UAS Ketchikan Student Services Manager Gail Klein and Student Services Coordinator Chris Hoyt were invited to deliver a presentation at the 2008 National Association for Developmental Education (NADE) conference, Feb 27th to March 1st, in Boston, Massachusetts. “Building a Student Retention Plan Around a College Success Course” discussed how UAS Ketchikan improved retention with a comprehensive three credit “Critical College Success Skills” course which combines developmental math and English. Cross-referenced syllabi helped create a Learning Community for the enrolled students. The course proved to be a successful strategy for assisting under-prepared students. The presenters shared with colleagues the methods used in implementing and evaluating current programs.

The National Association for Developmental Education (NADE) helps learners at all levels realize their full academic potential by working to improve the theory and practice of developmental education. It is sensitive and responsive to individual differences and special needs among learners. Learning assistance includes personal, academic, and career counseling as well as advisement on academics and coursework.

The national conference was attended by over 2,000 college faculty, student services professionals and others who work directly with students to improve retention and help students succeed at college.