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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Hello WSSSC,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto;font-optical-sizing: auto">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">In this week’s update we share that today marks the self-imposed deadline for the Department of Education to provide institutions with ISIRs, yet we haven't received
 any new federal updates. On the technical side, SBCTC's IT team provided insights into the challenges of configuring new data in Oracle and PeopleSoft. Additionally, we received an update from WSAC on the FAFSA completion portal. The FAFSA position paper is
 nearly complete, and we'll soon release the department-specific pivoted action plan. Other updates include Opportunity Grant changes, confirmation of health funding through FY 2025, and guidance on student activity fees. Lastly, a summary of Vincent Tinto's
 article on student persistence is shared. </span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">As always, please reach out with any questions or ideas.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">FAFSA Updates
</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Today marks the day for the self-imposed deadline for the Department of Education to provide institutions with ISIRs. So far, we haven't received
 any new federal updates. The NYT posted an excellent article covering the delay <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/us/politics/fafsa-college-admissions.html?unlocked_article_code=1.cU0.WWuv.PE1d6HGnGvGw&smid=url-share">
here</a>. On the technical side, the SBCTC IT team provided an overview of why it will take a couple of weeks for the State Board to configure the new data in Oracle and PeopleSoft (below). SBCTC also received an update from WSAC on the FAFSA completion portal
 (also below). Hopefully you saw the two </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">FAQs<span class="s1"> for students and faculty/staff last week; SBCTC will soon create a landing page for all FAFSA updates. Finally, the
 WSSSC led FAFSA position paper is nearly complete and will be shared out next Tuesday. Following that, the group will be releasing the department-specific pivoted action plan, providing guidance for specific areas of the institution with recommendations on
 how to respond to the delay. </span>A huge thank you to Deann, Chantel, Melanie, and Teresa from FAC for their leadership, and of course Karl and Krista! As always, please let me know if you have any questions or ideas.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">SBCTC-IT Update on Configuration
</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">If you are not aware, the SBCTC-IT staff provides a
<a href="https://www.sbctc.edu/blogs/ctclink-connect/2024/2024-03-13">weekly blog</a> for technical assistance and more; the target audience is not WSSSC, but rather the folks in the FA/IT realm. Below include WSSSC questions we received this week during the
 FAFSA position paper workgroup session that will be helpful to review and share with others on campus.
</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><b><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Question: What needs to happen before colleges can begin packaging financial aid for students, and what is the estimated timeline
 for completing this process?</span></i></b></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Answer:</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="li1" style="color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">System Update: Before colleges can start packaging financial aid, Oracle needs to release a system update known as the revised Financial Aid Post-Regs 1 PRP3. Once this update
 is received, our staff will need to test and configure the changes to accept the new ISIRs (Institutional Student Information Records).</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="li1" style="color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Sample ISIRs: Despite promises from the Department of Education (ED) to release sample ISIRs for test purposes, the ones provided have been found to be flawed, making them unusable
 for configuring ctcLink. As a result, we estimate a timeline of late April/early May to complete testing.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="li1" style="color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1;font-size-adjust: none;font-kerning: auto">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Production Move: SBCTC is aiming for the second week of May to move the technical changes to ctcLink production, allowing colleges to start loading their ISIRs in batches and work
 towards processing student files.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><b><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Question: Is there a possibility of changes to the estimated timeline, and what factors might influence this?</span></i></b></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Answer:
</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="p1" style="color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Yes, the estimated timeline is subject to change depending on when we receive accurate ISIRs from ED and when Oracle sends updated PRPs. Any technical issues encountered with the
 updates from Oracle will also be taken into consideration.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto"><span class="s1"><b><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Question: What is the anticipated impact of enrollment intensity on both state and federal
 aid, and how is this being addressed?</span></i></b></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Answer:
</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="p1" style="color:black;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Unfortunately, determining the anticipation and potential impact of enrollment intensity with both state and federal aid falls outside our purview. Our primary responsibility lies
 in administering the system for processing aid rather than speculating on potential impacts. For a more informed response, it would be advisable to consult with financial aid directors or researchers specializing in gathering quantifiable data points specific
 to your college.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">Update from WSAC on FAFSA Data Portal</span></b><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">WSAC is working through a new agreement with the U.S. Department of Education that governs the type of data sharing that occurs in the FAFSA completion sections
 of the WSAC portal.  With the new integration with IRS data, U.S. ED needs to meet confidentiality standards set by the U.S. Department of Treasury.  While this doesn’t prevent sharing, it is much more restrictive in the type of relationship WSAC must have
 with recipient organizations.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>We have been waiting on a Dear Colleague letter from the U.S. ED with clarifying guidance, and we are collaborating with our Assistant Attorney General to navigate these new requirements.
