LaGrange College has identified multiple measures for student achievement that are tracked in four primary categories:
- Academic Knowledge and Skills
- Academic Progress
- Student Experience with High-Impact Practices
- Post-College Success
Appropriate thresholds have been set for each measure and will be given below.
The College evaluates each measure on an annual basis and publishes the results. The measures are representative of the nature of the students served, and the programs offered. The types of students served include those in on-campus undergraduate and graduate programs, one fully online major program at the undergraduate level, one fully online major program at the graduate level, and those students enrolled as dual enrollment students.
In addition to traditional undergraduate and graduate programs, LaGrange College offers two fully online major programs, which includes a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN – BSN) and the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Each measure of student achievement is also appropriate to the College’s mission as will be described in context with each measure given below.
The abbreviated version of LaGrange College’s mission statement, as found on the LaGrange College website is as follows:
LaGrange College challenges the minds and inspires the souls of its students. Founded in 1831 and committed to its relationship with the United Methodist Church and its Wesleyan and liberal arts traditions, the college supports students in their search for truth. An ethical and caring community that values excellence, service, civility, diversity and inclusion, LaGrange College prepares students to become successful, responsible citizens who aspire to lives of integrity and moral courage.
The full LaGrange College mission statement may be found in the LaGrange College Bulletin.
- Academic Knowledge and Skills – The achievement of academic knowledge and skills, as seen below, helps the institution determine the level to which it measures its ability to “challenge the mind,” which is an important part of the institution’s mission.
- Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA+) (for all graduating seniors in online and on campus programs):
Below, the threshold can be found that will describe the goal set for LaGrange College students. In the table that follows, the first column contains the year of the graduating class. In the second column, the Performance Task Mean Score for LaGrange College seniors is given and in the final column, the threshold is given.
Threshold: To achieve or exceed the mean Performance Task score of all institutions taking the CLA+, based on three-year averages.
CLA+ Performance Task Results
Graduation Class Calendar Year Performance Task Mean Score for LaGrange College Seniors Threshold: Mean Score of All CLA+ Institutions 2016 - 2018 1069 1117 2017 - 2019 1058 1112 2018 - 2020 1050 1107 2019 - 2022 1063 1102 Source: Collegiate Learning Assessment Results According to the CLA+ company, a CLA+ Performance Task presents a real-world situation in which an issue, problem, or conflict is identified. Students are asked to assume a relevant role to address the issue, suggest a solution, or recommend a course of action based on the information provided in the Document Library. Subscores of the Performance Task measure three important skills: Analytical Problem Solving, Writing Effectiveness, and Writing Mechanics.
The threshold is reasonable because it represents the mean score of all CLA+ institutions across the United States. For 2021, approximately 72% of those institutions are those whose highest degree is a master’s degree, which is also the highest degree that LaGrange College offers.
Over the past four time periods, the Performance Task Mean score, based on three-year averages, has ranged from a low of 1050 to a high of 1069. Therefore, LaGrange College senior mean scores have been consistent across the years. Although the threshold has not been reached or exceeded within that time period, the College seniors have scored at the “Near Expected” level, according to CLA+ institutional reports.
In order to help students improve in the important skills tested in the Performance Task, many departments and programs have created course-related assignments that cover these types of skills. These assignments may be a part of a major course or as a part of general education courses.
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Licensure Tests:
The programs in Education (undergraduate and graduate students), Nursing (undergraduate students in on-campus and online programs), and Counseling (graduate students in on-campus and online programs) have licensure tests or National major-related tests, all of which are used to measure the academic achievement of students.
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Nursing: Below, the threshold can be found that will describe the goal set for LaGrange College nursing students. In the table that follows, the first column gives the most recent four calendar years that will be used for the pass rates. In the second column, the pass rate for LaGrange College nursing seniors is given and in the final column, the threshold is given.
