Dear Colleagues:

 The University of Memphis serves a broad range of student constituencies, consistent with most urban public research universities. Accordingly, the strategies to grow enrollment (including enhanced retention) are a variety of programs and initiatives across many targeted groups. I am very proud to share some exciting results Dr. Richard L. Irwin, Associate Dean, University College, has reported from a pilot study this fall involving college re-readiness course for returning adult students. 

 Tracy Robinson, Director of Online Education, in collaboration with Colton Cockrum, Assistant Director of Academic Retention and Enrichment Services, created an “open access” college readiness course for a select group of adult students.  Of the 36 students invited to participate 13 accepted with 11 fully completing the course.  Astonishingly, those that completed the course achieved a fall semester GPA of 3.71 (incoming average overall GPA was 2.46), a full point higher than the students who declined our invitation (semester GPA of 2.67).  Obviously, their performance was influenced by multiple variables but we are thrilled to see that this course may represent one of the keys to their success. We anticipate similar progress this semester.

Tiger Blue Transition/Adult College Re-Readiness Course

Fall 2013 pilot

• Open to new or readmitted adult students in University College
•  Free to student (not a Banner course)
• Students identified by academic advisor and invited to participate
• Could be converted to tuition and credit bearing course through UNIV independent study 

Goals for course:

1.       Focus on preparing them to be successful in fall 2013 classes

2.       Reduce anxiety about return to school

3.       Increase retention of these students

4.       Orient them to University, eCourseware, and resources available to them

Learning Modules:

• eCourseware orientation/navigation
•  Library
• Writing skills
• Support services/resources
• Time Management
• Study skills
• Note-taking strategies
•  Degree options/planning/advising/registration

Of the Students who accepted the invitation to enroll in the module:         

• Average age of the students = 44 (ages range from 26 to 73)
• Almost 50/50 ratio of male to female
• 70% are readmitted students with an average time away from the University of 15 years
• 85% are within 50 miles of campus
• Average incoming GPA = 2.46
• Average earned credit hours = 70 (range from 6 to 128)
• Average enrollment for fall term = 6 credit hours (online, campus, and extended sites)

Obviously this is an endeavor that merits our applause.  Thanks to Dean Irwin, Mrs. Robinson, and Dr. Cockrum, whose leadership charted one path to student success for this group of returning adult students.

 Go Tigers!

M. David Rudd, Provost