Strategy/Project Name:
Stepping Blocks Integration into Freshman Orientation Courses
Momentum Area:
Pathways
Category:
Strategy/Project Description:
In freshman orientation classes each 1st-year student will be required to complete an assignment designed to encourage the use of stepping blocks data. Based on an academic major of interest, students will research common jobs associated with the major as well as the job market and the salaries associated with these positions.
Activity Status:
Evaluation/Assessment plan:
Evaluation Plan and measures: Project completion in the Orientation course
KPIs: Not yet defined
Baseline measure (for each KPI): new project no baseline
Current/most recent data (for each KPI): new project no recent data
Goal or targets (for each KPI): 80% project completion
Progress and Adjustments:
- With the leadership of the Provost all departments have completed webpages based on Stepping Blocks data for their units.
- Freshmen orientation courses have added a SteppingBlocks assignment to the course curriculum.
- Next year orientation courses will increase SteppingBlocks integration by incorporating it into a values and career fit assignment, where students will need to research possible future careers and assess how they align with personal values.
Plan for the Year Ahead:
- We piloted the use of the departmental pages in the Orientation course. The goal is to scale this project for the next year.
- Fall 2025 marked the first year integrating VMock into the course, with strong student adoption. More than 11,000 students engaged with the platform across three key areas: resume enhancement (8,874 students), mock interviews (663 students), and cover letter development (374 students).
Challenges and Support:
There are over 100 instructors for this class, so training and communication will be essential.
Primary Contact:
Allison Calhoun-Brown, Sr. Vice President for Student Success and Chief Enrollment Officer
Ramona Simien, Director of Employer Relations