Nursing Threshold: NCLEX pass rates will be at or above the suggested Accreditation Commission Education for Nursing (ACEN) standard of 80%.
NCLEX Pass Rates for LC Nursing Graduates
Calendar Years Pass Rate, Three-year Average Threshold: National Pass Rate, Three-year Average 2017 - 2018 90% 80% 2018 - 2019 90% 80% 2019 - 2020 84% 80% 2020 - 2021 89% 80% Because this threshold is based on ACEN standards, it is a reasonable one.
LaGrange College’s pass rates, from 2017 – 2021, have ranged from a low of 84% to 90%, which means that LaGrange College nursing students are meeting the threshold indicated.
The Department of Nursing receives detailed reports from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing each fall, which allows faculty members in the department to determine weaknesses and also allows a comparison to prior classes. Faculty review the reports in order to determine if curricular changes are needed. Beginning in the 2020 – 21 academic year, a new Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) preparation plan for NCLEX began to be used, which provides feedback concerning student progression throughout program. Finally, the department continues to provide NCLEX-preparation assignments throughout curriculum.
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Education: Below, two thresholds can be found that will describe the goals set for LaGrange College education students. In the tables that follow each threshold, the results of each are given by degree name, where EE = Elementary Education, MAT = Master of Arts in Teaching, EdS = Education Specialist, and MED = Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Education Threshold 1: At least eighty percent of EE and MAT program completers will pass all three external state assessments (Ethics, GACE and edTPA).
EE External Assessments – Pass Rates
Graduating Class Pass Rate (Ethics) Pass Rate (GACE) Pass Rate (edTPA) Threshold for each state assessment 2016 – 17
(n = 9)100% 100% 100% 80% 2017 – 18
(n = 7)100% 100% 100% 80% 2018 – 19
(n = 5)100% 100% 100% 80% 2019 – 20
(n = 6)100% 100% 100% 80% 2020 – 21
(n = 13)100% 100% * 80%
MAT External Assessments – Pass Rates
Graduating Class Pass Rate (Ethics) Pass Rate (GACE) Pass Rate (edTPA) Threshold for each state assessment 2015 – 16
(n = 14)100% 93% 100% 80% 2016 – 17
(n = 10)100% 90% 100% 80% 2017 – 18
(n = 10)100% 100% 100% 80% 2019 – 20
(n = 9)100% 100% 100% 80% 2020 – 21
(n = 12)100% 92% * 80% For the past five years, in all three external state assessments, EE and MAT program completers had 100% pass rates in the Ethics assessment. All EE completers passed the GACE. For MAT 2021 completers, all candidates passed the GACE in their primary content area. However, one completer did not pass the GACE for the secondary area (Reading). Overall, eleven out of twelve (92%) passed both content areas.
The lowest pass rate for any of these assessments is 92%. Therefore, this threshold was met.
*Prior to the 2020 – 21 academic year, 100% of EE and MAT program completers passed the edTPA. However, Georgia dropped this requirement for this most recent year. The Education Department developed a replacement assessment, Reflective Practitioner Assessment, that was piloted with EE and MAT students during the 2020-2021 academic year with the following results: 12 Elementary Education candidates, 10 MAT candidates, and 1 Music Education candidate completed the assessment during the spring semester with 100% of candidates scoring commendable or higher in all categories by the second attempt. Based on the results from this assessment, methods to improve interrater reliability will be implemented with training of evaluators in the spring. It is anticipated that the threshold will remain at 80% using this new assessment.
The Education Department proactively determines the students who will or will not be successful on the external assessments by giving similar internal diagnostics beforehand. For those students who are not successful on the first attempt of a diagnostic, students are advised as to areas for improvement and are successful on the second attempt.
This reasonable threshold of 80% was set by Education faculty with the passing score being set by the state of Georgia. The results of these external state assessments are reviewed on an annual basis and if improvement is needed in any area, departmental faculty will act accordingly.
