Rondeau views COD as part of 'learning network'

It's hard to believe I will celebrate my seventh month here at College of DuPage in just two days. I've enjoyed getting to know both the college and community over the last half-year.

The first few months I spent a great deal of time on campus, visiting different departments, learning how all the people work together here to run this complex and wonderful institution.

I also have taken my travels outside the main campus to visit with college and community members at our centers during a town hall tour with board of trustees Chairman Deanne Mazzochi. I've met with state legislators, peer institutions in Illinois, village presidents, mayors, town councils, Rotary clubs, chambers and superintendents who lead many schools in District 502.

My next trip will be to Washington, D.C., to meet with our federal legislators and my peers, as well as trustees from community colleges across the nation.

While I've worn out some shoes in the process, it's been a great pleasure. One of our goals at College of DuPage is to develop a learning network that creates connectivity between us, our peer institutions and our community organizations and members. Developing a learning network is essential as we move forward to serve the needs of our students and vast local, regional and statewide partners.

During my travels I've been asked many questions. Some key ones that may be of interest to readers are:

Q. Will COD ever become a four-year school?

A. No. Our community college was established in 1967 to provide accessibility and quality education for students in our district. We are celebrating 50 years of adhering to this charter.

As a forward-thinking institution, we have combined forces with many institutions along the way. Currently, we offer 14 bachelor's degrees taught on our campus that are issued by partnering institutions as part of our 3+1 program. These degrees are noncompetitive with area schools and are in place to help our students obtain jobs that formerly required associate degrees and now require additional education.

The 3+1 and 2+2 partnerships we have developed again follow our goal of being part of a learning network that provides relevant, quality, cost-effective education that helps our students fill skill gaps within our community, state and region.

Q. Is going to college still worth it?

A. Absolutely. People want to learn, and learning leads to success. On a more concrete level, a Jan. 17 article in Community College Daily noted that the earnings gap between college graduates and non-graduates is at a record high. On average, college graduates earned 56 percent more than high school graduates in 2015, according to data compiled by the Economic Policy Institute.

At College of DuPage, we listen to our community and advisory boards to ensure the programs we offer have value and will result in our students increasing their skills to obtain jobs or transfer to the colleges or universities of their choice.

Q. Why should students select COD?

A. Again, I must stress the intrinsic value of bettering oneself through education. COD is more than taking a transfer class or completing a certificate or degree. We are a community here, and the students thrive - leaving here with more than they ever envisioned in terms of friendships, knowledge and the ability to move forward in their lives.

We represent accessibility and quality. As the cost of obtaining a degree rises, many students simply can't afford to leave work and enroll in college. That's where we come in.

As a fully accredited regional provider of higher education - the second largest in the state after the University of Illinois - College of DuPage delivers educational quality at a cost that doesn't deter students.

According to a College Board study cited in a Jan. 20 Forbes article, a full-time student who spends two years at a community college, then completes his or her bachelor's at a residential private school, saves about 38 percent of the cost of their four-year degree.

As one of 982 community colleges in the U.S., College of DuPage understands the desire for learning - we see it every day in our students' quest for a better life through education. We want to make sure students can find their way here at COD by offering affordable, quality classes in many formats at convenient locations (approximately 300 at last count).

Recently, our board of trustees made a decision to freeze tuition in its FY 2017 budget for the second year in a row. This goes back to our charter and mission of accessibility, quality and, ultimately, student success. Closing the gap of educational opportunity is key if we are going to have a future that is about raising people up rather than leaving them behind.

Q. Is there more construction on the horizon at COD?

A. In the immediate future, we don't anticipate significant new construction. Our current Glen Ellyn campus provides incredible, hands-on opportunities for students in all of our programs. The 273-acre main campus has approximately 1.8 million square feet of facilities. The board of trustees recently received a Space Utilization Comparative Analysis Study to carefully assess the space we currently have for our nine associate degree programs and 170 certificates in 52 areas of study.

Q. What are your goals for the upcoming year?

A. After several months of diligent work by the Strategic Long-Range Plan Advisory Committee, which included an environmental scan, internal assessment and soliciting significant input of staff, students, the community and other stakeholders, in October the board of trustees adopted a new Strategic Long-Range Plan for the college, which is available on our website. The plan states eight goals that focus on accountability, value-added education, student centeredness, equality and inclusiveness, relationships, innovativeness, financial stewardship and infrastructure.

Q. What have you learned about COD since you've been here?

A. Honestly, there is so much more here than I ever imagined. I have been deeply impressed by the responsiveness and dedication of our employees.

College of DuPage is filled with people who truly care about student success, the enhancement of new skills among current workers, and providing opportunities for adults who are seeking career changes or lifelong learning experiences.

While College of DuPage maintains a 50-year history based on a stellar academic reputation and value, I will continue to listen and learn about our college and how we can and will improve for the benefit of our students and our community.

• Ann Rondeau is president of the College of DuPage. Her column appears monthly in Neighbor during the school year.