The mission of the Butte College Welcome Center is to provide accurate and current information about Butte College. We provide prospective students with information and experiences to discover all the opportunities that await them at Butte College. We create and support programs that serve as a bridge between local schools and Butte College. This is accomplished in a supportive environment that empowers students.
The Welcome Center provides students with a variety of services including campus tours, information on student services, class locations, instructor locations, campus maps, activities on campus, instruction on how to register, and help in re-setting My BC Portal passwords. The Recruitment and Outreach Office utilizes a variety of methods to reach prospective students. These include activities such as student-guided campus tours, emails, college fairs, special programs and participation in community events. School Relations encompasses a variety of programs and activities targeted to create and develop relationships with local K-12 schools as well as universities. Concurrent Enrollment � Provides an opportunity for K-12 students to take advanced classes at Butte College. College Connection � Program for selected high school seniors to complete their senior year at Butte College while taking college-level classes. About 150 students participate in this program annually. The UndocuCenter serves undocumented students and students who come from mixed status family households by connecting them to institutional support or community services. Our center supports our undocumented student population through: Community outreach, ally training for faculty and staff, campus events, and direct student support.
Admin. secretary to the dean (net of Welcome Center savings)
This position has been crucial in supporting the Welcome Center.
Recruitment & Outreach Travel Funds
Covered travel costs of Recruitment and Outreach Technicians to support recruitment efforts. Recruiters participated in various college nights, presentations, college fairs, high school visits and events.
Welcome Center Student Ambassadors
Students conducted follow-up efforts to prospective students, conducted campus tours, and other activities to support Welcome Center recruitment & outreach efforts.
You Visit Virtual Tour
YouVisit virtual tour was used to assist with the recruitment of students who may not be able to visit campus, in addition it is included as part of online orientation.
UndocuCenter Operating Expenses
Supported efforts to increase support services available at Butte College to provide the necessary resources and support to undocumented students, families, staff, and faculty.
Summer Bridge Operating Expenses
Supported transition of students to Butte College, by providing them with the greatest chance of success. We received full funding which allowed us the opportunity to provide bus transportation that increased participation, students received book vouchers, and were connected to resources on campus.
Outcome: Students will demonstrate knowledge of key Student Services
Increase by at least 20 percent the number of California Community College students annually who acquire associate degrees, credentials, certificates, or specific skill sets that prepare them for an in-demand job
Our recruitment and outreach efforts help connect prospective students with educational opportunities available at Butte College, with the end goa of enrolling in campus and completing educational goals.
Increase by 35 percent the number of California Community College students transferring annually to a UC or CSU
Once students are enrolled on campus, our efforts help connect students to student services that are available for them, an example would be connecting incoming students with transfer counseling to insure they are taking courses to support their transfer goals.
Decrease the average number of units accumulated by California Community College students earning associate degrees
Once students are enrolled on campus, our efforts help connect students to student services that are available for them, an example would be connecting incoming and current students to counseling services to insure they are only taking classes they need to meet their educational goals.
Increase the percent of exiting CTE students who report being employed in their field of study
For our recruitment and outreach efforts we work very closely with Career and Education Department to ensure students understand the enrollment process and future opportunities in those specific programs.
Reduce equity gaps across all of the above measures through faster improvements among traditionally underrepresented student groups
One of our recruitment and outreach goals is to address the access equity gaps of our African American, Native American, and Hispanic students. Our Recruitment and Outreach Technicians strengthen the Butte College presence in local high schools and community groups, through targeted outreach and ongoing support in our Reg2Go program. These efforts have improved community and school relationships with continual communication, single school focus, and sustained partnerships.
Reduce regional achievement gaps across all of the above measures through faster improvements among colleges located in regions with the lowest educational attainment of adults
We have created relationships with community agencies that work with our dashboard students. These partnerships have identified what some of the issues our students face, which has allowed us to find solutions, and provide support in these areas. This year, we have grown our community partnerships and have established greater relationships with our local high schools. We are meeting our students early in their college journey and connecting them to resources. We hosted a DREAMer’s Welcome, developed a DREAMer’s Resource Guide, and have hosted several events and trainings on campus to increase support for undocumented students. Technicians have also administered both our Summer Connection and Summer Bridge Programs that support first generation college students who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Implementing AB 705
The Welcome Center has supported AB 705 efforts by highlighting students experiences as incoming students. We have also assisted students in the completion of the Career and Academic Profile and have implemented a process during Orientation to support students needing assistance with CAP Tool.
