This file is copyright of Jens Schriver (c) 
It originates from the Evil House of Cheat 
       More essays can always be found at: 
       --- http://www.CheatHouse.com --- 
                ... and contact can always be made to: 
                    Webmaster@cheathouse.com 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
Essay Name       : 570.txt 
Uploader         : TODD 
Email Address    : gymrat
Language         : english
Subject          : Education
Title            : Community College
Grade            : 89
School System    : ECC
Country          : USA
Author Comments  : 
Teacher Comments : 
Date             : 3 NOV 96
Site found at    : searched the net
--------------------------------------------------------------
High School graduation is a sense of accomplishment for everyone. Then in sets reality. The graduating class of 1996 
is no different. There’s Lisa, who has her future mapped out without exception. Bobby is a little confused but realizes where his
goals will lead. Finally, undecided and unknowing, Tracy searches for an answer. Though these graduates have completely
different academic goals, they have all registered at Elizabethtown Community College. However, they suddenly realize they
don’t know the first thing about college. Who are these people? Where do they go? What do all these new and strange terms
mean? To whom do these students turn?
In order to understand how the college works, there must be an understanding of how the college is organized. At
ECC, the divisional structure is simple and understandable. This structure begins with the administration which consists of the
president, deans, and from there, the division of Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social and
Behavioral Sciences. Each of these departments is headed by a division chair. Within these divisions are the faculty. The faculty
are able to work closely and intimately with students in the small college setting of ECC. At ECC, each individual will be aided in 
educational decision making regarding their future. This allows every student an equal opportunity for success in their field or
fields of study.
Many students who have enrolled at ECC and have chosen a major have several classes offered for their intended
major. These students tend to follow a  plan in regard to their education. They may adhere solely to the curriculum designed for a
certain division such as the Physical Sciences. The division chair for the Physical Sciences Division is Linda Howard. The
decision making process for the division is like any political debate; heated discussion over differing ideas. The Physical
Sciences Division answers to the dean of student affairs who in turn answers to an academic council. There is also a division
liaison to the Lexington campus. This makes it easy for students to transfer classes and gives them a head start for a major in
the Physical Sciences or other divisions.
Ideally, a student would like to have a certain group of classes to take that are completely focused on their major, but
in a small college that is not always an option. Many students attend small community colleges only in order to save money and
get their basic requirements before transferring to a larger university for specialized education. These students have a major in
mind, but they are not lucky enough to have a structured program like the students above. These students must, not only rely on
the courses that are chosen, but must also become involved in outside activities directed toward their career choices. For
instance, students who have chosen print journalism as a major may have to look elsewhere for experiences in this field, since
no courses are offered in that area of study. One of the best ways to prepare for future training is to gather input from
professionals in the area and professors that may have expertise in a field of study. In the case of journalism, Linda Beattie is a
professor at the college who has expertise in this field. The students would also want to see if they could get a job in their major.
For journalism, the students would want to try to intern at a local newspaper to get some experience. Also, students in this
situation would need to keep in mind that the classes they take may or may not transfer to the college they wish to attend. In
order to successfully move on from the community college program, students who are in the situation described must look much
further into the future in order to keep themselves on track for their career goals.
The remainder of the student body is composed of those who have no decided major. This group can be divided in
many ways : some students are attending just a few classes for personal enrichment , some are trying to make a decision
between two or more majors, and others perhaps have not found a specific area to match their interests or career goals. Those
who are attending classes for pure self enrichment will probably not concern themselves with choosing a major. The other
groups are assumed not to have made their choice yet. Though undecided, a future major will consist of certain core classes,
such as psychology, algebra, or English. This group of students has certain requirements, though not as definite as those with
majors already chosen. Usually, the classes chosen by the undecided students either fit the core curriculum or introductory
classes are taken to explore possible majors. For instance, if the decision was between biology and psychology, the student
may enroll in Introduction to Biology and Introduction to Psychology. Even the undecided groups have a strict structure.
Knowing the structure of a college proves to be important to students making decisions about their future. Though many
students are certain of their major, others remain undecided. Those who are decided may not have classes aimed toward their
major, but these students can go ahead and take their core classes. Students must often turn to an advisor, teacher, or friend to
help make these important decisions. All of these aspects mentioned create the structure of ECC. 
--------------------------------------------------------------