 In the meantime, we are reaching out to organizations with current DSAs and are pausing on new organizational DSAs until we have a clearer understanding of the situation.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:11.65pt"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">What this means:</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Your
 team’s access to the FAFSA completion portal will be paused until these data questions are resolved.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:11.65pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Please also note that WSAC has not yet received FAFSA completion data for the 24-25 FAFSA. The U.S. ED has told
 WSAC they should receive it by mid-to-late March. We anticipate that our aggregate dashboard (<a href="http://www.wsac.wa.gov/fafsa-completion"><span style="color:#0086F0">www.wsac.wa.gov/fafsa-completion</span></a>) will be live by the end of the month or
 early April. This tool can be accessed by anyone, and I hope it is helpful for you. We are also in the process of working on exciting improvements to the dashboard to make it even more useful.</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">Gainful Employment Update
</span></b><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">(attached full update from Summer Kenesson)
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The SBCTC is committed to alleviating the workload of Gainful Employment reporting for Financial Aid staff. They have assembled a team of four
 data analysts to collect most of the necessary data for reporting back to colleges, although some uncertainties remain. Updates will be provided to various listservs as organization progresses, and a workplan and timeline will be circulated within the next
 three weeks. While some information will be required from colleges, efforts will be made to minimize the burden on them, including potentially accessing reports directly from the Department of Education. Additionally, guidance will be provided on the upload
 process, with options for colleges to opt out if desired. Further information and support will be available as planning at SBCTC formalizes.</span></span><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"> </span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">Spring WSSSC Registration and Hotel Block
</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Our spring commission meeting at Centralia College is just around the corner.
<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2FHRV79">Registration for spring is now open</a> and closes Friday, April 19. Each college is encouraged to send a representative or include a delegate if the wsssc member is unable to attend. This meeting is available
 hybrid, though in-person attendance is encouraged. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">A block of rooms has been reserved at the following locations and is available through April 15:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Centralia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">1225 Mellen Street, Centralia, Washington 98531<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">+1-360-669-8110<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">Updated Guided Pathways Workplan, attached
</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Attached includes the
<a href="https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/programs-services/student-success-center/workplan-2024-2026/24-26-gp-workplan-template.pdf">
2024-2026 Guided Pathways Implementation Work Plan</a>, a valuable resource designed to assist colleges in articulating the progress made in implementing Guided Pathways practices at scale.  The plan is attached and available on the
<a href="https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/student-success-center/gp-technical-assistance-model">
Guided Pathways Implementation Model webpage</a> and here is the <a href="https://tableau.sbctc.edu/t/SBCTC/views/First-TimeEnteringStudentOutcomes/IntroductionMenu?iframeSizedToWindow=true&:embed=y&:showAppBanner=false&:display_count=no&:showVizHome=no&:origin=viz_share_link">
student outcome dashboard</a>. Each college received a customized template for completion earlier this week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">Opportunity Grant Update
<i>(From Yokiko Hayashi-Saguil) </i></span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0D0D0D">Over the past fall and winter quarters, we realized that there have been instances where our program's capacity limitations led to disruptions and inconsistencies
 in communication. I understand the inconvenience and frustration this may have caused and understand how this impacts your ability to support your work and students. </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0D0D0D">In light of these challenges, we are taking proactive steps to rectify the situation and prevent similar issues from arising in the
 future. Moving forward, the Opportunity Grant program will be implementing measures to align our processes and procedures more closely with student support programs. By doing so, the aim is to establish a more cohesive and efficient framework that ensures
 consistent communication and minimizes disruptions. </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0D0D0D">You will see the following changes over the next few months:
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0D0D0D">Request/Return of Funds:
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">We will be open 3/12-4/5 for colleges to submit completed forms. Forms will be reviewed and processed by 4/15/24 and colleges will be notified once allocation date is set.
<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0D0D0D">The Opportunity Grant Listserv:
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Will sunset at the end of this fiscal year on June 30th.
<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:#0D0D0D;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Op Grant will transition to the Canvas Site for regular program updates, resources, forms, program inventory, program approval requests and communication on July 1, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:#0D0D0D;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Program Approvals and Inventory will be streamlined in the new fiscal year.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:#0D0D0D;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">We will move to quarterly model for requests and approvals and facilitated through Canvas.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:#0D0D0D;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">I-BEST will retain its current process as it is facilitated with the BEdA Dept.
