Vol. XXV, No. 12-Karla Bowman, Title III Basic Skills Curriculum Specialist at San Juan College (NM), describes a unique staff development activity aimed at improving a critical student-preparation program in the college. The model she describes in "A Meeting of the Minds" could be adapted to any institutional effort to improve college programs, courses, and services. A collaborative effort by faculty, administrators, and frontline employees, this overwhelmingly successful annual event continues to be a much-anticipated opportunity to share and evaluate current data, and identify areas for modification or change, in the interests of increasing student success.
Vol. XXV, No. 13-"Sensitivity Training in Abuse Issues: How Real Can It Be?" describes a simulation game devised to create a safe, yet realistic, way to study the problems associated with domestic violence. Eric Anderson, team leader with Human Services Program at North central Technical College (WI), created the game after identifying students' misconceptions about the nature of abuse and the dynamics that contribute to it. The game is intended to help students develop protocols and sensitivities for working more successfully with future clients who are involved in abusive relationships.
Vol. XXV, No. 14-In "A Simple Way to Encourage Excellence," Benito Flores, former Human Resources and Quality Director at the University of Monterrey (Mexico), describes a college wide forum that became a successful venue in which to share information with all college personnel. Initially established to dispel concerns and answer questions about a planned, then ongoing, five-year reengineering project, the conference-style meeting created such a positive environment in which employees shared ideas and planned for improved performance that it became an annual event-a best practice at the university that combines recognition, communication, encouragement, and inspiration.
In "Project Success Week," Patricia Guru, Counseling Chairperson at Houston Community College Central (TX), describes a highly successful college wide event, held every semester and designed to encourage students to take advantage of the college's diverse support services. Students are celebrated with food and flowers, and workshops on diverse topics-e.g., stress management, career assessment, test-taking skills, and financial aid-are offered daily for day and evening students.
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Richard Degus
Executive Assistant to the President
05/05/2003 |