Norco College announces its recognition as the recipient of the 2024 RP Group Outstanding Project of the Year Award for its groundbreaking initiative, "Faculty Impact on Black Student Success." The project, led by Dr. Greg Aycock, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, and Caitlin Busso, Institutional Research Specialist, has been lauded for its significant contributions to student success and institutional effectiveness.
In a letter from the IRPE Professional Development Steering Committee, Norco College was commended for its exceptional work in the Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness (IRPE) field.
Dr. Monica Green, President of Norco College, expressed her gratitude for this recognition, stating, " Thank you, RP Group! Dr. Aycock and Ms. Busso have shown tremendous leadership in guiding the Norco College community through courageous conversations rooted in data. The Faculty Impact on Black Student Success study has shifted mindsets further away from a student-blaming culture to an institution that seeks to improve its practices to positively impact Black student success. Thank you for recognizing the data-driven work of our Institutional Effectiveness team and our dedicated faculty."
"The Faculty Impact on Black Student Success" project explored the factors influencing Black student success in college courses. Through faculty inquiry groups and surveys, the project identified key pedagogical and interpersonal practices that significantly predict Black student success.
To ensure the dissemination of findings and promote broader learning within the IRPE community, Norco College's project will be showcased in public communications from The RP Group, featured on The RP Group website, and presented at the RP Conference 2024. Attendees will be able to engage with the project team and dive deeper into the study's implications for student success and equity.
"We're surprised and honored to be chosen for the 2024 Outstanding Project Award," remarked Dr. Aycock. "Thank you for recognizing this research project, which would not have been possible without the support of our President and many others involved over the past three-plus years. We look forward to sharing the results and working with RP on the next steps."