Education Threshold 2: At least eighty percent of MED, EDS, and Educational Leadership TIER 1 program completers will pass all external state assessments.
MED External Assessments – Pass Rates
Graduating Class Pass Rate Threshold 2017 – 18 (n = 12) 92% 80% 2018 – 19 (n = 18) 94% 80% 2019 – 20 (n = 6) 100% 80% 2020 – 21 (n = 8) 100% 80% MED pass rates for the GACE have been at least 92% for the past four years. In addition, the College’s cohort average for all four years has been at or above the qualifying score. Therefore, this threshold was met by MED students.
The Education Department proactively determines the students who will or will not be successful on the external assessments by giving similar internal assessments beforehand. For those students who are not successful on the first attempt of a diagnostic, students are advised as to areas for improvement and are successful on the second attempt.
This reasonable MED threshold of 80% was set by Education faculty with the passing score being set by the state of Georgia. The results of these external state assessments are reviewed on an annual basis and if improvement is needed in any area, departmental faculty will act accordingly.
EDS External Assessments – Pass Rates
Graduating Class Pass Rate Threshold 2017 – 18 (n = 12) 100% 80% 2018 – 19 (n = 8) 100% 80% 2019 – 20 (n = 5) 100% 80% 2020 – 21 (n = 11) 100% 80% For the EDS GACE exam, the cohort pass rates have been 100% for the past four years. In addition, the College’s cohort average for all four years has been at or above the qualifying score. Therefore, this threshold was met by EDS students.
The Education Department proactively determines the students who will or will not be successful on the external assessments by giving similar internal assessments beforehand. For those students who are not successful on the first attempt of a diagnostic, students are advised as to areas for improvement and are successful on the second attempt.
This reasonable EDS threshold of 80% was set by Education faculty with the passing score being set by the state of Georgia. The results of these external state assessments are reviewed on an annual basis and if improvement is needed in any area, departmental faculty will act accordingly.
Educational Leadership TIER 1 – Pass Rates
Completing Class Pass Rate Threshold 2018 - 19 (n = 18) 100% 80% 2019 - 20 (n = 13) 100% 80% 2020 - 21 (n = 6) 83% 80%
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For the Educational Leadership TIER 1 assessment, the cohort pass rates have ranged from 83% to 100% for the past three years. In addition, the College’s cohort average for all three years has been at or above the qualifying score. Therefore, this threshold was met by Tier 1 students.
The Education Department proactively determines the students who will or will not be successful on the external assessments by giving similar internal assessments beforehand. For those students who are not successful on the first attempt of a diagnostic, students are advised as to areas for improvement and are successful on the second attempt.
This new program has only had three groups of completers thus far. This reasonable TIER 1 threshold of 80% was set by Education faculty with the passing score being set by the state of Georgia. The results of these external state assessments are reviewed on an annual basis and if improvement is needed in any area, departmental faculty will act accordingly.
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Counseling: Below, the threshold can be found that will describe the goal set for LaGrange College counseling students taking the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE). In the table that follows, each year’s results are given. The third column gives the threshold for the attempt.
Counseling Threshold: Beginning with the 2020 graduates, eighty percent of students taking the (CPCE) will pass on the first attempt.
*For 2019, the threshold was that eighty percent would pass by the second attempt.Counseling Graduates CPCE Results
Testing Year Passing Rate Threshold for 2nd Attempt 2019 (n = 13) *85% *80% 2020 (n = 10) 90% 80% 2021 (n = 9) 100% 80% During the final semester of enrollment in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, students are required to take the CPCE, which is a standardized exam distributed by the Center for Credentialing and Education. The CPCE has 8 sections based on the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) foundational areas. Those areas are broken down by score. The CMHC program assesses each area as part of the program evaluation process.
This threshold is reasonable because it is based on CACREP standards. A student who is unable to pass the CPCE for a second time will be required to do a comprehensive portfolio that includes required documents decided upon by program faculty. The students’ attempts will be read and evaluated by a minimum of three college faculty members using a rubric as a guide. Students must receive a passing evaluation by at least two of the three faculty members to be approved for graduation.
