Defining our Vision 2 0 1 7 -2020
Table of Contents
Introductions:
New College: A Model for Transforming Rural Virginia
3
Our Board of Directors
4
by Executive Director, Leanna B. Blevins, Ph.D. Mission, Vision, Values History
Strategic Advantages What is NCI?
Overview of Goals
Academic Areas of Focus:
4-5 5 6 7 8 9
Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
10
Technology & Cyber Security
11
Health & Human Services
12
Education & Community Leadership
13
Experiential Learning What is the 2 + 2 model? Engagement & Community Outreach
14 15 16
Outreach
17
Recruitment
19
Students’ Testimonials
21
Marketing
18
Student Services
20
New College Institute is an Academic Village
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New College: A Model for Transforming Rural Virginia
by Executive Director Leanna B. Blevins, Ph.D.
Once a manufacturing mecca for the Commonwealth with more millionaires per capita than anywhere in the United States, Martinsville-Henry County has attracted statewide and even national attention in its struggle to rebound to economic vitality.
The NCI model is essential. Beyond the bureaucracy of traditional higher education institutions and educational systems, NCI is the entity that can facilitate collaboration and work to address existing needs as well as prepare for future needs.
Amid the adverse, there remains hope and resilience to restore the community’s ability to thrive once again. We at New College Institute (NCI) advocate that education is the vehicle to prosperity. The New College name represents our ideal: to constantly seek NEW ways to approach challenges, to look for NEW ways to partner, and to provide access to NEW programs or credentials. This NEW way of thinking will be the key to unlocking potential for growth in our region and beyond.
NCI will focus on providing educational programs and hands-on learning experiences in four core academic and economic sectors:
We commit to working toward a bold and focused vision to be the premier center for higher learning that provides responsive and adaptive programs decidedly aligned with the needs and goals of existing and prospective industries within the Commonwealth. With a focus on the Southern Virginia region and a reach that extends across the entire Commonwealth, NCI will be a critical partner to: • Retain existing industry and enable their growth, • Attract new high-tech industry in targeted sectors, and • Build regional capital to teach, learn, and develop solutions.
• Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing • Technology and Cyber Security • Health and Human Services • Education and Community Leadership
With the support of our partners and stakeholders, NCI seeks to change the headlines about our region. Instead of being known for challenges in rural America, we believe we can become a hub for the solutions for returning to economic vibrancy. NCI is armed with great regional knowledge and lessons learned over the past 11 years that will propel our efforts moving forward. We have seen what works and what does not. We can use our localized expertise to make a difference, which will have rippling effects outside our region to the Commonwealth and beyond. We appreciate both your support and your confidence in our organization to accomplish these lofty goals. We pledge our dedication and relentlessness to operate with efficiency, effectiveness, and equity.
Leanna B. Blevins, Ph.D. Executive Director, New College Institute
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From Our Board of Directors... Transforming a community takes a long-term vision, attainable short-term goals, the commitment of the community and the Commonwealth, and a lot of hard work. We know that progress for Southern Virginia takes time and that it does not rest in New College alone, but in a collaborative effort with regional leadership, industry partners, community colleges, and others. We are committed to insuring future generations will have an opportunity to live and work in these communities with access to quality and affordable education while experiencing an excellent quality of life. The evidence is clear: NCI has made a difference in its first decade. Martinsville-Henry County Highest Level of Educational Attainments Achieved (population 25 years and over) Bachelor’s degree: 2006
6.4%
2016
9.5%
US Census Bureau, 2006 to 2016 American Community Survey
We must stay the course, constantly responding to industry and community needs while working toward the goal. Over the last several months, New College has focused its direction to meet current and future educational needs. We combine traditional classroom experiences with online learning, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on learning in which students gain valuable skills while completing their degrees. A New College graduate is ready for readily available jobs. New College is a solid investment for Southern Virginia and that is why we endorse and stand behind this plan for NCI’s future direction.
