Coyote ConnectionsUAAC Meeting

January 21, 2014

Dr. Sandra Vasquez, DirectorMs. Star Kafovalu, Administrative Support Coordinator

IIMs. Vanessa Beckles, Graduate AssistantMr. Patrick Person, Graduate Assistant

Presented by: Student Conduct and Ethical Development

Coyote Connections Background• To provide students with positive peer-to-peer connections of

support and a welcome to/back to CSUSB. The program seeks to help peers feel connected and to prevent students from feeling lost, frustration, anxiety, or distress as they navigate new academic territory.

• The program was launched to help students:• Find a class or office location• Locate or identify resources to meet their needs• Have a “navigation point” to answer general questions or

requests for information

Why Coyote Connections?Welcome students from fall, winter, and spring break

back to schoolProactive approach to helping students relieve some of

their stress and anxiety they may experience during the first few days of school

According to the data from the National College Health Assessment (2011; 2012; 2013), stress and anxiety are two of the top six factors that negatively impact student’s academic performance

National College Health AssessmentAcademic

ImpactSpring 2011 Spring 2012 Spring 2013

Overall

Undergraduate

Overall

Undergraduate

Overall

Undergraduate

Stress* 27.5% 29.5% 29.0% 30.5% 28.5% 30.7%

Sleep Difficulties

19.4%

21.2% 20.6%

22.0% 19.4%

21.4%

Anxiety 19.1% 20.1% 20.2% 21.0% 19.7% 20.8%

Work* 13.3% 13.7% 13.9% 14.3% 14.7% 15.5%

Depression* 11.9% 12.5% 12.4% 12.8% 12.6% 13.2%

Concern with friend/family

11.0% 11.8% 11.1% 11.7% 10.4% 11.2%

-American College Health Association, 2011, 2012, and, 2013

National College Health AssessmentReported having the following feelings within 2 weeks to 12 months of each year:

2011 2012 2013Hopeless 45.2% 45.2% 44.9%Overwhelmed 86.1% 86.2% 83.8%Exhausted 81.4% 81.6% 79.1%Very lonely 57.2% 57.2% 55.8%Very sad 60.5% 61.0% 59.6%Overwhelming anxiety* 49.9% 50.8% 51.0%Depression* 30.3% 31.3% 31.4%Overwhelming anger 36.2% 37.1% 37.0%

-American College Health Association, 2011, 2012, 2013

A P.R.I.M.E.R. for Maximizing and Cultivating Student Success

Proactive

Responsive/Caring

Intentional

Intervention

Mentoring

Education &

Leadership

Reactive

Schedule and LocationAll three days were scheduled in University Hall at the front

entranceMonday and Tuesday one graduate student worked 10:00 am to

3:00 pmThursday two graduate students 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

After the third day, questions or need for help reduced

What We LearnedStudents needed help with finding classes, especially classes

in the basement of University HallDuring the first few days, parking services was the most

requested locationSome students were trying to read the directory in the UH

lobby, which needs to be updatedOverall everyone was very appreciative and surprised that we

were welcoming them back to school

Collaborating with Other DepartmentsMultiple departments welcoming students in various locations

Create a friendly environment for the studentsProvide more assistance throughout the campus during the first

week of school Enhance student’s sense of belonging and Coyote family prideExplore the development of a student life handbook mobile

application

Results from University HallInteracted with a total of 103 students, parents, or visitors Most requested departments/locations

Location Requests Reasons

Parking Services 28 Parking Permit and pay tickets

Records and Registration 14 Enrolled in wrong class, add drop slip, information center, check GPA, UH 160 (offices behind Registration)

Admissions 13 Transcripts, international information

Bursar Office 7 Pay application fee

Map of Campus 4

UH 106 (Lecture Hall) 4 Room number on lecture hall has C106 and UH-106

Financial Aid 3

Alumni Office 3

ObservationsWithin the three days and one location, the interaction with

the Students, parents, and visitors was very positiveMarquee signing can be a helpful resource

Relocating and/or changing the message to make the sign in UH more visible

Future DirectionsEach college have a welcome team

Entire first week of fall quarterFirst 2-3 days of winter and spring quarter

Welcome teams in the Student Union, Library, and University Hall or other locations that will be beneficial

Comprehensive Campus-wide schedule of welcome/back events/activities

Develop a Coyote Connections sign post or flag to alert students of where they can get help

T-shirts for volunteersThe possibilities are endless

In Closing-The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flat tires called Jobs, but if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, a driver called Will Power, you will make it to a place called Success.

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Together, we can forge seamless pathways towards success!