In addition, CMHC will increase the threshold to a 90% pass rate for the CPCE for 2022. The program will also add the National Counselor Examination (NCE) in the spring. Passing the NCE will allow student to apply for associate licensure after graduation.
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- Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA+) (for all graduating seniors in online and on campus programs):
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The achievement of academic progress, as seen below, is important to LaGrange College. As stated in the mission statement, the College “prepares students to become successful, responsible citizens who aspire to lives of integrity and moral courage.” Therefore, the goal is for all undergraduate students to persist from year to year and to graduate within six years. The goal for all graduate students is to make satisfactory progress towards graduation.
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Six-year Undergraduate Graduation Rate - using National Clearinghouse (NCH) graduation rates:
Below, the threshold can be found that will describe the goal set for LaGrange College students. In the table that follows, the first column contains three calendar years that correspond to the fall cohorts (first-time, full-time) for those years. In the second column, the average NCH graduation rate for the three cohort years is given and in the final column, the threshold is given.
Threshold: To equal or exceed the 2009 six-year graduation rate of the peer group of institutions.
Six-Year Graduation Rate
Cohort Years LaGrange College NCH 6-year Graduation Threshold: Peer Group NCH 6-year Graduation Rate 2009 - 2011 73% 60% 2010 - 2012 73% 60% 2011 - 2013 69% 60% 2012 - 2014 67% 60% 2013 - 2015 66% 60% Source: National Clearinghouse and SACSCOC Research Data The threshold is reasonable because the peer group used in the comparison is a comprehensive group to which LaGrange College belongs. According to SACSCOC research, the National Clearinghouse six-year graduation rate for the 2009 LaGrange College Cohort’s peer comparison group, made up of other independent colleges in Georgia, had a six-year graduation rate of 60.1%. Using NCH’s Degree Verify service, the three-year mean six-year rates for LaGrange College for 2009 – 2015 can be seen in the chart above.
Over the past four years, the LaGrange College three-year mean 6-year graduation rate has ranged from a low of 66% to a high of 73%. All of these are higher than the peer group’s 2009 six-year rate of 60%. Therefore, the threshold has been met.
A further breakdown of the three-year average graduation rate by gender, socioeconomic status, and race may be found below:
- Panther Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) – This Center offers a variety of collaborative academic support services aimed at promoting academic success, student retention, and degree completion through a variety of initiatives. Initiatives include first-year activities, academic coaching, faculty development events, and testing services. The Center is located in the middle of campus. In person or online appointments are available.
- DropGuard Early Warning System – This system is designed to help alert appropriate individuals at the College of students when a student demonstrates a need for intervention. The intervention needed depends on the type of data that gets entered into the system (academic, behavior, etc.). Faculty, advisors, select staff, and coaches may all enter information into DropGuard.
- Student Success Task Force – The Student Success Task Force is a group of staff and faculty members from Admission, Student Engagement, PACE, and Athletics who actively engage in ensuring the success of LaGrange College students. Most of the data that the task force reviews come from the DropGuard system. The data gets reviewed daily and is acted on within a two-day turnaround time. The official meetings of the task force typically occur on a weekly basis.
- Foundations (Summer Bridge) Program –The Foundations Program is a month-long, residential academic and student engagement support program designed to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition into life at LaGrange College.
- First-Year Experience (FYE) – All freshmen take a two-semester sequence of Ethos Seminar courses, Ethos 1101 and 1102. These courses are designed to help students manage the complex personal, professional, and academic aspects of becoming responsible for their own college educations.
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Undergraduate Retention Rates:
Below, the threshold can be found that will describe the goal set for LaGrange College students. In the table that follows, the first column contains three calendar years that correspond to the fall cohorts (first-time, first-year, full-time) for those years. In the second column, the average retention rate for the three cohort years is given and in the final column, the threshold is given.
