WHAT’S NEXT FOR FLCC? The Incubator is a specialized space for tutoring in sciences, including anatomy and physiology, a required class for several programs: nursing, kinesiology and human performance, health care studies, physical education and exercise science, and nutrition and dietetics. photo by rikki van camp theLAKER | 21 To recognize and respond to an ever-changing environment, the Board of Trustees adopted a new strategic plan at its August meeting to direct College resources toward three priorities. Improve student learning and success through individualized support and strong collaboration between faculty, staff and students FLCC students come from increasingly diverse backgrounds with a wide range of challenges that can get in the way of progress toward a workforce certification, two-year degree or one-year certificate. The new strategic plan calls for greater investment in individualized student support systems that address and aid their increasingly complex needs, for example, mental health, English as a second language, and financial literacy. Expand the College’s ability to meet the evolving needs of students and the community FLCC is an open access institution – only a high school diploma is required to enter all but the nursing program. Students arrive with a wide range of preparation. Kim Nelson, a chemical dependency counseling graduate, (see page 16) did not know how to turn on a computer the day she enrolled. Among her fellow graduates was Lucian Sacheli, who finished high school with 32 Advanced Placement and concurrent enrollment credits. He initially enrolled in a four-year school but transferred to FLCC to be close to home when his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Even as the College supports students like Kim with significant academic needs, it must also provide a rigorous and engaging experience to high achievers like Lucian. The new plan makes Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training a priority so faculty can meet differentiated learning needs. UDL is an approach to motivate students and enable their success by offering flexibility in how students access material and show what they know. The new strategic plan also directs faculty and staff to design and promote programs and stackable credentials to support the needs of local industries. The term “stackable” means credentials that can build on one another. For example, students could take a few courses to earn a microcredential then apply those same courses toward a degree. Invest in students’ futures by leveraging partnerships The College has always enjoyed strong partnerships with local organizations and employers. In the coming years, the College will work with alumni and business partners to create more opportunities for students to get hands-on experience. The College also plans to increase opportunities for high school faculty teaching FLCC classes in local districts to participate in professional learning and mentoring. This will improve students’ transition from high school to college and enhance high school teachers’ ability to guide and advise younger students. What students tell us The College surveyed new students in the 2022-23 academic year. One-third, or 579 students, responded. They shared some information about their lives: 42 percent expected to work 30 or more hours per week 7 percent said they had no computer at home 10 percent said they did not have consistent access to enough food 40 percent said they struggled with mental health
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