Page 12 - 20-2

ENHANCING COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT PERSISTENCE WITH

Fossil Hunting in Aurora, NC. Rain puddles were Sylvan Heights Bird Park.
useful in removing mud from fossil fnds. The temperature was 8 F.

Tis comment spurred the science faculty to re-evaluate the lab Underprepared students. Underprepared students may have
components of courses. Unable to include additional feldwork multiple semesters of remedial coursework before they begin
within the course lab schedules, a plan developed to form a college-level courses. Community college-sponsored clubs ofer
club that could ofer experiential science activities. In 2002, a variety of activities that could help socially and academically
the eXtreme science club was formed. Te frst few semesters, to integrate these underprepared students into the culture of the
the eXtreme science club functioned similar to other academic institution and provide opportunities to interact with the faculty
clubs. Students indicated during Club Rush they wanted to outside of the classroom that could remain consistent semester
become members of the club. Ofcers were elected, dues were afer semester.
collected, meetings were scheduled, fundraisers were held, and
science activities were conducted. In 2014, the club functions Latino students. Hurtado, Carter, and Spuler (1996) indicated
very diferently from the beginning semesters; however, that one of the most important factors contributing to a
the primary focus remains the same. Te club still ofers Latino student’s adjustment to college was maintaining family
experiential science activities. relationships. Saunders and Serna (2004) stated that even when
McClenney and Greene (2005) stressed the importance Latino students attend a local college it represents a separation
of designing an environment in which the student cannot from family. Furthermore, Saunders and Serna noted Latino
escape engaging experiences. Te number of hours of student students had a clear understanding that their parents and/
engagement is a recognized predictor of college retention and or family members could not provide the types of assistance
success (Kuh, 2003; Schuetz, 2008). Certainly, one way faculty necessary to help them persist at the college; however, maintaining
can engage students outside of the classroom is through faculty family relationships were critical to their academic pursuits.
involvement in clubs and club-related activities and events. Community college-sponsored clubs may ofer a way to bridge
Furthermore, students who participate in school clubs are more between the need for family relationships and the social and
likely to complete their programs of study and, compared to academic integration of the student into the college. Clubs that can
those students who fail to persist, are more integrated into the include family members in some events or activities ofer Latino
college (Schmid & Abell, 2003). students the opportunity to raise family awareness about the
college environment while still permitting the Latino student the
Te frequency and duration of interactions outside of the opportunity to participate in club activities that foster the faculty-
classroom could be enhanced with increased club participation; student interactions that enhance student persistence.
however, multiple barriers and impediments to that participation
may be difcult for community college students to overcome Single and/or working mother. A portion of the female students
despite the advantages of the engagement opportunities. A who attend a community college are single mothers and/or
study conducted at Coastal indicated there was a statistically working mothers who require daycare services. Commitments
signifcant relationship between club participation and student to their workplace, to their families, and to their education
intent to persist; however, this study also described and leaves little time to become engaged in community college-
summarized 17 impediments to club participation (Songer, sponsored clubs; however, successful attainment of a community
2011). Te following are four examples of barriers some college education ofers a route to better future employment.
community college students may encounter.

10 LEADERSHIP Vol. 20.2 Fall 2014

Client: The Chair Academy Job: CHAIRAcademy_Journal_20.2 fall 2014
Final size: 8.5” x 11” Colors: CMYK Bleeds: Yes
Created by: Goldfsh Creative - Laura Dvir • 602.349.2220 • goldfshcreates@q.com