Threshold: To equal to or exceed the retention rate of the peer group of institutions. The target goal in the Strategic Plan is for a retention rate of 71% by FY 2021.
LaGrange College First-Year Retention Rate
Cohort Years LaGrange College Three-year Average Threshold: Peer Group Three-year Average 2013 - 2015 65% 62% 2014 – 2016 66% 62% 2015 - 2017 64% 62% 2016 - 2018 65% 62% 2017 - 2019 63% 63% 2018 - 2020 63% Not Yet Available Source: IPEDS Data Center The threshold is reasonable because the peer group used in the comparison is a comprehensive group to which LaGrange College belongs. The peer group used is baccalaureate diverse, southeastern, private, non-for-profit, degree-granting, Title IV colleges with between 500 and 5,000 students.
Over the past four years, the LaGrange College mean retention rate has had a three-year average from a low of 63% to a high of 66%. For the peer group three-year averages that are already available, the LaGrange College rate is equal to or exceeds that of the peer group. Therefore, the threshold has been met.
In order to help with graduation rates and retention rates from LaGrange College, the College has adopted several strategies. These initiatives are described above in the section on graduation rates and include PACE, the DropGuard Early Warning System, the Student Success Task Force, the Summer Bridge Program, First-Year Experience, and the First-Year Experience.
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Graduate Program Satisfactory Grade Progress Rate: Below, the threshold can be found that will describe the goal set for LaGrange College graduate students. In the table that follows, the first column contains five calendar years. Because many cohorts begin in the summer, the academic year given is from summer through spring. In the second through third columns, the percent of “B or higher” grades are given for each program. In the final column, the threshold is given.
Threshold: Each academic year, 80% of earned grades in each program will be a B or higher.
Satisfactory Progress for LC Graduate Programs
Academic Year (Summer-Spring) Counseling Education Threshold 2016 - 17 96.3% 94.3% 80.0% 2017 - 18 97.9% 95.2% 80.0% 2018 - 19 97.5% 94.7% 80.0% 2019 - 20 97.1% 89.6% 80.0% 2020 - 21 96.0% 91.3% 80.0% Source: IPEDS Data Center The threshold has been met over the past five academic years. The threshold is reasonable because of the academic requirement for graduation. A graduate student must have at least 3.0 in order to graduate, which is equivalent to a B or higher letter grade.
The grade distribution will be reviewed on an annual basis and if improvement is needed in any area, departmental faculty will act accordingly.
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LaGrange College believes that each student should have the opportunity to engage in high-impact practices. Research shows that there are positive effects on a student’s learning when the student participates in these types of activities. Research also shows that participation in these activities can be life changing. Participation rates, as seen below, help the institution meet its mission of “preparing students to become successful, responsible citizens.”
Below, two thresholds can be found that will describe the goals set for LaGrange College graduating senior students. In the tables that follow, the first column corresponds to the calendar year of the graduating class. In the second column, the rate for LaGrange College seniors is given and in the third through fifth columns, peer comparison rates are given upon which the threshold is set. For official definitions of the particular High Impact Practices, go to https://nsse.indiana.edu/nsse/survey-instruments/high-impact-practices.html.
The threshold set for each item below is reasonable because it represents the rates from well thought out peer groups. Two of the peer comparison groups are ones to which LaGrange College belongs and includes Southeast Private and Methodist institutions. The third comparison group is one that includes our biggest competitors in terms of admission. This third group includes Surrounding Public institutions in Georgia or in surrounding states.
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Rate of Participation in at Least Two HIPS (comparative):
Threshold: To equal or exceed the rate of peer institutions for “participation in at least two High Impact Practices.” High Impact Practices include Community Service, Internship or Field Experience, Study Abroad, Learning Community, Research with a Faculty Member, and Culminating Senior Experience.
