Fulfilling the Promise of the Community College [Paperback]

Examine the first-year student experience as so rarely seen from the community college perspective and increase the odds of the new-to-college students' success. For three decades, U.S. higher education has paid increasing attention to the beginning college experience-to ensure that entering students make a successful transition to college. Yet, much of the extant research and practice literature focuses on the experience of first-year students entering four-year colleges and universities. Fulfilling the Promise of the Community College is an insightful publication that provides a thought-provoking, idea-inspiring look at the unique characteristics of the community college and its students. In addition, it explores the barriers to success these students face as well as strategies for ensuring that their higher education goals can be achieved. Authors describe successful adaptations of faculty development initiatives, first-year seminars, common reading programs, academic and career advising, learning communities, and STEM initiatives in the community college setting.In an effort to explain why the first year [of college] is so important, Fulfilling the Promise of the Community College: Increasing First-Year Student Engagement and Successprovidesreaders with an overall look at strategies that have proven to be both effective and impactful. Eachchapter is rooted in data and research that serves as evidence to the reader that the approachesincluded in this book have worked. . . . A helpful aspect of this book is its comprehensive approach to the subject. It covers everythingfrom orientation to learning communities to academic advising. It challenges community collegeadministrators to look critically at their infrastructure and determine if they really are success-oriented colleges. Sharing examples of successful strategies and challenges also strengthens this book.This balanced presentation shows the reality of what it takes to impact change. It also makes thebook vel)