STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS

 

Savannah State University, since its beginning in 1890, has placed emphasis on educating students through academic and co-curricular experiences. The basic goals of Student Development Services are consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of Savannah State College. Student Development Services staff members strongly encourage and seek the participation of all the members of the College in the development, implementation and evaluation of meaningful educational programs.

The achievement of these goals is the primary responsibility of the Office for Student Affairs. This office plans and implements Student Development Services in collaboration with other administrative offices as appropriate. Student Development Services is a collaborative effort among the Offices of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and Career Counseling and Placement .

Health Services

Planning Unit: Division of Students Affairs

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Ms Betty Bennett

Planning Objective: The Health Services Program continues to provide primary health care to the student body. Services have been added to meet the increasing demands for accessible health care. Physician services are provided daily. A women=s clinic has been added. HIV testing is provided on site once a week. The center is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Action Plans

FY 1998:

Establish and support two Peer Health Educators.

Provide new typewriters for secretary and pharmacist.

Provide health related information and data to student groups and others.

Continue to provide nursing and physician services.

All staff to complete computer training.

Provide on site services that meet the Mental Health Crisis needs of students.

FY 1999 - 2003:

Continue to provide primary health care on campus.

Expand the number of University and Community Health Care partnerships.

Participate in providing and obtaining health education and training.

To be completely computerized so that Health care information can be shared between service providers.

Comprehensive Counseling Center and Disabled Student Services

Planning Unit: Division of Student Affairs

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Mrs. Shirley Johnson

Planning Objective : The Counseling Center provides an array of services specifically tailored to address the academic, social and emotional needs of all students. Through both personal and career counseling, the professional staff assists students in their adjustment to the academic major and a career direction. These services are provided in an individual or group counseling setting. The Center offers a wide variety of theme oriented workshops throughout the year. In addition, other support services include: peer counseling, new student orientation, crisis intervention, quality referrals, consultation and career development.

Action Plans

FY 1998:

Implementation of a Comprehensive Counseling Week by the Spring, 1998 to highlight the services and programs available to students.

Development of a student support advisory board that will assist in the identification of students with special needs.

Request the addition of a half-time psychologist to assist students with learning disability testing, evaluation, and individual counseling with at-risk students.

Implementation of a Parents’ Weekend.

Attend professional development conferences and workshops.

Purchase a camcorder and TV/VCR for educational use and outread programs.

Conduct career guidance sessions for freshmen classes using SIGI Plus Assessment software and career assessment inventories.

FY 1999 - 2003:

Revise a brochure for disabled student services.

Administer a student survey to determine program effectiveness.

Request the addition of a full-time psychologist to assist in testing and individual counseling.

Expand the Peer Counseling Program to include a mentoring component.

Continue to provide outreach programs for students.

Update volumes and subscription renewals of career reference guides.

Request the addition of a part-time counselor to assist graduate students.

Career Services and cooperative Education

Planning Unit: Office of Student Affairs & Career Services and Cooperative Education

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Career Services Director

Planning Objective: To significantly improve services offered to students and alumni. This objective will be measured by the following accomplishments: to increase the number of employers recruiting for employment, internships and co-op opportunities to 150 by 1998; to increase the number of non-senior students using the services of the Career Services and Cooperative Education Office to 1,000 by 2001; to increase the number of seniors registering with the office from 30% to 80% by 1999.

Action Plans

FY 1998:

Conduct 10 classroom and dormitory presentations on the services of the Office. Presentation will be completed by Spring Quarter.

Notify clubs and organizations of employment, internship and coop opportunities by mail.

Sponsor 4 employer presentations on available opportunities.

Re-install the Discover-Career Assessment Software Program, Federal Job Information Touch Screen System, Resume Expert and CD-ROM Databases

Contact 50 Alumni regarding employment, internship and co-op opportunities.

Attend Senior class meetings and mail correspondence at the beginning of each quarter inviting them to register with the Office.

Attend professional development conferences and workshops.

Develop an assessment instrument to determine program effectiveness.

Sponsor two trips for students to attend career fairs within the southern region.

