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Strengthening Opportunities for STEM Students in Omaha Accomplishments of a NSFSTEP Grant Promise of

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New Degree Options. STEM Associate of Science Degrees at MCC. Pre-Biology. Pre-Biotechnology ... to B getting Associates Degree then Bachelors. More ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Strengthening Opportunities for STEM Students in Omaha Accomplishments of a NSFSTEP Grant Promise of


1
Strengthening Opportunities for STEM Students in
Omaha Accomplishments of a NSF-STEP Grant
Promise of a Math-Science Learning Center
  • Brad Morrison Hesham Ali
  • Michele OConnor Jack Heidel
  • David Reyes Dana Richter-Egger

2
What is STEP Anyway?
STEP Program Goal Introduction Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) Science
    Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM)
  • A congressionally mandated NSF program
  • The first awards were made in the fall of 2003
  • PURPOSE
  • to increase the number of students pursuing and
    obtaining STEM degrees
  • Includes both community colleges and four-year
    institutions

3
Our Goal
STEP Program Goal Introduction Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • To recruit and retain STEM majors through a
    broad, multifaceted effort to strengthen the
    collaboration between UNO and MCC
  • HOW?
  • Funding from a NSF STEP Grant
  • 2 million over 5 years
  • The intent is support expansion and adaptation of
    currently successful activities within and
    between the two institutions as well as the
    implementation of new activities.

4
Insight from Dr. Bement, NSF Director
STEP Program Goal Introduction Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Foster flexible, creative and collaborative
    research
  • Bridges the gaps that students fall through
  • Create seamless educational pathways for students
  • Today's laboratory shapes tomorrows economy

5
Why the Need for Collaboration?
STEP Program Goal Introduction Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • New initiatives are necessary for healthy growth
  • Institutions operate in competitive environments
    and have need for allies
  • Greater chance of acquiring funding with
    collaborative efforts
  • Different perspectives from collaboration are
    more likely to lead to innovations
  • Efficiency and efficacy

6
Benefits Of Effective Collaboration
STEP Program Goal Introduction Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Enhance opportunities for students and faculty
  • Increased interaction ? greater creativity
  • Better preparation for students to transition
    from community college to university
  • Complimentary goals with minor conflicts
  • Maximize strengths and increases resources at
    both institutions
  • Encourage faculty collaboration with colleagues
    outside of their institution
  • Break down misperceptions that may exist between
    the two institutions as a result of enhanced
    communication

7
Challenges Of Collaboration
STEP Program Goal Introduction Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Different cultures and perspectives
  • for students
  • and for administration and faculty
  • Finding time and willing participants
  • Breaking down the walls
  • Outcome difficult to quantify sometimes
  • Results not always seen immediately

8
Taking A Strategic Approach
STEP Program Goal Introduction Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Many models of collaboration exist each with its
    benefits and challenges
  • Perfect model may not be attainable in one step
    may have to be implemented in stages
  • Not all activities require significant funding
  • Can build upon existing structure and grow
    gradually
  • Identify appropriate model for current
    circumstances and strategic goals

9
Five Objectives
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Expand, diversify and incorporate new STEM
    degrees
  • Develop agreements for the articulation of
    complete programs of study
  • Attract and retain students through the use of
    scholarships
  • Particularly under-represented and
    non-traditional students
  • Improve the quality of and access to experiential
    education opportunities and student support
    services
  • Increase outreach and recruitment activities

10
New Degree Options
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • STEM Associate of Science Degrees at MCC
  • Pre-Biology
  • Pre-Biotechnology
  • Pre-Chemistry
  • Pre-Mathematics
  • Pre-Physics
  • Pre-Bioinformatics
  • Computer Science
  • Previously in place

New
11
New Degree Options
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • New Interdisciplinary Majors at UNO
  • Bioinformatics (new degree)
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Computer Science (College of Information and
    Technology)
  • Biology (College of Arts and Sciences)
  • One of only a few such programs in the U.S.
  • Now has 37 majors
  • Many students in the program are involved in
    interdisciplinary research supported by STEP and
    other funding.

