MSCHE Self Study April 2021

Increasing the matriculation of URMs continues to be a College priority. Through a concerted effort between the office of admissions, the office of minority enrichment, and the admissions committee, the College has experienced a continuous growth in the number of URMs. At 17%, the entering class of 2020 is the most diverse class in the history of the College. Our pipeline program, CSTEP, has yielded positive results. For two consecutive years, 12 CSTEP students enrolled in the OD program, the highest enrollment in the program’s history (a 300% increase since 2015). Our CSTEP program was awarded a $950,000 grant over five years, starting on July 1, 2020, to support URM recruitment to the profession. This year the College will conduct a thorough assessment of its pipeline programs. Results of this assessment will be utilized to further refine our programs and services. . Furthermore, the Task Force on Race and Equity (TFRE) provided a critical analysis of the College’s initiatives to further its diversity, equity and inclusion goals, leading to short ‐ and long ‐ term recommendations ( TRFE Charge and TRFE Report ). While the College has been able to reach its diversity goals evidenced by the number of URM enrollment in 2020, we acknowledge that more work needs to be done to ensure that our URM students feel welcome and included in all aspects of the student experience. The increased cost of higher education (see Standard II) and relatively stagnant national applicant pool continue to be challenges. In addition, the COVID 19 pandemic presents its own unique challenges, including the current economic downturn, potential changes in applicants’ career preferences and possible impact on student preparedness. The College, however, through its longstanding reputation and commitment to innovation, has the opportunity, through creative and targeted marketing and recruitment campaigns, to attract new applicants and increase market share by targeting untapped markets. Students are provided with extensive support services to promote academic and professional success. The College’s Career Symposium, a flagship program of the College Career Development Center, is well received with 90% of attendees on average reporting the symposium has high value. The College has completely revamped its academic support services, offering a series of workshops on academic preparedness and academic and clinical advising and mentoring. Our new CSTEP program award also includes funds specifically dedicated to broaden academic and clinical support services to matriculated students. As discussed under Standard V, the graduation rates are high, pointing to the effectiveness of the admissions process and student support services. Mental health is now at the forefront of the College’s strategies to promote student success ‐ counseling offerings have been expanded and workshops on mental health and well ‐ being are offered throughout the semester. Twenty ‐ one faculty, students and staff received Mental Health First Aid certification in 2019, providing the College an opportunity to create a culture in which struggling students feel comfortable reaching out for help and assistance. The College has significantly expanded its alumni engagement through speaking opportunities with students and profiles on our website and social media. Signature student events such as the annual Orientation and Career Symposium benefit from our alumni sharing their experience and expertise. Over the past two years we more than doubled alumni involvement at these events

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