santiago canyon college program review 2012 2016 · 2018-02-05 · santiago canyon college program...
TRANSCRIPT
I. Signature Page
Santiago Canyon College Program Review
Veterans Services Office
______________________________________________________ __________________
Steven Salcido Date
Assistant Dean – Financial Aid, Scholarships & Veterans
______________________________________________________ __________________
Syed Rizvi Date
Dean – Enrollment Services
_______________________________________________________ __________________
Ruth Babeshoff Date
Vice-President – Student Services
II. Program Description
Vision and Mission
MISSION
The Veterans Services Office was created to assist Veteran students transition from soldiers to
scholars. Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists and their dependents/spouse are assisted with accessing
their VA education benefits to succeed in their educational goals.
Overview of Services-Functions
Currently the Santiago Canyon College (SCC) Veterans Services Office (VSO) offers assistance to
students with the following programs:
VA Education Benefits Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill
Served on active duty on or after 9/11/01
Honorable discharge from service
Served a minimum of 90 aggregate days (excluding entry level and skill training)
Eligibility can also be established if served at least 30 continuous days of active duty and discharged for a service-connected disability
Active duty members eligible on 90th day after completion of entry level training
Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Pre 9/11)
First entered active duty on or after 6/30/1985
Had $1,200 deducted from the first 12 months of military pay for participation in MGIB
Completed Initial service obligation
Have a high school diploma, GED, or complete 12 hours toward a college degree before applying for benefits
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable
Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Vet Success services
Benefit amount information can be obtained from the Vocational Rehab Counselor
To Apply or Receive Information and Assistance: Submit the completed Form 28-1900 Form to the nearest VA Office
Chapter 32 VEAP
Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985
Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987
Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2,700
Completed first period of service; and
Discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable
Chapter 35 Dependent Educational Assistance
A veteran who died or is 100% disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence
A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force
A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power
A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability
Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill-SR (Reservist)
Have a 6-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve
Complete their Initial Active Duty for Training
Serve in a drilling Selected Reserve unit and remain in good standing
Obtained a HS diploma or equivalency certificate. Completing 12 credits towards a college degree before applying meets this requirement.
Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
DOD and DHS determine eligibility, not VA
No payment is required to participate in this program
Must have been activated by Federal authority for a contingency operation as determined by the President or Congress
Must have served 90 continuous days or more on or after September 11, 2001
Funding Source Statement
Currently, the Veterans Services Office receives funding from the general fund and Equity funds.
III. Organization Chart
Current Staffing
Santiago Canyon College
Student Services
Veterans Service Office
Steven Salcido VSO Assistant Dean
Elizabeth Bergara VSO Student Services Coordinator
Alex Vega Student Services Specialist
IV. Summary of Progress
Major accomplishments for Veterans Services Office
operations from 2012-2016
SCC has created a unique collaboration by merging the Scholarship Program Office and
Veterans Service Office into one. The Scholarship Program Office does an exceptional
job at establishing and maintaining relationships with the donors as well as students.
The program has continued to grow. Since 2012, the Scholarship Program has disbursed
over a half a million dollars in student scholarships. The Scholarship Program has just
purchased a software (Academic Works) that will allow the scholarship application
process to become more automated.
The Veterans Service Program was established in 2012. Since inception the program has
assisted over 500 veterans or their dependents/spouses with support services. During
the first year, 86 students were certified for GI Bill benefits. This year (2015-16), so far
166 students have been certified to date and the year is not over. The growth this
program has experienced thus far has strictly been from word of mouth. The department
has already outgrown its office space two times since its inception and has now become
the Veterans Service Office (VSO). The VSO believes in walking the veterans through
their transition from Soldier to Scholar. This individualized support helps veterans
develop the tools and skills necessary to complete the process on their own in the future.
Having a knowledgeable staff has been key to a successful program.
Support of the campus Student Veteran’s Club startup and continued success. The
Student Veteran’s Club was newly launched and the VSO was there to support the
growth of the club. Club meetings are held in the VSO.
Over the range of these years, the VSO has had a steady increase of Veteran participants.
Participant activities include certification of education benefits, attending the Veteran’s
Club meetings, and utilizing resources such as computers, study center, snacks, coffee,
advice and more.
Assessment
The Veteran’s Service Office is relatively new to SCC and has accomplished a very robust
foundation. It is now time to build on this foundation and become branded as SCC’s VSO. The
office has a unique collaboration with other departments, its student Veterans, and the
community, as they all support each other and want to see the office develop and succeed. This
is definitely an identifiable strength.
