College Students and Our Economy

As Americans, we look to the economy for explanations about so many things in our daily live—gas prices, interest rates, and the cost of a gallon of milk.  We also look to the economy to explain trends in college attendance, job placement rates, and the number of students enrolled to continue their education.  In a society that places such value on education, we must work to provide all students with quality courses and the highest level of instruction. 

In recent years, legislation has focused on the support of community colleges.  Providing larger pell grants to more students has allowed for higher admission rates and will hopefully lead to higher enrollment in four-year institutions.  Many community college students work full time jobs off campus, or have family responsibilities that do not afford them much time to spend on coursework.  As a result, these students do not take a full course load each semester and may take longer than the traditional student to complete their program.  New legislation also proposes and increased emphasis on “critical work force areas,” including healthcare, biotechnology and STEM courses.  Policy makers hope that this new legislation will eventually stimulate the economy and return the investment made by government entities and schools. 

Governors are also being encouraged to take an active role in protecting the educational opportunities of students in their states.  By providing valuable scholarships and educational opportunities, states can capitalize on innovation and progressive ideas from the students of state universities.  Unfortunately, many states do not have the funds to provide the assistance to students that they once could.  Budget cuts have led to a rise in tuition and fewer available scholarships for incoming students.  During the recession between 2002-2004, state governments cut billions of dollars out of their budgets that were once appropriated for higher education.  Without this state funding, schools are forced to cut programs, fill classrooms to overflow capacity, and offer fewer experiences for students outside of the classroom.  As the economy takes a turn for the better, lawmakers should look at the costs of limiting educational opportunities and examine the outcomes and benefits of a more educated population.

Despite the dip in America’s economy, those employed by colleges and universities report higher job satisfaction than in years past.  The Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work for” survey included results from over 200 campuses and nearly 41,000 employees.  Employers reported healthy relationships with co-workers and supervisors, appropriate work-life balance, and confidence in the leadership in their department and at their institution.  Despite less funds to work with on campuses, professionals feel secure in their jobs and have faith in the administration guiding their institution into the future. 

Regardless of economic worries and the threat of fiscal cliffs and government shutdowns, professionals at our colleges and universities must focus on their responsibility to students.  Providing a positive experience that allows for growth and development into (hopefully) responsible individuals who can make positive contributions to society. 

Sources:
Community Colleges
Upbeat Employees
Governors to Colleges
Law-Makers and Budget Cuts

Behavior and Campus Involvement

Student behavior is an issue in any school setting, but the sense of accountability students have throughout grade school and high school disappears when students move away from home.  Without parents to monitor student behavior, college students experience a new freedom both inside and outside of the classroom.  At universities there are no “detentions,” and the most significant punishment most instructors can give is to lower a student’s grade in the course.  Unless there is significant disruption in class, or a serious concern on behalf of the professor, disruptive students won’t see an administrator to address their behavior.  The challenge facing professors and student affairs professionals is communicating expectations to students. 

One might assume that all 18-24 year olds know what is expected of them in a classroom, but we must remember that the college experience is a completely foreign concept for many high school graduates.  In high school classrooms, there is a smaller student-teacher ratio and often much more class interaction.  Along with new class atmospheres, students don’t have a school bus or parents dropping them off at school at the same time every morning.  Students have the freedom to arrive on campus when they please and unless instructors and offices have strict tardy policies, they might also arrive late to classes and meetings.  How can Student Affairs professionals set students up to succeed throughout their college experience? 

A study by researchers at the University of Michigan reports that students who attend religious services on a weekly basis also reported better behavior.  The study suggests that students are not restricted by religion, but encouraged to live healthier and more responsible lifestyles.  Studies have also shown positive correlations between student involvement on campus and academic performance.  These clubs and organizations give students positive experiences dealing with their peers, adult advisors, and community members.  By giving students responsibilities, they gain leadership skills and learn how to communicate clearly and effectively.  These organizations also help students discover their interests and passions, ultimately aiding their career and goal development. 

Richard Vedder goes so far as to call today’s colleges “country clubs,” arguing that by allowing students more freedom, they are not experiencing the development of past college students.  He points to a decline in in labor productivity and growth.  He suggests that the campus activities create distractions and allow students to make excuses for studying and class attendance.  Although studies have failed to show the lack of college preparedness for incoming freshman, students have also reported less studying and more partying.

By encouraging students to get involved in campus organizations, Student Affairs professionals can attempt to curb behavior problems on campus.  Equipping students to effectively balance coursework and extra curricular activities can lead to success in the classroom and in personal growth.  Finding a happy medium between being over-committed and not involved at all is an important task.  As professionals, we should work with individual students on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their personal interests and ultimate career and life goals.

Sources:

Religion and Behavior

Campus Clubs and Student Needs

Colleges and Country Clubs

Disruptive Student Behavior