BTC Staff, Faculty Present at National Conference

To a nationwide audience of higher education professionals, Suzy Dantuma, Student Advising and Retention Coordinator, and Erica Fenton, Basic Skills Instructor, presented at the CONNECTED21 virtual conference hosted by EAB on Nov. 5.

Their presentation, “Engaging Faculty and Creating Culture Change with Starfish,” was done in partnership with Moorpark College in California and focused on how Starfish, a student success platform designed to help institutions scale their student success efforts, has helped support Blackhawk’s student success goals.

Blackhawk students have been using Starfish since fall 2019. The project was part of a strategic initiative to improve retention. All Blackhawk students have access to the platform to schedule appointments with advisors and other support staff. Students can also track their progress through their program.

“BTC’s commitment is to support students on their path to success and completion, and Starfish connects participants to that goal,” said Tony Landowski, Executive Director of Student Services.

“Blackhawk is excited about the prospects that the platform provides for us,” said Tony. “In simple terms, Starfish allows instructors and advisors to connect directly with a student in meaningful ways that are solution-focused. The former passive intervention strategies that were well-intended are now augmented by the triangle of communication and the direct referrals of Starfish to resources such as tutoring, counseling, coaching, emergency funds, and our CARE Team.”

Starfish is owned by EAB, a company that works with education leaders and practitioners on enrollment, student success, institutional strategy, data and analytics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.