Student Success

Good Afternoon!

Triton College has a strong commitment to Student Success.  As a result, we are always looking for ways to enhance our services and programs to support students in their learning process.  What ideas do you have to improve or enhance services and programming within the Division of Academic Success?  How can we strengthen our role on campus to ensure our impact on student success?

I am always open to new ideas, critical feedback, and suggestions that will elevate the quality of our services and programs.  My door,mind and ears are always open to your feedback.  Come visit and let's chat!  Contact Claire Basile to set an appointment time at ext. 3464 or email me directly at dbanessk@triton.edu.  I look forward to having many constructive conversations with the purpose of creating a stronger Division of Academic Success.

Debbie

Life Long Learners

In the spirit of a community college advocate I am serving the role as a life long learner today.  As I type this blog I am sitting in a hands on workshop about Google Apps.  What an amazing tool!  Today I learned how to link my phone,  computer, laptop, and ipad for more effective use.  Now I can take my documents anywhere and share them with colleagues so that I can stay on top of things.  This is amazing! 

I wonder how many of our students are already using these tools.  I know that I struggle with keeping up on technology, it changes so quickly.  But,  I also understand that to effectively support student success I need to be able to meet the students where they are at and provide the tools and support necessary to move them toward successful retention and completion. 

As we end this week I challenge you to reflect on your own knowledge skills, and abilities to meet students where they are at in their educational journey.  More importantly, are you equipped with the tools and resources to help our students achieve success?  If nit, how can I help you gain those tools and resources?

Have a great weekend!

Debbie

Updates and Announcements

Good Afternoon!

I hope everyone is enjoying this amazing spring weather!  As we prepare for spring break I wanted to provide you with some important updates.

FACILITY HOURS-
The Library, ASC, ETRC, and SSS areas will be closed Saturday 3/17 due to power outages

Spring Break Hours
Monday 8am-5pm
*Tuesday Closed for Staff In-Service
*Wednesday 8am-5pm
Thursday 8am-5pm
Friday 8am-4pm

Please note that the A building will be experiencing internet and server outages on Wednesday 3/21.


FACILITY UPGRADES-
The Library lights over the first floor will be replaced during spring break.  Electricians will be sectioning off areas of the library throughout the week to accomplish this project.


STAFF IN-SERVICE-
As you should be aware, the Division of Academic Success will be holding the spring semester in-service on Tuesday 3/20.  Please review the agenda below and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  Full-time staff are required to work a full work day.

9:30am – 9:45am                        Welcome                               

9:45am - 10:00am                      New Staff Introductions

10:00am – 10:45am                    Team Building Exercise

10:45am – 11:00am                    Break

11:00am – 11:30am                    What’s New at Triton? 

                                                                -Organizational Structure           

-Departmental News / Announcements

11:30am – 12:00pm                   Student Success

*Achieving the Dream

-Completion Agenda

             +Commit to Complete

12:00pm – 12:10pm                   Break to Get Lunch Provided*

                                                  

12:10pm – 12:30pm                   Small Group Activity

                                                                *SWOT Analysis (Student Success)

12:30pm - 1:00pm                      Large Group Discussion / Sharing

1:00pm – 2:00pm                       Student Panel

2:00pm – 3:00pm                       Large Group Discussion

3:00pm – 4:00pm                       Department Break-Out

*This will be a working lunch.  Food and beverage will be provided and all staff members are expected to remain on-site during lunch.

***********************


I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the in-service!

Debbie

Institution Reorganization

Good Morning!

Yesterday President Granados shared several updates through her "From the Desk of the President" communication.  Among those discussed, the President provided information regarding an institutional reorganization that impacts several areas of the College.  The link below will provide you with the new organizational chart.

You will notice that Dr. Olson has assumed the position of Vice President for Student and Academic Affairs.  To support his role, Dr. Martin has been named Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Mary-Rita Moore has been named Associate Vice President for Strategic Planning.  Dr. Amanda Turner is now the Dean, Enrollment Services, and Sujith Zachariah is the Associate Dean for Enrollment Services.  

As you will see in the organizational chart, the Division of Academic Success will report directly to Dr. Martin.  This is an exciting change for all of us.  Dr. Martin has an amazing dedication to the students, faculty, staff and community that comprises Triton College.  He is a tremendous advocate for student success and will provide leadership for our area.  I encourage you to reach out to him with your congratulations and create a welcoming environment during his transition into his new role.

The following is an excerpt for the President's Office communication including the linked referenced earlier.  Please feel free to share and questions you may have.