Conduct career guidance activities specifically targeting Freshmen Life Classes using Discover-Career Assessment software. and other outreach activities(employer presentations, mailings, employer contacts, information tables and career assessments).

Resources: State funding for Personnel services and $30,000 non-personnel services budget

FY 1999:

Update and increase Career Library materials.

Replace PC's and printers for student use.

Purchase a camcorder to videotape activities.

Resources: $10,000 non-personnel service

FY 2000:

Continue outreach activities(employer presentations, mailings, and employer contacts, information tables and career assessments).

Resources: State Funding for Personnel and non-personnel services

FY 2001:

· Continue to conduct outreach activities.

Resources: State funding for Personnel and non-personnel

services

Cooperative Education

Planning Unit: Office of Student Affairs & Career Services and Cooperative Education

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Career Services Director

Planning Objective: To develop increased co-op opportunities for students. Co-op relationships will be established with thirty two new employers by FY 2000 and the number of student participants will increase by 85% by 2000.

Action Plans

FY 1998:

· Enhance the co-op advisory panel with employer and student representation.

Resources: No additional funding will be needed, recruitment

will be performed by the Co-op Coordinator.

A co-op breakfast or luncheon will be held for students and supervisors.

A co-op education club will be established for current and potential co-op students to enhance their knowledge of corporate America and career opportunities in their field.

Resources: Private fund sources in cooperation with Institutional Advancement.

FY 1999:

· To sponsor a CO-op/Internship Career Day

Resources: Identify private funds through Institutional Advancement for refreshments and luncheon.

FY 2000:

· To market the Co-op Program to potential employers through use of television and radio spots and local newspapers.

Resources: $5,000 non-personnel services

FY 2001:

· Purchase computer software for students to apply for co-op and internship opportunities.

Resources: $5,000 for non-personnel services

Residential Life

Planning Unit: Division of Student Affairs

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Dr. Samuel Williams

Planning Objective: The office of the Residential Life is responsible for creating an environment that is conductive to group living and learning. The experience that students receive from the residence hall program support their academic and personal growth.

Action Plan

FY 1998:

· Upgrade the management, facilities and residence hall program

· Training all residence hall staff in the use of computers.

· Provide staff development training summer and spring.

FY 1999-2003:

· All residence halls to be on line with the university computer system.

· To sponsor two (2) graduate interns in the residence halls.

· To sponsor mentoring community outreach programs for public schools and community agencies.

King-Frazier Student Center and Intramural

Planning Unit: Division of Student Affairs

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Mr. Gary Oliver

Planning Objective: The King Frazier Student Center continues to provide and improve opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni to use facilities and equipment located within the center through the use of the Norman B. Elmore Theater, Savannah Room (Ballroom), Television Lounges and Conference Room. Students can also make use of the game room that offers card and board games, table tennis, billiard tables, and a selection of video games. They are also given an opportunity to view movies on the weekend and participate in recreational tournaments and sports.

 

 

Action Plan

FY 1998:

Enhance the total decorum of the center by providing additional or new furniture and equipment.

Expand the hours of operations in the evenings until 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and 12:00 midnight on weekends.

Host HBCU Student Leadership Conference.

FY 1999-2003:

Offer current new movies titles two nights a week along with weekend shows.

Offer additional recreational sports to include volleyball, bowling, golf, and skating.

Change the video games from rental to ownership.

Office of Student Activities

Planning Unit: Division of Student Affairs

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Ms. Festine Butler

Planning Objective: The Office of Student Activities coordinates and improves educational, recreational, social, cultural, and entertainment programs and services. This office advises and supports all registered student organizations as well as coordinate the New Student Organization Orientation and campus programs.

Action Plan

FY 1998:

To implement and develop a Vice Presidents and Student Advisory Council.

Offer quarterly orientation workshops for student clubs and organization.

Enhances the services from the Student Activities Information Center.

Sponsor students attendance at Association of College Union International Conferences.

Host the Association of College Unions - International Region VI Annual Conference.

Spring Celebration Festival.

