The following message was distributed to OCCC faculty and staff on Wednesday, Dec. 8. 

Dear OCCC Community,

Oregon Coast Community College students are about to feel even more connected, even more supported, and even more appreciated.  

The Division of Student Affairs is redesigning OCCC’s recruitment, financial aid, admissions, advising and student success practices to better serve students. The new model, dubbed the “Oregon Coast Approach,” will provide students with personalized service from the very start, through their academic career at OCCC. The Coach that meets the student at an assembly in high school, for example, will be the same Coach to help them apply and register for their first term and, later, help them plan for their next steps. The “Oregon Coast Approach” was designed from a larger Student Affairs strategic planning process that included employee listening sessions, department goal setting, and research of existing models and best practices. 

Academic Advisors Blake Hagan and Carol Martin are already working to transition to the new roles of Student Success Coaches, and the College is actively recruiting for an additional two Coaches.  Ultimately, the team of four Student Success Coaches will be cross-trained to handle student questions from the start of that student’s journey to the end. The Coaches will promote a positive learning experience for students and effectively increase student recruitment, retention, and completion through data-informed strategies. In addition, rather than referring students with specific questions on to other staff members, the Student Success Coaches will be prepared to provide answers, and directly assist with processes such as admissions, registration, applying for financial aid, and career planning. 

The ‘Oregon Coast Approach’ will provide a broad range of academic and non-academic supports, selected to meet the many and varied needs of the diverse populations the College serves. The Coaches will develop relationships with students to help them progress and grow throughout their college experience by providing frequent check-ins and ongoing support. 

To learn more, contact Ben Kaufmann, Associate Dean of Students, or Vice President of Student Affairs.

Other changes to better serve our students

OCCC has added another new position to the Student Affairs division.  Tracy Jones now serves as the OCCC Student Resource Navigator (SRN), a position designed to provide students with support to address non-academic issues that can prevent degree completion.  Tracy transitioned to her role from her previous assignment in the OCCC Navigate Program. 

Non-academic barriers can impede a student’s ability to learn by preventing them from making the most of their learning time. It’s hard to learn when you’re distracted by life’s pressures, such as childcare and food insecurity.  Addressing these non-academic challenges can drastically increase a student’s academic success. Tracy will help students evaluate and address their specific barriers. The position will work with students to determine their eligibility for the various federal, state, and local benefit programs available in Lincoln County, and will assist in the application process for these resources.

To learn more, or to request assistance, email Tracy Jones, the Student Resource Navigator, or call 541-867-8544.