Students don’t come to community college for the illustrious title and prestige other distinguished four-year universities have. They come because it’s affordable, accessible, and for a number of other reasons that just make sense.
At Salt Lake Community College, students receive instruction from experienced faculty. Many instructors work or have worked in the field they’re teaching. Adjunct faculty can often provide great insights and timely information that represents current trends in evolving fields.
“I’ve worked at universities and community colleges for many years now,” adjunct instructor Mitch Sears says. “Far too often in my university experiences I found a higher focus on teaching research, which — don’t get me wrong — has its place. But in fields like journalism, technology and communications, the community colleges definitely have better priorities for their students.”
Smaller class sizes too provide an intimate learning experience where students and instructors can make connections. Rather than being shoved in the back of what can feel like a stadium, students are front and center and have opportunities for one-on-one guidance.
The philosophy of the community college is to explore and develop, especially before transferring to a four-year university where you’re expected to know where you’re headed. Colleges like SLCC take great care in helping students find their path and prepare them for, if they choose, further education.
For international students, it’s also a great place to improve English skills and meet other students in similar circumstances. SLCC offers specific classes and services, such as the office for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, to help these students as they make their way through the higher education experience.
Education is made easy for part-time students as well. Many are parents, single parents, part-time or full-time employees, or have other responsibilities that keep them occupied. 60 percent of community college students take less than 12 credit hours. Community college schedules meet the needs of busy people by also offering night classes and chances to take classes online.
The spirit of community college is best represented by this concept: learning is a life-long process. It’s an institution of a thousand possibilities, and chances are, there’s a campus near you.
