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MARIETTA -- A goal to increase the number of business graduates at Washington State Community College is in the works.
The college's Dean of Business, Engineering, Industrial Technologies and Workforce Development, Brenda Kornmiller, updated the WSCC board of trustees Monday on plans designed to increase the retention and graduation of students in the business management program.
Kornmiller told the trustees that the program has increased by 67 students since the 2015 school year and has had an average retention of 72 percent each of those years.
"It's really not a bad number for retention," she said.
Even though Kornmiller thought the rates were at a good level, she said she believes they could be increased.
"Our goal is to increase graduation by 40 percent within one year, and increase graduation 60 percent within three years," she said.
Kornmiller said there are four areas the department will focus on in order to reach their goals. The first is a proactive early intervention program for students who may be struggling academically.
"If a student has less than a 70 percent grade, intervention will be required," she said.
The student will be contacted by a volunteer who will determine what steps, be it tutoring, mentoring or hands-on learning, are needed to get the student back to acceptable grade levels, she said.
The second is a curriculum modification that will add a practicum course to give students more hands-on training in the field. Also, the number of hours needed to graduate will be decreased, Kornmiller said.
"We will be reducing hours to a number closer to 60," she said.
The third change will be in the discussion format for the school's online students. Brad Merritt, a professor in the program, said the new chat interface should help students who are having troubles.
"(The new chat interface) will make it easier to explain the more difficult economic subjects like macro and micro economics," he said. "It's more personal than a book or an online video."
The final area of change is in the arena of advising. Kornmiller said new hires should help with that problem.
""We will have two full-time advisers now to help the students," she said.
The new plan will be implemented at the start of next year.
Other business discussed Monday:
∫ The nomination committee recommended David Tenney as the chairman of the board for the 2019 year. The board unanimously approved the nomination of Tenney for the job. He will be replacing Randall T. Barango at the beginning of the new year.
∫ Amanda Harvey of Belpre was introduced as WSCC's December student of the month. Harvey is majoring in the school's business management program and according to Merritt, has had a 4.0 grade point average since she started school.
"She represents the best of WSCC," he said. "She is a clear example of who we are and where we are going."
"Going to school has been really exciting and I have really enjoyed it," Harvey said.