Galveston College - Title V

TITLE V: YEAR ONE UPDATE

What is a Title V Grant?

A Title V grant, part of the Higher Education Act, specifically supports Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in enhancing their educational capacity and resources. These grants focus on improving academic programs, increasing student access and success, and strengthening institutional financial stability. By providing funding for initiatives such as curriculum development, faculty training, and infrastructure improvements, Title V grants play a crucial role in elevating the quality of education at HSls, ultimately benefiting a diverse student population.

Title V Grant Fuels Into Galveston College Strategic Plan: Building Your Tomorrow

Galveston College is set to transform its educational landscape with a substantial $3 million Title V grant aimed at improving teaching and advising strategies over the next five years (2023-2028). This ambitious project "Pathway Model For Improved Teaching, Advising and Transfer at a Hispanic Service Community College" is expected to boost student retention, enrollment revenues and graduation rates for the years to come. The initiative includes redesigning 11 high-risk courses through the implementation of a

Learning Assistant model. Additionally, GC will launch a tailored First-Year Experience (FYE) for different transfer pathways, including an online New Student Orientation and an 8-week Learning Frameworks Course. This FYE will feature a new Pathway Major Advisor model for proactive advising, alongside upgrades to IT and data analyses capacity for integrated support. Funds will also support renovation of the Student Success Center to foster collaborative learning. Finally, GC will establish pathway-specific

transfer agreements with regional universities to facilitate student transfers.

• Created a robust online New Student Orientation (NSO) in English and Spanish

• Developed and implemented the 8-week learning framework course known as the Whitecaps Academics Vision of Excellence (WAVE)

As part of the grant initiative, every WAVE student who completed the New Online Orientation received a complimentary T-shirt on the first week of class!

• Redesigned and implemented four Arts & Humanities courses using the Learning Assistant Model for fall 2024

Scroll down to read testimonials from our Faculty Mentors.

• Developed infrastructure of new Pathway Major Advisor Model - aimed to increase collaboration between Student Services and Instructions

Surpassing Annual Goals:

Fostering a Culture of Collaboration

Learning Assistant Program

Faculty Mentors

"The benefits of having an LA in my first-year writing composition course are already evident by the

number of students who continue to stay present, engaged, and submit assignments compared to

previous semesters. I believe the LA's peer support is that extra advantage for students that has been missing previously."

– Laura Gettman, M.A.

English Mentor

"Having a Learning Assistant in my classroom has been an invaluable experience. My LA consistently

engages with students during in-class projects, offering personalized support as she circulates the room. Additionally, she provides assistance for the students in the Developmental English Writing Lab, at the

library and on Canvas. I am eager to observe the continued progress of both the students and my LA

throughout the remainder of the semester."

– Shelly Downes, M.A.

English Mentor

"Students gain the most from the Learning Assistant experience. The LA brings students a colleague that gives them not only a friendly leader but an experienced voice to assist in a difficult class. LA's bridge the gap between the

professor and students. This bridge is refreshing to the classroom."

– Hank Deslaurier, M.A.

History Mentor

First Year Experience Program

WAVE Course Students

WAVE course students wrapped up the first 8-week session with presentations on their backgrounds, educational journeys, career goals and what they have gained from the experience.

For more information about the Title V Project contact: jnganga@gc.edu