As higher ed faces enrollment challenges, fostering diverse pathways for first-gen students becomes crucial. Dr. Drumm McNaughton's podcast features Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, President of Community College of Denver, discussing innovative solutions based on her unique K-12 to community college leadership insights. She emphasizes essential K-12 partnerships for first-gen support and advocates for a family-oriented approach. Addressing orientation, graduation, and credit transfer, Dr. DeSanctis sheds light on vital issues in higher education equity.

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· Prospective students, particularly first-gen, need confidence in college success. Partnering with high schools to guide students through higher ed processes is crucial, preventing doubts upon college entry. Communicating the value of post-secondary degrees is vital.

· Implementation of such supports at the K-12 level, not just during campus tours, aids student progress tracking.

· Recognizing the weight of traditional family roles, higher ed leaders must convince both students and families to enroll.

· The Community College of Denver holds an inclusive, outdoor graduation event, reflecting family importance. Flexible durations and guest participation foster inclusivity.

· Efficient student orientation is key; store relevant modules in the Learning Management System for anytime access.

· AP, ACE, or IB courses may favor out-of-state prospects. Dual enrollment credit disparities can arise even within a state due to high school recommendations.

· Dual enrollment at high schools can lack the college experience. Transfer credit inconsistencies hinder student progression.

· Retaking courses during transfers, especially within the same state, impedes student advancement.

· In a study, CCD students transferring between Denver universities faced redundant courses. Transparency, a task force, and aligned objectives addressed this.

· Aligning course objectives and identifying credit equivalency enhances credit transfer for students moving between institutions.

Read the transcript →

About Our Podcast Guest

Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, an accomplished education leader with over 23 years of experience, is a passionate advocate for first-generation student success. Her unique journey, transitioning from K-12 to community college leadership, brings a deep understanding of bridging educational sectors. As President of the Community College of Denver, she pioneers critical partnerships between K-12 and higher education, while championing a family-centric approach to enrollment. Dr. DeSanctis' innovative insights address key challenges, including equitable credit transfers and graduation formats. Her commitment to empowering students resonates through her roles in numerous educational organizations, reflecting a profound dedication to transforming lives through education.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton, the host of Changing Higher Ed®, is a consultant to higher ed institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm's website: https://changinghighered.com/.

The Change Leader's Social Media Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/
• Twitter: @thechangeldr
• Email: [email protected]

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