The Butte College MESA program is dedicated to supporting and increasing the number of under-represented and educationally/economically disadvantaged students obtaining degrees in the calculus-based fields of mathematics, engineering and the sciences.
The program is based on a rigorous academic plan that uses various components to guide and support students majoring in many technical fields. The program’s components help build an academically based peer community to provide mutual student support and motivation. MESA forges a community of learners based upon academic achievement and acts as a bridge to aid students in making successful transitions in their educational pursuits. Program components have included: Student Center, Academic Excellence Workshops, Professional Development Workshops, SEP and Transfer Counseling, Career Advising, On-Campus Applied Internship Projects, Professional and Leadership Conferences, Industry and University tours, EDUC 10 and Study skills counseling. The MESA support staff consists of a full-time Faculty/Director, a 50% time dedicated permanent Special Programs Clerk and a 24 hour per week Retention Specialist funded by Student Equity.
MESA Retention Specialist - 24 hours per week: Student Equity funding
Having a part-time Retention Specialist has resulted in the following:
1. An increase in direct services to students, such a review of SEP, career path advising, major requirement review, academic, leadership and professional skill development.
2. Development and implementation of MESA Week Zero.
3. Supervision to student campus visits and professional conference.
4. Increased services to students not meeting academic standards.
5. Increased support to students engaged in MESA research internships.
6. Increase in the number of students admitted to the MESA Program: fall 16= 95 students vs. fall 15 = 81 students.
MESA Student Professional Development Events and Activities: Student Equity funding
The Student Equity Funds provided for Professional and Leadership conference participation for MESA students resulted in the following:
1. Over 30 MESA students participated in PG&E Leadership Conference, UC Davis Pre-Health Conference, Society for the Advancement of Chicano and Native American Scientist (SACNAS), The Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference - Great Minds In STEM, The Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, UC Davis STEM Day, and the Bioneers Conference.
2. Due to the MESA Program's limited funds the majority of the Conference participation would not have been possible due to cost.
MESA Week Zero: Student Equity funding
For the first time, the MESA Program was able to implement a four-day intensive STEM Academy for new incoming self-identified STEM declared students and continuing MESA students.
1. 40 students were selected to participate.
2. Four continuing MESA students were identified to serve as student leaders.
3. All seven STEM departments' facilitated two, one-hour sessions that included: major requirements, major career paths, career/ life tips, and an interactive activity representing their discipline.
4. Additionally, other BC departments facilitated sessions: CAS, EOPS and Financial Aid.
5. UC Davis representative provided access and transfer information.
6. A Physic department faculty member developed a Rube Goldberg small group collaborative science project that provided the students three days to develop and ended with a competitively judged event on the fourth day.
7. Students were surveyed pre and post participation. Sample comments from the post participation survey:
1. Students will be surveyed to assess study skills and professional development needs annually.
2. Results will be utilized in the planning and implementation of activities for the academic year.
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MESA Transfer Information AY 15/16: 21 students = 24% of MESA students.
The program is based on a rigorous academic plan that uses various components to guide and support students majoring in many technical fields. The program’s components help build an academically-based peer community to provide mutual student support and motivation. MESA forges a community of learners based upon academic achievement and acts as a bridge to aid students in making successful transitions in their educational pursuits.
Program components have included: Student Center, Academic Excellence Workshops, Professional Development Workshops, SEP and Transfer Counseling, Career Advising, On-Campus Applied Internship Projects, Professional and Leadership Conferences, Industry and University tours, EDUC 10 and Study skills counseling. The MESA support staff consists of a full-time Faculty/Director, a 50% time dedicated permanent Special Programs Clerk, and a 24 hour per/week Retention Specialist funded by Student Equity.
The MESA Program was successful in receiving additional funding for travel, intern stipends, and a MESA Retention Specialist for the 2016-17 AY, totaling over $38,000. The focus of both proposals was to provide resources to student's via a Retention Specialist as well as, access to professional and leadership conference for students on the dashboard in order increase transfer rates. In addition, the Program received an additional $27,000 via a Supplemental Student Equity Fund to utilize for student conference participation, Center technology, and other Program needs impacting student services.
Some examples of events and activities implemented that support the Strategic Direction to improve access, success, and completion for students on the dash board (low income, Latino, African American, Native American) included: Student Success Forum, STEM courses tutoring and formal study groups, professional development training for interns, SEP and transfer counseling, Five MESA on-campus applied internship projects, participation in national professional and leadership conferences, industry and university tours, EDUC 10 and study skills workshops, Dinner with A Scientist, MESATalks and implemented for the first time this past August, MESA Week Zero, a four day intensive STEM academy.In addition, with the supplemental S.E. funds, the Program updated the Student Center and Staff computers, purchased a SMART Board for student use, and other Center technology needed for Program events and activities.
The MESA Program does not conduct a Program Review.
