Getting our students on a path to attend college full-time is important to their success. We know that students who attend college full-time not only finish faster and have access to more financial resources, they’re much more likely to earn their degree or certificate, or transfer to a four-year university.
Data show that ACC students who attend full-time have much higher completion rates (56%) compared to our part-time students (40%), yet the majority of our students attend part-time. This strategy supports the pillar for Enroll Full-Time.
Key Activities
- Conduct a detailed process mapping and evaluation of current systems to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of financial aid processes. The goal is to streamline workflows, improve communication, and ensure equitable access to financial resources for all students.
- Plan avenues to enhance FAFSA completion rates for all students.
- Integrate scholarships and financial aid into a single system.
- Create a system to standardize and scale current initiatives that accelerate program completion, such as Credit for Prior Learning, or assist with paying for college, such as Earn and Learn opportunities.
Current Work Stage
The design phase for the Paying for College Design Team is now complete, and their solutioning recommendations are beginning to be actualized. Check the Implementation page to see how these efforts are translating into meaningful change for students, one project at a time!
Design Team Members
- Karina Hernandez, Associate Dean, Digital Fluency & Innovation/Faculty, Computer Science & IT (Co-Chair)
- Lottia Windham, Regional Director, Financial Aid (Co-Chair)
- Lani Dame, Career/Workforce Preparation Trainer
- Derrick Gaderson, Senior PMO Project Manager
- Emily Hardegree, Senior Institutional Research Analyst
- Dawn Hatten, Process Analyst, Human Resources
- Erika Jaquez, Process Analyst, Student Affairs
- Trisha Kahan, Area of Study Master Advising Specialist
- Shih-Ting Lee, Manager, Faculty Evaluation
- Donna Moore, Faculty, Allied Health Sciences
- Yesenia Rivera, Student Engagement Coordinator
- Laura Lucas, Director, Strategic Initiatives
- Joaquin Welch, student
Documents
Visit the team’s document repository to view team materials, such as meeting agendas and minutes, presentation resources, and deliverables. An ACC login is required.
Share Your Feedback
As the design phase has closed for this team, please use the General Comments feedback form to submit ongoing feedback. Feedback will be shared with the Meet Basic Needs Implementation Advisory Team.