Mary Ellen Ashley

Mary Ellen Ashley, vice president of enrollment management and student services at Northern Essex, said the increase is part of a five-year strategic plan. ''We are growing our student base,'' she said.

"We want more Latino students to be successful," said Northern Essex's senior vice president, Mary Ellen Ashley.

With the infusion of federal funds, Northern Essex will create a service center for its Latino students on its Lawrence campus.There, students may obtain information on financial aid, academic advising, counseling, and other services.

"They won't have to figure out how to navigate the system by themselves," Ashley said.

The federal grant also will pay for three new bilingual faculty members, who will teach English, math, and science.The new center will serve as a bilingual and bicultural training site for the school's current staff, as well.

In the past four years, enrollment at the Lawrence campus has jumped almost 40 percent to 2,000 students, and most of the new faces are Latino, Ashley said.

But that surge was accompanied by several disturbing trends.Many Latinos approached the school about attending classes but never made it to class.

"We are seeing a huge number each year, about 600 people, who apply but don't show up," Ashley said.

Of the Latino students who do enroll, about 50 percent aren't progressing as quickly as they should, Ashley added.

"Part of what we are trying to do with the grant is career planning and advising.Once a student makes contact with the center, we'll find out what their needs are, and we won't let go of them," she added.

Mary Ellen Ashley, Senior Vice President, Northern Essex Community College

Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

2. Gather new data needed

Did three major research efforts in Year 2.

Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

4. Identify new research needed

After NEASC site visit, will consider Year 3 needs for additional research.

OBJECTIVE

Recruitment

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

2. Quantify college retention results

Data gathered in retention report will be used for year three planning.

Mary Ellen Ashley

3. Create and analyze exit survey data

Did "no show" rosters.Will reconsider follow-up for Year 3, requires full Banner Support.

Mary Ellen Ashley

4. Build from MCC goal attainment survey

Ongoing.

Mary Ellen Ashley

5. Share all information to improve retention

Reports developed will be circulated across campus.

Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

8. Collaborate in college retention initiatives

Ongoing.Campus wide collaboration to revise and improve registration/orientation process.Collaboration on diversity programming, leadership and ambassador programs and CO-curricular programming that fosters sense of belonging and attachment to the College.

OBJECTIVE

Orientation
...
Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

2. Schedule external assessment

After NEAC site visit, will plan future external assessments.

Mary Ellen Ashley

3. Analyze and use results

Ongoing.

Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

3. Design and implement an orientation process appropriate for all new NECC students

Designed and developed four-stage orientation process for all new students.Piloted and implemented Pre-enrollment Orientation, including system to track attendance.Developed and refined Fall Registration/ Orientation, Welcome Week, and Student Success Seminars.

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

...
Mary Ellen Ashley

8. Implement the SCT Banner SIS according to schedule.

-In HR, all college personnel data entered into Banner; college payroll operating; improved HR Banner efficiency from 0-25%.Implemented HRCMS simultaneously.

-In Finance corrected implementation data errors, trained staff; improved audit reporting.