Graduation, Retention and Placement Rates
Goal: To expand its capacity and provide greater economic opportunity, by 2009, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) will rank in the top 10 percent in the nation with respect to graduation rates, retention and job placement.
First-Year Experience
In 2007-08, 1,200 new students attended a new student orientation (NSO), where they learned about the College's programs and services, connected with faculty and staff and became familiar with the College's facilities prior to the start of classes. Also, the traditional NSO program was expanded to include a new digital component that allowed new students to attend an online session. Another enhancement to the first-year experience was a transformed student development class. The curriculum was upgraded and infused with a high-energy approach designed to be simultaneously engaging and inspiring.
Faculty Student Engagement Initiative
Through the student activities budget, $4,000 was budgeted for faculty members to use for outside activities that complemented their classroom curricula. Within a few weeks of the program announcement, 11 faculty requests were received, totaling $4,017 in awards during the fall 2007 semester. The program allowed students and faculty to experience Bodies…The Exhibition and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. A number of instructors accompanied their classes to theatrical performances. The program also provided guest speakers, a business dining and communications workshop and a trip to the American Sign Language Expo. The program, initiated by LFCC's Student Life Office, enhanced student and faculty engagement, and, due to its success, led to an increased allocation for similar activities in the 2008-09 academic year.