News

There are an estimated 35-43 million people with physical and mental disabilities in the United States according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics reports that nearly 11 percent of undergraduate students in postsecondary institutions have reported a disability. It is widely believed that there are many more who have undiagnosed or unreported disabilities.

If you have a college student in your life, you know there’s no shortage of advice on making the most of the pursuit of higher education. Some tips for new college students seem obvious: complete homework assignments, be organized, get plenty of sleep, and be an active participant in class. Actively participating outside of the classroom, however, is another key way to maximize the college experience. The learning that occurs in other areas of college life stays with students and shapes future success.

Community colleges possess a particularly close connection with the students, local employers, municipalities and communities we serve. The word “community” guides us in all that we do.

Community colleges help people from all backgrounds and experience realize all kinds of educational and career goals. Given the depth and breadth of our offerings, we’re able to encourage students to consider options they may not have imagined — with the goal of finding the right fit and a successful career path.

As another graduating class moves on to brighter futures, the faculty and staff at Waubonsee Community College actively prepare to help a new group of students realize their dreams. While our students may change each year or two, our employees provide knowledgeable, consistent service and create the educational foundation to make a difference year in and year out. This dedication can easily be traced to Waubonsee’s founding.

We don’t celebrate football players who stop at the 10-yard line or marathon runners who call it quits at the 25-mile mark. We cheer when a player scores a touchdown or a runner crosses the finish line because the athlete has reached the intended goal. The equivalent accomplishment for college students is earning a degree or certificate and using that credential to open doors to opportunity.

The 2010 census solidified Aurora’s position as the second-largest city in the state. It didn’t take this news to confirm what many already knew — Aurora is a city on the rise. The heart of Aurora, its downtown, is beating louder and stronger than it has in years. The list of exciting projects in Aurora’s downtown includes a vibrant restaurant scene; plans for a new, modern public library; the recently announced expanded slate of locally produced Broadway shows at the Paramount Theatre; and the start of construction on RiverEdge Park. One other project particularly close to my heart is Waubonsee Community College’s new downtown Aurora Campus, which opens June 1, 2011.

Community colleges pursue a critical mission in higher education — to directly serve our local community through powerful classes, programs and services. While the immediate impact from community colleges is significant, our students, alumni and employees also give back to improve their communities. Waubonsee Community College recently recognized one of our students for leading a unique outreach effort for some of the area’s most deserving local residents.

At every level of education, quantifying student success is a difficult task. With multifaceted missions and student goals, community colleges have a particularly complex challenge in defining institutional success. This spring, Waubonsee Community College is one of only 40 two-year colleges nationwide selected to participate in a pilot project designed to measure institutional performance and to create a national model

The start of a new year is an important, symbolic time for most people. Many see the new year as an opportunity to make life changes, learn a new skill, or pursue some new challenges. In higher education, the new year also signals the start of a new semester and a new financial aid season. If you’re planning on attending college or if your child will soon be heading to school, it’s time to apply for financial aid.