Our Board of Directors: Senator William M. Stanley, Jr. - Chair Janice Wilkins - Vice Chair
Naomi Hodge-Muse - Secretary Delegate Les Adams Gracie R. Agnew
Robert B. Burger, Jr. Tanya S. Foreman
Senator Emmett Hanger, Jr. Dr. W. Weldon Hill
Delegate Danny Marshall
Delegate Charles Poindexter Treney L. Tweedy
We know that if Virginia is to achieve State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)’s objective of being the “best educated state” by 2030, then all of Virginia must have access to educational opportunities. The New College model builds on existing capacity of excellent educational resources. It enhances access for underserved populations, it extends its reach to other rural communities and beyond, and it does so in the most affordable way for students. NCI represents positive, intellectual growth in Southern Virginia. We are proud to stand behind the work and the vision for its future.
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Mission:
Established in 2006, New College Institute’s mission is to be a premier center of learning that provides access to academic degrees, credentials and professional learning experiences in high-quality learning environments to prepare students for regional and statewide career opportunities and participation in collaborative, positive community change, promoting regional economic prosperity and community transformation.
Vision:
NCI provides the best of both traditional and innovative postsecondary education through academic and workforce partnerships that are defined by creative thinking and problem-solving — all designed with the ultimate goal of being responsive to the current and future needs of employers in our region and beyond.
History of New College Institute
Values: • Enable students in the Martinsville-Henry
County region to complete college and advanced degree programs that will provide them with enhanced life opportunities.
• Provide advanced certifications and training
that will enable the people of the region to increase the skill levels most relevant to their careers.
• Provide students with the support that will
enable them to achieve excellence.
• Work collaboratively with community
colleges, four-year institutions, business and nonprofit partners to provide effective and cost-efficient access to higher education.
• Increase the percentage of adults with
college degrees in the Martinsville-Henry County area and the commitment to higher education among the area’s citizens.
The original idea that would give way to New College Institute came in 2004, when The Harvest Foundation issued a challenge grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia. By 2006, New College Institute was established as a state agency by Governor Tim Kaine. Since its inception, NCI has explored various operational models including a standalone college campus or branch campus of another state university. Studies consistently indicate that our region would not support and does not need traditional college campus. A unique proposition evolved — establishing a 2+2 model and fusing partnerships between local community colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. This model is the best fit for our region in order to meet workforce and educational needs and using technology to expand our efforts across the Commonwealth and even the globe. We know the model that is needed to get the job done.
• Make a positive contribution to the region’s
Now, we work relentlessly to match partners and programs with employers’ skills gaps and employment trends.
• Serve the broader community through
Lessons learned from our past are now stepping stones to our future.
economic development strategy.
K-12 collaborations, college student internships, adult education, and community programming.
• Be inclusive in its access and outreach.
With the support of key stakeholders, we can collaborate to tackle our economy’s most challenging issues: workforce development, increasing educational levels, following job trends, and removing barriers that prevent our citizenry from maximizing their potential. N E W C O L L E G E V I S I O N 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 2 0 | PA G E 5
Strategic Advantages Location:
Our location represents under-served populations with decreased access to higher education. The people who need us most are right outside our doors. In order to make the Commonwealth a stronger state for business, we need to make an effort to provide equitable and customized programs to meet regional needs first. Then, NCI may use its location to serve areas into North Carolina, the Southeast, and beyond through the use of technology.
Responsiveness: Our programming is designed to accommodate needs of employers. Producing students to fill vacant jobs is one of our utmost priorities. Offering only academic programs in high-demand career fields allows NCI to specialize our efforts to meet the needs of the future job market.
Existing & Developing Partnerships: Unlike traditional higher education, NCI has limited bureaucracy allowing us to be nimble and speedy in our development of academic programming. When an employer identifies a need, we immediately work to create solutions.
Technology Assets: Even when a physical presence is not possible or even needed, NCI can still provide quality educational experiences through use of state-of-the-art classroom technology. Such technology has the power to reduce distance and link students all around the world with instruction from our campus. Our technology eliminates bariers for learners with jobs, families, & other life commitments.
Affordability:
High-Quality, Low-Cost Bachelor’s Degree The NCI model is cost-effective, building upon the affordable foundational level of the Virginia Community College System, and working with the state, institutional partners, and private funders to enhance access to financial aid options for every student who chooses to attend NCI. N E W C O L L E G E V I S I O N 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 2 0 | PA G E 6
What is NCI? In response to employer needs, we focus on delivering academic services in four focus areas.
Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Cyber Security Health & Human Services Education & Community Leadership Programs in these focus areas are delivered in various formats to fit the needs of students, employers, the community, the state, and beyond.
Degree Programs Professional Development Experiential Learning
Certifications & Endorsements Educational Programs & Events Industry Credentials
These programs and services are delivered in partnership with Virginia universities, employers, and other related organizations/agencies.
University of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University Radford University James Madision University Virginia State University Averett University Longwood University Old Dominion University Patrick Henry Community College Danville Community College The end result: Highly-qualified students, educated to meet the needs of employers, and connected to high-demand jobs.
Contact us today to learn more! (276) 403-5610 | www.NewCollegeInstitute.org | @NewCollegeInst N E W C O L L E G E V I S I O N 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 2 0 | PA G E 7
Overview of Goals Goal II: Strategic Enrollment Management to Increase Participation
Goal I: Academic Solutions to Workforce Needs Respond to employer needs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond through four focus areas of academic programming integrating degrees, certificates, and credentials.
Re-engage prospective students with NCI and establish a ready pipeline of students throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.
Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
Outreach
Technology & Cyber Security
Marketing
Health & Human Services
Recruitment
Education & Community Leadership
Student Services
Experiential Learning Included in the four academic areas
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Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
Technology & Cyber Security
Health & Human Services
Education & Community Leadership
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Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Goal: Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
• Increase the number of individuals pursuing postsecondary education in advanced manufacturing The Center for Advanced Manufacturing will provide and engineering fields. advanced levels of hands-on, innovative education, o Offer a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Science access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and Technology with a concentration in enable design, prototyping and testing capabilities for Engineering and Manufacturing and a bachelor’s students and industry partners in order to meet the degree in Individualized Studies with a regional and statewide skills gaps in engineering and concentration in Advanced Manufacturing, manufacturing. both through James Madison University with WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
VCCS articulation agreements. o Offer a Capstone Experience for Precision Machining advanced level certification through VCCS partnerships. o Partner with Patrick Henry Community College to offer the hands-on portion of learning for the Center for Advanced Film Manufacturing program.
The Virginia Labor Market Information reports that there are 6,765 manufacturing job openings as of October 25, 2017. The Virginia Department of Education states that the “expected job growth in manufacturing jobs” is 10% by 2020. For engineering, it is also projected • Increase professional development opportunities in that there will be an increase of 7% for Mechanical advanced manufacturing and engineering through engineering positions through 2024 within Virginia. credit and non-credit programs and workshops. Feedback gathered from industry-specific regional o Offer workshops in Performance Film roundtables demonstrated that employers find it Manufacturing with Optimation, Inc. difficult to fill engineering positions and have significant o Provide training for NIMS Level 2 and Level 3 need for professional development and training. credentialing. Like other industries, advanced manufacturing is o Offer an Advanced Manufacturing Employability facing the “silver tsunami” or the aging baby boomer Workshop through Manufacturing Skills Institute. generation exit. According to the National Association o Offer LEAN Manufacturing, Six Sigma Certification. of Manufacturers, the industry will need 3.5 million more factory workers over and above what exists today. • Develop and establish a Prototyping Lab to enable regional and statewide industries access to design, Research shows that 27 percent of manufacturing prototype, test, and receive training on equipment workers are currently over the age of 55. and processes. Increase the appeal of advanced manufacturing and engineering career fields through outreach HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT? initiatives. New College Institute’s Center of Advanced Manufacturing serves the community by providing WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? technology education, manufacturing training, and NCI is an educational partner and resource for program consulting services that contribute to continuous development and delivery for engineering and advanced workforce development, technology development manufacturing training. We will also act as a resource for and business success. Our technology experts, employers, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking to design innovative solutions, and low cost–recovery pricing or test ideas and products. By providing a variety of educational opportunities, NCI help companies compete in changing markets and the will also be an active partner in increasing the number of global economy.
qualified employees to meet the job demands that we are facing in the future. The ultimate success would be that our regional and statewide industry partners are able to fill the currently vacant positions or created positions for skilled and highly skilled employees.
