Iris GodesAssistant Vice President of Enrollment

ManagementQuinsigamond Community College

MASFAA Conference – November 2009

A Bit About QCC2-year Public Community CollegeLocated in Worcester, MAHighest enrollment ever Fall 2009 with 8349

studentsRepresents a 38% increase in FTE over three

years when we had 6022 studentsSo far this year received 8000 FAFSA’s, more

than ever before. Last year reached 7000 FAFSA’s in April

Typically about 54% on aid, expect increase this year

Our Students56% under age 23; average age 2530% minority49% full time11% taking online courses52% Independent; 48% Dependent61% of awarded students are Pell eligible (up

4% from 2008-09)Many are first generation

It’s All About AccessAccess is most significant aspect of our

missionOpen enrollment: accepted if graduated from

high school, completed GED or qualify under Ability to Benefit

Students have multiple goals for attending community colleges

Extremely flexible schedulingCan enroll right up to the start of the

semester

Challenges to Student SuccessAcademically unprepared, starting at a

developmental level or ESL takes longer to complete degree

Achieving a degree is not always their top priority. Students juggle work, family, transportation, money

No campus housingClasses run 6:30 am to 10:00 pm. Hard to provide

support services over all of those hoursLimited family supportStudents stop out multiple times

Financial Aid ChallengesGetting through the processSatisfactory Academic Progress PolicyWithdrawal Policy (R2T4)Limit to number of remedial courses that can

be fundedInability to use current funds to pay prior

balances

Efforts to Improve SuccessLenient SAP PolicyPolicy to enroll even without financial aid

awardProvide book vouchers, even if not awarded yetFree academic support services: tutoring and

disability servicesAdvising Center open 8:00 am to 7:00 pmFirst Year Experience CourseOnline coursesOpened additional site in Southbridge Fall 2009

Efforts to Improve SuccessIf withdraw, cover the balance with QCC fundsWaive charges if extenuating circumstancesChanged admissions criteria in some

programs; some became more selective, some less selective

Intervention when on Financial Aid ProbationTransition CenterSeminar

PACE Committee (Process and Communication for Enrollment)

New Efforts – Fall 2009Renewed priority being placed on retentionMajor part of QCC Strategic PlanEnrollment Management CouncilQCC President has made this her priorityBecoming a culture of “Student First”Improving cross functional collaboration and

decision makingPresident Obama’s Challenge