Executive For a Day Program.

FY 1999-2000:

· Cross Cultural Student leadership training for students from around the world. This activity will enrich student leaders personal growth.

· Encourage and support student organization participation in grant programs.

 

Savannah State University, since its beginning in 1890, has placed emphasis on educating students through academic and CO-curricular experiences. The basic goals of Student Development Services are consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of Savannah State College. Student Development Services staff members strongly encourage and seek the participation of all the members of the College in the development, implementation and evaluation of meaningful educational programs.

The achievement of these goals is the primary responsibility of the Office for Student Affairs. This office plans and implements Student Development Services in collaboration with other administrative offices as appropriate. Student Development Services is a collaborative effort among the Offices of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and Career Counseling and Placement .

Career Services and cooperative Education

Planning Unit: Office of Student Affairs & Career Services and Cooperative Education

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Career Services Director

Planning Objective: To significantly improve services offered to students and alumni. This objective will be measured by the following accomplishments: to increase the number of employers recruiting for employment, internships and co-op opportunities to 150 by 1998; to increase the number of non-senior students using the services of the Career Services and Cooperative Education Office to 1,000 by 2001; to increase the number of seniors registering with the office from 30% to 80% by 1999.

Action Plans

FY 1998:

Conduct 10 classroom and dormitory presentations on the services of the Office. Presentation will be completed by Spring Quarter.

Notify clubs and organizations of employment, internship and coop opportunities by mail.

Sponsor 4 employer presentations on available opportunities.

Install the Discover-Career Assessment Software Program

Federal Job Information Touch Screen System, Resume Expert and CD-ROM Databases.

Contact 50 Alumni regarding employment, internship and co-op opportunities.

Attend Senior class meetings and mail correspondence at the beginning of each quarter inviting them to register with the Office.

Attend professional development conferences and workshops.

Develop an assessment instrument to determine program effectiveness.

Sponsor two trips for students to attend career fairs within the southern region.

Conduct career guidance activities specifically targeting Freshmen Life Classes using

Discover-Career Assessment software. and other outreach activities(employer presentations, mailings, employer contacts, information tables and career assessments).

Resources: State funding for Personnel services and $30,000 non-personnel services budget

FY 1999:

· Update and increase Career Library materials.

· Replace PC's and printers for student use.

· Purchase a camcorder to videotape activities.

Resources: $10,000 non-personnel service

FY 2000:

Continue outreach activities(employer presentations, mailings, and employer contacts, information tables and career assessments).

Resources: State Funding for Personnel and non-personnel services

FY 2001:

· Continue to conduct outreach activities.

Resources: State funding for Personnel and non-personnel services

Cooperative Education

Planning Unit: Office of Student Affairs & Career Services and Cooperative Education

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Career Services Director

Planning Objective: To develop increased co-op opportunities for students. Co-op relationships will be established with thirty two new employers by FY 2000 and the number of student participants will increase by 85% by 2000.

Action Plans

FY 1998:

· Enhance the co-op advisory panel with employer and student representation.

Resources: No additional funding will be needed, recruitment will be performed by the Co-op Coordinator.

FY 1998:

A co-op breakfast or luncheon will be held for students and supervisors.

A co-op education club will be established for current and potential co-op students to enhance their knowledge of corporate America and career opportunities in their field.

Resources: Private fund sources in cooperation with Institutional Advancement.

FY 1999:

· To sponsor a Co-op/Internship Career Day

Resources: Identify private funds through Institutional Advancement for refreshments and luncheon.

FY 2000:

· To market the Co-op Program to potential employers through use of television and radio spots and local newspapers.

Resources: $5,000 non-personnel services

FY 2001:

· Purchase computer software for students to apply for co-op and internship opportunities.