Implementing Guided Pathways (a) Strategic Scheduling (b) Hobsons Starfish
Currently have representatives participating in the Guided Pathways steering committee. We are also hoping to implement initiatives during orientation and recruitment efforts to support guided pathways.
Closing Equity Gaps
One of our recruitment and outreach goals is to address the access equity gaps of our African American, Native American, and Hispanic students. Our Recruitment and Outreach Technicians strengthen the Butte College presence in local high schools and community groups, through targeted outreach and ongoing support in our Reg2Go program. These efforts have improved community and school relationships with continual communication, single school focus, and sustained partnerships.
Meeting enrollment targets
The anticipated outcome is to increase the total number of students enrolled on campus from each of the identified populations. Through data collection that we have acquired we are able to observe our efforts in achieving our outcome. Our current data illustrates the number of visits we have had with both local and non-local high schools, as well as our outreach efforts with community organizations and targeted population outreach.
Meeting student achievement goals
We have created relationships with community agencies that work with our dashboard students. These partnerships have identified what some of the issues our students face, which has allowed us to find solutions, and provide support in these areas. This year, we have grown our community partnerships and have established greater relationships with our local high schools. We are meeting our students early in their college journey and connecting them to resources. We hosted a DREAMer’s Welcome, developed a DREAMer’s Resource Guide, and have hosted several events and trainings on campus to increase support for undocumented students. Technicians have also administered both our Summer Connection and Summer Bridge Programs that support first generation college students who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Fostering a Culture of Inclusiveness
Recruitment and Outreach Technicians continue to build partnerships with the community by supporting prospective students who are community members interested in continuing their education; obtaining a degree or certificate; and first-generation college students.
Improving Processes (a) Data and Reporting (b) Internal Communications
We have used summative and formative data to determine if we are meeting our program goals. We have created an Office 365 Form to document all our recruitment and outreach efforts as a self-report tool for qualitative and quantitative data collection. Our summative data consists of collecting information about the following: type of event, presence at high schools, targeted population reached and number of participants. For our formative data, we are collecting contacts for events, comments, and recommendations to start incorporating changes to our recruitment and outreach efforts.
Strengthening Professional Development
We are always looking for opportunities to strengthen professional development for both student staff and professional staff. Over the year we have participated in various conferences, workshops, and trainings both on and off campus.
Recruitment and Outreach Recommendations and Action/Updates
- Strengthen the online information packet, e.g., include links to departments and contacts. Completed.
School Relations Recommendations and Action/Updates
- Explore strategies to diversify demographic representation in College Connection. This is still being discussed and we hope to have it accomplished during the next school year.
- Increase outreach to new and existing charter, alternative, and private schools that do not currently participate in the College Connection and/or Concurrent Enrollment programs. We have piloted the inclusion of Orland HS and are in discussions with other schools.
- Explore strategies to facilitate communication flow between College Connection faculty and the Associate Dean. Monthly meetings have been scheduled and communication continues to improve.
- Consider adding more career development information and facilitators to College Connection to discuss labor market and employment trends. Guest speakers discuss labor market and employment trends.
- Continue to clarify for high school counselors the new transfer degree requirements. Completed.
- Develop and administer the overall K-12 satisfaction survey being considered. This is still being discussed and we hope to have it accomplished during the next school year.
- Research space alternatives if Welcome Center programs and services continue to grow. This is still being discussed and we hope to have it accomplished during the next school year.
Building Enrollment
Improving department morale
Building External Relationships
Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
Strategy 1 - Out of State Recruiting
Out of State Recruitment
Continue to implement an assertive recruitment plan for out-of-state students. The plan includes travel to targeted states, mailing of brochures and letters to high schools, actively contacting high school counseling and career centers, and personally following up with any prospective student that request information.
Strategy 2 - Increase the Number of Student Connecting to the Campus
Explore ways that we can market student services and campus tours to prospective and current students and improve the overall experience on campus.
Studies have shown that one of the most effective ways to recruit prospective students is having them participate in a meaningful and engaging campus tour and feeling a connection to campus services and resources.
Strategy 3 - Improve Summer Bridge and Summer Connection Programs
Continue to develop the Summer Bridge and Summer Connection Programs.
Summer Bridge and Summer Connection are designed for under-represented students. Bridge is designed for students that have recently graduated from high school. The program's goal is to transition students into college providing them with the greatest chance of success. This is a population that is targeted by student equity. Summer Connection is designed for grades 7-10 and provides the students with exposure to a college campus and resources available to support them.
