ECC shares how they plan to address urgent growth needs related to healthcare professions and first responder training

By Sarah Evans

As with the three colleges previously highlighted in this series, Elgin Community College (ECC) is seeing its enrollment increase rapidly. For spring 2009, enrollment is up 14 percent, the third highest spring enrollment in the college’s 60-year history. This increase includes more returning students, transfers from other four-year universities and adult learners. Looking at Spring enrollment trends across the state of Illinois, we are not alone.

At ECC the plans for our future are already in the works

Due to tremendous growth and as one of the oldest community colleges in Illinois, ECC is currently requesting from its district (Community College District 509) permission to issue bonds to cover the critical needs of the college. On a national scope, ECC is not alone; there are many community college districts in need of vital facility improvements (in Illinois, many districts have successfully pursued a referendum in the past two years).

State funding for community colleges has dropped significantly over the past seven years, and no Illinois community college has received any state funding for capital projects or deferred maintenance since 2004. Federal stimulus projects remain undecided, but there is speculation that those who can match funds may take priority. If true, ECC could leverage referendum dollars to receive federal stimulus dollars, offering opportunities to further plans for a Health Careers Center of Excellence and Regional Public Safety Training Facilities, among others.

Healthcare providers and community colleges go hand-in-hand

Nationally, community colleges are responsible for educating 60 percent of all new registered nurses and the majority of allied health professionals. Impressive numbers, yes. However, we don’t always have the capabilities to keep up with demand. In the midst of a nationwide healthcare workforce shortage, the need for healthcare job training is so high that ECC turns away more applicants every semester than it is able to enroll. ECC’s referendum would double the classroom space for health careers training and allow the college to offer up to eight additional health career training programs, including a Bachelor of Science in nursing in partnership with Northern Illinois University.

We will continue to do our part to prepare for the employment increase in healthcare and related fields which is predicted to be approximately 19 million by 2016.

Community college the right choice for this nursing alum

Nursing was the right choice for Pamela Walker, the new emergency director for Elgin-based Sherman Health and ECC was the right choice to pursue her education.

“ECC was my jumpstart for a lifelong career of growth and achievement,” says Walker, a 1977 graduate with more than 20 years of nursing experience.

Walker says that ECC provided her with so much training that she didn’t return to complete her bachelor’s degree for 22 years. She credits her success to the relationships she’s developed with her fellow nursing students and ECC instructors.

The ECC nursing program is as popular today as it was when Walker attended. Although enrollment caps existed in the ’70s as today, she says the difference between the two periods is that nursing is now seen as a career choice, not as a casual decision. ECC has a huge role in training future nurses and healthcare staff, she says. Sherman Health and other regional hospitals also see the importance of that role.

“All area hospitals are eager to partner with ECC,” Walker says.

80 percent of police, 86 percent of fire fighters, and 84 percent of paramedics receive their credentials at community colleges

ECC is at the forefront of safety and security preparation for our region–training the firefighters, police officers and paramedics.

However, the college does not have training facilities on campus or the space to meet the increasing demands for job training. Currently the college can train only about 240 students per year for public safety professions. Regional public safety training facilities funded by the referendum would double the number of students trained for jobs in public safety each year–and ensure that students have access to high-quality technical and medical training close to home.

Local police chief is life-long learner

St. Charles Police Chief James Lamkin is a believer in ECC, earning his associate degrees in accounting and criminal justice during the ’70s and ’90s.

“I always believe ECC is a tremendous resource in our area,” he says. With a career in law enforcement spanning more than 28 years, Lamkin, who recently was named the 2009 president of the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association, has put his degrees to good use, as he’s able to juggle his department’s budget with police work. He says ECC gave him the tenacity to earn his degree. As an adult learner, Lamkin enjoyed the engaging conversations he had with instructors.

Your Economy. Your Community. Your College.

