Pre- and post-matriculation student success in community colleges: a survey of strong and integrated practices

Abstract

This heuristic study explored student success initiatives and practices of select community colleges as implemented during students’ pre- and post-matriculation periods and whether those colleges have united them into a cohesive design. The pre- and post-matriculation timeframe is the most critical segment of the student’s entire academic career (Acevedo-Gil & Zerquera, 2016; McFadden, 2016). While several nationwide initiatives exist to encourage and assist community colleges to implement components of the pre- and post-matriculation experience, institutions may not consider their efforts to be an integrated system. Qualitative data were gathered from key informants with knowledge of their institution’s pre- and post-matriculation practices at a reputational sample of three community colleges. The reputational sample was identified by a panel of experts for recognized pre- and post-matriculation student success practices. This study captured strong pre- and post-matriculation practices among the sample colleges, which practices they held in common, how those practices were integrated, and which cultural components appeared to be associated with student success. The research indicated that successful pre- and post-matriculation processes shared several elements in common, including a college culture that empowered its employees, a streamlined student experience built on data, and a president who helped foster an environment of innovation. Based on these findings and the manner in which the interview participants described their operations, participating colleges have created pre- and post-matriculation systems that can provide insight for institutions seeking to improve their efforts in these key areas. Because the pre- and post-matriculation experiences at these colleges are dependent on one each other as parts of a single process with a shared goal, they may be considered a system and their performance in these phases can and should be assessed as a combined entity. By focusing intentionally on streamlining operations, cross-training employees, and consolidating offices into a single space, the colleges have built systems specifically designed to dismantle traditional barriers and to guide students into the second semester.