Resources: $5,000 for non-personnel services

Division Of Learning Support

Academic Tracking and Early Intervention (ATEI)

Planning Unit: Division of Learning Support

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Mrs. Joan Maynor and Mr. Phat Hong

Planning Objective: To increase the retention rate at Savannah State University, retention will be controlled through carefully tracking the academic progress of at risk students identified at placement and regularly admitted students identified before and by mid-semester and connecting them to necessary resources to persist in school. Retention will be improved through early intervention with potential dropouts by offering services needed by the students for academic success. This mechanism will reduce the probability students withdrawing and increase the probability of students completing their first year and returning the following year. Current demographic data on each student will be kept so the tracking can be continued once the students have either left school or graduated.

Action Plans

Summer 1997

· Pilot the academic success of the Learning Support students who entered Fall 1996 through Spring 1997.

· Compile a complete report of the data collected (i.e. number of students dropped out or transferred, average G.P.A. of students remaining, reason for leaving, etc).

FY 1998:

· Begin implementation with all Learning Support students who enter Fiscal Year 1998. Track and collect data on regularly admitted students through a random selection.

· Develop a series of letters to be sent to these students informing them of the different services offered by ATEI and how this program can benefit them.

· Implement the use of counseling and tutorial sessions. Students will be strongly advised to see their counselor at least once a month. Students will also be advised to attend tutoring sessions regularly.

Resources Needed

· Assistance from Computer Services to create a data bank designed solely for ATEI students to allow for updating of each student’s record as needed without changing the information on the student’s permanent record.

· Use of Learning Labs and other Academic and Student Support Services to provide tutoring.

· Supplies (e.g., stationery, folders, diskettes, printing paper, etc.)

Cost

$ 2,000.00 - Supplies

$ 9,000.00 - Part-time Office/Staff Assistant (Salary per academic year)

$ 3,000.00 - One time adjustment in Salary (Information Analyst to Assistant Director)

$ 3,000.00 - Salary compensation per academic year (Director)

--------------

$16,000.00 Total

Pre-University Outreach/Continuing Education

Planning Unit: Division of Learning Support

Responsible for Objective Implementation: Mrs. Joan Maynor

Planning Objective: The Pre-University Outreach/Continuing Education Program would be designed for two groups of students: students with deferred admission and nontraditional students. In response to the community=s need for a mechanism to prepare students who were denied admission to a senior level college because of their Freshman Index (FI < 1790) and who would otherwise have to attend a two-year college, the Pre-University Outreach would offer an oppurtunity to these students to hone their basic skills and to improve their FI by improving SAT scores.Because there is no nearby two-year college, Outreach would coordinate courses in SAT preparation (verbal, math, and analytical skills) and test-taking strategies in collaboration with Continuing Education. Students who passed the course would sit for the institutional SAT. If they raised their SAT scores high enough to increase their FI to a 1790, students would be granted provisional admission. Upon receiving provisional admission, students would become eligible to sit for the College Placement Examination (CPE), which would determine their status and placement.

Action Plans

FY 1997:

Work with the Office of Admissions on identifying those students who made application

to SSU but were denied admission because of a FI<1790.

Develop a letter to be sent to these students informing them of the Pre-University/Continuing Education Program and how this program can benefit them.

Work with the Director of Continuing Education to plan the logistics of the course

(where, when, how long, how much to charge, etc.).

Identify software and other materials necessary for instruction.

FY 1998:

Implement course during the summer months.

FY 1998-2003:

Continue to expand enrollment in the course by contacting all local high school counselors and having them inform all of their students with a FI<1790 of the

program.

Resources Needed: No additional funding will be needed. The course is to be funded by student tuition charged by the Continuing Education Center.

University-wide Testing

PLANNING UNIT: Division of Learning Support

RESPONSIBLE FOR OBJECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION: Shirley B. James, Director of Testing/Counseling Coordinator for Learning Support

PLANNING OBJECTIVES: To continue to serve the testing requirements and needs of the student body at Savannah State University; to expand testing services to include the development of a Comprehensive Computer Testing Practice/Training Center which will benefit students by developing their test-taking abilities and increasing their performance on standardized tests; to continue to serve the general community as well as SSU students through the University=s National Testing Center which offers national standardized tests published by Educational Testing Services, the American College Testing Program, Law School Admission Services, as well as various exams for correspondence study, professional licensure and/or certification from other testing programs on the state and national levels; to implement a community outreach testing program which will offer opportunities in the Computer Testing Center for junior and high school students and their parents, as well as non-traditional students preparing for post secondary education, to develop their test-taking strategy abilities and increase the probability of their admissions to college/university undergraduate programs.

