Santiago Canyon College recognizes the importance of student equity. The college is committed to ensuring equity tenets are paramount to the development and integration of all campus-wide plans, procedures, and policies. The college established a Student Equity Committee and was part of the participatory governance structure. In 2015, this Student Equity Committee and the Student Success Committee merged to provide a more seamless and collaborative effort between the Student Equity and Student Success and Support Program, creating the Student Success and Equity Committee (SS&EC). With support from the SS&EC, campus researchers identified disproportionate impact within the state-mandated target populations as validated with data collected and analyzed by our Office of Institutional Effectiveness. This data was then used in the development of strategies that will address the gaps found under the five success indicators. SCC’s Student Equity plan will remain a living document that directs us annually to provide students with specialized services to guide them toward their academic goals.
Target Populations
Santiago Canyon College aligned its research on disproportionate impact with those students identified in the student equity plan template. Using both the “80% Rule” and the “percentage gap index as the base metric, multiple groups were found to achieve success at significantly lower rates than those who are in the highest performing groups. As a result, goals and activities were created to address the gaps for the following student groups:
Students who identify as: African American, Asian, Filipino, Pacific Islander, Latino/a, White, Native American/Alaskan, Male, Foster Youth, Veterans, Low-Income.
Students who marked “Other/Decline to state”, or “More than one race” on their CC Application.
Students who have a documented disability.
It should be noted that while disproportionate impact could not be measured for specific student groups (i.e. Students who are African American, Native American/Alaskan, foster youth, and veterans), because their numbers are too small under a few success indicators, SCC acknowledges these students’ place within the state legislation, and will continue to monitor and provide services to ensure their success in all areas identified.
Goals
Once the research team identified disproportionate impact within each success indicator, goals were established to guide strategies that will raise achievement rates for all students identified in the plan.
Access
SCC will maintain a commitment to increasing access for students identified in the equity plan through strategic and continuous planning and evaluation.
Course Completion
SCC will increase the course completion rates among students identified in the equity plan and continue to monitor and address disparities identified among these students.
ESL and Basic Skills Completion
SCC will develop and implement educational strategies that increase student success in ACE (ESL) and basic skills courses in Math, English and Reading for students identified in the student equity plan.
Degree and Certificate Completion
SCC will increase degree and certificate completion rates in underrepresented student groups to achieve an equitable balance of degree and certificate attainment across all targeted student equity groups
Transfer
SCC will increase transfers to 4-year institutions among targeted equity groups.
