Achieving the Dream

In 2009 CCV joined Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit that supports the work of community colleges across the country, helping 3.5 million students stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree. In 2011 CCV became one of 23 institutions recognized by ATD as a Leader College. The four principles of Achieving the Dream which all Leader Colleges must exemplify are: committed leadership, use of evidence to improve programs and services, broad engagement, and systemic institutional improvement. For more information about ATD, contact http://www.achievingthedream.org/.

As an ATD school, CCV works to continuously improve both its academic and student support services. In particular:

New Student Support – Orientation and Advising Appointments

National research reveals that the first year of college is a time when students are most at risk of not succeeding. Every student at CCV is assigned an advisor. Advisors are really knowledgeable about the College—the programs and courses we offer, where and how to find information, and which resources will best enable students to be successful. New students are required to meet with their advisors in order to provide them with the best start possible. New students must also attend orientation. In a recent survey of new students, 96% of respondents said that the information covered in orientation was crucial to surviving the first weeks of the semester!

Developmental Student Success

Across the country, many college students need developmental skill work in math and/or English at the beginning of their academic careers. At CCV, students have a number of options for building their foundational knowledge. Right from their first appointment with a new student, advisors will guide them on how to best prepare for the Accuplacer assessment and choose the right courses to meet their educational goals. The College is committed to helping students achieve success in a timely manner.

The First Semester Seminar: Dimensions Courses

The Dimensions course (Dimensions of Freedom or Dimensions of Work) is generally the first college-level course a student will take at CCV. It offers students a unique opportunity to discuss interdisciplinary perspectives on the world while developing the 21st century skills necessary for success in college and beyond. Because CCV’s data demonstrates that students who enroll in Dimensions are more apt to stay in college—and therefore, complete their degrees—it is important to take the course in the first semester.

The Mentoring Program

Across the nation male students aged 18-24 are particularly at risk of dropping out of college before completing their degree. In recent years, however, research in higher education has also shown that students who are connected to and feel comfortable at an institution are more likely to graduate from there. In order to support the success of  its younger male students, CCV is beginning a pilot program in which student volunteers are assigned a faculty and/or staff mentor who can act as a sounding board, encourage academic success, and support them in achieving their career goals.

Do you have questions about any of these success strategies? Contact Debby Stewart at stewartd@ccv.edu