As with our peers across the country, ECC is ready to accommodate the current and future growth of those who utilize their community colleges. Although we have much to be proud of throughout our 60-year history, we have real, urgent needs that have expanded as the economy drives more people to the resources and services we provide.

To protect our regional economy in this national economic downturn, we must continue to build a skilled workforce, attract economic investment, and reduce unemployment. This is what community colleges are all about.

If you haven’t yet, go and check out what your local community college is doing–I bet they’ll surprise you!

Enrollment is increasing at Metropolitan Community College of Omaha, Nebraska, but online enrollment is growing more than twice as fast as the overall rate.

For Spring 2009, enrollment is up 6 percent, but online enrollment is up 13 percent, according to officials.

Officials say that two factors are driving this online growth: students are staying home because of the cost benefit of staying home, and students are taking online courses because they work around a job.

The fastest growing demographic at Metropolitan Community College is Asian/Pacific Islander — having seen greater than 7 percent growth two years in a row.

As with many community colleges, Metropolitan works to meet the challenges of state funding and remaining nimble enough to meet the needs of the community in real-time. But officials there said they are battling another challenge: faculty nearing retirement age.

Most people who work at community colleges are aware of “myths” about community college. Here are the four myths listed by Metropolitan:

Community Colleges are easier than four year institutions.
Community Colleges are not quality programs, for lower income, lower social status.
For those students who can’t make it in a “real” or four-year institution
An associate degree won’t get you anywhere/it’s not important to finish your degree at your CC before transferring to a four-year

Despite growing enrollment and shrinking funding across the nation, community college officials continue to reach out to improve the perception of their institutions.

“We have some of the same instructors as the four-year universities/colleges who teach of the same rigor here as they do at their other institutions” said Metropolitan’s Sheila OConnor, director of marketing and public relations. “We are not a second-rate institution.”

Community colleges today

There were 11.5 million students enrolled in 1,195 community colleges in January 2008, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. Of these students, 41 percent were enrolled full-time, and 77 percent held full-time jobs. Compared to their counterparts, two-year schools represent a bargain. Annual tuition and fees at public community colleges average $2,361, which is less than 39 percent of the $6,185 cost of the average public four-year school.

Photo credit: Photographs courtesy of Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, Neb.

The global recession has strained academic budgets, so public universities are capping enrollment, sending thousands of students through the doors of open-enrollment community colleges.

Student credits are exploding at Valencia Community College in central Florida. After growing 11 percent in 2008, full-time equivalency enrollment is up another 12 percent in Spring 2009, pushing enrollment close to 34,680.

“The recent spike in enrollment at Valencia is largely affected by economic factors, the increased interest in education is a testament to the American spirit,” Valencia President Sandy Shugart said. “In times of trouble we turn inward and look to improve; retool ourselves to ensure we are better prepared for the marketplace that emerges on the other side.”

Enrollment is up across the board at Valencia. The growth has been steady across gender, ethnicity and degree status. Although the greatest growth has been among Hispanic students, the growth is proportionate to the demographic in the local service area.

More students, less funding

As more students walk through the front door, however, fewer dollars from the state are accompanying them. Community colleges have no choice but to do less with more as their four-year public counterparts turn students away with caps or increased admission standards.

In the last two years the state of Florida, like many states, has cut funding to all of the community colleges and universities, school officials said. For the first time in the school’s history, students’ tuition and fees will cover more costs than state funding in 2008-09.

Despite the funding challenge, Valencia officials remain committed to providing a quality education and helping students achieve their goals.

“For current students, the idea of investing in self is a cornerstone of their decision to come to college in the first place,” said Christian Campagnuolo, vice president of marketing and media relations at Valencia.

“Students approach college with the existing desire to make themselves better equipped for a changing world,” Campagnuolo added. “We simply help them fulfill that goal, by providing an accessible educational option that suits their needs.”

Meeting the challenges

Economic restraints create two challenges for Valencia. The school must provide instructors, advisors, classroom space, and support services while at the same time maintaining the open access that officials have made a central part of the school’s strategic plan.

