College to career navigation succeeds at JSCC

May 12th, 2016

Many students encounter difficulty as they progress from high school to college. Around this time, emerging adults are confused about where they stand, what they want to be, or how to achieve their goals. Colleges offer the courses needed for success, but they don't necessarily provide students with the information needed to connect their personal interests with education that will lead to a productive and satisfying career.

Jackson State Community College began piloting COL 1030, College to Career Navigation, in Fall 2015. The purpose of the "Navigation" course is to help students learn how to connect their personal goals and strengths to their college experience. The course is designed to provide students with the foundational skills and tools they need to be successful in college and, ultimately, their careers.

Dr. Nell Senter, dean of social and behavioral sciences, chaired the committee that was tasked with the responsibility of developing the curriculum for this course. She explains that JSCC adopted the On Course strategies and materials that were created at Baltimore City Community College and over the past decade have improved retention and completion rates at more than 400 colleges across the U.S. and Canada.

According to Senter, even though the response from students who have taken the course is overwhelmingly enthusiastic many students are hesitant to take a course like this. "It is an elective course and students are often reluctant to take a class that is not required and is viewed as outside their area of study," she explains.

Beginning 2016-2017 COL 1030 will be required for K-5 AST (Associate of Teaching) and General Studies majors. The class is now a regular part of the JSCC schedule with sections offered this summer and 7-9 sections offered in the fall, including sections at the remote campuses. While many first year students benefit from this class many non-traditional students benefit as well.

"The students who have taken the course this year have given it rave reviews," Senter explains, "and we are hopeful that positive word-of-mouth endorsements will increase participation. The students have really seen the value of the course. They particularly enjoy the off-campus 'Escape Room' sessions that are part of the class."

Student Emily Allen stated that the class "...helps you to understand yourself better and to think of things you have never thought of before. I learned a lot about myself and had fun in the process," said Allen.

"When I first took this class," explains student Kameron Wilson, "I didn't think it would help me much. It turned out to be one of the most impactful classes I've ever taken. I feel extremely confident about my future."



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