[Wsssc] Student Success Tool RFP Taskforce

[Lauren Hibbs]

WSSSC Members,

The below communication went out to WACTC and invited members of the Student Success Tool RFP Taskforce earlier today. Please view the full communication below as well as selected representatives.
Those who volunteered and were not selected will be contacted by their SBCTC council representatives shortly.



Leading with our shared vision of racial, social, and economic justice, the heart of the Student Success Tool RFP is centered on creating equity in student success by ensuring that all students, regardless of background, place, or status have equal access to resources, support, and opportunities. Through a comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive RFP process, the goal is to identify a tool that addresses diverse needs, fostering an inclusive experience for students. Moreover, the RFP process itself is designed to demonstrate equity by providing fair and transparent opportunities for various stakeholders, promoting a dynamic system that actively contributes to student success.

Below includes an overview of the taskforce purpose, scope, guiding principles, members and their responsibilities, and the anticipated taskforce timeline. Please review the details prior to our first gathering on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 2:30-4:00pm, via zoom. <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82586370545?pwd=eXdEa1ZQR21qNVNTdUpiN2tNYXEvZz09&from=addon>

Purpose of the Taskforce:
The Taskforce aims to complete the RFP process and contract with a vendor for a unified opt-in student success tool. The primary purpose of the student success tool is to enhance and support academic progress, academic planning, and student achievement. The selected tool will provide insights into disaggregated student performance, engagement, and behavior, allowing for interventions and support. Key objectives include improving retention, graduation rates, and providing a positive e-learning environment. The selected student success tool will be accessible, utilize data analytics, provide for communication tools, and enable educators and institutions to proactively address challenges, identify opportunities, and contribute to the well-being and success of students.

Scope:
The primary scope of the taskforce is focused on the RFP development, which includes identifying criteria, crafting the RFP, evaluating submissions, and making a recommendation for the final selection/awarding of the RFP to WACTC. WACTC may then confirm the decision (if unconfirmed, the decision goes back to the taskforce).

Taskforce Principles:
The following principles serve as the guiding framework for the Student Success Tool RFP process, aiming to facilitate strong communication to all stakeholders, a successful transition for the selected tool, and to promote ongoing enhancements in the field of student support and success.

  *   Understanding the Need for Change: Recognizing the necessity for change and acknowledging existing pain points and limitations is the first crucial step in initiating this transformative process.
  *   Thorough System Selection: The selection of the right system is a pivotal decision. It involves extensive research, consultation, and at times, trial and error. The chosen system should align with the defined objectives, be user-friendly, and possess the capacity to adapt to evolving needs.
  *   People-Centric Approach: System adoption is not merely about technology; it centers around people. Creating a supportive environment and fostering open communication are vital aspects of this process during selection and implementation.
  *   Anticipating Disruption and Flexibility: Expecting some level of disruption and being prepared to address it is paramount. The process of testing and adjusting should be normalized.
  *   Patience and Long-Term Focus: Patience is, perhaps, the most critical element during the selection and post-adoption phase. Reinforcing a long-term focus is essential for all stakeholders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Taskforce Members:
The Student Success Tool Taskforce consists of diverse representatives, carefully selected to ensure broad geographical coverage, representation of various commissions and councils, institutional types and sizes, diversity, and roles within the community and technical college community.

Taskforce Members
College Representative
College Representative
Co-Chairs: Presidents (WACTC)
Sara Thompson Tweedy (Big Bend)
Matt Campbell (Pierce)
1 member from Business Admin (BAC)
Brett Riley (Wenatchee Valley)
2 members from Information Tech (ITC)
Rip Hemingway (South Puget Sound)
Pat Daniels (Highline)
2 members from Student Services (WSSSC)
Ruby Hayden (Lake WA Tech)
Karl Smith (Tacoma)
1 member from Advising & Counseling (ACC)
Olla Ibrahim (Renton Tech)
1 member from Admissions & Registrars (ARC)
Jenny Wheeler (Green River)
1 member from Financial Aid (FAC)
Tracy Dahl (Centralia)
1 member from Disability Support Services (DSSC)
Kristen Duede (Walla Walla)
1 Guided Pathways Lead
Mark Fuzie (Yakima)
1 member from Instruction and Basic Ed (IC, BEdA)
Michael Lee (Columbia Basin)
Cathy Leaker (Everett)
1 member from Diversity & Equity (DEOC/MSSDC)
Xuan Wang-Wolf (Olympic)
1 member from Research & Planning (RPC)
Roy Calligan (Spokane)
1 representative from Faculty Association (FACTC)
Pending
Students
2 Student Focus Group
2 SBCTC Student Service/Success Departments
Lauren Hibbs
(Taskforce Staff)
Monica Wilson
2 SBCTC IT Division
Dani Bundi
Kenn Nied
SBCTC Contract Specialist
Abraham Rocha (non-voting)


Taskforce Member Responsibilities
Members are asked to represent their respective commission or council voice, facilitate constructive dialogue, collect feedback from stakeholders, and ensure transparency in the taskforce process.

Timeline and Phases of the RFP:
The RFP selection and contract process is expected to take 18 months; this timeline is separate from the implementation timeline. Members are expected to participate bi-weekly for 90-minute virtual sessions.  The taskforce will progress through four phases of the RFP: initiation, planning, execution, and closure. Each phase is crucial to achieving the identified goals and objectives outlined in the purpose. Attached includes a draft timeline of key steps and milestones to be reviewed and discussed during the first taskforce gathering. Flexibility in the timeline to accommodate unforeseen delays or additional research needs is anticipated.

Meeting Day/Time and Next Steps

  *   Introductory Meeting: Monday, February 5, 2:30-4:00 (bi-weekly thereafter)
     *   Co-Chair Welcome; Member Introductions
     *   Overview of the scope of work, objectives, expectations
     *   Review of anticipated RFP timeline and key milestones
     *   Initial thoughts and questions
If you have immediate questions or concerns prior to the first taskforce meeting, please reach out to me, lhibbs at sbctc.edu<mailto:lhibbs at sbctc.edu>. On behalf of WACTC and the taskforce co-chairs, we look forward to our collaboration over the next year.

Attachments:
Draft Taskforce Timeline and Phases


Sincerely,
[Compass]
Lauren Hibbs, Ed.D
Director, Student Services
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
lhibbs at sbctc.edu*<mailto:lhibbs at sbctc.edu*> o: 360-704-4334 *
sbctc.edu<https://www.sbctc.edu/> * Twitter: @SBCTCWashington<https://twitter.com/SBCTCWashington> * Facebook: @WASBCTC<https://www.facebook.com/wasbctc/>

SBCTC Vision:

"Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities."



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