Students who earn degrees are more likely to have better economic well-being and job satisfaction, many studies have shown. But too often, personal barriers prevent students from completing their degree or credential.
“We want all of our students to reach their potential,” said Paul Fields, director of advising at Wor-Wic Community College. “Our hope is that with the consistent coaching of our academic advisors helping students to identify and overcome obstacles on their path to graduation, we can see more students cross the stage and collect their diplomas.”
To achieve this, Wor-Wic has started the Fins to the Finish Line, supported by a Maryland Higher Education Commission initiative that provides $125,000 in funding, as well as support and training in the Scaling Up College Completion Efforts for Student Success (SUCCESS) program aimed at improving college completion and economic mobility for students. Wor-Wic is one of three community colleges in the pilot program. Fields anticipates 50 students in the first cohort this fall.
“With 84% of our students being part-time, getting students who are taking nine credits to start taking 12 and become full-time can be a game changer,” Fields said. “Many times, students don’t realize that just a little more class time will get them to the finish line a lot faster. Our advising team will give these students personalized coaching and incentives to help them achieve their potential.”
To start, eligible participants will be selected from that group of near-full-time students. They should have a good academic record and will need to meet certain milestones to receive incentives, such as checking in with their academic adviser throughout the semester.
“By incentivizing students to meet with our advising team, it gives us the opportunity to make sure they are handling their courseload well,” Fields said. “If they are encountering barriers, academic or otherwise, it gives us a chance to intervene with the appropriate support to help them be successful.”
Wor-Wic has recently added new, flexible scheduling options, including a reorganized night class schedule that enables students who work during the day to go to school full-time at night if they wish. Online, hybrid and seven-week class options give students many different scheduling choices that flex around their needs.
“Our faculty, staff and administrators have worked hard to help our credit class schedules fit as many needs as possible,” Fields said. “We know it’s worth it, because we have seen the joy and pride on the faces of our students and their families every year at commencement. We want every student to have that success.”
For more information about the Fins to the Finish Line program, students can contact the academic advising center at academicadvising@worwic.edu or 410-572-8725. Students enrolling for the first time will meet with an enrollment coach first, then speak with an academic advisor. The application deadline for fall classes is Aug. 23.
