post about finals, with a “Click like if you’ve been studying,” got 1,100 likes. —Melissa Ezarik February 2012 | 21 http://www.aacc.nche.edu/Publications/Briefs http://www.universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - February 2012

University Business - February 2012
Contents
Editor's Note
College Index
Ad Index
Behind the News
Financial Aid
Campus CFO
Education Gateways
5 Things Administrators Must Know About E-commerce Now
There’s an App for That
Internet Technology
End Note

University Business - February 2012