Student Issues / Attending College

Community colleges have historically provided a much different environment than the traditional four-year university. One of the biggest differences between the two is that students at community colleges do not tend to live in a single community on or near the college campus. However, many community colleges across the country are tuning in to the advantages on-campus housing can provide to students of all ages. This article will explore the new trend of living on a community college campus and some of the schools around the country that are adopting this model for a richer, more community-oriented academic environment.

Benefits of Living On Campus

Community colleges are now realizing some of the benefits of living on campus that four-year colleges have known for generations, including:

• Better proximity to college resources like the library and recreation center
• Exposure to international lifestyles that comes from living near fellow students from around the globe
• The ability to fully immerse oneself in the college experience by remaining in the environment after classes are finished for the day
• Ease of meeting other students and building relationships with those in a similar season of life
• Apartments or dormitories that are often fully furnished and affordable, providing an economic housing option to cash-strapped students

Today, many community college students are beginning to enjoy these benefits as their school campuses are adding housing to the mix. We will take a look at some of the specific colleges that allow students to live on campus or are adding housing options

The significant role community colleges will play in the country's economy has been underscored by the White House over the past few months, with the first annual community college summit taking place in Washington this fall. However, for community colleges to become the relevant players that President Obama wants them to be, the current dismal graduation rates at community colleges across the country will need to increase. To that end, the "Achieving the Dream" initiative has been implemented to recognize community colleges performing above national standards and use those tools to elevate other colleges to a higher level.

Achieving the Dream is committed to assisting community colleges to serve their students better so more students can realize academic and professional success. Colleges participating in the movement agree to carefully analyze their current procedures and student outcomes and develop and implement new strategies to improve student outcomes overall.

In addition, participating colleges agree to monitor their progress and report their findings to Achieving the Dream so that other colleges can benefit from their knowledge and experience. This year, the organization learned three important lessons on improving learning from two participating community colleges in their pool.

This video offers suggestions for improving student success.

Reducing Achievement Gaps = Increased Student Retention

Valencia Community College in Florida offered several programs for under-prepared students coming to the campus for the first time –

Recent statistics have shown that it takes much more than a simple decision to attend community college to succeed in one of these institutions. In California, only 30% of community college students are receiving the benefits a college education can offer.

Study Results Concerning

A new study conducted by the Institute for Higher Education Leadership & Policy at Cal State Sacramento and reported by the Los Angeles Times found that the large majority of community college students failed to obtain a degree or transfer to a four-year institution. These students typically dropped out – some with a significant amount of debt and no degree to help them. In addition, only 40% of community college students achieved sufficient credit hours in school to boost their potential in the workforce.

The study also found a large disparity between minority and Caucasian students, with only 26% of African-American students and 22% of Latino students earning a degree, certification, or transfer to a four-year university within six years. This compared to 37% of Caucasian students or 35% of Asian Pacific Islanders who saw success in community college. One possible reason for the difference is that many minority students in the California public school system find themselves in overcrowded classrooms with less access to qualified teachers and counselors.

This video reports on how four community college leaders leverage EAB research and technology to address institutional priorities.

Once thought of as traditional and old-fashioned, dress codes and school uniforms have become a center of focus for many schools once again. Some school administrators assert that maintaining a standard of dress is essential to level the playing field for students of all income levels and backgrounds and promote a clean, safe campus. The movement to stricter dress codes is no longer stopping at the secondary level. Today, some community colleges are even hopping aboard the dress code bandwagon too!

Why Enforce Dress Codes?

The Clearinghouse on Educational Policy and Management from the University of Oregon states that the implementation of dress codes or school uniforms has been linked to a variety of benefits, including:

• Safer schools overall
• Enhanced learning environment
• Higher student self-esteem
• Less pressure on parents

A strict dress code has been found to minimize violence in schools, particularly when it comes to gang-style clothing. In addition, by eliminating expensive trendy clothing, the number of students robbed of shoes, hats, and jackets can be reduced. Of course, when students feel safer on their school campus, learning is also enhanced.

This video offers suggestions on how to dress for success.

Community College Dress Codes

In addition to many of the benefits listed above, community college students who must adhere to a relatively strict dress code receive training in how to dress for the professional world and beyond. Many community college

Why You Should Strive To Be On The Dean's List

Nearly every community college and university across the country includes a Dean's List, a roster of students who have performed exceptionally well during the previous semester or school year.

• The Dean's List has traditionally been a prestigious honor to strive for during higher education because it demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and the ability to rise to the workload, however heavy it might become.
• Whether you are just entering the hallowed halls of academia or are currently working through your degree program, we have a list of reasons to strive for the dean's list and tips to help you get there.

What is the Dean's List?

According to Wikipedia, the Dean's List is "a category of students in a college or university who achieve high grades during their stay in an academic term or academic year." The term is primarily used in North America, but some European institutions offer a Dean's List.

• Requirements for making the Dean's List vary from institution to institution, but most mandate a specific number of course hours to be taken and a set GPA to be maintained during the term or school year.
• It is essential to inquire with the advisement center or your academic counselor regarding the specific requirements for the Dean's List at your college.

This video offers six tips for getting on and staying on the Dean's List.