Leveraging Data to Enhance Student Support: Addressing Basic Needs at Ozarks Technical Community College

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Leveraging Data to Enhance Student Support: Addressing Basic Needs at Ozarks Technical Community College
Language: English
Authors: Misty D. Tollett, Matthew C. Harris, Calie M. Holden, Abigail S. Benz, Matthew E. Simpson
Source: New Directions for Community Colleges. 2025 (212):113-124.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Two Year Colleges
Descriptors: Technical Institutes, Community Colleges, Community College Students, Learner Engagement, Student Surveys, Student Personnel Services, Food, Housing, Barriers, Help Seeking, Student Needs, Strategic Planning
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Community College Survey of Student Engagement
DOI: 10.1002/cc.70031
ISSN: 0194-3081
1536-0733
Abstract: Addressing non-academic barriers such as food and housing insecurity is critical to improving student success at community colleges. At Ozarks Technical Community College (Ozarks Tech), participation in the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) and other national research initiatives guided the development of an internal survey to assess Ozarks Tech students' non-academic barriers, engagement with support services, and gaps in service utilization. Building on these insights, including the Community College Center for Student Engagement (CCCSE) 2022 national report, "Mission Critical: The Role of Community Colleges in Meeting Students' Basic Needs", our survey included questions on access to food, housing, and other barriers while allowing students to request assistance. Responses were tied to known student data, providing a comprehensive understanding of student needs. Survey findings enhanced Ozarks Tech's promotion of holistic student care and anchored our strategic plan. Future efforts include assessment of support services with student outcomes and exploring additional barriers to success.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1494487
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Addressing non-academic barriers such as food and housing insecurity is critical to improving student success at community colleges. At Ozarks Technical Community College (Ozarks Tech), participation in the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) and other national research initiatives guided the development of an internal survey to assess Ozarks Tech students' non-academic barriers, engagement with support services, and gaps in service utilization. Building on these insights, including the Community College Center for Student Engagement (CCCSE) 2022 national report, "Mission Critical: The Role of Community Colleges in Meeting Students' Basic Needs", our survey included questions on access to food, housing, and other barriers while allowing students to request assistance. Responses were tied to known student data, providing a comprehensive understanding of student needs. Survey findings enhanced Ozarks Tech's promotion of holistic student care and anchored our strategic plan. Future efforts include assessment of support services with student outcomes and exploring additional barriers to success.
ISSN:0194-3081
1536-0733
DOI:10.1002/cc.70031