1. Increase student participation in Program activities and events.
2. Increase student participation in MESA STEM tutoring and study group via the development of a web based tool.
3. Conduct a survey to identify student participation and impact on transfer ready rate.
Strategy 1 - Faculty Support
Identify key faculty to assist the program participants in the development and implementation of specific student success components, such as the Academic Excellence Workshops, and professional and leadership conference travel.
There is a continued need to identify key faculty as well as leaders within the program participants to assist in the development and implementation of specific student success components, such as the Academic Excellence Workshops. As well as, to provide support for the ongoing professional and leadership conference travel.
Strategy 2 - Collaborative Student Success Strategies
There is a need to identify funding resources in order to implement collaborative cross-discipline activities such as MESATalks, Dinner with a Scientist, and the MESA Leadership Symposium.
These activities involve students, staff, faculty, and community STEM professionals. They are designed with the intent to strengthen student leadership and professional skills as well as to create mentorship opportunities.
Strategy 3 - Internship Incentives
There is a need to continue to prioritize the implementation of on-campus applied research internships opportunities for MESA students, as well as, to explore and create internship opportunities in the local community. In addition, to identify funding resources for intern incentives, such as stipends, bookstore vouchers, etc., as well as, funding for project supplies and materials needed for implementation.
The MESA Students participating in the applied research internship projects will increase teamwork, problem solving, and communication skills as well as faculty and community STEM professional mentorship. The incentives provide the possibility of increasing participation (students are low-income and many work) in these high-impact activities ultimately, to increase persistence, transfer-ready, and transfer rates.
Strategy 4 - Essential Personnel
MESA is in need of a full-time professional clerical staff member.
Having full-time clerical assistance would impact the recruitment, and retention of students, as well as, consistency of services offered to students. An immediate solution is a request to the District that resources be allocated to fund the current half-time Special Programs Clerk position, who is already employed on campus in another department half-time. The total MESA Program budget allocated from the Chancellor's Office Student Success Funds is $77,893 and scheduled to be reduced by the Chancellor's Office closer to $70,000 for AY 17/18. The cost to fund the Special Programs Clerk's position with benefits for 2016-2017 is $36,951 (this cost increases every year). This leave $40,942 to fulfill all the objectives of the Grant and provide services to students. 47% of the Grant is being used to fund the required assistant. These are funds that instead, could be used immediately, to implement student success strategies applied directly to students.
Strategy 5 - MESA STEM Adviser
There is a need to identify adviser who is able to develop Student Educational Plans (SEPs) specifically for MESA students as a cohort.
Due to high unit major requirements, general education modifications, class impaction, the increasing cost of education as well as the changes in financial aid eligibility a dedicated adviser would provide the consistent guidance necessary to assist MESA students to maximize each semester and to complete transfer requirements as timely as possible.
Strategy 6 - Student Professional Development Activities
It is essential to Identify and implement strategies that expand the knowledge and resources available to student in a broader spectrum.
Increasing the number of students able to participate in professional and leadership conferences, campus and industry/company tours will have a positive impact on course completion and transfer rates.
Strategy 7 - Retention Specialist
A Retention Specialist would assist in activities that promote campus outreach, professional development activities and events, tutoring and study groups, internships and scholarships, etc.
In order to increase direct support to students it is essential to hire knowledgeable personnel to assist in implementing and expanding student success strategies that lead to course completion, degree completion, and transfer. With the addition of Retention Specialist to the MESA Program staff, the MESA Director would have more time to capitalize on her experience in developing student success programs and activities, expand collaborations between STEM faculty and Community STEM professionals for the benefit of MESA students, as well as seek additional sources of funding to assist in the implementation of student success strategy on a larger scale.
Strategy 8 - Study Center Furniture
The MESA Student Study Center is in need of furniture that can meet the needs of the students given the space restrictions.
The number and quality of tables and chairs needs to be increased in order to provide a welcoming and efficient study environment. At this time, students walking into the Center to study tend to conduct a quick assessment of the space before deciding whether to stay to study due to space limitation/overcrowding during the key study hours. In addition, many of the chairs in the Center are in poor condition and need to be replaced. Lastly, the square table in the Center accommodate two students and are difficult to maneuver when forming study groups, or during special academic and/or professional development events. The square tables in current use need to be replaced by round tables to accommodate a greater number of students in the Study Center.
Classroom/Center Space - See MESA Grant for space requirements per student.
Butte College MESA in November 2016 received a partial restoration of funds that resulted in an increase for our 16/17 AY funding from $50,500 to $77,893 via Student Success Funds from the University Chancellor’s Office of the President. This amount represents a total of increase of 33% from our 38% reduction that had been in place for the past seven years, however in AY 17/18 it is highly likely that allocation will be reduced to approximately $70,000. In addition, the grant requires the Program to have a clerical assistant but does not allow the required funds to maintain a full-time position. Currently $36,951 of the $77,853 is designated for a half-time clerical. this leaves $40,942 (53%) to implement direct student success strategies and fulfill the program requirements. The Program’s goal is to serve 100 students during the year.