Action Plans

FY 1998:

C Set up full operation of the Computer Testing laboratory in Whiting Hall, Room 128

equipped with 30 computer stations.

C Offer the COMPASS (computer based test) for placement and exit from Learning Support.

C Establish a Computer Testing Practice/Training Center for Students and Faculty.

- Offer computer based tutorials for the GRE, GMAT, PRAXIS, SAT, & LSAT.

- Offer tutorial and test skills training for the above mentioned exams in addition

to the Georgia Regents= Examination, CLEP, and MCAT

- Incorporated the Learning Plus Self-paced Learning Skills and Test Strategies

Computer Program for at least 500 SSU students annually.

- Work with faculty in assisting them with test item development skills that will

aid student test-taking skills on standardized tests.

Offer a computer based diagnostic assessment exam (ASSET) for student placement

in core curricula courses in math and English.

C Employ services of campus media to disseminate information about the Testing

services.

- Initiate radio spots and PSA=s regarding Testing tips and testing dates,

registration deadlines, etc.

- Investigate the use of the marquee at the Jasmine intersection as a designated

Testing Information Marquee.

- Continue to use the Campus Public Relations Newsletter

C Develop a comprehensive brochure for public distribution listing all testing services

provided by the Office of Testing.

C Target SSU Junior and Senior seminar Classes for presentations on test preparation for graduate admissions exams

C Expand the CLEP Program by initiating the Corporate CLEP Program at SSU

(A business corporate - University partnership)

Implement a community outreach testing services program through the Computer Testing Center for junior and high school students and their parents, in addition to adult learners preparing for post secondary education, to offer computer based tutorials for SAT preparation; test-taking skills development; and academic assessment-diagnostic services through the use of ASSET testing (this will assist prospective students with academic tracking in preparation for college admissions).

C Offer facilities in the Computer Testing Center to establish Savannah State University as the site for a KAPLAN Education Center in the Coastal Empire Area.

FY 1999-2003:

C Continue to expand testing services as outlined above until:

- all students enrolled at Savannah State University will be exposed to the self- paced computer instruction learning skills and test strategies program at least by the end of the sophomore year.

- all instructors receive training with test question construction skills -

questions that would be formatted similar to those used on standardized

tests.

- community outreach programs have expanded to serve at least 100 constituents per week by the end of FY 2003.

Resources Needed

C Site license for test preparation and practice skills software that can be loaded on the LAN for multi-users along with CD-ROM and print materials, i.e., workbooks and practice paper/pencil exams.

C ASSET Student Success Diagnostic/Assessment Program

C At least twenty (20) additional computers with minimum capabilities of to completely equip a Comprehensive Computer Testing Practice/Training Center to be housed in the Computer Testing Center in Whiting Hall, Room 128 which can service a maximum of thirty (30) students per session.

C Adequate wiring in Whiting Hall, Room 128 to accommodate at least thirty (30) computers on the server, OR re-location of the current Computer Testing Center to a larger facility which can accommodate a greater number of clients until scheduled building renovation is completed

C At least four (4) copies of Creative Classroom Testing, 10 Designs for Assessment and Instruction per academic department for instructors= use as a guide in construction of classroom exams and quizzes.

C Two (2) administrative computers for the Computer Testing Center and Two (2)

One (1) Texas Instrument Omni 800 series Dot Matrix Printer

One (1) LaserJet Printer, Fax, Copier

C Office Supplies sufficient to accommodate the daily operations of the Testing

Office and the Computer Testing Center.