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Technology & Cyber Security Goal: Technology & Cyber Security
HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT?
Establish a coordinated portfolio of technology and cyber security education programs and workshops that incorporate partnerships with multi-level industries and enhance synergy.
• Increase the number of individuals pursuing a technology or cyber security related degree, certificate or job.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The world is dependent on technology, creating a universal need to keep data, information and technology systems safe. As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, the demand for a qualified workforce with hands-on experience will only continue to grow. Information security and cyber security are rapidly growing industries and the technology is constantly changing. Access to technology and massive amounts of data are commonplace for both industries and individuals. The Virginia Labor Market Information reports that “employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 36 percent in computer systems design and related services from 2014 to 2024.” According to Cyberseek.org, there are 35,837 cyber security job openings in Virginia as of March 2017. Across the board, industries have technology departments that are aging, leading to a need for academic programs to prepare the rising workforce. Prospective students range from individuals already working in technology-related jobs to students in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) to K-12 students exploring STEM career fields. NCI’s partner, Danville Community College (DCC), has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Aligning programs to build upon the experience at DCC will allow all of Southern Virginia the opportunity to have options for pursuing various levels of education. WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? NCI will be at the forefront of cyber education and will actively respond to the current and projected employment gaps in the field of technology and cyber security through academic programming and apprenticeship opportunities. NCI will increase the skillset of the current and rising workforce to fill job needs in our region and beyond, producing graduates who are skilled and marketable to fill technology and cyber-related jobs.
o Work with community colleges that provide dual enrollment, early college programs, and other creative efforts that challenge students academically and provide opportunities to reduce the time and cost of obtaining a college degree. o Launch a bachelor’s degree of Integrated Sciences and Technology with a concentration in Network Security or Information Management through James Madison University (JMU), establishing a clear articulation agreement with the VCCS. o Coordinate apprenticeship opportunities among students (at the high school and community college levels) with an interest in information technology and/or cyber security.
• Increase awareness of career opportunities within information technology and cyber security o Host workshops and boot camps targeting educators, students, parents, school administrators, and school counselors to include cyber war challenges, competitions among extracurricular organizations, and internet safety training.
• Target employers to offer cyber-related programs to fit industry needs and develop relationships among a variety of employers needing customized cyber training. • Improve cyber education, training, and development. o Increase coordination among teacher preparation,
professional development, support, and recognition efforts within existing and proposed cyber security educator programs. o Launch a Cyber Defense Boot Camp in partnership with JMU for high school teachers in order to provide basic exposure to cyber as well as possible certification points for teachers.
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Health & Human Services Goal: Health & Human Services
In response to critical shortages in the workforce, NCI prepares students to serve as transformational leaders in healthcare, social work, and related professional fields. We seek to integrate educational programs with clinical experience and community-based initiatives to address public health and human services crises in our region and beyond. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health and human services sector projects to add nearly 4 million jobs by 2026, about one third of all new jobs. The share of healthcare and social service employment is projected to increase from 12.2% in 2016, to 13.8% in 2026, becoming the largest major sector in 2026. Factors such as the aging baby boomer population, longer life expectancies, and growing rates of chronic conditions will drive continued demand for healthcare services. A Virginia Employment Commission report projects a 20.61% increase in this occupation field through 2024 in the planning district. Nursing, in particular, is a field facing a national shortage of qualified employees. This shortage is intensified by increased demand for advanced degrees among nurses who are relied upon to perform duties once reserved for physicians. Issues such as substance abuse, mental health awareness, and aging population care have led to an increased need for licensed social workers. Technological advances have propelled telehealth as a rising trend in both health and human services arenas. Telehealth will be a vehicle for delivering care to underserved populations as well as a tool for alleviating the shortage of professionals located within rural communities. These statistics are particularly pertinent in our region, where the hospital (SOVAH Health) is the largest employer in Martinsville, VA. As of November 2017, SOVAH Health had 114 vacant jobs listed on their website. Additionally, Piedmont Community Services continually has job openings, many going a year or more before a qualified candidate is identified. This need represents the mission of NCI: to respond to industry demand by creating educational opportunities.
HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT? • Increase the number of individuals pursuing postsecondary education in nursing and/or social work fields. o Offer a RN to BSN degree through an innovative university partner with a target start in 2018 and a BSN to MSN degree through an innovative university partner with a target start in 2019. o Continue to offer Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) from Longwood University with the goal of increasing enrollment. o Offer a Masters of Social Work (MSW) through an innovative university partner with a target start in 2019.
• Infuse technology in health and human service programs to respond to industry trends and better prepare the workforce of tomorrow.
o Offer Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for students enrolled in online and hands-on labs for telehealth certifications through a partnership with University of Virginia’s Dr. Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth. o Increase access to board-certified, online telemental health programs through partnership with the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) with a target of 100 certifications/completions annually. o Infuse the use of virtual reality simulations in all degree programs to allow students to participate in experiential learning opportunities by 2019.
• Launch a Center for Opioid Addiction Prevention and Treatment Education.
o Increase awareness in opioid treatment education programs through strategic partnerships delivering CME’s, increasing pipeline and outreach opportunities. o Provide educational programs and events on trends in fighting opioid addiction. o Explore educational programs using virtual reality technology to help identify successful longterm treatment and coping approaches. WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? NCI will play an integral part in addressing the workforce shortages in healthcare and human services that are critical in our region, such as nurses and social workers. Increased training in telehealth and various other healthcare skills will further extend rural access to quality healthcare service. NCI will strive to become a statewide leader in coordinating technology training among healthcare professionals.
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Education & Community Leadership Goal: Education & Community Leadership
HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT?
NCI will offer a full range of academic and professional development opportunities for educators and other civil service professionals in response to employment demands and shortage areas.
• Equip early childhood educators with certifications that will increase kindergarten readiness and academic success among young learners.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Currently, the demand for educators is among the highest need areas in the Commonwealth. In the past year, the Virginia Employment Commission reported 1,080 education positions went unfilled with demand projected to increase. Of those unfilled education positions, the Virginia Department of Education identified ten critical shortage areas including special education, elementary education, and middle school education as the top three areas of need. Beyond baseline credentials to fill entry-level education positions, there is great need for continuing and advanced level certifications for educators and community leaders. For example, NCI’s surveys among local professionals revealed a great demand for a doctorate in education. Census figures show that slightly less than 1% of MHC residents currently have a doctorate degree, compared to 10% statewide. Virginia is home to approximately 825,000 children ages 8 or younger, and in any given week more than 390,000 kids under the age of 6 spend some time in child care settings. One of the fundamental questions regarding the educational success of children is whether or not they are arriving for kindergarten with a proper foundation for learning. Mounting evidence has shown that participation in preschool leads to improved school readiness and success in school. This data points to the need for NCI to provide educational pathways to those serving all ages in order to meet the Commonwealth’s workforce needs in education and leadership. WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? Recognizing the impact of educators on future generations of our Commonwealth, NCI seeks to produce successful educators at all levels of instruction who will heighten the quality of education offered in our region. We pledge to work with regional school systems with the ambition of leaving no education positions unfilled so that our students can thrive in an environment of learning that is fully supported and with appropriate class sizes.
o In response to this need, Longwood University launched The Early Childhood Development Initiative (ECDI). As part of this initiative, Longwood University will begin offering Early Childhood Academic Degree and Certificate programs in the 2017-18 academic year on campus, and at NCI in the spring of 2019. • Continue to build upon the success of the bachelor’s level education program, offering specializations in areas of critical shortage. o Bachelor’s-level program areas will include elementary education, middle school education, autism spectrum, special education, and human resources. • Establish NCI’s LEARN Lab, a comprehensive teachers academy at NCI that will offer a full scope of professional development and continuing education for our region and beyond. o The LEARN Lab will include programs in recertification, virtual reality applications, classroom technology, and more. • Introduce post-baccalaureate options to include educational leadership certificates and a doctorate in education program to meet administrative and leadership needs in our region and beyond. o Offer a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Leadership Studies that enables those with applied science degrees to learn how to become leaders and managers in their field of choice.