12
New Degree Options
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • New Interdisciplinary Majors at UNO
  • Information Assurance (area of emphasis, MIS/CS)
  • Plans for conversion to an actual degree
  • Medicinal Chemistry (a new degree track)
  • Approved Fall 2005
  • Neuroscience (proposed new degree)
  • Students with this interest can currently use the
    interdisciplinary studies major

13
Articulation
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Avenues for progression and transfer are
    especially important in the STEM disciplines
    because of the inherent hierarchical program
    structure
  • Allows students to transition from community
    college to university with sense of completion
    and accomplishment

14
Articulation of Complete Programs
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • A to B getting Associates Degree then Bachelors
  • More challenging to implement
  • Requires higher level of coordination
  • More people involved to accomplish
  • Now available in 7 STEM areas MCC ? UNO
  • Pre-Biology Pre-Chemistry
  • Pre-Biotechnology Pre-Mathematics
  • Pre-Physics Pre-Bioinformatics
  • Computer Science

15
Scholarships
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • STEP Scholars - 1000/semester
  • 2004-05
  • 16 new scholarships awarded
  • 15 renewed for the second year
  • 2005-06
  • 20 new scholarships awarded
  • 18 renewed for the second year
  • 2006-07
  • 20 new scholarships awarded
  • Three MCC students have applied
  • 2008-08

16
Scholarships
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Adult Learner Access Scholarships ALAS
  • 400/semester
  • 50 students supported in Spring 2007

17
Scholarships
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Bridge Scholarships at MCC
  • Covers the expenses for the last quarter of study
  • 2004-05
  • 4 students 1 minority
  • 2005-06
  • 16 students 3 minority, 3 female
  • First MCC student received a UNO Bridge
    Scholarship
  • 2006-07
  • 22 students 8 minority, 10 female

18
Early Undergraduate Research
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Faculty recruit qualified early undergraduates
    into a motivational research activity and then to
    supervise the students involved for one or more
    semesters.
  • Focus on 1st and 2nd year students
  • Encourages these students to consider a STEM
    major
  • Funding provides for
  • Faculty summer stipend
  • Tuition waivers for students, up to 3
    credits/student
  • Limited funds for materials/supplies

19
Early Undergraduate Research
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Proposals selection criteria
  • Evidence for successful recruitment and retention
    of students into a STEM major
  • On what personal experience or successful
    external models of EUR is the is the project
    based?
  • Number of students projected to be involved
  • Sustainability
  • Anticipated duration
  • Is it an ongoing project or one-time?
  • Will continuation require additional funding?
  • If the proposed research is interdisciplinary
  • Projects that specifically target
    underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.

20
Early Undergraduate Research
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • 2004
  • 6 projects, 37 students
  • 2005
  • 6 projects, 24 students
  • 2006
  • 7 projects funded, 40 students
  • 2007
  • 12 projects funded
  • 93 of those 101 EUR students from years 1, 2 and
    3 are currently pursuing STEM degrees

21
Recruitment and Outreach
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • MCC STEP Coordinator
  • Recruits at area high schools and community
    events distributing STEP literature for both UNO
    and MCC STEM programs.
  • Focused on providing prospective students and
    their families a broad view of STEM educational
    opportunities.
  • Centralizes creation of all promotional materials
  • Assists with coordination of joint activities
    between the two institutions
  • The go to person for both institutions

22
Impact Beyond Intended Goals
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • New Graduate Teaching Assistant Positions
  • UNO graduate students (4 in math currently) teach
    at MCC which reimburses teaching salary to UNO
  • Other departments are being encouraged to also
    participate

23
Evaluation
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • How well are students acquiring important STEM
    knowledge, skills and concepts as defined by
    respective curriculum requirements at UNO and
    MCC?
  • Are the STEP activities encouraging higher levels
    of participation in STEM courses and programs at
    UNO and MCC?
  • How are program and course offerings within and
    between UNO and MCC meeting the needs of students
    in providing effective transitions between the
    colleges?
  • How are STEP project activities providing greater
    accessibility to STEM related areas of study and
    career opportunities?

24
Social Climate Assessment
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • What are majors and non-majors perceptions,
    beliefs, and experiences in STEM courses?
  • Do the STEP goals of inclusiveness and diversity
    extend beyond the students who are directly
    involved (scholarships or EUR support)?
  • Results suggest that the social climate in STEM
    courses and departments is remarkably positive.
  • The results were surprising given literature
    indications that a negative social climate may be
    at least partly responsible for a lack of
    interest in STEM majors.

25
Sustainability
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • The Scholarship Program may be the most difficult
    because of its large budget
  • All the scholarships offered total approximately
    100,000 per year.
  • Private support for STEP scholarship endowments
    is being actively pursued by the Principal
    Investigator and the Arts Sciences Dean in
    conjunction with the Nebraska University
    Foundation.

