1. Julio Fernandez de Cueto
Director of Testing
Interamerican Campus
Anaeli Ramos
Senior Academic & Career Advisor
Homestead Campus

2.  Assessment designed to help two and
four- year college and universities
develop data-driven evidence-based
student success solutions
 A non-cognitive instrument

3.  Influence the overall behavior of an individual
 Not easily measured
 Predictive of future success
 Examples:
◦ Emotional maturity
◦ Empathy
◦ Interpersonal skills
◦ Study skills
◦ Verbal and non-verbal communication

4.  180 items versus 48
 Completed study comparing predictive ability
of SSI with previously used ENGAGE
 80 students took both assessments
 After 1 semester ENGAGE and SSI were very
similar in ability to identify high risk students

5. SSI Predicted to have at least 2.0 62
Predicted correctly to have at least 2.0 57
Predicted incorrectly to have 2.0 5
SSI Predicted to not have at least 2.0 15
Predicted correctly to not have 2.0 1
Predicted incorrectly to not have 2.0 14
SSI Predicted to be retained 76
Predicted correctly to be retained 76
Predicted incorrectly to be retained 0
SSI Predicted to not be retained 1
Predicted correctly to not be retained 0
Predicted incorrectly to not be retained 1
• Results are used conservatively to reduce false positives

6.  Provides a holistic view on the student
◦ Combined with high school and testing information
 Provides immediate feedback to the student on areas
they may be struggling (or might struggle with)
 Additional information for advisors
Student
Success
Academic
Motivation
Engagement
Resiliency

7.  Demographic questions
 48 item self-report measure
◦ Responses on Likert scale
 Provides scores on 6 scales (motivation factors
known to predict student outcomes)
 Helps identify at risk students:
◦ Probability of student returning for a 2nd year
◦ Probability of student earning above a 2.0 in 1st year
 MDC created follow-up questions
◦ transportation, technology availability and skill usage

8. Scale Definition Sample Item
Academic
Engagement
The value an individual places on academics and
attentiveness to school work.
I turn my homework in on
time.
Academic Self-
Efficacy
An individual’s confidence in his or her ability to
achieve academically and succeed in college.
I will excel in my chosen major.
Educational
Commitment
An individual’s dedication to college and the value
placed upon a college degree.
I see value in completing a
college education.
Resiliency An individual’s approach to challenging situations
and stressful events.
I manage stress well.
Social Comfort An individual’s comfort in social situations and
ability to communicate with others.
I am comfortable in groups.
Campus
Engagement
Involvement in campus activities and attachment
to the college/university.
Being active in extra-curricular
activities in college is important
to me.

9.  Student
Recommendations for
each of 6 factors
 What’s next?
◦ Tips on how to improve
 Campus Resources
◦ Individuals or
departments that can
help students grow in the
specific area
Student Name
MDID

10. Score Description Tools for Success Resources
Low Success is college takes
commitment. Commitment
means showing up to class,
preparing and completing
assignments. Talk to your
advisor about the real
consequences of not making
a commitment to college.
• Class preparation
• Time
management
• Stress
Management
• Assigned Advisor
• Academic &
Tutoring Labs
• Professors
• Single Stop
Moderate You are on your way to
succeeding in college!
Remember to show up to
class all the time, prepare,
and complete assignments!
High Success is within your grasp!
Be ready when class begins,
participate in discussions,
and be a leader by assisting
peers!

11. Score Description Tools for Success Resources
Low Academic confidence is built
over time, not overnight!
Building your academic
confidence takes determination,
courage, and persistence. Talk
to your advisor about the
resources available to help you
succeed.
• Visualize success
• Build academic
relationships
• Don’t be
afraid to talk
with your
professor
• Create a peer
network
• Join a study
group
• Supportive Family
Member
• Mentor
• High School
Teacher
• Assigned Advisor
• Professor
• Tutor
• Single Stop
• Other students
Moderate Continue to build your academic
confidence! The key is to
visualize your success and build
relationships with professors
and other students!
High Your academic confidence is key
to your success. Continue
setting challenging goals for
yourself, being a student leader,
and building the confidence of
your peers!

12. Score Description Tools for Success Resources
Low A college degree opens doors to
better career opportunities and
higher paying jobs. Talk to your
advisor about the best program
for you at MDC.
• Complete FOCUS
2 (Career
Assessment)
• Understand the
financial benefits
of your career
choices
• Use the
Occupational
Outlook
Handbook
• Schedule an
appointment with
your assigned
advisor to
complete your
Individualized
Education Plan
(IEP)
• Assigned Advisor
• Professor
• Tutor
Moderate Earning a college degree has
many lifelong benefits such as
financial stability, increased job
opportunities, and personal
enrichment.
High Make the most of your time in
college. Get involved with
leadership and volunteer
opportunities related to your
academic pathway

13. Score Description Tools for Success Resources
Low Everyone faces challenges.
Bumps on the road are
expected. Don’t let everyday
problems hold you back! Talk to
you advisor about ways to
overcome them.
• Problem solving
skills
• Define the
problem,
consider
options and
consequences,
and develop
solutions
• Time management
• Stress management
• Assigned
Advisor
• Academic
Tutoring & Labs
• Professor
• Single Stop
Moderate Face every challenge head on!
Seek out help, be persistent,
and patient.
High Every challenge is an
opportunity to build your
character. Seek out help, be
persistent, and patient.

14. Score Description Tools for Success Resources
Low How comfortable we feel in
social situations varies from
person to person. For all of us,
social skills are developed over
time. Talk to you advisor about
ways to get involved that are
best for you!
• Practice makes
perfect!
• Get involved
with a campus
group or
organization
• Seek out
classmates who are
socially confident.
• Learn how
they handle
social
situations
• Take risks and
expand your
comfort zone
• Participate in
classroom
discussion or
campus
events
• Student Life
• Assigned
Advisor
• Professor
• Single Stop
Moderate Continue to build your social
skills! Getting involved with
campus and classroom activities
will strengthen your social
muscles.
High Be a leader on campus and in
the classroom! Continue to
build your social skills by
helping classmates become
more socially confident.

15. Score Description Tools for Success Resources
Low Getting involved will help you
succeed in college! Learn more
about campus activities at
SharkNet, and talk to your
advisor about your interests.
• Join a club or
organization at the
College
• Make time for
activities outside of
class
• Attend an MDC
sporting or cultural
event
• Have fun in
college!
• Student Life
• Assigned
Advisor
• Professor
Moderate Join a club or organization on
campus. Participating in campus
activities will improve your
chances of completing a college
degree.
High Join a club or organization on
campus. Participating in campus
activities will improve your
chances of completing a college
degree.

16.  The SSI will be administered to incoming
freshman
 Students receive written feedback immediately
when they finish the assessment
 Results Will help our entering first year
students identify strengths and potential areas
for improvement relative to entering college

17.  Advisors can use results to identify individuals who
might be at risk that would not be identified using
traditional indicators such as low high school GPA
or standardized test scores
 Senior Academic & Career Advisors will discuss the
students results at 1st advisement session
◦ Alerts/triggers created based on responses
◦ Responses may prompt conversations regarding:
 Improving study skills
 Full time versus part time
 Potential conflicts – work, other duties
 In-person versus virtual courses

18.  List of campus-
specific resources that
address each of the 6
SSI factors
 Included in the
Advisement Syllabus
provided at
orientation by Senior
Academic & Career
Advisors