Introduction

Last updated
Save as PDF

Page ID: 173097

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

Introduction

Welcome & Important Facts

Welcome to HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College and congratulations on furthering your education! If you are reading this text, you are on your way to success in college. Throughout our time in higher education, your authors have been able to witness and observe the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that students must employ to be successful. In this text, we will touch on the elements we believe are important to help you be the best college student you can be. In addition, many of the topics we cover will help you to thrive in the working world as well.

Did you know that the overall college undergraduate dropout rate in our country is 40%? This statistic means that on average, 40% of US college students who start college don’t finish. Because of statistics like this one, many colleges and universities have made “first-year seminar” courses mandatory for all new students. A first-year seminar (FYS) course ideally is taken during your first year of college, and the class orients you to the college and the skills necessary to be a successful college student. Students who take these courses are much more likely to stay and complete college. Staying or “persisting” and then completing college is why you are taking this course and why we created this text. We know when students are given the tools needed, they can persist and complete college.

Why is obtaining a college degree so important? In 2015, college graduates in the US made about 56% more than those with only a high school diploma. College graduates also have higher job security and lower unemployment rates. 65% of all jobs in the United States now require training beyond the high school years. With these statistics in mind, you easily can see the benefits afforded to you and your family when you obtain a college degree.

Now, let’s get started!

References and Resources for Further Reading

Carnevale, A. P., Smith, N., & Strohl, J. (2020) Recovery: Job growth and educational requirements through 2020. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/recovery-job-growth-and-education-requirements-through-2020/

Hanson, Melanie (2021, June 20). College dropout rates. Education Data. https://educationdata.org/college-dropout-rates/

National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). The condition of education. NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_ctr.asp