How to Earn Extra Discounts As a Community College Student

While the United States has more than six million students enrolled at 1,000 community college campuses nationwide, only half a million students graduate from these institutions each year. According to President Obama, this low graduation rate must change in order for our country to prepare for a stronger and more fertile economy.

In specifically examining the troubling economic setbacks experienced by residents of Michigan, Obama asserts that many unemployed auto workers must actively pursue community college programs to gain new education and training for the future job openings that will arise. In light of PresidentObama's direct visit with Michigan's current and former auto workers, many residents are wondering if the failure of their auto industry will ultimately help drive up their community college enrollment rates.

The impact of Michigan's auto industry on community colleges.

As Yahoo News reports, President Obama's mid-July visit to Detroit was intended to help the city and surrounding areas face their current economic challenges with new vigor. Considering that Ford, GM, and Chrysler are all based out of Michigan, their recent financial struggles have contributed to a waterfall of job losses and salary cuts statewide.

During his visit, President Obama sympathized with residents while simultaneously attempted to boost morale with his $12 billion dollar proposal. With this proposal, President Obama hopes to increase the enrollment rates at community colleges, both in Michigan and across the country, to eventually create a more qualified workforce.

In looking forward to the economic perks

Although the United States Constitution asserts that all Americans have the freedom of speech, a handful of community college campuses may be silencing some voices. During classroom debates that focus on controversial topics, ranging from gay marriage to sexism in the workforce, tensions arise – but does this give community colleges the right to silence certain voices?

Legal Actions Against Limited Speech in Community Colleges

While there have been several cases brought against community colleges, Los Angeles Community College (LACC), located in California, has garnered the most controversial attention. As the Los Angeles Times reports, LACC student Jonathan Lopez filed a lawsuit against the college after his professor allegedly did not allow Lopez to complete his prepared speech on Proposition 8. According to court documents, Lopez asserts that the professor asked him to shorten his presentation due to the professor's own beliefs regarding gay marriage. As the LA Times specifically recounts, “The student said that the professor cut his presentation short, called him a 'fascist bastard' and told him to ask God' for his grade.”

This video looks at the freedom of speech issue.

Despite the shocking words, Lopez's professor was technically abiding by the sexual harassment policy set forth by LACC. Lopez's professor believed that the student's anti-gay marriage presentation was sexually offensive, and subsequently, by banning Lopez from giving the speech, the professor was indeed adhering to the subjective

While many feel relieved after leaving behind their former high school classrooms, new college students must ensure they adhere to their community college's academic requirements. Although community college certainly offers greater freedoms, students must maintain acceptable academic progress to stay enrolled.

Academic Probation Overview

As Lord Fairfax Community College (LCC), located in Warrenton, Virginia, reveals, strict guidelines and expectations exist for students' academic progress and conduct. While each institution has its regulations, LCC requires that all students maintain a GPA above 2.0. According to LCC policies, students who fail to earn a 2.0 GPA for one semester will receive an immediate “Academic Warning.” Similarly, any student who fails any course will also receive such a warning. This warning is designed to alert students of potential consequences if the low academic achievements continue.

Students enrolled in LCC who have earned 12 credit hours and fail to meet an overall GPA of 1.5 are placed on “Academic Probation.” Academic probation is permanently documented on a student's record as a much more serious step. A student in this circumstance is required to meet with a faculty advisor for additional guidance. Furthermore, with the support of an advisor or counselor, students may be required to reduce their anticipated course load for their upcoming semester(s). Adding to the implications, students on academic probation are banned from being appointed to any elective office in student organizations. Typically, academic probation lasts only one semester, as a student can regain his or her standard

Enrolling in honors courses in high school certainly offers its advantages, ranging from intellectual challenges to fast-paced learning. The perks of honors classes, however, are not restricted to high school! Today, many community colleges are providing students with honors credit and accolades. Through the various advantages associated with honors courses, students enrolled in community college can enhance their competitiveness as they prepare for graduation and the challenging job market.

Honors Options at the Community College Level

While each community college offers its own programs and standards, Quinsigamond Community College is one of the exemplary schools providing diverse honors academic opportunities. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) is one of the many institutions providing students with advanced honors credit. As QCC explains, their honors program is designed to “Motivate academically talented students to develop their fullest potential... The Program seeks to awaken and nurture a sense of humane citizenry and community responsibility within its members.”

Alongside general credit courses, students eligible to enroll in honors courses are permitted to engage in these alternative learning venues to fine-tune their critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills. While the objectives for standard and honors courses maintain the same focus, students enrolled in QCC honors classes typically experience more classroom involvement, alongside enhanced independent analysis.

This video reports on honors programs in community colleges.

The Benefits of Honors Courses at the Community