Performing Department
USU Blanding department
Non Technical Summary
The "USU Blanding New Beginnings" project aims to improve retention and graduation rates among Native American students pursuing STEM and health-related degrees at Utah State University (USU) Blanding. This initiative is modeled after the successful CUNY ASAP program, which has been proven to double retention and graduation rates for students.Historically, retention and degree completion rates at USU Blanding have been low, with retention rates below 55% and graduation rates for associate and bachelor's degree seekers below 20% and 30%, respectively. The New Beginnings program seeks to address these issues by providing comprehensive support to students, including stipends, tuition assistance, and opportunities for experiential education and service learning.A key component of the program is a structured support system, where a dedicated faculty member, in collaboration with the student services team, will oversee each student's progress. This includes monitoring academic performance, ensuring participation in mentoring and tutoring, and facilitating involvement in various cultural and educational activities. Students will also engage in community-based projects in partnership with local organizations, further enriching their educational experience.The program sets ambitious goals, aiming to increase retention rates by 5% annually, reaching 73% by 2029, and to double graduation rates. Progress will be closely tracked through a combination of quantitative data (such as retention and graduation rates) and qualitative feedback from students and staff, with adjustments made as needed to ensure the program's success.Ultimately, the New Beginnings program aspires to create a supportive and culturally relevant educational environment that empowers Native American students at USU Blanding to achieve their academic and career goals, while also addressing broader community challenges in the Four Corners region.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The primary goal of the Blanding New Beginnings project is to significantly improve the retention and success rates of Native American students in STEM and health-related fields at USU Blanding. By leveraging the proven CUNY ASAP model, we aim to double retention and graduation rates, while also positively impacting students' personal, career, and financial outcomes. Through the integration of structured support services, including advising, mentoring, and tutoring, we will closely monitor and assess student progress to ensure the effectiveness of our strategies.Our measurable outcomes will be evaluated through continuous data collection and analysis, allowing us to assess the effectiveness of program components and make evidence-based adjustments. This includes monitoring student grades weekly, conducting bi-monthly performance discussions, and developing individualized academic progress plans. Additionally, we will host student listening circles to gather insights on student perceptions, progress, and experiences, as well as staff and faculty feedback on program interactions and outcomes.The feedback gathered will inform ongoing improvements to enhance the student, faculty, and staff experience, ensuring that the project remains responsive to the needs of all stakeholders. Ultimately, this project aims to develop and refine innovative strategies that effectively support the success of Native American students in STEM and health-related fields, contributing to long-term positive outcomes for both students and the broader community.The expected outcome (or objective) is increased retention rates of Native American students at USU Blanding.Within four years, this project aims to achieve the following specific objectives related to retention:1 Year Retention, we are currently at 53.3% and will reach 73% by 2029; 5% increase per year.1 Year Retention of Underrepresented students, we are currently at 59.1% and will reach 79.1% by 2029; 5% increase per year.1 Year Retention of First Generation Students (FGS) we are currently at 63.3% and will reach 83.3% by 2029; 5% increase per year.
Project Methods
USU Blanding New Beginnings is being modeled after CUNY ASAP and that methodology has been established since 2007, its key impacts focus on student retention and graduation. One of the missing components of the USU Blanding retention plan is the ability to fully fund the programming that is essential to our student's success, including stipends, tuition assistance, and support for experiential education and service learning.Historically, retention at the University of Utah Blanding campus has been below 55% from first enrollment to the next fall. The degree completion rate of our students has remained below 20% for associate-seeking students and below 30% for bachelors seeking students (NASNTI (2012-2018). This data clearly indicates a need to focus on improving retention and graduation rates. A committee was formed on our campus with representatives from various departments. This committee examined data and researched successful retention strategies at other universities.Under the retention plan umbrella, The New Beginnings for STEM and Health Tribal Students at USU Blanding will be an integral part of student services support for tribal students with a career interest in STEM and health related fields.A current faculty member will oversee the program. In partnership with the current student services team, the faculty member will be responsible for documenting the following for each student, every semester for the four years of the grant:Ensure students are meeting all of the following requirements:Maintain a 2.0 or greater GPAAttend a minimum of two advising sessions per semesterAttend tutoring sessionsAttend mentoring sessionsGuide and provide feedback on the student service projectEnsure students receive scholarship and stipend fundingPlan travel to and attend SACNAS Conference with studentsHelp recruit students into the programCoordinate faculty mentoringProvide general advice and guidance to studentsTimetable: Below is the proposed timetable for program:Semester 1Recruit 10 Native American students into the programOrient students to the program, requirements, and aims of the programIntroduce students to faculty mentors, program coordinator, advisors, tutors, and other key staffSemester 2-8Review performance of students in the program.Recruit new students to the program to fill any open slots. We will maintain 10 students in the program, and fill any vacancies with students on our waitlist.Orient new students to the program, requirements, and aim of the programIntroduce new students to faculty mentors, program coordinator, advisors, tutors, and other key staffEncourage students who complete their associate degree to enroll in a bachelor's degree program.Workforce IncreasesTrack student graduation rates.Track student job placement rate and industry placement.consent (USU, 2024). In addition, all employees with access to student data are required to complete FERPA training annually. To ensure project effectiveness, USU Blanding will implement a robust evaluation framework that includes both quantitative and qualitative measures.Retention Tracking: The program will monitor the retention rate of the 10 Native American student participants, with a STEM or Health majors, on a semester-by-semester basis, comparing these rates to the baseline retention rate of 53.3%. USU Blanding utilizes a retention dashboard, managed under Tableau. The 53.3% retention is the current baseline for students attending the Blanding campus (to include Native American students). Through New Beginnings the current retention rate will be increased 5% each year for a retention rate of 73% by 2029.Graduation Rate Analysis: Graduation rates will be tracked over the standard four-semester period for associate degree students. The baseline graduation rate of 35.7% will serve as the benchmark, with a target increase to 60% by 2029 (6.25% each year). Graduation data will be collected and analyzed to assess the impact of the program on completion rates. USU Blanding New Beginnings is being modeled after CUNY ASAP which, "the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) identified ASAP as an intervention with solid evidence of beneficial effects. (CUNY, 2024)." CUNY has shown evidence to double both retention and graduation rates for associates and Bachelor's seeking students.Degree Attainment: The number of degrees and general education certificates (10) conferred to Native American students will be recorded and analyzed annually to measure the overall impact of the program on degree attainment. This data will help to identify trends and areas for further improvement.Student Feedback and Engagement: Surveys and focus groups will be conducted with program participants to gather feedback on their experiences and the support they received. This qualitative data will provide insights into the program's effectiveness and highlight areas for enhancement.Academic Performance Metrics: The program will also track academic performance indicators such as GPA and course completion rates to ensure that students are not only staying enrolled but are also succeeding academically.