Book Description

Through the Underrepresented Groups Report, community colleges have an opportunity to report on initiatives and strategies aimed at increasing participation and achievement among individuals with Disabilities, Women, and Minorities. Underrepresented Groups Report production is an important annual statutory responsibility (Public Act 85-283) for community colleges and universities. Each community college provides a report detailing current activities and programs aimed at strengthening participation and progress among traditionally underrepresented student populations. Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) staff summarize the information provided by the individual colleges and forward it to officials from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) who combine it with responses from the public universities and forward it to the Governor and General Assembly. This year's report begins with an overview of the demographic characteristics of community college students, completers, and faculty. External comparative information is referenced where available. The next portion of the report explores the current year's Focus Topic: Academic Achievement of Persons with Disabilities, Women, and Minorities using a variety of data sources and materials provided by the colleges. A five-year statewide analysis of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems (IPEDS) Graduation Rate Survey (GRS) data for Students with Disabilities, Female Students, and Minority Students from Illinois community colleges is included in this portion of the report. IPEDS GRS data provide a Combined Outcome Rate--which includes graduation, transfer, and persistence--and a Graduation Rate which only counts completions. A three-year analysis of statewide full-time, first-time student Fall to Fall retention rates for Underrepresented Groups is also provided. Summaries of what works, high impact Underrepresented Group promising programs, services, and initiatives related to improving academic achievement at selected community colleges are featured at the end of the section. The report also examines the need of additional resources for Underrepresented Groups at community colleges. Resources are needed to provide individuals from Underrepresented Groups who require additional support with programs and services to promote student success. Future directions, a summary, and recommendations are addressed at the end of the report. The following are appended: (1) Dollars and Staff Years Budgeted to Programs Serving Underrepresented Students and Staff at Illinois Community Colleges, Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004; (2) Students with Disabilities Tables for Individuals in Illinois Community Colleges, Fiscal Year 2004; and (3) Definitions for the Annual Report on Underrepresented Groups. (Contains 13 tables.) [Cover title varies: "Illinois Community College System Fiscal Year 2004 Underrepresented Groups Report."].