Sinclair’s primary goal is student completion

Not wanting to back down from a challenge, Sinclair aims to increase graduation rates among low-income students and students of color through the Achieving the Dream initiative.
“Achieving the Dream is a challenge to colleges like Sinclair,” said Helen Grove, senior vice president and provost. “It is a challenge to us to do things differently to help our students succeed. It’s not about blaming students, but looking at how we can change our policies and practices to help more of our students learn and demonstrate what they know.”
Since Achieving the Dream’s inception in 2006, Sinclair has seen improvements in student success in gatekeeper courses. These courses often prevent students from moving toward the college level or on to their degree program.
“It is an issue that we take seriously, trying to reduce the failure and repeat rates of students in gatekeeper courses,” Grove said.
Sinclair’s data on gatekeeper courses shows that developmental mathematics, elementary algebra and anatomy and physiology courses were a hindrance for many students.
“We are trying to make those courses less of an obstacle for students,” Grove said. “We have changed the ways in which we teach the courses, and the ways in which we advise. And indeed we are seeing some really good improvements and that has been exciting.”
To help students navigate through their obstacles, Sinclair requires the SCC 101 course. The course teaches students the basics of college including time management, good study habits and preparation for exams.
This course, Grove said, will serve as the foundation for students once they begin their courses at Sinclair.
The Urban African-American Mentor Program is another program that aims to help African-American students boost their GPA, complete their courses and graduate.
The mentor program is designed to help second-year African-American students attain a college degree or credential with the help of a mentor. The students are assigned two mentors, one faculty member and one staff member.
Students of color have a tougher time achieving their dream and obtaining a degree, but it’s a challenge that Sinclair won’t back down from, Grove said.
“It is really one of the most wonderful initiatives in the community college landscape,” Grove said. “We want students to stick with school, obtain a degree and then take it either to the work place and earn a good living or on to a university for further study.”