Foundations of Excellence at Fayetteville State University: What, Why, and How

1
Foundations of Excellence at Fayetteville State
University What, Why, and How

• Bronco Kick-Off
• August 15, 2007

2
What is FoE?

• Comprehensive self-study of first-year experience
  on the basis of nine foundational dimensions of
  excellence
• FoE has the look and feel of an accreditation
  self-study.
• The audience is ourselves and the purpose is self
  improvement.

3
Why FoE?

• Builds upon and reinforces strategic planning
  efforts
• Prepares us for SACS re-accreditation
• Focus on student success improved persistence
  and learning outcomes
• Use data to implement improvements
• Reinforces core curriculum review process

4
Why FoE?

• Aggressive targets for retention and graduation
  rates
• In the next five years
• one-year retention rates must increase from
  current 71 to 79 (highest 75)
• Four-year grad rates must increase from current
  18.4 to 30 (highest 25)
• Six-year grad rates must increase from current
  37 to 50 (highest 42)

5
Why FoE?

• Retention rates vs. progression rates
• 1-year retention rates the of first-time
  students who return for the second year
• 1-year progression rates the first time
  students who begin year two with 30 hours and
  GPA of 2.0
• FSU 1-year retention rates are comparable to
  similar institutions

6
Why FoE?

• However, 4-year graduation rate has never
  exceeded 1-year progression rate
• Example First-time students fall1999
• In fall 2000, 28.2 had 30 hrs 2.0 GPA (1-year
  progression rate)
• In 2003 24.4 graduated (4-year grad rate)
• Recent cohorts have had 28 30 1-year
  progression rate.
• What are the prospects of achieving a 30 4-year
  graduation rate?

7
Why FoE?

• Improve outcomes by striving for excellence in
  all that we do in the first year
• Excellence in the first-year will yield improved
  progression rates and increased success in their
  major programs

8
How will you participate in FoE?

• Imagine excellence in the first year at FSU
• Volunteer to serve on one of nine committees
• Each committee will evaluate what we do and
  develop action plans for improvement
• 2007-08 self study and action plans
• 2008-09 - implement action plans
• Chairs and co-chairs have agreed to serve

9
Dimensional Committees

• Philosophy Are our first-year programs based on
  an agreed upon philosophy?
• Chair Dr. Peter Valenti
• Co-Chair Dr. Jon Young
• Organization Does our organizational structure
  provide oversight and alignment of all first-year
  efforts?
• Chair Dr. Petur Jonsson
• Co-Chair Ms. Evelyn Council
• Learning Do we provide curricular and
  co-curricular experiences that enable students to
  achieve desired learning outcomes?
• Chair Dr. Marion Gillis-Olion
• Co-Chair Ms. Juanette Council

10
Dimensional Committees

• Faculty - Is the first year a priority for the
  Faculty?
• Chair Dr. Jonathan Breitzer
• Co-Chair Dr. Colleen Walker
• Transitions Do we facilitate students
  effective transition to the university through
  outreach, recruitment, and support?
• Chair Dr. David Preston
• Co-Chair Mr. Gregory Moyd
• Students Do we serve all students according to
  their varied needs?
• Chair Mr. Landon Hadley
• Co-Chair Ms. Beth Bir

11
Dimensional Committees

• Diversity Do we ensure first-year students
  experience diverse ideas and cultures to prepare
  them for membership in pluralistic communities?
• Chair Dr. Timothy Ajani
• Co-Chair Dr. Saundra Shorter
• Roles and Purposes Do we promote students
  understanding of the various roles and purposes
  of higher education?
• Chair Dr. Oliver Johnson
• Co-Chair Dr. Priscilla Manarino-Leggett
• Improvement Do we conduct assessments and use
  the results to make improvements?
• Chair Dr. Pamela Jackson
• Co-Chair Dr. Shirley Chao

12

• Dr. Peter Valenti, FSUs Liaison with Policy
  Center, will be available at Information Alley
  booth to provide more detailed information.
• You may volunteer for a committee at this time.
• When it comes to success of FoE,
• Its All About U.