V. SLO & SAO Data
Data set: 2015-2016
Santiago Canyon College
Student Services
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Report
2015-2016
Department Name – Veterans Services Office
Department Mission Statement – The Veterans Services Office was created to assist Veteran
students’ transition from soldiers to scholars. Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists and their
dependents/spouse are assisted with accessing their VA education benefits to succeed in their
educational goals.
Student Leaning Outcome - In our present veteran student population some veteran students
are aware of the Veterans Service Office, the resources it provides, and SCC’s policies as it pertains to
them. To help out students become familiar with the VSO aspects and help them retrain the
information, the VSO has semester orientations.
As a result of attending the SCC Veteran Orientation, student veterans will understand their G.I.
education benefits, SCC academic policies, academic responsibilities, and support services available to
develop collegiate competence as they transition into the life of a civilian.
Methods - The Veterans Service Office utilized the following tracking mechanisms to monitor
students increased knowledge:
Veteran Education Benefit Certifications Veteran Affairs reports and studies Surveying Veteran Students
Those students who attended a Veteran’s Orientation were assessed for the student learning outcome.
Implementation of Assessment Process - In order to accomplish our SLO, we conducted a
staff meeting and established the following methods, tools and resources needed to implement our
SLO:
List common questions, both new and repeat questions, Veteran students ask when interacting with the VSO team.
1. Designated computer workstations for students to utilize in the VSO. The purpose of the “in office” workstations is to provide a place for the veterans to concentrate on homework, any type of research, one-on-one counseling, certification of GI education benefits.
2. Planned and conducted the Veteran Orientation meeting per semester and present the students with a paper survey.
o VSO dispersed the survey to all students who attended the workshop.
o Submitted data to Research & Development for a calculated result report and proceeded to analyze the data.
Results - Generally, respondents were knowledgeable of the resources, however were unfamiliar of
SCC’s specific policies that may affect them.
Decisions and Future Recommendations - This has been the 2nd academic year conducting
this particular SLO and survey. As the data outcome is relatively unchanged, it may be time to relook
at the SLO and survey questions for future improvement.
It is apparent the Veteran’s Orientation is a success and the Student Veterans are not only reinforcing
their already acquired knowledge, they are also acquiring knowledge of SCC’s specific polices that
affect them. The VSO will continue to hold the Veteran’s orientations.
Conclusion - Our staff is offering our Veteran Services the student services needed. They will
continue to provide the services and also look for new and innovating ways to reach out to our
Veteran students.
It is the responsibility of the Assistant Dean of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans and the
Veterans Service Office staff to review the results of this study and attempt to implement any
recommendations that they deem desirable and manageable.
Santiago Canyon College
An Evaluation of Veterans Services Orientation
June 2016
The Veterans Service’s Office (VSO) designed and implemented an orientation to better assist
veterans about G.I. Education benefits as they navigate their educational journeys at Santiago
Canyon College (SCC). As part of the assessment plan, the staff implemented pre- and post-
assessments of the information they hope to impart to veterans during a two-hour orientation.
Included in the orientation is information regarding benefits available to them, academic policies
and responsibilities, and an introduction to the many support services available to help veterans
develop self-advocacy skills as they transition to civilian life.
Participants complete a survey prior to the orientation to identify their knowledge of topics to be
covered. At the conclusion of the orientation, the same survey is administered to assess what has
been learned (gains). Input from Fall 2015 orientation participants who completed both the pre-
and post-assessments (n=29) are included in this analysis.
Summary of Findings:
Generally, participants increased their knowledge in all areas (academic policies, responsibilities
and support services) as a result of attending the orientation. Other findings include:
Topics of Greatest Knowledge:
• Most participants identified three advantages of attending the VSO’s orientation as: 1)
receiving information about the GI benefits, 2) priority GI certification, and 3)
introduction to the different support services offered to them at SCC (93% pre- and 100%
post-assessment; 7 percentage point gain).
• Participants know that they must identify themselves as a veteran when seeking
assistance at the various SCC support services centers (90% pre- and 97% post-
assessment; 7 percentage point gain).
• Many veterans understood that they are allowed to "double-dip" in receiving financial aid
and GI benefits at the same time (86% pre- and 93% post-assessment; 7 percentage point
gain).
• Veteran participants were able to identify “SCC Certifying Official” as the contact to
certify unit enrollment necessary for Veterans Benefits (79% pre- and 79% post-
assessment; no gains/losses).
• More than three-quarters of the veteran participants understood that enrolling at SCC
does not automatically qualify them for Veterans benefits (72% pre- and 66% post-
assessment; 6 percentage point loss).
