Ilana Sacknovitz, Ex Libris
Approximately 40% of undergraduate college students in the United States today attend community colleges rather than universities. The majority of these students are studying part-time while struggling to support both themselves and dependents. According to a Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) study, 30-37% of students spend 11 hours or more per week caring for dependents, and 19-41% spend more than 30 hours per week working. With the challenges that these students face, it is of little surprise that when asked about their plans after their current semester in college, nearly a quarter of CCSSE respondents reported that they were uncertain about returning to college. Indeed, fewer than 40% of community college undergraduate students manage to earn a degree from a two- or four-year institution within six years.
Meeting the Challenge
How can community colleges overcome these challenges? A study by the Center for Education Policy Analysis at Stanford University (CEPA) suggests that “understanding how students progress through their college programs is essential in developing strategies and choosing appropriate interventions to improve student outcomes.”
By understanding students’ pathways in college and developing strategies to assist students with their coursework and academic plans, institutions can improve their students’ chances of completing their studies.
Understanding how students navigate their academic journey is crucial for community colleges to improve completion rates. Ex Libris’ solutions, like Primo, a powerful library discovery service, can play a vital role in this endeavor. By providing a unified search experience for various library resources, Primo empowers students to find the information they need efficiently, regardless of its format – ebooks, articles, streaming media, and more. This streamlined access to knowledge can significantly benefit students struggling with time constraints, allowing them to focus on their studies and academic goals.