School officials said that retention is another current challenge.

It is commonly believed that community college students have more out-of-school obligations, which pull them away from school, officials said.

“Fifty-five percent of Valencia’s student population is part-time, meaning that they have full-time jobs, and families to manage outside of school,” Jeff Cornett, director of institutional research at Valencia, said. “These added life-stage responsibilities increase the chances of a student dropping or stopping out.”

Debunking the myths

The enrollment numbers show clearly that business is good for Valencia. However, school officials are constantly working on marketing and improving the school’s image.

Officials want students to know that community college is more than the 13th grade, and a high quality education is available at Valencia.

School administrators also work to ensure that transferring to a four-year-school is not too complicated.

And perhaps most importantly during tough economic times, financial aid is available at community colleges.

What Valencia wants you to know

1. Value – We offer a high-quality education, with smaller classrooms and state-of-the-art technology for a 1/3 of the price of most four-year institutions.
2. Convenience – We offer a multitude of degrees and certificates with a variety of delivery methods, so you can learn what you want, where you want and when you want.
3. Transferability – Depending on the degree you earn you can either transfer easily to a better job in the workplace or four-year institution.
4. Success – No matter how you come to us, you will be more successful in life when you leave.

Valencia Community College operates seven campuses around the Orlando, Florida, metro area. The college was founded in 1967.

Community colleges today

There were 11.5 million students enrolled in 1,195 community colleges in January 2008, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. Of these students, 41 percent were enrolled full-time, and 77 percent held full-time jobs. Compared to their counterparts, two-year schools represent a bargain. Annual tuition and fees at public community colleges average $2,361, which is less than 39 percent of the $6,185 cost of the average public four-year school.

Photo credit: Photographs, advertising images courtesy of Valencia Community College, Orlando, Fla.

The state of community colleges today

Bad economies hurt most businesses, but economic downturns often benefit higher education as workers seek skills to remain competitive in the workforce.

Community colleges tend to fare especially well due to the fact that they offer comparable courses at about half the cost of a traditional four-year school.

This is true at Butler Community College, a two-year school with its main campus about 29 miles northeast of Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, and its largest growing site just 10 minutes from the heart of downtown.

Students and administrators describe Butler as a vibrant, engaging institution with options for many types of students.

“If more people knew that Butler is half the cost of most four-year universities, or that many could get their first two years of college paid for with scholarships at Butler, I think more people would consider coming to Butler,” freshman Olivia Newfarmer said.

Butler has approximately 8,365 students enrolled in more than 60 academic programs and majors. The student-to-faculty ratio is just 17:1.

“As more folks are looking for ways to retrain, change careers and the like, community colleges provide a very affordable and accessible avenue to do so,” said Ryan Entz, executive director of marketing and communications at Butler, whose main campus is in El Dorado, Kan.

Enrollment trends

For many, the image of community college represents a blend of recent high school graduates and mid-career students seeking training or career change. At Butler, however, the classroom makeup is evolving.

“About 15 years ago, the average age of our students was 27. Today it’s 23,” said Gene George, Butler’s executive director of research and institutional effectiveness. “The 18-22 age (group) is the largest segment of our enrollment and appears to be growing.”

Quality of education

When considering the lower cost and smaller class sizes, some question whether the quality of education suffers at community colleges. This is a myth, say students and administrators at Butler.

“A lot of people say things like ‘You can’t get a good education at a community college,’ ” Newfarmer, a freshman, said. “This definitely is not true. Butler has really opened my eyes and given me a first-hand look into what may possibly be my future.”

Butler officials said that it’s a misconception that today’s community colleges are where students go when they are not ready for a “real” college.

“Most community college faculty and staff shudder at the idea that their institutions are an extension of high school,” George added. “Community college education is college-level work that requires critical thinking skills and broader personal engagement with new ideas than was required in high school.”