Strategy 4 - Expand Domestic Recruitment Efforts
Explore new markets and improve existing markets to generate additional FTES.
With local high school populations decreasing we need to explore additional markets to reach the Districts FTES goals.
Strategy 5 - Improve Office Wellness
Replace task chairs for Welcome Center Staff.
Improve employee's office experience by replacing office task chairs, that are not properly working and meeting standards.
Strategy 6 - Undocumented Student Support
UndocuCenter was recently created to provide necessary resources and support to undocumented students, families, staff and faculty.
Strategy 7 - Support School Relations Program
School Relations works in creating relationships with local school districts to connect high school students to educational opportunities at Butte College such as concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, college connection and Reg2Go.
There is very limited funding to support School Relations efforts.
Strategy 8 - Maintain UndocuCenter Services
We are currently in year two of the CA Campus Catalyst Fund, which funding is renewable for up to three years. The goal of the CA Campus Catalyst Fund, is to institutionalize support services for undocumented students at Butte College by expanding programs and resources. The Butte College UndocuCenter has increased support services available at Butte College to provide the necessary resources and support to undocumented students, families, staff, and faculty. In order to sustain these efforts, we propose to fully fund our full-time Student Success Specialist who has assisted with the development, implementation and evaluation of the UndocuCenter programs and activities designed to increase undocumented student retention, persistence, and completion at Butte College.
A District funded full-time Student Success Specialist would enable Butte College to have the capacity to respond to emergency requests for support and assistance and provide new and enhanced programs and services. Having a full-time staff dedicated to supporting our undocumented students would allow someone the opportunity to research and implement best practices and inform the campus on current policies and legislation affecting undocumented students and their families. In addition, funding this position would allow Butte College to maintain in compliance with AB 1645.
We are currently receiving funding via the California Catalyst Grant in the amount of $117,000. The grant is renewable for three years, we are currently in year two. Each year there will be a reduction of approx. $10,000-$20,000 in hopes of campuses institutionalizing these efforts.
| 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 | Campus Information | Personnel | 52110 | $0.00 | $174,101.00 | |
| Dual Enrollment Positions | Funding for Program Administrator and Dual Enrollment Technician positions to staff new program. |
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| 2 | Campus Information | Operating Expenses | 55890 | $0.00 | $60,600.00 | |
| Dual Enrollment Program Budget | Operating expenses associated with new Dual Enrollment Program |
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| 3 | UndocuCenter | Personnel | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 52195 | $0.00 | $86,082.00 |
| Student Success Specialist, UndcuCenter | We are currently in year two of the CA Campus Catalyst Fund, which funding is renewable for up to three years with a reduction of $10,000-$20,000 each year. The goal of the CA Campus Catalyst Fund, is to institutionalize support services for undocumented students at Butte College by expanding programs and resources. The Butte College UndocuCenter has increased support services available at Butte College to provide the necessary resources and support to undocumented students, families, staff, and faculty. In order to sustain these efforts, we propose to fully fund our full-time Student Success Specialist who has assisted with the development, implementation and evaluation of the UndocuCenter programs and activities designed to increase undocumented student retention, persistence, and completion at Butte College. This position supports staying in compliance with AB 1645. |
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| 4 | Recruitment and Outreach | Operating Expenses | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 55200 | $0.00 | $30,000.00 |
| Travel Funds | Cover travel costs of Recruitment and Outreach Technicians. Our Recruitment and Outreach Technicians strengthen the Butte College presence in local high schools and community groups, through targeted outreach and ongoing support in our Reg2Go program. These efforts have improved community and school relationships with continual communication, single school focus, and sustained partnerships. In addition, we have created relationships with community agencies that work with our dashboard students. |
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| 5 | Welcome Center: Recruitment & Outreach | Personnel | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 52368 | $0.00 | $50,000.00 |
| Welcome Center Student Ambassadors | The students will conduct follow-up phone calls to prospective students, conduct campus tours, and other activities to support our recruitment efforts. |
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| 6 | UndocuCenter | Personnel | 12.428.700.1.601000 | 52368 | $16,492.00 | $0.00 |
| UndocuCenter Student Assistant | The goal of the Catalyst Fund grant at Butte College is to institutionalize support services for undocumented students by expanding programs and resources. The primary goal was to create the Butte College UndocuStudent Support Center (USSC), which increases support services available at Butte College to provide the necessary resources and support to undocumented students, families, staff, and faculty. We are requesting a Student Assistant at 20 hours per week during academic semesters and 36 hours per week during breaks, to assist with the goals and mission of the center. |
