THE ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

Student Learning, Success, and Completion

PANELISTSMadeline Pumariega, Miami Dade College,Wolfson

CampusMary Ellen O’Keeffe, North Seattle Community CollegeWilliam Raffetto, San Jacinto College

MODERATORNoreen Thomas, Ferris State University

“It is not enough, however, to create and support a wide

variety of innovations. Almost all community colleges support

innovative practices, but in most cases

champions of innovation work in isolation from each other.

In most community colleges there are many islands of

innovation, each struggling to make a dent in

the overall scheme of things.

If substantive and broad-based change is to occur in the

institution, leaders need to corral these

innovators into a common force and focus their energy and

common interest on the larger picture—which is

to double the number of students who complete certificates and

degrees.”

Terry O’Banion

QUESTIONS

How are we connecting LEARNING to COMPLETION at our colleges?

What is the interrelationship between STUDENT SUCCESS and ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE?

Conversation

Are our colleges ready to foster a supportive culture, or can the completion agenda prompt the change in organizational culture?

Change and the Completion Agenda

Challenges per Terry O’Banion◦ Create and value a critical perspective◦ Common vocabulary◦ Overwhelmed by how to articulate the

framework◦ Faculty confidence in academic leaders◦ Effort to maintain old and new structures◦ Competence to sustain the change◦ Establish new communication patterns and

mixes◦ Money solves all problems◦ Leadership continuity—presence and message

Change and the Completion Agenda

Change Opportunities per Terry O’Banion◦ Recognition for the need to change◦ Staff members create momentum w/ the leader◦ Faculty, at their core, want to be good teachers◦ Commitment to teaching at community colleges◦ Effective techniques of serving the underprepared◦ Engage non-teaching staff and unleash their power◦ Corral the efforts/philosophy of college innovators◦ Expand technology to better engage trained staff

Definition of Diversity

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each

individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is

the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond

simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each

individual.

IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY

Diversity enriches the educational experience

Diversity promotes personal growth

Diversity strengthens communities and the workplace

Diversity enhances America’s economic competitiveness

How do students of color experience your institution?

How do returning Veterans experience your institution?

How do students with physical challenges experience your institution?

How do older students experience your institution?

How do students with financial challenges experience your institution?

KEY COMPONENTS OF DIVERSITY

ClimateCurriculumFaculty-Student InteractionStudent-Student Interaction

“Diversity is not truly attained without the forming of relationships.”

Culture Shift

Based on Valencia’s experienceAnyone can learn anything under the right

conditionsStart rightConnection and directionThe College is how the students experience

us, not how we experience themThe purpose of assessment is to improve

learningCollaboration

Taken from Focus on Learning: A Learning College Reader. Terry O Banion and Cynthia D. Wilson, Editors

Thank You for ParticipatingAnd Enjoy the Journey