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Experiential Learning HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT?
Goal: Experiential Learning Enhance the educational and career opportunities of students through facilitated, hands-on learning experiences among all academic programs offered at NCI. Assist regional employers with recruitment, retention, and training for various human capital needs. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? With an increasing shift toward online education, students face the threat of losing hands-on experiences that provide real engagement and opportunities for a holistic educational approach. We at NCI feel strongly that experiential learning components should accompany all forms of learning – whether online or face-to-face. Research widely agrees with the importance of experiential learning models, which contribute to a learning process beyond memorization to one that transforms the student. Beyond the benefits to the academic experience, we seek to incorporate employer connections into the learning process (i.e. through internships and apprenticeships) so that students of programs at NCI are qualified and aligned for employment by the time – or even before – they graduate. Experiential learning is being called the “future of learning” and it is critical that NCI embed such learning in all of our programs and services so that our students receive the highest quality education possible. NCI’s purpose for hosting various experiential learning programs will be to:
• Offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities to students enrolled in NCI’s academic areas of focus. o These learning experiences will be coordinated through regional employers for approximately 8 weeks. o Internships/apprenticeships will be customized to meet academic requirements related to the student’s degree requirements. • Launch a domestic study abroad program. o Market NCI as a destination study location for students pursuing degrees related to our focus areas and/or with an interest in studying rural communities. Participating students would spend a semester in our region and connect with an employer(s) to gain additional experience beyond classroom studies. • Engage all students in service-learning and handson activities that highlight educational components within their programs. o Service learning projects will give students hands-on experience while benefitting the community at-large and allowing students to make connections with potential employers. • Host regular industry roundtable meetings to stay informed and remain responsive to employer demand.
1. Fulfill needs of regional employers in developing pipelines for employment among high-need, often unfilled positions. 2. Use as a recruitment tool for NCI programs, offering students a competitive, one-of-a-kind experiential learning program to coincide with their classroom studies. 3. Produce high caliber graduates that are job ready and in-demand among employers. This, in turn, builds NCI’s reputation among employers.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? Success within experiential learning programming will coincide with producing the high-quality graduates with positive employment outcomes; building effective student experiences with buy-in from employers throughout the region and beyond; and attracting more students as a result of reputable academic and career-oriented programs.
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What is the 2+2 bachelor’s degree completion model? Since its founding, NCI has offered students a pathway to complete their bachelor’s degree through the “2+2” model. This allows students to complete an associate’s degree at a community college (the first 2 years) then transition to NCI where university partners offer the remainder of the bachelor’s degree (the final 2 years of a 4-year degree).
2+ 2= Years
@ Community College
THIS MODEL IS CONSIDERED A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE, FOR SEVERAL REASONS:
• Community college tuition is reasonable and financial aid is available
Years
@ NCI
Creating a NEW pathway to a bachelor’s degree
Over the past eleven years, NCI has facilitated several 2+2 articulation agreements between Patrick Henry Community College and university partners so that students do not lose any of the credit hours taken. This maximizes every dollar spent and every course taken.
• Students can live at home so they don’t have to pay for room and board and other costs associated with living on campus • Students have support from family and friends for childcare, transportation, and other related costs • Students may continue working in their current jobs to maintain an income
At NCI, students who complete a bachelor’s degree also have the option to participate in a unique experiential learning program. This program provides hands-on experience and job opportunities within the region and exposes students to meaningful engagement in the community.
TARGETED STUDENT GROUPS INCLUDE INDIVIDUALS WHO:
• Completed dual enrollment credits in high school • Completed some college courses, but not a degree • Have significant work or military experience or other credentials • Want to work full-time while earning a degree • Have other responsibilities and can’t commit to a campus experience • Do not desire to move away and/or live on campus • Want a career in a meaningful, high-demand field
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Engagement and Community Outreach NCI’s success within academic programming is contingent upon quality enrollment and the overall success of our students. For NCI, building a student pipeline begins in the formative years of early education. Outreach programs are specifically designed to align with NCI’s academic areas of focus and stimulate interest in these highdemand career fields. Outreach also includes facilitating a deeper level of understanding throughout the region that postsecondary education is accessible and attainable. Marketing and recruitment will be approached with the primary goal of communicating NCI’s purpose and making clear the pathway available for individuals to
meet their academic and career goals. We will target top demographics of prospective students along with demographics representing their support groups (i.e. parents and grandparents). Once a student approaches and completes enrollment, goals of retention take hold. NCI provides a personalized and customized approach to each student to remove barriers that would inhibit their success as a student and graduate. Such services include financial aid counseling, advising, and career development through experiential learning. Read on to learn more about key strategies related to outreach, marketing, recruitment, and student success — the core areas of our strategic enrollment management plan.
