GCC seeks to boost success rates, according to its equity plan
On the Glendale Community College campus, students who are Latino, black or are veterans or have disabilities do not succeed at the rate of other groups, according to data included in an equity plan college officials released recently.
According to the data, black students enrolled at the college completed courses during the fall 2014 semester at a 53.2% rate.
That compares to Armenian students, who had a 75.2% completion rate, which is the highest rate among all student ethnic groups.
While white European students completed courses at a 74.7% rate, 72.3% of Asian students had the same success and 71% of Filipino students finished their courses.
In all, Latino students completed courses at a 58% rate, which is 10 percentage points behind veterans on campus and students with disabilities, with those two groups completing fall 2014 courses at a 68.5% rate.
In a male-to-female comparison, males completed courses at a 64.8% rate compared to the 71.7% rate achieved by females, according to the data.
College officials pay close attention to those figures and a comprehensive bulk of other data they collect to monitor gaps in student achievement, which lead them to respond with more one-on-one counseling, tutoring or outreach programs.
Since 1992, community colleges have been mandated to address student equity and work toward supporting historically underrepresented groups on the path to completing courses, transferring or earning degrees.
The college also follows trends over several years.
To help English learners, the college piloted a program this past fall where English-speaking students tutored their peers who were learning English.
The college’s Learning Center also initiated a “Study Hall Plus” program in which students can work on their homework there four days a week between 3 to 5 p.m., said Shan’t Shahoian, an English professor who runs the Learning Center.
If students have any questions about literature or math homework, there are English and math professors available for assistance during that time in the Learning Center, and they have access to tutors in other subjects, such as political science and accounting.
Tony Tartaglia, a college trustee, said during a recent trustee meeting that he was impressed by offerings at the Learning Center.
“In-house English and math tutoring and instructor availability is key,” Tartaglia said.
Officials also embrace programs tailored to black and Latino students.
About a year ago, the school initiated its Black scholars program, and it also has its La Comunidad program, tailored to Latino students.
In both of those programs, students go on field trips to visit universities outside of Los Angeles or participate in additional career, financial aid, college counseling or peer activities.
The Glendale campus has about 7,000 Latino students enrolled compared to about 830 black students.
The 210 veterans on campus have access to a Veteran’s Resource Center, where they can receive counseling and have access to a space to study and network.
According to the equity plan, officials hope to increase success rates by 5% in several areas by 2020, whether tied to course completion, transfers to four-year schools or in the number of degrees or certificates the college issues.
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Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com
Twitter: @kellymcorrigan
