If a student fresh from high school was to enter college, they would be unsure of what to expect or even what they are required to do. That’s why a course was made to tell them what to expect and give them the tools to handle it. College Success/College 110, is designed to help new students seeking degrees. It’s meant to help them learn success strategies such as time management, study skills, and goal setting.

Colleges noticed that many people who attended college dropped out. The Pierce College Administration learned it was due to students not being prepared for the demands of college life. This is why they made College Success mandatory for those students who score below college level in key areas such as math, reading, science and a few others.

College Success has been around for a long time, but under different names. It wasn’t until the last few years that more emphasis has been put on the course, because they “…realize student retention and completion is not what it needs to be.”  WorkFirst Navigator and Adjunct Faculty, Bethel Wolfe said.

Students in the class learn how to study effectively. They discuss critical thinking and brain plasticity. Instructors also teach test taking skills, educational planning, and how to use the  resources available on the campus. Students are even given instruction on occupational research.

Students participate in pairs and small groups, along with group discussions. “I try to facilitate a lot of student interaction in the classroom, a lot of collaborative learning” Wolfe said. She feels this allows them to create a support network that will “support them throughout their entire college journey. It’s important for me to get students engaged and to feel part of the college community.”

There is no research to show how effective the current College 110 course is, but Wolfe feels that the course is doing what it intended to do. “…students always tell me how important it was to them.” Bethel said.

College Success is imperative to help the students accomplish their goals and preparing for life in college.