Outreach
Marketing
Recruitment
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Outreach NCI wants students of all ages to realize their potential and know that post-secondary education is possible. These programs help to develop a pipeline of learners who become successful students in higher education and life. Our outreach programs develop vibrant partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations. Our comprehensive educational outreach activities are designed to engage lifelong learners.
KEY STRATEGIES: 1. Build awareness of post-secondary and lifelong learning opportunities available through New College Institute. 2. Encourage a college-going culture by increasing knowledge of support services available locally and beyond. 3. Starting with middle school students, involve area youth in learning opportunities that encourage these students to pursue high-demand career fields such as NCI’s four academic areas of focus.
PRIMARY AUDIENCE GROUPS: • Middle school and high school students • Dual-enrollment high school students 4. • Community college students throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia • Non-traditional students including adults with some college and/or career switchers • Professionals within our focus areas • Employers within our focus areas • Parents of high school students and/or community college students • General public
Respond to community challenges by offering lectures and programs that bring awareness to the general public and targeted groups affected by the issues.
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Marketing NCI will use various marketing strategies as a means for reaching critical audiences that are unfamiliar with NCI and its brand. Such strategies will communicate NCI’s value and services designed to meet the needs of individuals and industry partners. Marketing strategies represent a collective effort to target a broad base of prospective students and business leaders. Specific messaging and tactics will be refined based on the intended audience in order to maximize effective communication. KEY STRATEGIES: 1. Develop and launch a rebranding campaign that will heighten visibility and awareness of NCI’s new strategic direction, positioning NCI as an innovative academic institution that focuses on unique student-centered and employer-driven programs. 2. Reinforce NCI’s responsiveness to workforce demands throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia by engaging and communicating with industry partners.
3. Maintain a strong digital presence that targets audience groups by demographic and search data and facilitates engagement. 4. Maximize awareness of NCI’s programs and services through tactics that encourage positive media exposure and increase communication to key stakeholders. 5. Host or participate in key community events that facilitate engagement and/or increase awareness.
UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION: • NCI offers educational and workforce training programs targeting high-demand areas of employment including: engineering/advanced manufacturing; technology/cyber security; health/human services; educational/community leadership. • NCI provides the most affordable option for earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Commonwealth of Virginia. • NCI creates opportunities for students and employees to stay local and receive a high-quality educational experience for obtaining degrees, certificates, and credentials. • Students may complete their next level of education and/or professional development with state-of-the-art technology, hands-on learning, and excellent instructors. • NCI offers students a flexible schedule, allowing them to continue working while earning their degree. • NCI enhances educational programming by integrating experiential components that give student relevant experience and facilitate connections to employers. • NCI is flexible and able to assess and respond to the needs of employers quickly.
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Recruitment Student recruitment is an institutional wide initiative which all NCI faculty and staff hold as a priority. NCI has developed recruitment strategies that will lead to sustained incremental enrollment growth. These strategies will build long-range relationships with prospective students to create enrollment pipelines that will feed the institution with well-prepared students who will succeed at NCI.
KEY STRATEGIES: 1. As funds are available, hire recruiters tasked with generating enrollment. 2. Work with key influencers in targeted high schools and community colleges to create opportunities for engagement with prospective students. 3. Implement milestone/deadline-driven communications plan to maintain ongoing contact with prospective students during the enrollment cycle.
