Action

Goal #2

Increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who apply, are accepted, enroll and graduate from Portland State University

March 25, 2003

Action	Dept./Unit/Prog. Responsible for Implementation & Assessment	Outcome Measures	Outcome Measures Time-frame	Dept./Unit/Prog. Responsible for reviewing data	Rationale for Task	Resources Needed
1) Increase access to scholarships for students from underrepresented groups
a) Increase funding available from private sources. Communicate responsibility to Foundation & Development Formulate expectations	Scholarship Coordinator; Assoc. Director, Diversity; VP Dev; Foundation	Percentage increase in funds	Quarterly report to DAC By those who implement plans	DAC	Facilitate Access
b) Provide more timely and widely distributed information on available scholarships and further support for applicants	New Student Program; Coordinator DRS; Scholarship Coordinator; Assoc. Director Diversity	1) Review time line & distribution plan 2) Percentage increase in applications from underrepresented groups	Annually	DAC	Increase awareness of scholarship opportunities; Increase number of recipients; Increase retention
c) Ensure identification of all possible public scholarship funds	OFA Director; Scholarship Coordinator; Assistant Director of Diversity; DRS Coordinator; PSU Foundation	1) Number of all scholarship sources identified 2) Spend 100% of institutional funds 3) Increase number of SOC recipients & award dollar amount	Annually	DAC	Increase the potential sources of support for underrepresented groups
d) Coordinate scholarship information across the University	Scholarship Coordinator; Associate Director, Diversity	Written report of coordination & outreach efforts including EEPS, Athletics Outreach staff from academic disciplines; Increase in percentage of OSAC funds awarded to PSU	Quarterly	DAC	Better communication and follow through
2) Expand/improve our recruitment strategies for diverse groups
a) Expand/improve recruitment activities for diverse freshmen	Academic Deans; New Student Programs; Associate Director, Diversity; MESA	1) Number, types and quality of recruitment activities and their attendance 2) Number of outreach locations 3) Number of campus units involved 4) Number of matriculants 5) Each School/College identify outreach efforts	Annually, with quarterly reports	DAC	Increase the diversity of the student population and facilitate improved access
b) Expand/improve recruitment activities for diverse transfer students	OAA; VPSA; Deans; FADM; Office of Admissions & Records; Campus Representatives Coordinator, Transfer Recruitment; Associate Director, Diversity; New Student Programs	1) Number, types and quality of recruitment activities and their attendance 2) Number of outreach locations 3) Number of campus units involved 4) Number of matriculants 5) Each School/College identify outreach efforts	Annually, with quarterly reports	DAC	Increase the diversity of the student population and facilitate access
c) Improve coordination of outreach efforts	Assistant Director, Diversity	Establish database for activities across campus	Annually, with updates as needed	DAC	Better communication, follow through, and involvement among academic disciplines
3) Create national recruiting for graduate programs
a) Create a recruitment plan for diverse graduate students	VP OAA, VPGSR, Graduate Council & Deans	A recruitment strategy has been developed	October 2002	DAC	Systematically attract diverse graduate students
b) Create a recruitment fund to support collaborative efforts by multiple units to attract diverse students and improve the quality of recruitment materials	Graduate Department Chairs, Coordinator; Graduate Studies & Research	Create a fund	Annually	DAC	Systematically attract diverse graduate students
c) Create scholarships (stipends) with tuition waivers that would attract diverse graduate students	VPGSR, Deans & FADM, Scholarship Coordinator	Establish scholarships	Annually	DAC	Systematically attract diverse graduate students
4) Increase the retention of students from underrepresented groups
a) Develop and implement a plan to increase retention of students from underrepresented groups	EEPS Director	Increase in retention percentage	Annually	OIRP will direct research and analysis	By retaining a more diverse student body, we will enhance University climate
b) Enhance existing support services for underrepresented groups	IASC, Child Development Center, Writing Center, Career Center, CAPS, Health Center, etc.	1) Student survey (assess major service areas) 2) Student utilization of services (number of services and intensity of involvement) 3) Student credit hours taken & CPA 4) Conduct student satisfaction surveys, focus groups, and interviews 5) Conduct exit interviews 6) Implement required quarterly advising, especially, freshman year 7) Create a forum for SOC feedback regarding the PSU student experience 8) First term - 2nd/3rd end of year survey-critical juncture	Annually	DAC	Establish benchmark data and utilize it to improve the existing services
c) Identify the quality of curricular and co-curricular experiences	VPSA, VPCUS, DIR. OIRP	Focus groups, interviews, student surveys	1) Baseline 2) 3 and 5 Year follow-up	DAC	To enhance the quality of students’ experience at PSU
d) Identify the factors that differentiate retention rates among groups of students	VPSA, Director OIRP	Survey items; Demographic information	Ongoing	DAC	To identify best practices for enhancing student retention
e) Create a centralized database of campus and community resources and advocates	Multicultural Center Coordinator	Website w/links to academic Departments and departments such as Admissions & Records; IASC; Resources Guide	Ongoing updates	DAC	An easily accessible comprehensive info site will increase collaboration and provide support services
f) Enhance mentoring opportunities for underrepresented student groups with peer mentor compensation such as stipends and/or academic credit	Program Associate for Campus Initiatives; MCC EEPS/EOP; Dean SBA	1) Increased number of student participants 2) Academic performance 3) Retention 4) Increased faculty & peer involvement	Annually	DAC	Model student success and increase meaningful relationships through informal and formal contacts. Connect students to the University community
g) Redesign the PSU "Connections Series"	CAE	1) Retention 2) Participation 3) Satisfaction 4) Community Connection	1) Annually 2,3,4- After every session	CAE	Model student success and increase meaningful relationships through informal and formal contacts. Connect students to the University community. Connect faculty across disciplines. Increase faculty visibility and communicate faculty and student success
h) Develop a grant proposal for the McNair Program	VPCUS & EEPS	1) Develop grant 2) Submit grant	One time due Fall 2002	DAC	To develop undergraduate students from underrepresented populations who wish to prepare for doctoral study