University of Colorado Denver

1
University of Colorado Denver Changing lives.
Saving lives. Building futures.
2
Engaging and Retaining Low Income Students

• One Urban Universitys Case Study
• PromiseNet 2009
• Facilitated by
• Dr. Janet Lopez and Dr. Frank Sanchez

3
Welcome

• Purpose of todays discussion
• Colorado/Denver Context
• Quick overview of research on Low Income students
• UC Denver Profile Programs for Low Income
• Institutional Data and Policy for Low Income

4
Colorado/Denver Overview

• Colorado Paradox and Promise
• CAP4K
• Opportunities/Challenges in K-12
• Education resources and funding

5
National Research onLow Income Students

• Toolbox Revisited (study)
• Connecting the Dots (study)
• Student Engagement (NSSE, CCSSE)
• Demography is not Destiny (study)

6
UC Denver Profile and Challenges

• University Culture
• General Profile
• Demographics Diversity
• 1st generation, Low income Pell Eligible
• NSSE Characteristics

7
UC Denver Programs TargetingLow Income Students

• Pre-collegiate Programs
• CU Succeeds Silver program
• Federally Funded Programs
• Student Support Services
• Denver Transfer Initiative
• IMSD
• MILES

8
Common Practices and Policies for High
Performing Institutions

• Faculty and staff as first responders
• High levels of student involvement and
• engagement
• Well developed first-year programs
• Improve instruction in gate-keeping courses
• Early warning and advising systems

9
Best Practices for Low Income Students Continued

• Strong academic and social support services
• Special programs for at-risk students
• Strong leadership
• Central person, office that focuses on retention
  activities
• Emphasis on using data

10
Data Collection

• Courses with the most F, D, W and I, rates of
  academic probation and suspension by major
• First-year Success (1st and 2nd semester, return)
• Track attempted v. completed credit hours
• Data based on level of engagement in academic
  support programs and activities.
• Graduation rates by discipline Why L/I leave
• Unmet need averages and threshold for improved
  retention. AVG F/A package for successful L/I

11
Institutional Policy

• Disenrollment policy
• Late course add policy
• Attendance Policy
• Re-admit policy and practices
• Payment policy
• Policies addressing Financial Aid requirements
  for institutional scholarships

12
Resources

• http//www.pellinstitute.org/files/files-demograph
  y_is_not_destiny.pdf
• http//nsse.iub.edu/pdf/Connecting_the_Dots_Report
  .pdf
• http//www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/toolboxre
  visit/toolbox.pdf
• http//ednewscolorado-org.secure13.hostek.net/reso
  urces/1/DPS20Report.pdf
• http//www.piton.org/Documents/Postsecondary20Rep
  ort_final.pdf

13
Thank You