Helping students fight opioid addiction
Bret Frazier’s first attempt at attending community college ran aground due to his opioid addiction. “My goal was to have fun and party, and meet people who were like-minded,” he says. “I had two semesters…
Leadership
Welcome to the (legal) jungle
The mission of community colleges is clear: To provide an accessible and affordable education while acting as a workforce development source for a country in need of skilled labor. Yet, a distinct set of values…
Cooke heads AACC board of directors
Sunita “Sunny” Cooke, president/superintendent of California’s MiraCosta College District, became chair of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) board of directors on July 1, succeeding Ava Parker, president of Palm Beach State College (Florida)….
How to connect better with students
Culturally responsive pedagogy is more than a nice add-on, according to Juan Rodriguez, Jr., and Sarah Belknap. The two community college educators have found that it’s an effective way to build rapport with students that…
The benefits of being a PRIDE Club advisor
In 2007, when I was considering an offer for a faculty position after grad school, I checked the college’s website to be sure that they had an LGBTQ+ student organization. As a queer-identified educator, I…
Embracing VR
America’s community and technical colleges have long been perceived as no-frills institutions that offer specific skill sets, two-year degrees, and a cost-effective path to a four-year college or university. But this image is rapidly changing…
A democracy…voting and engagement
Those of us who work in community colleges are fortunate in many ways. We enjoy the opportunity to interact with a great diversity of students who have chosen to enroll at our institutions. We know…
Home court advantage: A playbook for investing in athletics at community colleges
When the #3 nationally ranked Northern Essex Community College (NECC) men’s basketball team hosted the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 21 Championship Tournament in front of standing-room-only crowds this spring, the starting five…
Getting pronouns right
At HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, we view inclusion and diversity as integral to the educational success and continued professional growth of every student and employee. Editor’s note: This article is the third in a…
Aspen Prize finalists include new and familiar faces
The Aspen Institute on Tuesday announced the 10 community colleges that are finalists for the biennial $1 million Aspen Prize. Among them are four finalists from the previous 2023 competition, including one college that has…