Cost

Site license fees and software, print materials, $10,700

Interactive CD-ROMS, paper/pencil practice

tests, workbooks and other study materials

ASSET Diagnostic/Assessment Program 2,370

Resource books on test construction and design 100 @ $15.00 1,500

Two (2) Computers @ 1,750 3,500

One (1) TI Omni 800 Series Dot Matrix Printer 3,000

One (1) Laser Printer, copier, fax 600

Office supplies to accommodate daily operations of the

Testing Office and Computer Testing Center 2,000

TOTAL $23,670

 

 

 

Academic Support Counseling

PLANNING UNIT: Division of Learning Support

RESPONSIBLE FOR OBJECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION:

Shirley B. James, Director of Testing/Counseling Coordinator for Learning Support

PLANNING OBJECTIVE: To address the academic support needs of students by providing individual/group counseling for their personal, social, academic, adjustment, and career concerns; to provide opportunities for training in decision-making and goal setting skills; to provide instruments and tools for assessing individual aptitude, interests and value systems; to institute a peer/teacher/staff mentoring program; to institute a motivational graduation club for at-risk students; to expand use of on-campus and community referral services.

Action Plans

FY 1998:

C Designate at least twelve (12) hours per week, to include two (2) evening hours specifically for counseling Learning Support students and attending the

Personal, social, emotional, academic and career decision-making concerns

which impact their ability to adjust to the demands of college life.

C Administer learning styles assessment instruments for Learning Support students

who demonstrate, according to classroom performance and faculty referral, academic difficulty after the first week of class and/or refer students for Special Needs diagnosis, counseling, and services from the Student Counseling Center.

C Work collaboratively with the coordinator of the Freshman Year Experience as

well as the Academic Tracking and Early Intervention and Pre-University

components in teaching students how to employ strategies and skills for

decision-making and goal-setting as they relate to academic success.

C Through the above mentioned components, use standardized measuring instruments to assist students in assessing their aptitudes, interests, and

values and understanding how to relate the same to setting realistic

and achievable goals.

C Survey the interest for

A volunteer Peer-Mentoring program using

Learning Support Agraduates@ as mentors, and an

Affiliate Faculty Mentor=s Program, both designed to lend strong academic support.

A graduation (motivational/incentive/support) club for students, parents/guardians/spouses to assist them in setting short and long-term goals.

Work with the campus Non-Traditional Students Organization

in setting up a support group for Non-Traditional Learning Support students.

Continue to expand relationships with campus and community

agencies which can serve needs of students which cannot be accommodated through the counseling efforts in the Division of Learning Support.

FY 1999 - FY 2003:

C Designate time on alternate days, bi-weekly, and post/announce for counseling

with Learning Support Students individually or in groups by FY 1999

C Work closely with LS faculty in implementing system for identification and referral of students who will need initial assessment of learning styles or diagnosis for special needs by FY 2000.

C Work with Freshman Year Experience, Academic Tracking and Early Intervention, and Pre-University component heads to develop decision-making and goal setting skills training for students which will include a counseling model by FY 2001.

C Order aptitude, interest and values measuring assessment instruments for

at least 300 students annually by FY 2002.

C Order and administer instruments for at least 50 students by the end of

FY 1998.

C Increase order in increments annually until at least 300 students can be

Served by the end of FY 2003.

C Based upon Survey results,

- Institute the Graduation Club by FY 1999

- Institute a Volunteer Peer-Mentoring and Affiliate Faculty

Mentoring Program by FY 2000.

C Begin working with the campus Non-Traditional Students Organization

and improvise methods to organize support groups for Learning Support

Non-Traditional students by FY 1999.

C Evaluate usage and outcome on an annual basis to determine if expansion of community referral services for LS students is needed (Annual evaluations through FY 2003)

Resources Needed

C Battery of measuring/assessment instruments to include:

interests inventories, learning styles assessments, aptitude tests, values assessment

tools, and appropriate software

C Supplemental support materials for distribution to students (pamphlets, brochures,

flyers, etc.)

C Training materials for Peer & Faculty Mentors

C Office Supplies

Cost

Tests, inventories, assessment instruments $ 4,000

Brochures, pamphlets, flyers (support materials) 500

Training Materials for Peer/Faculty Mentors 400

Office Supplies 2,000

TOTAL $ 6,900