DIVISIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

First Generation Student Initiatives

Enhance Assessment Across First Gen Programs

Despite understaffing, changing campus operations, and significant office staff transition, 296 students were engaged in signature events. The First Gen Fellows cohort sustained engagement levels comparable to the previous year with 79 applications received. 44 students completed the cohort requirements and earned $13,200 in book scholarships.

Additionally, the First Gen Financial Wellness cohorts increased applications by 33% and increased the number of students who completed the cohort program by 30%. These students earned a total of $4,100 in book scholarships.

Enhance Onboarding Practices For Student And Staff Employees

With the vacancy of leadership in First Generation Student Initiatives, a job search was completed. Strong participation was seen from cross-campus partners in this process. The outgoing staff member documented a detailed planning process and timeline, which was successfully used by the new staff member during their onboarding plan.

NEW STUDENT & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Promote Use Of Findings From New Student Survey

The Autumn 2021 New Student Survey results were published from 1,270 student respondents on the UW Tacoma Institutional Research (IR) website with a comparison to Autumn 2020 results, allowing for the identification and reporting on trends.

The results of the survey were used to partner with Housing & Residence Life on Living Learning Communities to implement questions that will inform efforts to expand on-campus housing.

22 staff across campus completed another IR survey which gave access to the individual results of the New Student Survey. The 22 staff indicated most would use the data to support outreach and communications and also with professional development opportunities geered towards supporting our First Gen students.

Strengthen New Student And Family Communication Levels

New Student & Family Programs put an emphasis on their communication level and engagement with new students and their families. As part of this, a new Online Orientation & Communications Specialist was hired and onboarded successfully.

Additionally, two new systems were launched:

• Send In Blue: Used to measure open rates for sending of orientation related emails

• Advantage Design: An online orientation platform (established based on student feedback)

The close partnership in working with Institutional Research on the Autumn 2021 New Student Survey showcased how to develop a culture of using data to inform practices and investment of resources.

The Pack Advisors received social media training. They launched a TikTok account and grew their Instagram page from 500 to 765 followers, with average post views of 400 and story views of 200.