The Program received additional funding for specific purposes for the 16/17 AY, from Student Equity Funds.
| Original Priority | Program, Unit, Area | Resource Type | Account Number | Object Code | One Time Augment | Ongoing Augment |
| Description | Supporting Rationale | Potential Alternative Funding Sources | Prioritization Criteria | |||
| 1 | MESA | Personnel | 2.237.619.1.090100 | 51390 | $0.00 | $49,312.00 |
| MESA STEM Adviser - 50% | There is a need for a MESA STEM Adviser who is able to develop Student Educational Plans (SEP) specifically for MESA students as a cohort. Due to high unit major requirements, general education modifications, impacted courses, course sequencing, A.S. requirements, the increasing cost of education as well as the changes in financial aid eligibility a dedicated adviser would provide the consistent guidance necessary to assist MESA students to maximize each semester and to complete transfer requirements as timely as possible. |
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| 2 | MESA | Personnel | 12.237.619.1.090100 | 52120 | $0.00 | $36,951.00 |
| Special Programs Clerk | Providing a minimum of a half-time assistant is a requirement of the MESA Program Grant. The total MESA Program budget allocation from the Chancellor's Office Student Success Funds is $77,893. The funds required to fund the Special Programs Clerk's position with benefits during the AY 2016-2017 is $36,591 (this cost increases every year). 47% of the Grant funds are being used to fund the required assistant. These are funds that could be used immediately to increase student success strategies applied directly to students. |
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| 3 | MESA | Personnel | 12.237.619.1.090100 | 52110 | $0.00 | $27,600.00 |
| Retention Specialist | In order to increase direct support to students it is essential to hire knowledgeable personnel to assist in implementing and expanding student success strategies that lead to course completion, degree completion, and transfer rates. A Retention Specialist would assist in activities that promote campus outreach, professional development activities and events, tutoring and study groups, etc. With the addition of a Retention Specialist to the MESA staff, the MESA Director would have more time to capitalize on her experience to scale up student success programs and activities, including expand collaboration between STEM faculty and Community STEM professionals. This position would be part-time for 46 weeks throughout the year in order to assist with event planning and assessment. |
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| 4 | MESA | Operating Expenses | 12.237.619.1.090100 | 55200 | $0.00 | $14,600.00 |
| Student Professional Development | Participation in professional development opportunities that broadens students knowledge as well as awareness and access to resources are essential to immediate and long-term impact on student success. With additional funding, the MESA Program ability to increase the number of students participating in activities such as professional and leadership conferences, and university and industry/company tours would be immediate (increase students participation by 50%) in addition, there is the potential long-term positive impact on course completion and transfer rates. |
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| 5 | MESA | Operating Expenses | $0.00 | $15,000.00 | ||
| Internship Incentives | The MESA Programs has eight years of implementing on-campus applied research internships in collaboration with BC Faculty and community STEM professionals. Funding for the internship projects is either limited or non-existence. The ability to provide an incentive in the form of textbook or bookstore vouchers would increase the student participation and persistence in a student success strategy that has immediate and long-term benefits to course completion and transfer rate. Besides the essential academic skills, the projects also enhance teamwork, communication and problem solving. The funding takes into consideration 25 students per semester receiving $300 vouchers. |
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| 6 | MESA | Operating Expenses | $0.00 | $10,000.00 | ||
| MESA Week Zero | The Week Zero Project is an intensive four-day (9am -3:30pm) STEM academy that invites new incoming students, identified as low-income, Latino, Native American, and African American who are declared in the STEM disciplines, as well as a cohort of continuing MESA students, to campus two weeks before the fall semester begins. During this period students participate in a series of activities to expose them to STEM disciplines and requirements, STEM faculty, Community STEM Professionals, and STEM student leaders. Included, is an opportunity for students to engage in activities that will provide them an opportunity to develop their understanding of various mathematic, engineering, and science principals, as well as, key college success skills. Lastly, representatives from CSUC and UC Davis are invited to assist in highlighting key transfer requirements. This project will involve collaboration between key BC STEM faculty, STEM Community Professional, CAS, CSU Chico, and UC Davis. Ultimately, the implementation of the Week Zero Project seeks to provide low-income STEM students early exposure to information and inspiration that has the potential to influence: short and long-term academic goals, major course selection and completion, an increase in networking with BC STEM faculty and STEM students, awareness and implementation of college success skills, and lastly, increase STEM student transfer rates. |
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| 7 | MESA | Equipment | $18,000.00 | $0.00 | ||
| Student Center Chairs | Currently the MESA Student Study area has chairs that are in need of repair due to age and usage. In addition, there are an insufficient number of chair for student daily use or special events. This request is for 50 chairs. |
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