Read the Curry College NEASC 2012 Self-Study Report.

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continue to hear from students on an annual or biannual basis, making ongoing
improvements in response.
• Based on the data that show a low first‐to‐second‐year retention rate for students who
come to Curry without a declared major, faculty and staff in academic and student
affairs have collaborated on ways to engage and support undecided students early in
the first year. In 2010 the Explore Program cxliii was piloted as a coordinated series of
meetings and events for undecided students. There was little participation in the
program and the committee re‐launched it in 2011, reframing the programming around
goals and activities with the aim of attracting more student participation.
• A Fall 2006 survey was initiated as a result of repeated anecdotal complaints from
students about judicial affairs. The Director of Student Conduct increased training with
Residence Life staff regarding the goals and purposes of student conduct policies,
sanctioning protocols, and guidelines for conducting and documenting meetings. The
staff then followed up with their student staff during RA training on similar topics. cxliv A
follow‐up survey in Fall 2010 indicated a significant increase in the number of students
who felt the process was fair and respectful. cxlv
Following a comprehensive self‐study and the engagement of a Student Affairs consultant,
staffing models were revised in most areas of student services to better meet the needs of
Curry students. cxlvi This recent restructuring resulted in the increased professionalization of the
requirements for Residence Hall professional staff. A Master’s degree in Student Development
or a related field and significant experience in Student Affairs are now required of all
Community Directors. Other steps taken to promote student success through sufficient
interaction outside of class include the following:
• The College increased the Alcohol Education position from a 10‐month part‐time
position to a full‐time 12‐month position in 2007.
• The College increased Counseling Center staffing through the addition of a new full‐time
doctorate level counselor in Fall 2011.
• The College hired a part‐time Disability Coordinator in Fall 2010. (This position and the
job responsibilities had been held by the Director of Counseling).
Orientation
Curry’s Orientation program was developed in 2007 in an effort to provide a more
comprehensive acclimation to students transitioning to Curry’s academic community. The
College moved from a half‐day academic planning day to an overnight June orientation
program. The program, now in its fifth year, includes a daylong parent/family component. In
2011, 86% of the incoming class participated in one of the four overnight orientations that were
held in June. Evaluations of these sessions were positive overall: students indicated that they
were able to connect with other incoming students, understood the expectations for a Curry
College student, and felt prepared to return to campus in the Fall. Summary responses from
parents and students are used by the Orientation Committee to plan future sessions. cxlvii Based
on recent feedback, identified next steps to improve the effectiveness of Orientation will be to
increase targeted activities and support for both international students and transfer students
Curry College 2012 Self-Study
Standard Six