By Andy Lyons
As the fall semester begins, I want to take an opportunity to welcome you back to campus. Many of you, I realize, never left. Much hard work by faculty and support staff alike was done throughout the summer months. But the turning of the academic year is a fresh start and deserving of a welcome.
This will be a challenging year. Enrollments are skyrocketing as dislocated workers are returning to technical college campuses around the state. At the same time, growing numbers of traditional college-age students are turning to the technical colleges as they seek more affordable postsecondary options.
Yes, enrollment growth will strain already limited resources. That story will continue to be told as we struggle with the problems of exploding demand and limited capacity.
On the bright side, however, the increasingly diverse mix of students will present you and your students with a variety of interesting learning opportunities. Your adult students have so many valuable life experiences - life lessons and professional expertise that the typical 18-24 year old wouldn't otherwise be exposed to. Younger students have much to offer as well. Traditional college-age students - experts in the use of today's digital gadgetry - may be able to informally aid older students in learning some of the technological skills today's employers demand.
What types of strategies do you use to get younger and older students learning from each other? Feel free to share any ideas here.
As you ponder that question, here are some beginning-of-the-year resources:
And as always, remember that your union is an invaluable resource that provides you an opportunity to shape your work environment and work life.
Have a great semester!