Page 31 - BusinessWest April 18, 2022

Gina Puc says the move to remote learning during the pandemic has brought long-term benefits, with MCLA continuing to expand its geographic reach, and its audience, with its events.
for the student.
Meeting students where they are is central to
the mission at community colleges. With up to half of their enrollments occurring after July 1, community colleges have a different timetable and different priorities for the application and acceptance process than four-year schools.
As the pandemic begins to wane, Mark Hudgik, director of Admissions for Holyoke Com- munity College (HCC), said many high-school students graduating in June are fatigued and feel- ing uncertain about college because of all the dis- ruption in their high-school careers.
“We have conversations with students who question if they
are ready for college, if they are prepared enough,” Hudgik said. “Even if they’re not ready to start, we will stay connected with them to help however we can, and when they are ready, we’re here for them.”
Darcey Kemp, vice president of Student Affairs at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), said maintaining “high- touch” connections with students helps keep them on track whether it’s through flexible course offer- ings or by supporting non-aca- demic needs.
“We provide non-perishable food items for students who have food insecurity,” Kemp said, not- ing that, before the pandemic, students could stop by Student Affairs and get what they needed, but since the pandemic, STCC has
adjusted the program so students can now call or text and receive a package of food or an envelope with a gift card to a grocery store.
“It’s all part of being responsive and provid- ing support based on what students tell us they need,” she added.
Like many organizations, the STCC website has a ‘chat now’ pop-up screen for student ques- tions. Kemp said what was once a rarely used function has turned into a meaningful way to provide additional services to students.
“Before the pandemic, we might see 200
engagements a month,” she noted. “Now, on busy months, we have upwards of 4,000 unique monthly engagements.”
Since the pandemic, more students are seek- ing courses to gain entry-level jobs in professions that allow them to work while pursuing higher academic credentials, Hudgik explained. For example, a student may sign up for a non-credit
“Even if they’re not ready to
start, we will stay connected with them to help however we can, and when they are ready, we’re here for them.”
certified nurse aide (CNA) course to get their foot in the door in healthcare and, from there, take courses for practical nursing and eventually reg- istered nursing programs.
Community colleges remain a popular way for students to complete the first two years of an undergraduate degree and transfer those credits to a four-year college or university. In addition to providing great value, pursuing an associate degree can change a person’s life.
“We try to reach students who don’t see them- selves as learners,” Hudgik said. “When they come to HCC, we will meet them where they are and help them build the skills they need so they can go on to the schools of their choice.”
Since the pandemic, it’s probably not surpris- ing that several colleges are reporting an increase
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