University Business - August 2006 - (Page 84)

END NOTE How to Look at Community Colleges A legislator's response to those who say these schools are taking too long to educate students. By Bill Finch R ing business. HCC helped bring some $2 E C E N T LY, CRITICISM HAS million in grants to the business commu- been lodged against community nity, some of which were used for the ini- colleges for taking longer than tial operations of METAL, a consortium of three years to graduate some of their stu- metal manufacturers who are pooling their dents. In neighboring Massachusetts, for resources to help manufacturers compete example, where only 16.4 percent of com- in our world economy. munity college students graduate within Two years ago, the college went one three years, shock waves have found their step further. With the Bridgeport Cham- way into The Boston Globe, where mis- ber of Commerce, HCC created the Hou- guided critics alleged that community col- satonic Research Institute to provide free leges are taking too long to do their job. high-quality, low-cost strategic planning Nothing could be farther off the mark. data to the business community and other Using a three-year mark to judge the effec- interested constituencies. Its Connecticut tiveness of a community college is almost Business Strategic Planner helps local busi- laughable. Using it to measure their value nesses assess the market and make better to society does a disservice to these vital Using a three-year decisions. All are significant contributions schools and the work they are doing. graduation mark to judge to the region and our country. None are re- In the past few years, stiff competi- flected in the three-year graduation rate. tion from abroad has affected jobs across the effectiveness of a Housatonic ranks among the nation's America, including in my state of Con- community college is most effective in giving people a low-cost necticut. Some jobs leave, some stay, and opportunity to better their lives. When it some require more training. But one thing almost laughable. comes to operating cost-effectively, HCC remains constant: Community colleges are stands out as a profit center for the state, providing our workforce with the training bringing in nearly $180 million annually For some, it means taking a course or two needed for the jobs that remain at a price to its service region. And the college distin- to sharpen their skills or develop new ones. workers can afford. guishes itself as a true partner on the cutting For others, it means pursuing a one-year Displaced or underemployed workers edge of helping the business community. certificate to train for a new career. must obtain the education and training Each of these is worth a long, loud Three-year graduation rates don't re- they need to find new jobs in this flattened round of applause. And none are reflected flect the crucial impact community colleges world. Employers and employees need in the three-year graduation rate! have on the lives of their students, the com- community colleges more than ever. It is a Community colleges provide the life- panies that employ them, or our nation. necessity if we are to remain competitive. long learning that our state and our nation These schools give employees survival need now more than ever. For this reason, BUSINESS BOOST skills. Housatonic Community College, when it comes to training for a new career, Consider other out-of-the-classroom ways in my home city of Bridgeport, Conn., the advice I give constituents is, Go to a that community colleges help businesses. has many students trying to balance full- community college. Go to Housatonic During Janis Hadley's 10 years as presi- time work with raising a family and taking and study at your own pace. That's why we dent of HCC, the college has become a courses to advance in or train for a career. have community colleges! valuable asset and true partner to business. For many especially family bread- It played a key role in creating the winners who can only find the time for Bridgeport Economic Resource Center, the a course or two each semester it doesn't Bill Finch is a Connecticut state senator. He can agency charged with attracting and retain- mean going full time for a two-year degree. be reached at finch@senatedems.ct.gov. 84 | August 2006 universitybusiness.com EndNt806.indd 84 7/24/06 3:53:34 PM http://universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - August 2006

Contents
College Index
Advisory Board
Company Index
Editor's Note
People Watch
Sense of Place
Stats Watch
Viewpoint
Financial Aid
On the Hill
Admissions
Future Shock
An Education in AV Technology
Retention Intentions
Endowment Management
Good Data In, Good Data Out
Sticking with the Tried & True
Home, Sweet Home
Faculty Issues in Online Education
Internet Technology
What's New
Calendar of Events
Direct Connect
End Note

University Business - August 2006