Student Government Association President Bradley Zrubek noted that the average Butler GPA is higher than several of their four-year counterparts in Kansas.

Social learning

Social media are tremendously popular with today’s college students, and community college educators are working to keep their educational practices current.

Traditional formal classrooms may be relatively ineffective for today’s students, Butler administrators said.

“We need to capitalize on the growing body of research regarding the social nature of learning and bring the best learning environments into our classrooms,” George said. “To do that, we need to generate institutional capabilities to adapt to new conditions.”

George said that higher education cannot become outmoded or unable to meet the demands of current students.

“To remain relevant to the needs and interests of our students, we need to demonstrate that we provide learning experiences that create value relevant to our students,” he said.

Social media

Community colleges need to harness social media not just as a way to ensure effective learning, Entz said, but as an overall communications strategy.

“The issue of communications is becoming more essential with each passing tweet,” he said. “This is not only a marketing issue, but it affects the entire college – from how faculty communicates with their students to how admissions communicate with prospects.

“How do we engage our students today across multiple platforms and in ways that allow us to interact more effectively with them?”

Community college officials are attempting to integrate Facebook, Twitter, and user-generated content into marketing efforts, too, Entz said.

“How can you have your students market for you?” Entz asked. “We all know that people trust people before companies, and user-generated content is your own students talking directly to your prospects and other students and parents.”

Officials are working to create trust and transparency among user-generated content, he said.

“I believe we are all trying to keep up with this new media and find effective ways to use and measure it,” Entz added.

Alumni involvement

Community colleges face a unique challenge in engaging alumni due to the fact that the two-year school is often not the final education source, Entz said.

“This makes a community college one step removed – or back – in their alumni lineage,” he said. “This gap makes it difficult to for us to capitalize on school pride that so often leads to alumni involvement and financial support.”

Another challenge with alumni allegiance is concurrent enrollment at multiple colleges and universities, Entz said.

“An example is that a student might have 30 hours from Butler, but during this same time they accumulated 20 hours from Wichita State and perhaps 15 hours done online from another university,” he said. “This demonstrates the growing philosophy of today’s students to find the quickest route to be marketable … and not necessarily concerned about attaining a degree.”

Despite the varied interests and educational paths of students, traditional student activities are available for students who seek them.

“As a student at a community college there are many leadership opportunities that I wouldn’t have at the larger universities,” Zrubek said. “Butler students have the ability to work and get involved in positions that require a high level of responsibility.”

Destination education

Another community college myth is that the schools are simply transfer schools.

“There is no longer a linear pipeline that moves students from high school to community colleges to a baccalaureate institution,” Entz said.

“A bachelor’s degree is not required for many skilled occupations – and earning one isn’t an immediate goal for many college students.”

Instead, Entz said, many students are looking to gain marketable skills as efficiently and affordably as possible. Transferring to a four-year school or obtaining a two-year degree often are not goals for skill-seeking students.

“Only about 25 percent of our students report the intent of transferring to another school,” George said. “The majority come to us for specific training needs or for academic or economic reasons. Many of our students are enrolled in a university and taking classes from another community college in the same semester.”

Community colleges today

There were 11.5 million students enrolled in 1,195 community colleges in January 2008, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. Of these students, 41 percent were enrolled full-time, and 77 percent held full-time jobs. Compared to their counterparts, two-year schools represent a bargain. Annual tuition and fees at public community colleges average $2,361, which is less than 39 percent of the $6,185 cost of the average public four-year school.

“I have absolutely not missed out because I’m at a community college,” Butler fine arts major Cameron Bedell said. “The classes have been a challenge to me. Friends have told me they go to school where the classes have hundreds of people. Here, you have no more than 50 people at most. There’s opportunity for interaction with other students and the teacher.”

You can find Butler on Facebook, Twitter, or check out their main and Pure Learning Power Web sites.

Photo credit: Images courtesy of Butler Community College