Coastal Bend College receives Achieving the Dream Leader College recertification through 2018

Headline: Coastal Bend College receives Achieving the Dream Leader College recertification through 2018 

Sub Headline: CBC has been honored with Leader College designation since 2009

Coastal Bend College (CBC) received recertification as an Achieving the Dream Leader College through 2018. The College initially received Leader College status in 2009.

Achieving the Dream is a national nonprofit leading the nation’s most comprehensive non-governmental reform network for community college student success and completion.

Leader Colleges are demonstrating the power of the Achieving the Dream Student-Centered Model of Institutional Improvement by raising persistence and graduation rates and closing achievement gaps. Each college approaches the work differently, but with the guidance of the model and Achieving the Dream Coaches, colleges implement data-informed programs and policies that build long-term, institution-wide commitment to student success.

Additionally, each Leader College has successfully implemented at least one student success intervention that is advancing student outcomes. The intervention is of sufficient scale to benefit a substantial proportion of the total target student population. Indeed, these institutions have met high standards of practice and performance and Achieving the Dream expects these colleges to support other colleges within the Achieving the Dream community of learners.

“I am supremely excited that our colleagues across the nation recognize excellence at CBC. Our faculty and staff make a positive difference in our work with students. In this National Reform Agenda, we are at the forefront of student success; with that level of responsibility, we make serving our students with a positive college experience a top priority,” said CBC President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza.

The College’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), CBC Smart Start, is the college’s approach to boosting student success rates for first-time college students. The QEP is includes mandatory student orientation, a dedicated advisor, and enrollment in “My Cougar Course,” otherwise known as EDUC 1300. The three QEP components work together to provide students with the knowledge and access to student support services at all CBC locations and online. As a result, the College has seen increases in success and graduation rates in first-time college students.

Developmental education (DE) initiatives to increase the number of students advancing to and completing college level coursework continues to be a top priority for CBC. CBC has reduced the number of DE courses students have to take, curriculum was revamped to improve student learning, and faculty received training on how to increase student engagement and success in the classroom. For the last two academic years, CBC’s Mathematics Division has implemented the New Mathways Project – a statewide initiative led by the University of Texas (UT) Dana Center – to help redesign the math curriculum to make the concepts easier to learn for students.

Looking forward, CBC will continue to strive to improve on the services, initiatives and programs offered to students district wide. For more information on the College’s programs and course offerings, please visit http://www.coastalbend.edu.