In an effort to help college students achieve their goals quickly, Kellogg Community College this year will begin steering new students into orientation, advising and first-year support strategies.
Beginning with the Fall 2018 semester, most students who take classes for the first time at KCC will be required to complete a one-credit introductory course known as the First-Year Seminar and sign up for orientation and advising sessions.
At KCC, the new student success measures are part of the College’s ongoing “Guided Pathways” reforms, which help students explore and identify their preferred education or career paths, stay on track throughout their time at KCC, efficiently complete goals and degrees and then smoothly enter their chosen career or university destination. Colleges across the United States are implementing such strategies in order to increase student success and degree completion. Collectively, the strategies help students save time and money in their college education.
“Our research and experiences as educators tell us that students are more likely to succeed if they meet early on with an advisor, attend an orientation session and complete a short introductory course,” said KCC President Mark O’Connell. “For many students, these initial steps can build momentum and make a huge difference in how quickly they progress toward their individual objectives.”
The First-Year Seminar is a new course to be offered in a variety of lengths and formats that will work in concert with orientation and advising. Together, this trio of support strategies enables students to use a career exploration tool, create an academic plan, identify key services at KCC, learn about time and money management, understand various learning styles, hone test-taking and note-taking skills and examine individual and cultural diversity. Knowledge gained through these success measures will help students avoid costly decisions, such as selecting a career path they later discover isn’t right for them or taking courses that won’t transfer to the university of their choice.
In addition to unveiling the First-Year Seminar this year, KCC is increasing its capacity for advising and orientations by expanding the advising staff to increase availability at all KCC locations and redesigning orientation sessions.
High school students enrolled in an Early College program at KCC must meet the new requirements, but high school students who are dual-enrolled outside of an Early College program will be exempt. Also, college students who transfer to KCC with at least 24 credits will be exempt from taking the First-Year Seminar.
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