• Some respondents understood that they must repay some of their GI benefits to the
Veterans Affairs Administration if they repeat a course already successfully completed
and certified at another institution (69% pre- and 86% post-assessment; 17 percentage
point gain).
Topics of Least Knowledge: These topics have the lowest understanding among students-veterans; however, they also had the
highest gains in knowledge at the conclusion of the orientation.
• Some veteran-respondents were able to identify the Veteran Affairs (VA Muskogee, OK)
as their source of contact if they have questions about their GI benefits payments; there
was a significant gain in those who understood this after orientation (52% pre- and 86%
post-assessment; 34 percentage point gain).
• Slightly more than a quarter of the participants thought that all veterans receive priority
registration at SCC, regardless of their academic standing; this also had a significant gain
of those understanding at the conclusion of the orientation (28% pre- and 86% post-
assessment; 58 percentage point gain).
• Few participants knew that they have two semesters to receive GI benefits before they are
required to submit their official transcript to Veteran Affairs; this showed a significant
gain after orientation. (28% pre- and 48% post-assessment; 20 percentage point gain).
• Prior to orientation, about one-quarter of the participants (28%) were able to list three on-
campus support services available to assist them. This increased to 45% post-assessment
(a 17 percentage point gain).
• Very few participants knew that the Admissions and Records academic policy affects
veteran GI benefits (3% pre- and 41% post-assessment; 38 percentage point gain).
Topics of Lowest Gains:
These two topics have the lowest gains or losses and may be areas staff could continue to
emphasize to student-veterans.
• Veterans-participants were able to identify “SCC Certifying Official” as the contact to
certify unit enrollment necessary for Veterans Benefits (79% pre- and 79% post-
assessment; no gains/losses).
• More than three-quarters of the veteran-participants understood that enrolling at SCC
does not automatically qualify them for Veterans benefits (72% pre- and 66% post-
assessment; 6 percentage point loss).
Participant feedback shows that the Veterans Services Office's orientation is beneficial in
providing details to incoming veterans of benefits, requirements and, most importantly, college
services that support learning at SCC. Orientation topics for which low ratings in knowledge
were identified could be areas of focus for staff to address in future orientations and/or
conversations with student-veterans. It is also recommended that additional assessments be used
to better evaluate the effectiveness of the program based on the small number of program
participants.
VI. Data Analysis Section
Veteran Student Education Benefit Certification Count by year
Target
Population Vet
Program 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
Veteran VRAP 3 4 0 0
Veteran 30 4 1 2 0
Veteran 33 60 84 92 96
Veteran 31 1 2 4 5
Reserves 1606 6 2 8 2
Reserves 1607 0 0 0 0
Dependent 35 8 12 12 14
Dependent 33TOE 0 0 2 2
Total Cert 82 105 120 119
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
VRAP
30
33
31
1606
1607
35
33TOE
TOTAL CERT
VSO Veteran Education Benefit Certifications
2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13
VII. Student Equity Prompt
Core Services provided that impact key student equity indicators
Access The Veterans Service Office (VSO) recognizes that student veterans have difficulty accessing
quality education. The VSO had been successful over the last few academic years as identifying
itself as SCC’s fully operational VSO. It partnered with the Financial Aid Office and received
startup funding from BFAP. Now it is receiving some General Funds funding and Equity
funding. This is important as Veterans identify this as an institutional commitment to
providing access exclusively for them.
Course Completion Student veterans have been identified as a risk group for Academic or Progress probation. The
VSO works with each student developing academic plans, certifying their veteran education
benefits and encouraging them with their course completion. We are working on developing
additional VSO exclusive programs intended to improve course completion. For example, a text
book library where student veterans can check out current text books each semester, and return
the books at the end of the semester at no cost. Our goal is to eliminate one barrier at a time and
clearing the path toward success.
Transfer Rate Student veterans can face challenges the rest of the student population may not face. They are
usually older than the traditional college students. A Veteran will enter college after serving
their country, and many will have established families already. Add to this, they may have
experienced military operations beyond the imagination of most civilians. These multiple
stressors which in general differ from the traditional college student, can affect student
veteran’s transfer and graduation rates. The VSO provides support by working with
community partners such as Strength In Support. Strength In Support is a non-profit
organization that provides onsite counseling for Veterans and their families. The VSO also
provides a network of resources available to Veterans that they may need off campus, for
example legal assistance or relocation services.
VIII. Future Direction &
Anticipated Changes
Challenges
New Veterans Services Office staffing
The lack of staffing has hindered our progression in both programs. Currently, the office is
staffed with one full-time coordinator and two short term staff members that are limited to
working a maximum of twenty-five hours a week for thirty-nine weeks out of the year. If the
Scholarship/VSO had more staffing, the office would be able to have more flexible office hours.