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| 7 | Summer Programs | Operating Expenses | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 55890 | $0.00 | $17,315.00 |
| Summer Bridge Operating Expenses | Summer Bridge is designed for under-represented students that have graduated from high school. The program's goal is to transition students into college providing them with the greatest chance of success. This is a population that is targeted by student equity. At this time, the program has minimal on-going District funding. We would like to provide the following operating expenses to maintain program: Student Assistants & Benefits: $5,571 Supplies: $1,500 Food & Refreshments: $250 Contracts: $300 Travel: $4,500 Book Vouchers: $5,250 |
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| 8 | Summer Programs | Operating Expenses | 11.000.705.1.499900 | 55890 | $10,000.00 | $0.00 |
| Summer Connection Transportation | Provide funding for student transportation for a program designed for underrepresented students that are part of the Student Equity targeted group. Program is for 6th-10th graders and its goal is to build a pipeline to college for these students. Transportation provided by the program creates access to the program and exposure to Butte College for undeserved students. Students in the program come from first-generation and low socioeconomic backgrounds and without this service, many of the students will most likely not set foot on campus until they attend orientation. Student assistant hourly wage and transportation costs have increased but the allocated funds have remained the same. Transportation accounts for a large portion of the budget. |
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| 9 | UndocuCenter | Operating Expenses | 12.428.700.1.601000 | 55890 | $0.00 | $15,000.00 |
| UndocuCenter Operating Expenses | The goal of the Catalyst Fund grant at Butte College is to institutionalize support services for undocumented students by expanding programs and resources. The primary goal was to create the Butte College UndocuStudent Support Center (USSC), which increases support services available at Butte College to provide the necessary resources and support to undocumented students, families, staff, and faculty. The total amount of the grant awarded the Butte College was $117,000 for the grant period of 2019-2020. The proposed 2020-2021 renewal grant budget will be reduced to $100,000 for Year 3, which is the last year of the grant. In order to maintain our efforts we are requesting the District to support the USSC by covering the reduction in grant award. |
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| 10 | Recruitment and Outreach | Operating Expenses | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 55890 | $15,000.00 | $0.00 |
| Campus Tour Operating Expenses | Outreach to prospective students to promote a college-going culture. Operating expenses will include campus information folders, lunch for school groups who may be receiving free or reduced-price school lunches, supplies and materials to enhance an exceptional campus tour experience. |
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| 11 | Welcome Center: Info Cube | Operating Expenses | $0.00 | $1,500.00 | ||
| Info Cube & Lab Supplies | The information cube located on the first floor of the SAS building is an essential space for new, current and returning students. The Information Cube is supported by the Welcome Center, Financial Aid, Admissions and Records and other departments to enhance the student experience. The Financial Aid Lab hours are also housed at the Information Cube. At the Information Cube students can: access computers, access a printer to print forms and documents that may be required for college success. Materials that are needed to successfully run the Information Cube are paper and ink cartridges. |
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| 12 | Recruitment and Outreach | Operating Expenses | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 55890 | $30,000.00 | $0.00 |
| Out of State Recruiting | For travel to out-of-state locations, registration in college fairs, printing/mailing and for contacting high schools/students. We now have additional staff to support this effort. |
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| 13 | Recruitment and Outreach | Operating Expenses | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 55630 | $0.00 | $18,972.00 |
| You Visit Virtual Tour | The YouVisit virtual tour experience is used to assist with the recruitment of students who may not be able to visit campus. Through the virtual tour prospective students can view the Main Campus, Chico and Glenn Centers. |
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| 14 | Welcome Center | Equipment | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 56410 | $5,000.00 | $0.00 |
| Office Task Chairs | Improve employee's office experience by replacing office task chairs, that are not properly working and meeting standards. |
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| 15 | Recruitment and Outreach | Operating Expenses | 11.000.700.1.639001 | 54500 | $0.00 | $15,000.00 |
| Recruitment Supplies | Butte College material to be used at recruitment events and presentations. Would include items such as Butte College pens, stickers, etc. |
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| 16 | School Relations | 11.000.708.1.949002 | 52368 | $5,000.00 | $0.00 | |
| School Relations Student Assistant | Student Assistant for 10 hours per week to assist School Relations efforts. |
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