Md. Community Colleges to Hold 2nd ‘Summit on Completion,’ Highlighting Initiatives to Increase Student Completion Rates

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:           Community colleges are the gateway to higher education for more students than ever, as half of all undergraduates in Maryland now attend one of the state’s 16 community colleges. Firmly committed to ensuring that more students achieve the goal of completing a college education, Maryland’s community colleges are teaming up to share best practices for increasing the number of students who earn associate degrees, certificates or workforce credentials, and/or transfer to a four-year institution to complete bachelor’s and advanced degrees. The Maryland Association of Community Colleges’ 2^nd Annual “Summit on Completion” will bring together faculty and staff from the 16 community colleges, along with education policymakers and leaders, elected officials and others, to highlight key initiatives and strategies the colleges are undertaking to improve completion rates.

 

WHEN:           Friday, December 9, 2011 – 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Catonsville

                        CCBC Catonsville Q Building

800 S. Rolling Road

                        Baltimore, Maryland 21228

 

WHO:             Presidents, trustees, administrators, faculty, staff and students from Maryland’s 16 community colleges, along with key elected officials and education policymakers.

 

SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS:

 

9-10:45 a.m. – Opening session, featuring introductory remarks by CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis and Hagerstown Community College President Guy Altieri; Maryland Higher Education Commission Interim Secretary Danette Howard; and Dr. Uri Treisman, professor of mathematics and public affairs at the University of Texas. A former Harvard Foundation “Scientist of the Year,” Dr. Treisman is a national leader in the effort to revamp the delivery of developmental math coursework.

2:45-3:30 p.m. – Closing session, featuring a presentation by Carroll Community College Vice President Craig Claggett on “The Maryland Model of Community College Student Degree Progress,” showcasing data about student completion rates and trends.

Workshops throughout the day and a lunch session, featuring Dr. Rod Risley, executive director of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for students of two-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa has launched a nationwide college completion campaign.

 

CONTACT:              Steve Simon, MACC, 240-461-0333

                        Karen Smith Hupp, College of Southern Maryland, 301-934-7701

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