Retention is huge. Completion is larger though, as you said. I would like to see, and think it speaks to the information in the course, a more comprehensive overview of each program in terms of revisions, delivery methods and intern/internship opportunities. We have to be differently different in order to keep and maintain our competitive edge.
Excellent idea, Derrick. It's so important to be aware of what might not be working, and have the flexibility/knowledge to change it. Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
I need to make sure I understand the regulations so I can identify any practices that may not be compliant. Once identified I can make or recommend the changes I think are necessary in order to bring the practice back into compliance.
That is interesting point, Mickie. How can you help to fix this issue, in the role you currently have?
Dr. Jean Norris
Derrick, You are exactly correct! What can you do, in your role, to ensure organizational practices are compliant?
Dr. Jean Norris
I agree that completion is the number one challenge. Retention is a huge issue. I find that many of these students feel unprepared for school, being the first one of their family to go to college and may not have the support and expectations they need in order to be successfull
I think one of the most critical issues facing higher education is the rules and regulations that have been put into place in conjunction with student outcomes. A lot of the scrutiny our industry is under and a lot of the rules and regulations that have been put into place are attributed to poor practices and poor student outcomes. We as leaders need to ensure that our organizational practices are geared towards meeting compliance regulations and focused on providing positive student outcomes if we are to be successful.
Erin, We couldn't agree with you more! I'm curious about number 2. What are some other ways we can alter the public view of for-profit/career colleges?
Dr. Jean Norris
Facilitator
Excellent points, Heather. What other departments can you count on to assist in providing this information at orientations?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think we have a lot of critical "issues" facing higher education both nationally and locally. A few that stand out to me are:
1. Maintaining compliance with various federal and regulatory agencies - this really applies to everyone in higher education.
2. In career colleges/for profit institutions we need to educate the public about who we are and what we do to try to increase awareness and respect for our industry. By graduating highly competent graduates into fields that have need we can hopefully gain the public's trust and confidence.
3. We need to remain flexible in education - I think academia can be rigid and slow to change, in today's fast paced global economy higher education needs to become more agile and adjust to changes - changes in technology, careers, teaching philosophies, etc...
There is so much information that can be given to incoming students and it can be overwhelming. I think that a campus needs to have a very structured and efficient orientation program for new students. This can be tricky and can quickly become a session of "data-dumping" if it isn't organized in a way that provides new students with the information they need to have before they get too far into the program. Some things that need to be covered early on are attendance policies, student code of conduct and communication with faculty.
Traci, Meeting compliance standards is a must! Great point. What can your institution do to differentiate itself?
Dr. Jean Norris
Traci, Interesting ideas you bring up! What are some ideas you have to manage this issue in higher education?
Dr. Jean Norris
Heather, Excellent awareness! What specifically can you do to help prepare your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think one of the most critical issues that my organization and career college companies in general face, is remaining competitive in an industry where multiple institutions are offering similar programs. It requires organizations to be innovative in designing programs that attract their target population. This demands careful study and implementation so that not only is each institution's offerings unique but that they also meet accreditation standards and compliance with federal regulations, etc.
Raymond, I agree with you that no student should pass a class if they have not successfully mastered the required skills. I know the push to retain students who are failing sometimes creates instances wherein there is a tendency to manipulate circumstances or requirements so that "everyone is a winner." This might seem like a valid solution for a struggling student; however, in the long run, it undermines the purpose of education in the first place.
I think the "loss of focus on what education is supposed to be" began in the public school system. When I was a kid, I either passed a test or I didn't. I either turned in my homework on time or I didn't and got a zero. Somewhere along the way, it became okay for students to turn in their work late, to retake failed quizzes, and to be assigned to different standards based on whether he or she intended to go to college, or any number of other categories or exceptions.
Do you think this change in the public schools from the 70s-80s versus today has impacted career college education in terms of completion outcomes becoming the measurement for education rather than the mastery of skills defining education?
I agree with Professor Bowen that the biggest challenge is completion rates. Whether the reason is financial or something else,as an industry we have to do a better job of supporting and preparing our students for the obstacles they will face as adult students. Those obstacles can range from family commitments to just being a first time college student but if they are not fully prepared for the commitment it takes to be successful they will fail and in that will become disheartened and may never achieve their dream.
Rene, Excellent point. What do you suggest to help make this shift? Dr. Jean Norris
I think the biggest challenge higher education faces is the lack of innovation and creative thinking to enhace our customers experience. We are industry that is very reactive as opposed to proactive and we cant seem to create the paradigm shifts that occur or need to occur.
Lydia,
I'm jumping up and down in my head saying, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" to your post. For too long the admissions process has remained the same, when today's student is very different than they were just a few years ago. Technology plays a big part in the change in our students, but as a result they need people to work with their mind, body and even spirit - rather than simply answering some questions, providing basic information, and enrolling them in classes. With the ratio of student to high school counselor climbing daily due to budget cuts and with adult students not even having 'counselors' as a resource, now more than ever we need to work with our students to facilitate their decision-making process. You're right, if it's retention we want then it IS our responsibility to graduate students that are balanced and satisfied with their education. Thank you!
