In recent years, community colleges have seen an upswing in enrollment numbers. People are headed back to school to gain experience in trades, cutting edge careers or to change their current jobs, because of this, people who have never been in school or have not been in school in a long time are getting stuck in the system.
Automated World
Many community colleges are more computer based than before, which for some adds to the digital divide. For older students who have not been to school in some time or students who have not had the exposure to electronics in high schools this can be a very scary and daunting experience. Worry not, there are people in the community colleges who are paid to assist people with their online paperwork. So who can help in this situation?
- Admissions officers- They know the admissions process as well as the application inside and out and the majority are excited and willing to help out whenever asked. So be sure to ask.
- Academic counselors- They can assist with the scheduling portion of college and are willing to do just that. They can also assist with a graduation plan and help figure out what classes need to be taken.
- Financial Aid counselors- They can assist with online financial aid applications, additional paperwork to prove financial status and how to access the awards packet online.
- Departmental advisors- Not all departments will have departmental advisors, so if one is found they are a diamond in the rough. They will know how to apply for school as well as assist in navigating the entire process from application to graduation. Some may even keep files on individuals majoring in their department to assist them in obtaining classes towards graduation.
Each of these people are vital to the success of students in any college setting, but especially in the community college setting.
Avoid Pitfalls
Community colleges are like any other business in the United States and are trying to make money. The more students in the class, the more money they will receive. Because of this process many schools will offer additional classes that are not on the graduation list. This is due in part to assist people who may only need a certain number of class units after a degree or who simply are interested in that particular subject and want to know more. If a student is on a graduation track it is important for them to stick to their class plan.
Keep a copy of the class plan from the year the student began with that school, that way if the rules change and additional classes are added, that student on the plan does not have to meet the new requirements, only the incoming students will.
Periodically check in with either the academic counselor or departmental advisor to ensure that the student is on track to graduate.
Most importantly, keep copies of everything from admission through graduation in the event that something gets lost or misplaced by the school, the student will have a back up copy.
The Major
When majoring in anything be sure that the student is interested in the subject. Many times students are not sure in what they would like to major, if that is the case, then take core classes that will give an idea of what the subject entails as well as assist with graduation credits. Remember that the student is more than likely just starting out or changing careers, now is the time to experiment a bit.
Majors can be changed, however if a student wants to change their major, it is best to look at the amount of coursework completed and see if it would be better to either minor in another subject or complete the degree and receive an additional degree in something else.
If students are savvy and use the resources provided to them by the community college of their choosing they will be able to complete certificates and degrees quickly and with as much knowledge as necessary to be extremely skilled in their area of expertise.
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