Participation Rate in at Least Two HIPs
Graduating Class Calendar Year LaGrange College Participation Rate Southeast Private Participation Rate Methodist College Participation Rate Surrounding Public Participation Rate 2017 92% 62% 81% 57% 2018 82% 67% 69% 57% 2019 81% 63% 81% 61% 2020 82% 62% 77% 59% 2021 78% 70% 77% 57% Source: NSSE Data For all years shown above, the participation rates for LaGrange College seniors have always been comparable or have exceeded the rate of the peer comparison groups. It should also be noted that the rate for LaGrange College seniors has been significantly above at least one peer comparison groups for all the years shown. Therefore, the threshold set has been met.
More will be said about initiatives designed to increase this rate of participation and to enhance the quality of the HIPs below in part b.
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Rate of Participation in Three Specific HIPS (comparative):
Threshold: To equal or exceed the rate of peer institutions for three High Impact Practice (HIP) Areas – Service Learning, Internship/Field Experience, and Study Abroad. Participation rate reflects those that have completed or experienced the HIP.
Service Learning
Graduating Class Calendar Year LaGrange College Service Learning Participation Rate Southeast Private Service Learning Participation Rate Methodist College Service Learning Participation Rate Surrounding Public Service Learning Participation Rate 2017 88% 65% 70% 56% 2018 80% 67% 59% 58% 2019 86% 67% 68% 60% 2020 83% 65% 63% 59% 2021 73% 67% 67% 58% Source: NSSE Data For all years shown above, the participation rates for LaGrange College seniors have been comparable or significantly above all peer comparison groups. Therefore, the threshold set has been met.
It should be noted that this question on NSSE centers around Service Learning in courses. LaGrange College is dedicated to continuing the high participation rates in Service Learning by continuing to offer courses where service is a key component. In addition to service learning in courses, the College also provides opportunities for students to serve outside the classroom. Examples would include Service Saturdays and service opportunities offered through Greek Life as well as by Non-Greek Student Organizations. Over the past three years, the mean number of service hours performed by students is over 4,500 hours.
Internship/Field Experience
Graduating Class Calendar Year LaGrange College Internship/Field Experience Participation Rate Southeast Private Internship/Field Experience Participation Rate Methodist College Internship/Field Experience Participation Rate Surrounding Public Internship/Field Experience Participation Rate 2017 73% 50% 67% 46% 2018 62% 52% 57% 47% 2019 85% 71% 80% 74% 2020 68% 50% 64% 48% 2021 65% 55% 60% 46% Source: NSSE Data For all years shown above, the participation rates for LaGrange College seniors have been comparable or significantly above all peer comparison groups. Therefore, the threshold set has been met.
To increase participation in internships or field experiences, the LaGrange College Center for Leadership and Career Development is proactive in arranging internship opportunities and marketing these positions on campus. Interns work in a variety of areas, for agencies such as the KIA Motors Human Resources Department, the Kia Motors Team Relations Department, Senator Raphael Warnock’s Office, Twin Cedars Youth & Family Services, the Troup County Public Defender’s Office, the Active Life Senior Center, as well as local physical therapy clinics and animal clinics.
Study Abroad
Calendar Year LaGrange College Study Abroad Participation Rate Southeast Private Study Abroad Participation Rate Methodist College Study Abroad Participation Rate Surrounding Public Study Abroad Participation Rate 2017 56% 19% 25% 14% 2018 50% 21% 28% 12% 2019 39% 20% 26% 14% 2020 46% 19% 29% 15% 2021 32% 20% 21% 13% Source: NSSE Data For all years shown above, the participation rates for LaGrange College seniors have been significantly above all peer comparison groups. Therefore, the threshold set has been met.
