Equity In Education
by Talitha Batts & Rasheda Kelley
When a student decides to enter higher education, it is mainly due to the desire to advance into a professional career and improve their socioeconomic status. The step of entering a community college should be welcomed with inspiring and aspiring encouragement for the reason of hopefulness in educational advancement. The term intersectionality has been identified as the social parameter of unique experiences, opportunities, and barriers of students. The identification of intersectionality can present challenges of student retention in North Carolina Community Colleges. In research from Chandra (2022), there are several effective strategies that can be implemented to sustain student retention. The following ways of improvement to student retention can assist with ensuring all students succeed in their collegiate educational process.
Create an effective student engagement agenda
The implementation of an effective student plan is the most critical step in student retention. Community Colleges should take account the demographic data for a conclusive student engagement plan. The engagement of students must represent all genders, age groups, and ethnic backgrounds. Examples of student engagement would be student research groups, social, and civic organizations.
Be Actionable with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Practices
Students need guidance in early careers advancement. The formation of student resource groups and social organizations will provide community college scholars with greater opportunities. Additionally, a community that offers individuals a sense of belonging can assist with student retention.
Cultivate a positive relationship with faculty, advisors, staff
The relationship between faculty and students is vital to ensuring student retention. Community Colleges must identify and implement low-stress and positive measures to communicate with students. By cultivating an attitude of positivity, students will continue to have a sense of belonging and remain enrolled until matriculation. Positive communication is the key to success in education. Student retention is a leading challenge faced in North Carolina Community Colleges. The recognization of intersectionality can help identify the social needs, barriers, and opportunities for individuals to succeed in their college careers. Improving student engagement and building a positive campus community will impact community colleges for greater good.
Student retention is a leading challenge faced in North Carolina Community Colleges. The recognization of intersectionality can help identify the social needs, barriers, and opportunities for individuals to succeed in their college careers. Improving student engagement and building a positive campus community will impact community colleges for greater good.
References
Chandra, S. (2022, October 26). 12 Key Strategies to Improve Student Retention. CampusGroups. https://blog.campusgroups.com/campusgroups/2021/5/25/strategies-to-improve-student-retention
Spriggs, J. (2022, November 16). Community colleges’ time to challenge status quo. EducationNC. https://www.ednc.org/perspective-community-colleges-in-action-advancing-equity-and-enhancing-economicmobility-using-local-collective-impact-strategies/
The Time Is Now. (n.d.). https://www.ncsl.org/education/the-time-is-now
Whatley, M., & LaVenture, S. (2022). Expanding access to international education: The case of North Carolina community colleges. New Directions for Community Colleges, 2022(198), 37–48. https://doi.org/10.1002/cc.20509
