YTC SENSE 2010 Findings

I am very pleased to share with you the results of our latest administration of the Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE). This past fall semester was the second time we administered the survey and the results are very encouraging. The SENSE items focus on entering students’ experiences during the first three weeks of their first semester.

The SENSE data are organized around six benchmarks: Early Connections, High Expectations/Aspirations, Clear Academic Plan, Effective Track to Readiness, Engaged Learning, and Academic/Student Support. Each benchmark is then comprised of individual survey items related to that benchmark. I am encouraged that York Tech students rated the College higher than its peer colleges for all six benchmarks. York Tech benchmark scores ranged from a high of 63.2 to 50.8, where the average score for all participating colleges is 50.0. We also increased our scores for four of the six benchmarks from last year.

In 2010, York Tech students reported higher levels of engagement from last year based on their responses to many of the individual survey items. Although two years of data is not enough to consider a trend, the data seem to suggest that some of our recent changes in institutional policies and practices may indeed be positively influencing our students’ experiences, and hopefully, their eventual success. For example, the percentage of students who reported never skipping a class increased almost seven percent. It seems reasonable to conclude that this may be related to our change in attendance policy. We set higher expectations of our students by reducing the allowable number of absences, and the students have responded in a positive manner.

We need to use some caution, however, in interpreting changes from one year to another. This is especially true given all of the policy and practice changes we have implemented specific to the ‘front door’ of the College. Nonetheless, I encourage you to review the College’s benchmark scores and related survey items and to discuss their possible meanings with your peers and even with your own students.

You will hear more about the data and related initiatives as we continue our SENSE Benchmark Fridays this spring semester. The next session deals with the Effective Track to Readiness benchmark and is scheduled for Friday, March 18, 2011. You will hear more from the Professional Development Committee (PDC) about this very soon.

In the meantime, please review the key findings of the 2010 SENSE report for York Tech and other information about SENSE at www.ccsse.org/sense.

Employee Recognition

The annual South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) Conference was held February 17-19 in Myrtle Beach. The following York Technical College employees were recognized recipients of the Educator of the Year award.

Staff: Candee Brakefield

Faculty: Jane Fleischer

Administrator/Manager: Cindy Mayfield

Each recipient received a plaque and a $100 check. Congratulations to each of you!

I also want to thank Warren Cook, Teresa Smith, Vicki Stewart, and Ginger Dewey for serving on the SCTEA Executive Board this year and representing York Technical College so well! Your hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated!