Table of Contents

Overview of Issue 26 

by Ed Shenk, Editor

In this issue, our authors explore Innovative Approaches to Student Service Delivery. The beauty of the community college is that it is forever moving forward and finding new ways to serve the students who enroll.  These students are seeking a new job or a new direction in their career paths, be it a vocational degree or the first step toward a BA or higher degree.  As noted by several leaders in Washington, the community college will be the engine that helps to train the existing work force and new citizens in addressing the challenges of the 21st century. The writers in this issue offer some ideas on how to provide a better path and an acknowledgement of this effort.

Sponsor: CCCCSSA

Theme: Innovative Approaches to Student Service Delivery

The Power of My Citrus Story:  How Student Narratives Have Personalized Citrus College’s Mission, Vision and Values

by Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D

Stories are powerful! Storytelling has long been used to offer guidance for those dealing with life’s transitions. People everywhere can relate in some way to others’ stories.  Stories offer lessons and signposts for maneuvering through life’s journey.  They can be inspiring motivators to empower a person to persevere even during one’s weakest moments as well as demonstrate and reassure us that we are not alone and that others have travelled the same path before. This article describes how My Citrus Story, an initiative of Citrus College, which provides an account of individual student experiences at the college, demonstrates the power of community colleges in changing the destiny of individuals. 

Students’ Perceptions of the First-Year Experience in Developmental Education

by Julianna M. Barnes and William E. Piland

This article explores factors from the students’ perspectives that may contribute to the early success of students enrolled in developmental education.  Although focused on a First-Year Experience Program, there are implications for institution-wide practices that have the potential to improve student success for all first-year students.

Improving Student Retention: The Role of the Cafeteria

by Kevin W. Trutna, Ed.D.

This article examines the cost-benefit analysis of operating the college cafeteria at Yuba College. The college cafeteria was scrutinized specifically for its impact on student retention and success.  Relevant factors that shaped the decision to retain a functioning college cafeteria at Yuba College were explored.

Innovation in Admissions and Records

by Jasmine Ruys

College of the Canyons Admissions and Records office implemented innovation in a small way that made a huge difference to the staff and students. This article walks the reader through the small steps taken to change how the Admissions and records office welcomed students to their campus.

High Risk Alcohol Prevention

by Beth Hoffman RN., MN

In this article, the consequences and intervention techniques are outlined so that an effort to increase our reach toward high risk alcohol prevention with community college students is achieved.

Current Issues in Community Colleges

California Community Colleges:Prerequisites and theProposed Revisions to Title 5

by Audrey Yamagata-Noji and Jim Ocampo

The authors discuss the changing regulatory language related to prerequisites that has created a much needed dialog related to student success and access and equity.  The authors suggest, that a solution can be applied in a holistic context, which may very well lead to comprehensive improvements for community college students and their educational success.

Special Series on Undocumented Immigrants and Higher Education

The Lives of “Undocumented” Students in Education, Part II

by Carmen Martínez-Calderón, Ph.D

This article is the final installment of a two part series that analyzes how “undocumented” students make sense of school, schooling, and their social standing in the U.S. The series continues with Confronting Obstacles through Agency and Social Networks. This second and final part of the series explores the obstacles, the safety issues and civic engagement these students enter into. The conclusion weighs in on the desire for the students to pursue higher education and not wait for the resolution of the political debates.