It would also be able to provide outreach to the veterans in the community and provide more
services to the veterans who are already on campus. This would assist us in increasing our
retention rate. The office is also in desperate need of supplies. The printer, copier and shredder
were all very old hand me downs from another department. The Scholarship/VSO is relying on
limited staff and old equipment to provide exceptional support to the men, women and family
members of our veterans also our scholarship student population.
At the beginning of the Spring 2016 semester the Veterans Service Office (VSO) went through a
total change of new temporary staffing. It is anticipated that the hiring process of a Student
Services Coordinator and Student Services Specialist will be completed by September of 2016,
however the institutional learning curve will have to be accounted for. It should also be noted
the Administrator, Assistant Dean of Financial Aid, Scholarships & Veterans, is also new to the
institution.
Familiarizing with Federal Veteran’s Department Regulations
With a new team in place, it is essential that the team work together to become acclimated with
the Veteran’s Education Benefits regulations, ensuring low to no risk to the institution and its
students.
SCC VSO Unique Identification
The VSO is beginning to develop their own unique identification and branding. It is important
that this is supported, while also exploring new mission and vision statements, developing new
goals, new student learning outcomes, and allowing the department freedom to grow.
Veterans Services Office Planning
Continue to partner with Equity and send newer staff to trainings and conferences that
focus on compliance
Balance oversight of the VSO and allow new staff and students to develop their office,
becoming that unique SCC VSO.
Facilities: Fall 2017
Larger office that includes 4 dedicated offices. An office for the following people:
1-Director/ Coordinator
1-Fulltime support staff
1-Part time support staff
1-Psychologlical Counselor (off campus partnership)
1- Academic Counselor
Technology: Fall 2018
Software to track veterans and their performance (Datatel does not have a screen for veterans so
the staff must rely on spreadsheets in order to track veteran information).
Equipment: Fall 2017
Flat screen TV
13 new computers
Industrial copier/fax (the Scholarship/VSO does not have a fax)
5 printers
2 shredders
Personnel: Fall 2018
Add the following permanent staff members:
1-Director
1- Counselor Academic
1 Full-time staff
1 Part-time staff
Appendix A
Map your department goals with the RSCCD 2013-2016 Strategic Plan. Using the table below, indicate the Board goals or objectives which your department supports. Explain briefly.
RSCCD Goal & Objectives Supporting Department Goals From
DPP
RSCCD will assess the educational needs of the
communities served by RSCCD and will adjust
instructional programs, offerings, and support
services and will allocate resources as needed to
optimize the alignment of students’ needs with
services and fiscal resources.
Continue to determine the needs of the
community
Develop sustainable, alternative revenue
streams to student educational needs
Continue to monitor student educational
preparation
The VSO departments holds Veteran
Orientations so that students are
familiar with the VSO and the services
it provides, including educational
success. Students will be coached and
supported through their Veteran
Educational Benefits and encouraged
to stay on track.
RSCCD will assess the educational needs of the
communities served by RSCCD and then pursue
partnerships with educational institutions, public
agencies, nonprofit organizations, and
business/industry/labor to collaboratively meet
those needs.
Strengthen outreach and recruitment;
develop new and sustain current
relationships with key partners and
stakeholders
Support regional development by
becoming the primary local source of
skilled employees for high demand
occupations
The VSO is in a unique position where
the community values and is willing to
support SCC’s veteran students. They
receive program support, furniture
donations and much more. The VSO in
turn lets the community know about
the work done by both the VSO and the
office as it services our Veteran Student
population.
RSCCD will annually improve the rates of course
completion and completion of requirements for
transfer, degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
Consistently and accurately measure
educational goal completion for
university transfer, degrees, certificates
and diplomas
Support integrated approaches to student
success and achievement
Identify economic barriers to student
achievement
The VSO ensures that Veteran Benefits
are being certified in a timely manner
and in compliance with Federal laws.
By doing this the VSO has a one-on-one
relationship with their students, aiding
with their success through guidance
and encouragement.
RSCCD will support innovations and initiatives
that result in quantifiable improvement in
student access, preparedness, and success.
Maintain and enhance the RSCCD’s
technological infrastructure
Support faculty development in the areas
of innovative pedagogies and curriculum
design
Examine course success rates by
population served and promote strategies
that foster student equity.
RSCCD will use a cycle of integrated planning
that will demonstrate the effective use of
resources.
Support and encourage focused green
practices
Utilize current processes to inform
program, facilities, human resources and
technology allocation
Evaluate the cycle of integrated planning