TARGET POPULATIONS: • Bachelor’s Degree - Seeking VCCS transfer students • K-12 students and parents • Individuals seeking industry credentials, master degrees, and professional development
4. Target students with scholarships that guarantee a portion of the “+2” tuition will be paid upon enrolling and persisting at NCI. 5. Launch an Ambassador program, mobilizing current students and alumni to promote NCI at special events and by word of mouth testimony.
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Student Services With a commitment to equity and accessibility, NCI provides student services that promote college access, retention, and success. Staff and faculty engage with and advocate for all populations, responding to the unique individual needs of each student. The goal is for each student to feel supported and encouraged from admission to graduation. NCI PROMOTES STUDENT SUCCESS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: • Academic Support • Career Readiness • Financial Aid • Student Engagement
KEY STRATEGIES: 1. Partner with Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP) to provide high quality financial aid advising to increase affordability and minimize financial barriers to enrollment. 2. Collaborate with targeted high schools and community colleges to ensure that prospective NCI students are taking courses that align with transfer articulation agreements. 3. Facilitate retention by offering a wide variety of academic support services. 4. Work with students to clarify career goals, establish career plans, develop job-search skills, and make successful career transitions. 5. Serve as liaison between NCI students and partner institution staff to facilitate admission, course selection and registration, transfer of credit, and progress toward graduation requirements.
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“Being able to receive specialized one-on-one training with an instructor at NCI was incredible. The instructor showed us how to take our product from concept to reality. NCI’s Center of Advanced Manufacturing is a wonderful training facility. Their technology program will enable us to make great strides in R&D and take our business to the next level.” Keith Jackson, Mountain Valley Organics NCI - 2017 - Professional Development
“NCI made obtaining my degree possible because the classes were offered locally and at night so that I could continue working full-time. The in-class experience with face-to-face experience was the best option for me. Since completing my degree through NCI, it catapulted me into a career and allowed me to become the executive director of a local non-profit.” Warren Rodgers, Southside Survivor Response Center NCI - 2014 - Norfolk State University Bachelor of Social Work
“After completing two programs at NCI, doors have been opened professionally for me to move up in the education field. I would recommend NCI because of the scheduling and accessibility, which allows you to further your career while balancing work and a family.” Cameron Cooper, Martinsville City Public Schools NCI - 2009 Averett University Master’s in Education NCI - 2017 - James Madison University Educational Leadership Certificate
“Coming from my background, I never thought I would be able to earn my bachelor’s degree. But NCI made it possible for me to earn my Bachelor’s in Social Work through Longwood University without having to leave home. Now, I’ve got job opportunities that I never believed would be possible.” Schnika Martin, Longwood BSW student NCI - 2017 Longwood University Bachelor of Social Work N E W C O L L E G E V I S I O N 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 2 0 | PA G E 2 1
New College Institute is an Academic Village The New College is different. We partner with outstanding universities in the Commonwealth to provide exceptional programs, but we are not a university. What we do is identify priority areas in response to regional and statewide needs and seek the best partner to implement educational programs. We don’t ask them for an exact replication of what they do on campus. We ask them to think out of the box. In 1817, the cornerstone was laid for the first building of what would become the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson’s idea to create different model was that of a small Academic Village where faculty and students would learn and live together. This idea included broad access for people who didn’t have the means to pay, with emphasis on high quality instruction. NCI is the next generation of an academic village. We are a small community, living and learning together. At the same time, we are a dynamic lab for cultivating new ideas and solutions to real-world challenges. Each of our programs is it’s own Petri dish of collaborative discovery in partnership with universities, business, and industry. New College Institute is an opportunity for Southern Virginia and the entire Commonwealth. We are built to be creative and collaborative. We have the capacity to grow. We have the expertise to bring together the best and brightest minds from our university and corporate partners with populations who have been underserved and who deserve this chance to improve their lives. If we are to turnaround the Commonwealth’s rural or struggling communities, we can’t do what we’ve always done. We can’t prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs by using yesterday’s model. So we choose to be different. We choose to be relevant. We choose to be responsive. More than ever, our Commonwealth needs a NEW approach to delivering higher education. We are ready to make great things happen. N E W C O L L E G E V I S I O N 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 2 0 | PA G E 2 2