26
New External Funding Proposals
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Adult Learner Access Scholarships Expanded
  • 600,000 NSF S-STEM (Scholarships in Science,
    Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
  • Proposal 0728466, submitted February 16, 2007
  • Broad based scholarship program for adult
    learners in all of the STEM majors
  • five departments in the College of Arts and
    Sciences,
  • two departments in the College of IST
  • four departments in the UNL College of
    Engineering
  • Expands upon the current STEP grant scholarship
    program
  • Will provide full-time adult students with
    financial need, a 1000 scholarship each semester
    until they graduate.

27
New External Funding Proposals
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Taking Science for a Test Drive
  • 500,000 NSF-CCLI (Course Curriculum Laboratory
    Improvement) in preparation for resubmission
  • Significantly expands upon the STEP-EUR which it
    is modeled after
  • Targets MCC students and UNO pre-service teachers
    and general non-STEM majors
  • Sixty students per year, in groups of ten, will
    participate in two-week research experiences
    during summer
  • Will rigorously test the assertion that EUR is an
    effective means of recruiting STEM majors and of
    positively impacting the attitudes of non-STEM
    majors, particularly pre-service teachers.

28
New External Funding Proposals
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Small-Group Cooperative Learning in College Math
    and Chemistry
  • 600,000 NSF-REESE (Research and Evaluation on
    Education in Science and Engineering)
  • Proposal 0723895, submitted January 29, 2007
  • Two longitudinal studies examine multiple factors
    affecting small-group cooperative learning
    processes and their short-term and long-term
    outcomes
  • intermediate algebra
  • general chemistry

29
Sustainability
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Math/Science Learning Center
  • Proposed objective of the STEP grant
  • This center will be a significant way in which
    the activities of the STEP grant will be
    institutionalized.
  • Made possible by NU Foundation funding and
    Excellence funding from the University.
  • Modeled after similar learning centers locally
    and nationally.
  • Virtual tour

30
Math-Science Learning Center
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Objectives
  • Collaborate with math and science faculty
  • Assess science education effectiveness
  • Collaborate with other campus units with related
    missions
  • Provide student learning support
  • Entry level tutoring
  • Course modules
  • Specialized instruction
  • Study skills training
  • Peer mentoring
  • Peer led team learning

31
Math-Science Learning Center
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Geowall function

32
Math-Science Learning Center
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Geowall geology/geography

33
Math-Science Learning Center
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Geowall - math

34
Math-Science Learning Center
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Geowall chemistry/biology

35
UNO STEM Graduates
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
36
STEM Transfers from MCC to UNO
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
37
What We Have Learned
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Be Broad Based and Inclusive
  • The greatest strength of the UNO/MCC STEP grant
    is its breadth. It includes six UNO departments
    in two different colleges and two different
    educational institutions.
  • Cast a Wide Net
  • There are many dynamic connections between the
    UNO academic areas that make up the STEM
    disciplines (biology, chemistry, computer
    science, geology, mathematics, and physics) how
    they will develop and grow is impossible to
    predict.

38
What We Have Learned
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Reach Out to Actual Potential STEM Majors
  • Science has a great intrinsic appeal. It takes
    some students longer than others to come to this
    realization they may need extra encouragement in
    the meantime.
  • By All Indications -- Success
  • Success is attributed to both the generality of
    the approach and to the interest and enthusiasm
    of the participants.
  • The sharing of Best Practices will assist
    institutions regardless of their level of
    experience in STEP.

39
Dissemination
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • Innovative Models for Effective Collaboration
    between Universities and Community Colleges,
    Hesham Ali, Jack Heidel, Michele OConnor and
    Dana Richter-Egger, 110th annual meeting of the
    higher learning commission of the North Central
    Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), in a
    Collection of Papers in Self-Study and
    Institutional Improvement, Volume 1, pp. 73-75,
    Chicago, April 8-12, 2005.
  • http//avalon.unomaha.edu/step/

40
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41
Acknowledgements
Introduction Goal STEP Program Our Objectives New
Degrees Articulation Scholarships Research Outreac
h Broader Impact Assessment Sustainability Outcome
s Challenges Dissemination
  • The National Science Foundation
  • DUE STEP Grant 336462
  • The University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • College and Departmental support
  • Metropolitan Community College
  • College and Division support
  • The University of Nebraska System
  • MSLC Excellence Funding
  • The NU Foundation
  • MSLC Funding
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