Flexible. Supportive. Innovative. Effective. It’s time to share community college stories.
Higher education experts share insights in our first-ever community college roundtable:
Welcome to our first Community College Roundtable. We've invited a dynamic group of Community College leaders from around the country to discuss telling a better story about community colleges. We're excited to dig into this conversation as we focus on enrollment, brand messaging, and ideas from institutions both big and small. Let's just jump right into it. So how do people describe community colleges in your community? So whether that's your state or your local community. I think it depends on who you talk to. I think there are some people that embrace Community College and see it as not just a secondary option as a viable first option. But then I think there are others that truly still struggle with the stigma of Community College. Yeah, I think for us, because we're there are only two games in town for us, that one university and one Community College that we've gotten over this stigma awhile ago and now we have this sort of reputation as being a solution. So when there's workforce issues or training issues or even after COVID when there was a. A limited number of opportunities. So they come to us and ask us to build programs and we've been really. Flexible and responsive to that. So I think in in our community, we're I think we have a reputation of being that solution. So are the national narratives around community colleges confusing potential students? You mentioned last night and I remember thinking about this actually all evening, is that the four year institutions are talking about aspiring. And your future and then the two year institutions we're talking about your return on investment. So is that confusing? Maybe it is. We're trying to move away from pitching community colleges, just the affordable option. Is it affordable? It absolutely is. But we want to be seen as you're getting just as great of an education at Community College as you could at a four year institution. And I think that there's this national attention to just one particular direction. And I think that that there's a narrative that says you're only doing workforce or you're only doing credit. No, it's all part of the college experience and it's opportunities that are broader. So becoming a comprehensive college is the narrative that we need to tell. Also, one of the narratives we talked about is America's best kept secret. So, and I've been really trying to reflect on that because in some ways it seems positive, but is it really positive? Like I just, if we're best kept secret, that's not exactly good for the populations of students we're trying to serve. Have been really reflecting on that and I wonder if you all are as well but it definitely isn't necessarily maybe the best narrative for the value that we bring to our communities and States and in the nation right so if you've been in your community for 50 years and people don't know that you exist is that a good thing best kept secret doesn't seem like a good idea, right yeah not a compliment in that bad necessarily but not also not maybe what we all want right do we need to do more to to kind of. Embrace or, or to build up the alumni networks. I feel like universities are really are really good at that and, and, and promoting the, the alumni networks as part of your benefit, right? That's, that's you're going to, in addition to your great education, you're going to join this network of people who may potentially open doors for you. And do you feel like for community colleges, we need to lean into that more. It's building that community and that field and that sense of belonging, because if I feel that I'm more apt to stay in touch. I think that's the advantage that the four years have, right? So they, they spend 4 years together, they feel a part of the institution, right? In Louisiana, you know, you bleed black and gold and you bleed purple and gold or whatever, right? So how do we take that? How do we take that Zaza Zoo, that juice and give that to our students too, so that they feel that sense of belonging so that they can be a part of alumni and share their stories. But that's where branding comes into play, right? When students are proud of your colleges brand and they feel like they're part of it. They're going to tell your story, whether they're connected to you or moving on in the community, but it starts with a really strong brand and a brand story that they're proud of and they feel connected to.
This is great! 👍🏽. Jennifer Miller, I agree! The narrative is important and perhaps “best kept secret,” needs to be not such a secret. Awesome panel. 🤩
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The Australian government's ambitious pursuit of education reform transcends the realm of economic prosperity, delving deep into the essence of national greatness. It is driven by a resolute vision to construct an intellectual empire, where the power of knowledge reigns supreme and enlightened individuals lead with sagacity and rectitude. These comprehensive reforms stand as a testament to the government's single-minded devotion to fostering an erudite society founded on inclusivity, equity, and unparalleled excellence.
At the heart of these transformative reforms lies an iron-will dedication to accessibility, recognizing that education is the cornerstone of societal empowerment. By dismantling barriers and expanding opportunities, the government endeavors to level the playing field, empowering individuals from all walks of life to unleash their boundless potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation's advancement.
Safety, too, emerges as an indomitable pillar within the purview of these reforms. The government's steely commitment to creating a nurturing and secure learning environment, free from discrimination, harassment, and prejudice, is emblematic of its profound understanding that a safe and inclusive educational ecosystem is sine qua non for the holistic development of students and the cultivation of a thriving intellectual community.
Moreover, these reforms bear testament to the government's recognition of the irrefutable significance of regional areas in the tapestry of the nation. Historically marginalized, these communities have been bereft of quality education and resources. By expanding educational opportunities in these regions, the government seeks to bridge the chasm of inequality, ensuring that no student is left languishing on the periphery. This strategic investment not only empowers regional communities but also harnesses their untapped potential, driving economic growth and fostering a more balanced and cohesive nation.
Furthermore, these reforms underscore the transformative power of knowledge and the pivotal role of higher education in shaping the nation's destiny. By providing gratuitous tertiary education, the government astutely recognizes the inestimable value of intellectual capital as a fulcrum for progress. It acknowledges that the most formidable asset a nation possesses is its human capital, and by investing in education, Australia is poised to cultivate a reservoir of talent, expertise, and innovation that will propel the nation to the vanguard of global leadership.
In alignment with global trends, these reforms also exalt the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. By championing these values, the government endeavors to create a vibrant and dynamic educational ecosystem that reveres the richness of cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. By embracing inclusivity, nations can leverage the vast knowledge and perspectives of their citizens, effectively turning them into living encyclopedias.
This is great news for Australia Jason Clare MP.
However, much of the systemic institutional change for regional and rural institutions
is currently not clearly articulated. Discussion/ consultation currently seems to position the elite giant metropolitan universities - again. They are mobilising rapidly because they have the financial
capability to do that (despite claims
of financial distress). Evidence behaviour not words in that regard. Our fear is that a primary driver is access to revenue and a pipeline of selected best quality students from the bush.
There is urgency to start a deep conversation with those delivering and headquartered in regions now.
We are the universities you seek.
Our long run historical statistics of access and inclusion make this abundantly clear. It is why my university, the University of New England (AU), was started by the rural and distant communities for those very communities. But, we are struggling now and cannot see the current discussion as focussed on understanding what we are struggling with and what to do about that - now.
Thank you again for your passion and vision for our sector.
Great share by Patricia Davidson 👌🔝⭐️ When we #value#students, ease their burdens, and #support them today, they’ll add value and make a real difference tomorrow as experts in their fields.
It’s a bit late, but still a great and promising move by the government. Hopefully, this will soon extend to students in other disciplines as well. The #Australian Universities Accord Final Report has started bearing fruit. 🪴🍀🇦🇺
#SupportFutureExperts#InvestInStudents
“There is strong evidence that DE—even à la carte DE—improves academic outcomes for students, including completing high school, enrolling in college, and completing college degrees.[21] And DE has been shown to benefit low-income students,[22] Black and Hispanic students[23][24][25], and students who initially struggled academically in high school.[26]” These results alone are worth investing in dual enrollment! #dualenrollment#reachingstrugglingstudents#studentsuccess
Gap year programs have a lasting impact on students as they learn more about themselves, others and God, before making the decision to further pursue higher education or not. Read more from two current LBC students who transferred to the college from gap year programs!
Doctoral Student, (ABD) Manhattanville University DEI, Social Justice in Higher Education
1moThis is great! 👍🏽. Jennifer Miller, I agree! The narrative is important and perhaps “best kept secret,” needs to be not such a secret. Awesome panel. 🤩