EFSC Accomplishments 2017 | Page 5

M A R C H - 2 01 7 Core Scholar Success Improved Disability Services The Core Scholar Tutoring Program continued making impressive strides in helping students succeed in the classroom with strong results in difficult courses throughout the year. (Student Recruitment, Diversity Initiatives) EFSC made advances to improve access to all college programs for students with disabilities through the Student Academic Support Services Office (SAIL) to ensure they receive the full benefits of an EFSC education. (Student Recruitment, Diversity Initiatives) Core Scholar Highlights: • About 1,400 students participated in some part of the program. • Some 20 percent of those involved were African-American, showing the program’s importance to a diverse student body. • More than 16,000 hours of peer tutoring were conducted with over 800 students also attending workshops on study skills, time management and organizational skills. • The results of that participation can be seen in major increases in the student success rates in specific courses. • Key examples include: • In General Biology, success rates average 79 percent for all students. However, for students attending group tutoring sessions or individualized peer tutoring, that average is 96 percent and 90 percent, respectively. • In Microcomputer Applications, the jump is just as dramatic with an average 73 percent success rate increasing to 86 percent. • In Intermediate Algebra, the average 53 percent success rate rose to 75 percent for students who attended group-tutoring sessions. SAIL Highlights: • Implemented a case management system for every student with disabilities to ensure they receive a comprehensive educational experience. • Added equipment to support students with disabilities, including devices on every campus that allow students who are deaf to access all student services. • Hired a college-wide technology specialist to coordinate accessibility compliance and technology issues for students with disabilities. • Provided workshops, webinars, and open labs for instructors on “how to make your course content more accessible” for students with disabilities. • Also worked with a local community-counseling agency to provide mental health support for all EFSC students who may want it. Strengthened College Security Took additional steps throughout the year to continue strengthening college-wide security on all four campuses. (Student Enrollment, Employee Relations, Trustee Relations) Security Highlights: • Received award from the State Department of Education for second safest state college in Florida based on three key criteria: violent crime, property crime and violence against women. • Successfully trained and qualified eight additional armed officers, bringing college total to 19-armed officers deployed on all campuses. • In the process of arming additional officers in the near future. • Hired former Palm Bay Police Chief Mark Renkens as the Lieutenant for College-wide Security, bringing his 28 years of law enforcement experience to the college to oversee operations and serve as Second-in-Command to the Chief of College-wide Security.