LaGrange College strives to increase study away participation by expanding efforts to diversify study abroad opportunities to create greater interest and inclusivity for all students. As an example, for the faculty-led program, a new model of embedding study away within semester courses is currently being researched and proposed. This model will allow the College to provide programs at a lower cost helping more students to realize their ability to study away. COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) opportunities are also being discussed with our exchange partners as a way to expand student/faculty exchanges and create another inexpensive way for students to connect and engage with other cultures. To help students afford study away, a new Smith Travel Grant will begin to award need-based grants of up to $2000 to students who wish to study away.
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As indicated in the mission statement, LaGrange College believes in “preparing students to become successful . . . citizens . . .” If a graduate is actively seeking employment or applying to graduate school, then that preparation should result in employment or in the ability for the graduate to continue their education.
The thresholds set below are reasonable because the peer group used in the comparison is a comprehensive group to which LaGrange College belongs. The peer group used is Private Baccalaureate Institutions who participated in the First Destinations Survey conducted by the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE). The information below gives the most recent data for which peer group information is known.
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Job placement rates (for undergraduate students).
Threshold: To equal or exceed the full-time employment rate of peer institutions within six months of graduation.
In the table below, the first column represents the year for each graduating class, the second and third columns give the percent of each class that were employed full-time (second column) and the percent of each class that were employed full-time or part-time (third column). Column four gives the threshold for this metric.
Job Placement Rates
Graduating Class Percent of Class Employed Full-Time Percent of Class Employed Full-Time or Part-time Threshold of Peer Group for the Percent of Class Employed Full-Time 2016 53% 57% 58% 2017 69% 74% 57% 2018 63% 66% 59% 2019 64% 66% 59% *2020 -- -- 55% 2021 67% 74% Not Yet Available Source: Career Center Data and NACE Survey
* Due to Covid, there was no graduation ceremony and no graduation survey was administered.Over the past five years, the percent of LaGrange College’s graduating class with full-time employment ranged from a low of 53% to a high of 69%. The percentages for the next three years, 2017 – 2019, exceeded the peer group’s rate. Therefore, this threshold has been met for a majority of the years for which data is available.
Even though the 2020-2021 academic year was an extremely challenging year, with the impact of Covid-19 on the campus, the CLCD was able to use the time as an opportunity to increase programming options for students. At the end of the academic year, there was a significant increase in the level of student contact with the CLCD despite the challenges of social distancing.
Also, during the 2020-2021 academic year, the Center for Leadership and Career Development recorded 5,289 student contacts. Of those student contacts, 625 were unique. This is an increase from the 990 total contacts and 532 unique contacts during the 2019-2020 academic year that was interrupted by the beginning of the pandemic.
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Graduate school rates (for undergraduate students)
Threshold: The percent of each graduating class who are pursuing graduate school to be equal or exceed the continuing education rate of peer institutions within six months of graduation.
In the table below, the first column represents the year for each graduating class and the second column gives the percent of each class that were pursuing graduate school. Column three gives the threshold for this metric.
Graduate School Rates
Graduating Class Percent of Class Pursuing Graduate School Threshold of Peer Group 2017 22% 19% 2018 18% 19% 2019 24% Not Yet Available *2020 -- 23% 2021 15% Not Yet Available Source: Career Center Data and NACE Survey
* Due to Covid, there was no graduation ceremony and no graduation survey was administered.Over the past five years, the LaGrange College percent of class pursuing graduate school rate has ranged from a low of 15% to a high of 24%. For two of the past five years, the percent of the class pursuing graduate school has been equal to or higher than the peer group rates of 19% - 20%. Therefore, the threshold was met for two out of the past five years.
To increase these rates, the CLCD has hosted a series of recorded virtual presentations with graduate and professional programs during the academic year. Had it not been for the pandemic, these presentations would normally have been hosted on campus. These programs included the UGA Veterinary School, the Samford University School of Law, the Samford University Pharmacy School, Brenau University, and Mercer Medical School, among others. Each program expressed their thanks and enjoyed the virtual aspect of discussing their programs and connecting with LC students.
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