Core Component 3C:
The organization creates effective learning environments.

St. Cloud State University has created and continues to explore effective learning environments to enhance program effectiveness, student learning, student development, and the overall milieu of student and faculty experiences. In addition to the typical classroom experience, St. Cloud State University provides a variety of learning environments to meet the individual learning needs of students by providing online learning, labs, seminars, learning communities, study abroad programs, performance spaces, off-campus clinical sites, internships, practica, field experiences, service learning, and outreach efforts with community and technical colleges. St. Cloud State University emphasizes the uniqueness and worth of each individual student and has developed a wide range of services and programs designed to assist with matriculation, retention, and successful learning (see description below). St. Cloud State University has a vibrant community with many opportunities for students to thrive and grow during their educational career.

We are proud of the broad array of student services and organizations providing recreational and leadership opportunities, general information access, student health and well-being assistance, and technology services to enhance the learning environment. The St. Cloud State University website, currently in the process of redesign, permits navigation for students, staff, and faculty to locate information on services and support ranging from counseling services to sports and recreation; from finding computer lab availability to online registration; and paying tuition to confirming course availability.

Academic Support and Opportunities

Center for Student Success

As part of the renovation of Centennial Hall, the Center for Student Success will be created. Located on the second floor, students will find many of the services they need to succeed on campus and after graduation. Specific academic support will be available through several centers and/or service programs designed to help students negotiate the often complex and challenging learning environment of a major university campus. These include:

• Academic Learning Center: provides study and reading assistance to students to help them become more efficient and effective learners. During academic year 2005-2006, 25,494 (duplicated count) students received assistance.
• Advising Center: serves all students who have not declared a major and offers assistance with general education and pre-major advising. During the 2005-06 academic year, the center had 7,456 student appointments, not including phone calls, emails, and general questions from unscheduled, drop-in visits.
• Anoka Ramsey Community Connection: a partnership between St. Cloud State University and Anoka Ramsey Community College, strives to enhance student development through supporting the academic and personal growth of under-prepared college students. Last year, 213 students were served in the partnership.
• Career Services: provides guidance for students as they explore career options as well as assistance in securing employment as they move toward graduation within their professional field. During the 2005-2006 academic year, service was provided for 68,742 students.
• Honors Program: provides an alternative to the General Education Program designed to appeal specifically to academically talented students. The program features unique subject matter and focus on experiential and integrated learning, discussion, writing, and collaborative projects. Honors students are active participants in their education as they research, explore, and collaborate with Honors faculty. During the 2005-2006 academic year, 277 students participated.
• Math Skills Center: offers two three-credit courses for students who need to prepare for college level mathematics. Peer tutoring is also available and the Mathematics Placement Test is offered through the Center.
• Multicultural Student Services: provides comprehensive services to students of color by giving academic assistance, encouraging personal development, and offering multicultural programming. During the 2005-2006 academic year, 240 students received tutoring services.
• Student Disability Services: provides support services for students with physical, cognitive, or mental/emotional disabilities, allowing facility and programmatic access through reasonable accommodations that enable students with disabilities anequal opportunity for academic success. During the academic year 2005-2006, 492 students received services.
• Write Place: provides support services for students to improve their writing skills and achieve academic success. Individual and group tutoring and workshops are offered each semester. During the academic year 2005-2006, 2830 students received services.

First Year Experience

In 2005 St. Cloud State University developed a First Year Experience (FYE) program designed to help students make a successful transition from high school to the university level. The FYE is based on the development of learning communities, relatively small groups of students who live in the same residence hall and take a series of courses together. Each learning community is focused on a particular theme, discipline, or area of interest. The over-riding goal of the learning communities is to build a sense of community within the student cohort and provide each student a sense of connection to St. Cloud State University.

Study Abroad Programs

The university has worked hard to strengthen its study abroad program developing semester-long and academic year programs by many countries, including Australia, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Japan, Poland, South Africa, and South Korea. To illustrate the growth, during 1998-1999, 218 students participated in study abroad programs; during 2005-2006, 408 students participated. In addition, short-term opportunities are available for students during intersessions and spring and summer breaks. Data from the 2005 NSSE Survey indicated that our senior students were significantly more likely to study abroad than students at our peer institutions.

Student Research Colloquium

St. Cloud State University hosts a Student Research Colloquium annually bringing together students, faculty, and members of the community involved in scholarship, research, and artistic activities representing nearly all disciplines. The Student Research Colloquium provides an opportunity for faculty and students to work together on research projects and serves as a forum for presentation of senior projects, starred papers, theses, summaries and descriptions of collaborative faculty/student projects, descriptions of internships and other community-based research experiences, and performances or creative works produced for an audience. Over the past five years (2001-2006), 1,433 students and 467 faculty members have collaborated on 907 research projects.