Organizational Restructure

There has been an organizational restructure prompted by the recent announcement of the resignation of Vice President Latham. The new structure will allow for the institution to have one vice president to lead both the academic affairs and student affairs areas, which helps reinforce the integration of academics and student affairs.  In addition, two additional associate vice presidents have been added to the structure to further support the vice president ensure  all areas get the proper attention that is deserved.  It is important to note that at this time internal appointments are best for the college due to the many other major changes currently taking place.  As mentioned on President’s Corner today, there will be an Open House held on February 9, 2012 to allow for faculty and staff to meet the new leadership and learn more specifics on how the structure will work. Organizational Structure

Have a Great Day!

Debbie

Welcome Back

Good Evening!

It is great to see so much excitement on campus - student activities, enrollment, classes...I love this time of year!

I hope that all of you enjoyed your break and are ready to provide our students with the highest level of support this semester.  Here are a couple of announcements that you may find helpful as we move through the start of spring 2012-

*Please make sure and wear your staff identification card at all times.

*Dr. Latham, Vice President for Academic Affairs has resigned and will be taking a new position at Governor's State University.

*The Library has taken on a new look for the start of the semester.  The furniture and computers have moved around a bit, and new flooring will be installed in the front entrance area in April.

*All test proctoring services provided by the ETRC have officially transitioned to the new Testing Center located in A-122.

*iPad2 units are here and available to students in the ASC.

Please make sure that you are checking the President's Corner accessed through the intranet (trojans) daily.  Dr. Granados makes important announcements through this venue that are vital to the day-to-day operations of the College.

Finally, Triton Today contained discount information for Boston Market - check out the e-mail and take a friend to lunch :-)

Have a great week!

Debbie

Semester Ending

Good Afternoon!

I hope that you all had a chance to enjoy each other's company at the End of the Semester Celebration today.  Thank you to Reginia Hughes, BriAnne Nichols, Hanan Merheb, and Dr. Dubravka Juraga for coordinating this wonderful celebration!

As we begin to close out the semester and our students slowly complete the remainder of their final exams I wanted to remind you of a few things-

1.  The college will be closed from Friday 12/23 through Monday 1/2.  All areas will reopen on Tuesday 1/3.  Access to buildings during this time and will require Dean approval through the appropriate form prior to Monday 12/19.

2.  In preparation for the campus closing please unplug all electrical devices within your workspace and secure all belongings.  It is recommended that all staff take home personal belongings during this time.

3.  The Division of Academic Success will begin intercession hours on Friday 12/16.

Thank you and have a great week!

Debbie

Good Morning!

Just a couple of quick announcements for this week!

Triton in the National Spotlight

Tomorrow, December 7th, representatives from the White House, U.S. Department of Education, and several Chicagoland interfaith groups will be on campus for a nationally broadcast discussion on President Obama's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.  The event is being held in the "J" (Fine Arts) building from 10:30am-12:00pm.  Please be prepared to help direct guests to the "J" building - they should be walked over if possible.  For more information please click on this link - National Interfaith Community Discussion

Be Informed!

Please make sure and review the Triton College Master Plan Report now available.  The link below will take you to the document.  Triton College Master Plan Status Report

Join the Party!

Triton College is hosting the annual Snowflake Holiday Celebration on Friday, December 16th.  For more information please visit the following link-  Snowflake Holiday Celebration

Student Success

Triton College is committed to students success.  We all work extremely hard to support our students in their educational endeavors.  But, how do we know that our efforts are working?  Check out the new Student Success Report that has been released by the Division of Research and Institutional Effectiveness. 

The Triton College Library Annual Book Sale will end with Bag Day on Monday, December 5, 2011. The Library sponsors the Book Sale to promote the library campus and community, to encourage students to read for fun and research and to raise funds for the Library's Foundation account. Each year the Library uses proceeds to offer scholarships for students. Missed it this year? No problem it will be back next year!

Food Drive

The Library is working with the AAWCC to collect non-perishable food for some of our neighbors who may be struggling.  A collection box is located in the Library where individuals are welcome to the donate until Wednesday, December 21, 2011. The food will be given to a local food pantry. Thanks for helping!!

Student Support Services Upcoming Events

December 7^th 3:00-4:00

Room A102

Finals Review Session for TRiO Participants

December 12^th, 13^th, 14^th

9:00-3:00 P.M.

Room Senate Chambers, B Building

Finals Review Session for all students- Event sponsored by Program Board, TRiO SSS, and the ASC