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Background
Wayne Community College (WCC) in Goldsboro, NC, has 4,000 students in two-year associate degree and technical programs, one-year vocational programs, and college transfer programs. The college serves another 10,200 people annually in its non-credit, continuing education programs.
A successful student recruitment effort has resulted in a racially diverse student body. Credit enrollment is 37 percent Black and 63 percent White, a ratio that is similar to the county population. However, the college has not been as successful with helping minority and low-income students complete their educational goals. Only 6 percent of Black students graduate compared with 17 percent of White students. The college’s enrollment of male students has dropped to 36 percent.
Achieving the Dream goals
Developmental education is WCC’s priority. In recent years, one-third to nearly one-half of all entering students must take developmental courses. Most of the students needed developmental math, which has low completion rates. The college will
- Improve persistence among developmental students;
- Increase students’ engagement in learning;
- Raise graduation rates.
The first step toward achieving these goals will be the merger of information from several studies of WCC students. The results will influence changes in the curriculum of developmental courses. Faculty will receive periodic professional development to enhance their work with developmental students. Testing will be separated from student services so that tutors can concentrate on assisting students. The Testing Center will provide workshops to prepare students for exams. Mentoring will be provided for groups of male and female students.
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