Advising

Faculty members at St. Cloud State University must maintain a minimum of 10 student contact hours per week to meet with students for advisement, work with student clubs, participate with students in research projects, and serve as committee members for theses and starred papers. Results from the 2005 HERI Faculty Survey (available in the Resource Room) indicated that 59 percent of faculty reported spending at least one to four hours on average per week advising or counseling students and 38 percent spend five or more hours per week on average advising students. However, the 2005 NSSE data indicated that students rated advising as less than satisfactory as compared to our institutional peers and NSSE four-year peers. Part of the disappointing results related to advising may be the complexity of the General Education Program. Many faculty members do not clearly understand the General Education Program and are unable to adequately assist students. The General Education Committee is aware of the challenge and is working to ensure that the revised General Education Program is clearer and easier to understand. Another step the institution took to assist in advising efforts was to create the Advising Center and to establish degree maps for every undergraduate program. The degree maps are available online for use by students and faculty.

Expanding the Learning Environment

In many professional fields, an effective learning environment provides ample opportunities for students to work directly in their field through internships, practicum experiences, research activities, service learning, student teaching, and field experiences. Data from NSSE (2005) indicated that our students participated in significantly more community-based projects than our selected peers or national institutional comparisons (p<.01 – first year students; p<.05 – seniors). These program components are routinely evaluated through professional accreditation bodies as well as through internal program evaluation activities. Students are evaluated using a myriad of tools and assessment measures including standards and competencies provided by professional organizations. All students are expected to participate in the assessment process and adhere to the academic policies as detailed in the undergraduate and graduate bulletins. Finally, the 2005 NSSE data indicated that St. Cloud State University is above our peer institutions in requiring students to work with peers inside and outside of class, developing important skills in becoming lifelong learners (p<.001).

Center for Continuing Studies

The Center for Continuing Studies was designed to provide quality academic programs to students who are time and/or place bound and cannot come to campus to attend classes during the day. Classes and degrees are offered through distance learning, evening and weekend formats, elective studies, and customized education. Many of our graduate programs are now offered using a cohort model whereby groups of students take courses on weekends and stay together throughout their program of study. Enrollment in Continuing Studies courses has dramatically increased, challenging us to work to effectively manage the growth in a systematic manner. For example, in 2003, 6,166 students enrolled in courses through Continuing Studies; in 2006, 13,170 students enrolled. This rapid change has presented a variety of challenges and issues to consider as we respond to the changing delivery options.

Enrollment in Continuing Studies
Academic Year	Undergraduate	Graduate	Total
2006	11,633	1,537	13,170
2005	8,437	1,282	9,719
2004	6,759	1,452	8,211
2003	4,870	1,296	6,166

Student Life and Development

The Division of Student Life and Development (SLD) consists of 14 units that provide outstanding support, programs, and services to our students and the campus community. The programs and services are designed to compliment and enhance the academic mission of the university and provide venues to address the educational, social, cultural, and recreational needs of our students. The division is committed to creating a dynamic learning environment that enhances the development of the whole student. Data from the 2005 NSSE Survey indicated that our students’ participation rate in co-curricular activities (organizations, campus recreation, student government, social fraternity) is slightly above our peer institutions. The following are units within SLD that provide students with critical services and programming, fostering a supportive learning environment:

• American Indian Center: responds to the self-defined educational needs and goals of current American Indian students and communities alike. To this end, the American Indian Center, utilizing both internal and external resources, empowers indigenous people through quality educational programming. The center's outreach activities promote awareness, better understanding, and sensitivity to the American Indian culture and heritage.
• Atwood Memorial Center: serves as St. Cloud State University’s student union, featuring 25 meeting rooms, a theater, recreation center, nine dining areas, computer labs, Campus Mart, credit union, copy center and a student run art gallery. It is home base for 36 offices and organizations including student government and offers many student employment opportunities.
• Campus Recreation: provides a wide array of recreational activities for student participation including intramurals, fitness, aquatics, sport clubs, outdoor recreation, leadership development, and open recreation. With two pools, two Olympic sheets of ice, eight basketball courts, ten volleyball courts, six tennis courts and much more, the program tries to provide "something for everyone" in recreational programming. The department also employs more than 150 students throughout the academic year.
• Career Services Center: provides guidance for students as they explore career options as well as assistance in securing employment as they move toward graduation within their professional field. During the academic year 2005-2006, 68,742 students received services.
• Center for Student Organizations and Leadership Development: oversees 200 recognized student organizations designed to help students develop organizational and leadership skills and meet others who share similar interests. Additionally, the department administers the co-curricular transcript, Greek Life, leadership programs and Volunteer Connection.
• Counseling and Psychological Services: assists students with personal and career concerns through individual and group counseling, testing, psychological consultation, crisis intervention, and outreach activities. Over 4,900 students were served through individual therapy contacts, consultations, crisis appointments, and outreach attendance. Additionally, the faculty members provide consultation services to St. Cloud State University faculty and staff regarding student concerns.
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Services: provides advocacy, support services, resources, and referrals to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students, faculty and staff.
• Health Services: a nationally accredited (AAAHC) unit, the office provides a wide range of services designed to treat illness and injuries. Staff physicians and nurse practitioners are available to provide care. In addition, pharmacy and lab services are available. Education and support services for students having concerns about alcohol and other drugs are provided through the ADAPT program. Over 9,200 students received health care services during the 2005-2006 academic year.
• Lindgren Child Care Center: provides care of infant, toddler, and preschool aged children of students, faculty and staff. This nationally accredited program provides reasonably priced, high quality childcare on campus and serves as a teaching lab for students interested in early childhood development and education.
• Multicultural Student Services: provides comprehensive services to students of color by giving academic assistance, encouraging personal development, and offering multicultural programming. During the 2005-2006 academic year, 240 students received tutoring services.
• Residential Life: provides students the opportunity to live on campus in one of seven residence halls. Hall staff and student leaders provide a wide array of cultural, educational, and social programs to enhance these living/learning environments.
  Student Disability Services: provides support services for students with a physical, cognitive, or mental/emotional disability allowing facility and programmatic access through reasonable accommodations enabling students with disabilities an equal opportunity for academic success. During the academic year 2005-2006, 492 students received services.
• University Programming Board: plans and hosts a wide array of topical and cultural programs for the campus community. Students are highly involved in planning programs such as speakers, debates, concerts, or literary art and film series designed to enhance students’ cultural understanding and academic preparation. Some of the most popular activities are the documentary film series, the Mississippi Music Festival, speaker series, and the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair.
• Volunteer Connection: serves as a resource for students interested in community service and academic service learning providing them with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, a sense of belonging, and civic responsibility through participation in meaningful service. The staff also assist faculty with service-learning experiences by linking students with local communities and service providers. Reflection and reciprocity are key concepts of service learning. During the 2005-2006 academic year, over 580 students used the services of the Volunteer Connection.
• Women’s Center: features numerous programs and services that address the unique and varied needs of female students, including gender equity issues and sexual assault support services. In addition, the center provides a resource library, a meeting space, and an outstanding education series, including the Women on Wednesday lecture series and National Women's History Month. During the 2005-2006 academic year, 10,243 individuals participated in group events; 1,159 individual students received support services.

Evaluation of Core Component 3C

St. Cloud State University strives to create a learning environment that is supportive of the diverse needs of students within our campus community. The Division of Student Life and Development, the Office of Academic Affairs, and the Office of Administrative Affairs continually work to bridge the gap between academics and student life outside the traditional classroom. St. Cloud State University has a strong infrastructure to bridge this gap and is now using data to drive decision-making to determine future services and programs. Continued focus on the creation of supportive learning environments is a commitment to honor the worth of every individual. Only in this way can St. Cloud State University become the distinctive organization it aspires to be in the new millennium.

Strengths: St. Cloud State University offers a broad array of student services and academic support services providing support and guidance for students. The continued expansion of study abroad opportunities for students is clearly a high priority for the institution. The Center for Continuing Studies has also expanded to meet the growing and diverse needs of students who cannot come to campus as traditional students. The recognition of the importance of faculty and students working together is celebrated each year by the hosting of the annual Research Colloquium. Finally, our Division of Student Life and Development plays a pivotal role in the strong infrastructure to support our students as they fully experience their education at St. Cloud State University. With over 240 student organizations active on campus, students have opportunities to grow within the traditional classroom setting as well as beyond the classroom.

Initiatives in Progress: The First Year Experience program, designed to help new students make the transition from high school to college, will continue to grow and expand based on data collected. Providing support for new students is indeed a good investment in student learning as well as increased retention at the institutional level.

The creation of the Center for Student Success will make an important and highly visible statement to the campus community that St. Cloud State University wants students to reach their academic goals and is committed to help all students achieve success.

Future Challenges: We need to develop a data management system to allow better access and information on student participation in programs, organizations, and centers.

A stronger advising system and culture across all programs (including nontraditional and alternative delivery programs) would improve the learning environment. Efforts related to improving student advising need to be continually evaluated to determine if current initiatives are effective.

As enrollments in Continuing Studies expand, a formal process needs to be established to ensure that decisions about outreach are systematic and data-driven.