<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="color:#0D0D0D;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Inventory will mirror that of the other Student Support programs and will be housed online in Canvas.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Health Funding - funding confirmed to be continued through FY 2025</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">We have confirmed with our Budget staff that the Opportunity Grant Health Funds will be continued through next year, there will be
 $4,000,000 in Health funds for FY 2025. The allocation amounts per college will be adjusted based on the shift in colleges that were able to expend funds this year. There were significantly more colleges able to use the funds this year, and overall, across
 the sector there have been significantly less funds returned and more funds requested since COVID-19. Allocation amounts will be determined by June 7<sup>th</sup> to prepare for the next fiscal year, general op grant allocation amounts will not shift, only
 health will have the potential to be adjusted</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"> </span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">Student Activity Fee Guidance </span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="p1" style="margin:0in;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">I've received a few questions regarding student and activity fee guidance. For anyone seeking clarification
 or reference on this topic, here is a link to the <a href="https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/policies-rules/policy-manual/services-and-activities-fee-guidance.pdf">
SBCTC policy document</a> that provides helpful guidance and answers to common questions. Feel free to review the document, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional assistance.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">NASPA and Vincent Tinto Belong and Persistence Article</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">As shared by GRCC Dani Crivello-Change in hot topics, here is a great professional development opportunity:
<a href="https://studentaffairscertification.org/certifications/student-affairs-educator-certification">
Student Affairs Certificate</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"> </span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="p1" style="margin:0in;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">I wanted to share an
</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">update<span class="s1"> from the recent NASPA annual event in Seattle, where nearly 6,000 student affairs practitioners gathered for a week of learning and networking. From WSSSC,
 Karl, Graydon, Derek, Alice, Kao, and myself had the opportunity to attend a variety of fantastic sessions and VPSA conversations covering a wide range of topics relevant to our work. One of the highlights for me was running into our SOCC leaders at the event
 and hearing how far the conference planning committee has come. It's always inspiring to see our colleagues from different areas coming together to share ideas, insights, and best practices. However, the most valuable experience for me was a meeting with Vincent
 Tinto, the renowned expert in the field of student retention and coincidently the topic that rose to the top last week in our hot
</span>topics<span class="s1"> session poll. We had a thought-provoking conversation centered around AI, creativity, wisdom, interdisciplinary learning, the changing landscape of content knowledge and the importance of pedagogy for HE, and other topics covered
 in an article that I've attached for your reference. What was also interesting is that Tinto noted the needs of students are also many of the needs of faculty and staff. I've provided
</span>a brief summary<span class="s1"> of the articles key points below:</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Tinto Article Major Points:</span></b></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="li1" style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Perspective Shift</span></b></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">: Vincent Tinto highlights a shift in perspective from "retention"
 to "persistence" when considering student success in higher education. While universities focus on retaining students for revenue and outcomes, students are more concerned with persisting to complete their degrees, even if it means transferring to another
 institution.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="li1" style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Motivation and Self-Efficacy</span></b></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">: Tinto discusses the importance of students'
 motivation, particularly self-efficacy, in persisting towards degree completion. Self-efficacy refers to students' belief in their ability to succeed in academic tasks. It influences how students approach goals, tasks, and challenges, with high self-efficacy
 promoting persistence and effort.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="li1" style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Sense of Belonging</span></b></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">: Tinto emphasizes the significance of students' sense of
 belonging in fostering persistence. Feeling connected and valued within the university community encourages students to stay committed, even when facing challenges. Institutions can promote belonging through inclusive campus climates and meaningful interactions
 among students and faculty.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="li1" style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Curriculum Relevance:</span></b></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> The perceived value and relevance of the curriculum
 also impact student motivation and persistence. Students need to see the material they're learning as meaningful and applicable to their lives. Tinto suggests aligning curriculum with student interests, providing support for challenging courses, and emphasizing
 real-world applications to enhance engagement.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="li1" style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Implications</span></b></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">
<b>for Institutional Action</b>: Tinto discusses the role of faculty in promoting student success through effective teaching strategies and fostering a sense of belonging. Institutions need to prioritize faculty development and establish systems for monitoring
 student engagement and perceptions to address their needs effectively.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="li1" style="margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Closing Thoughts:</span></b></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Tinto emphasizes the importance of understanding student
 experiences and perspectives to improve persistence and completion rates in higher education. He encourages universities to engage with students as partners, learn from their experiences, and address equity gaps to promote student success.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Overall, Tinto's reflections underscore the multifaceted nature of student persistence and highlight the need for institutions to prioritize student
 motivation, belonging, and curriculum relevance in their efforts to support student success.</span></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="p1" style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Enjoy the beautiful weekend!
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Warm Regards, </span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Medium",sans-serif;color:#003764">Lauren Hibbs, Ed.D</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="margin:0in;line-height:10.55pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Medium",sans-serif;color:#003764">Director, Student Services</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="margin:0in;line-height:10.55pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif;color:#003764">Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="margin:0in;line-height:10.55pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif;color:#0078D4">lhibbs@sbctc.edu</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif;color:#003764">• o: </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif;color:#0078D4">360-704-4334</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif;color:#003764"> • </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.sbctc.edu/"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif">sbctc.edu</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif;color:#003561"> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif;color:#003764">•
 Twitter: </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://twitter.com/SBCTCWashington"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif">@SBCTCWashington</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif;color:#003764"> •
 Facebook: </span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wasbctc/"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Book",sans-serif">@WASBCTC</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F3864">SBCTC Vision:</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F3864"> </span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in"><i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F3864">“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.” </span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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