Fort Valley State University-[node:field-date:custom:Y]-Other/Undefined

High Impact Strategy

Expand Adult Learning Opportunities: FVSU Expanded efforts to identify needs and increase access to FVSU programs and degree completion for adults returning to college, active military, and current student veterans to include creating additional assessment, planning, and intentional programs and services as needed.

Related Goal

Goal 9: Increase Access for underserved and/or priority communities.

Summary of Activities

FVSU Created a virtual one-stop-shop for military students and online students, to include admissions, registration, advisement, graduation applications, and financial aid counseling. Also, through Advance2Go, a project funded by the Adult Learning Consortium, FVSU provides assessment, competency-based introduction in math, reading, and writing skills in preparation for the COMPASS exam, support and instruction in learning and personal strategies, career counseling, and Prior Learning Assessment evaluation. Advance2Go includes marketing to and identification of adults who may benefit from the program as they begin or reenter college. Additionally, FVSU launched the “Recruitback” program.  The program targeted over 10,000 former students who had “dropped” or “stopped” out by sending them info on what it took to get reenrolled at FVSU. This effort netted approximately 139 students. Intrusive advising and academic support were provided to these students. FVSU will track these students and monitor their success rates. The Recruitback program will be duplicated and all persons who didn’t respond will be contacted again as life situations might have changed .Next, a position was developed and assigned to maintain records of students with potential to earn credit through Prior Learning Assessment and enlist faculty support to offer PLA opportunities to adult learners and military. Hiring of a military liaison/resource center coordinator has been requested to implement one-stop process. The VA certifying official is responding to active military recruits who indicate an interest in FVSU through CONAP immediately. The VA certifying official is completing transfer of credit forms based on the ACE Guide and forwarding these to departments where veterans have chosen to major so veterans can receive academic credit they are entitled.

Baseline Status

Currently, Adult students make up 4.9% (2014) of the first-time freshmen student enrollment along with Adult students comprising of 1.3% of first-time freshmen online students. The Adult student population graduates at rate of 27.3%. The Total Online population makes up 2.7% of the first-time freshmen enrollment.

Interim Measures of Progress

Increase the enrollment and graduation rates of adult students by 5% over the next three years.

Measures of Success

Increase Graduation and retention rates of this population by 5% over the next three years. Also as an indirect assessment, the institution is collecting survey data from this population that provides the perceptions of FVSU from the students.

Lessons Learned/Challenges

FVSU has experienced a remarkable amount of turnover and leadership changes. As this turnover is reduced, this initiative will flourish even more. Again, budget issues are of concern. Title III has been helpful and the Advance2Go grant helped to offset some cost; however, much more funds are needed.