Where have all the Tech Savvy students gone? Developing C omputer S cience T ransf E r P rograms

1. Where have all the Tech Savvy students gone? Developing Computer Science TransfEr Programs NASPA-FL Drive In Conference 2008 Jose Galvis, HCC Cesar Guerrero, USF Michelle Kobus, HCC

2. The Problem • Americans’ interest in Computer Science is plummeting • Undergraduate enrollment is down 59 percent over the last 4 years • Incoming undergraduate women choosing to major in Computer Science between 2000 and 2005 declined 70 percent Source: College Board, “2006 college bound seniors: Total group profile report,” 2006.

3. The Problem • U.S. economy is expected to add 1.5 million computer science and information related jobs by 2012. • Our education system is not producing enough highly skilled people to fill these critical positions • Shortage of skilled technologists portends a crisis in our nation’s ability to remain globally competitive • Diversity increases innovation and leads to the design of products and services that benefit a broader range of people. Computer Science is not a diverse field! • Hispanics will account for one-fourth of the U.S. population by 2050 • Women will account for more than half the increase in total labor force growth between 2004 and 2014 • These minority populations, including African-Americans, are not majoring in computer science

4. The Problem Percentage of Bachelor’s Degrees Earned Source: NCES S&E Indicators 2006

5. The Problem Computer Science Doctorate Holders Employed in Academia Source: NCES S&E Indicators 2006

6. Program OverviewFlowchart

7. Program Overview • Personal Transition Services Specialist (PTSS) • Academic, personal, career, and college counselor • Program Manager – recruitment, liaison, program logistics and planning • Personal Transition Plans • Supplemental Learning Leaders • Peer-tutoring program in partnership with Academic Success Center • Key courses • Summer Programs I and II at USF • Enrolled in “Gate Courses” • Lunch-n-Learn Career Exploration Presentations given by Faculty

8. Program Overview • Social and Educational Components • Leadership Development Retreat • Attend REU research presentations and poster competitions • “How-To” Presentations • Write a research paper, design and present a poster, write a statement of purpose • School year at HCC • Professional development workshops, industry visits • Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at USF • Junior year at USF • Paid opportunity to work with faculty on research

9. Implementation • Marketing • Web site • Postcards, brochures, flyers, posters • In-class power point presentations • Recruitment • Target population • Selection process • Administrative Tasks • Student registration process, USF ID’s, Orientation and HR meetings • Parking permits, stipends, memberships, books • Personal Transition Services Specialist (PTSS), Professor, TA, RA • Online surveys

10. Program Costs and Funding • Program Costs • Infrastructure • Student cost: year 1 ($1500), year 2 ($1500), year 3 ($3000) • Obtaining Funding • NSF - BPC • USF & HCC funds • Donations • Scholarships

11. Initial ResultsProgramming Concepts Class

12. Initial ResultsSummer Program I Evaluation

13. Problems Encountered • Students with no previous programming experience • Struggled to succeed academically; resulted in low final grades • Adjusting to USF • Quality of attention and support, larger classes, more work, faster pace • HCC Professor at USF • Adjusting time, teaching style, and grading methodology • Recruitment Timeline • Started in the Spring – too late to make a difference in course selection • Lack of attendance for CSTEP Orientation • Missed out on pertinent information • Indicator of the level of commitment

14. Lessons Learned & New Initiatives • Faculty Tutoring Sessions • Held during Summer Program I` • Students initiative • Peer-Tutoring Network (Math, Physics, and Computer Science) • Will support students all the way through the educational pipeline • Certified through the National Tutoring Association • Recruitment Timeline • Starting in the Fall Semester to ensure correct classes are taken prior to Summer Program I • New Partnerships • HCC Engineering Club • USF Polytechnic (AS to BS in IT degree)

15. Lessons Learned & New Initiatives • Faculty Mentors (Math and Computer Science) • Mid-term and final exam review sessions in key courses • Pair Programming • An active and collaborative learning technique to be used in Programming Concepts • Require students to take Programming Logic at HCC prior to Summer Program I • Mandatory attendance at CSTEP Orientation • Find additional funding to support more students • Professional Development Workshops at HCC

16. Small Group Activity

17. Small Group Activity • What are other major-specific transfer programs you would like to see implemented? Why? Is there a high need for these occupations or a lack of interest? • What are the benefits of major-specific transfer programs for students? • What are the benefits of major-specific transfer programs for faculty and staff? • What additional initiatives would you implement if you could create a major-specific transfer program of your choice? Why? What are the benefits to students, faculty, and staff?

18. All presentation materials as well as additional information regarding CSTEP can be found at: www.csee.usf.edu/BPC/ Q & A with Presenters

19. “I’m excited about this program! Having supervision and guidance on what our next steps should be in college is great. College is a much bigger world than most students are accustomed to. It’s a plus to have the support of the other students in the program and an advisor helping us along the way.” Jeffrey Batista “The most beneficial about the CSTEP program is the tutoring and guidance.” … “The constant support and "checking in" from the CSTEP staff, especially our advisor.” “Even if CSTEP would not pay for my classes and book at USF nor include stipend, I would participate in CSTEP. “ “I believe that programs like CSTEP should be extended to any students that would like to transfer to USF.” “I am grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me to be part of the Engineering department at USF and under such great leaders. “ Student Feedback