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What’s the best way forward?

Many people love the idea of earning a degree that could bring future stability and success. But they are wary of the time, effort, and resources required without any guarantee of a return on their investment. With the prospect of student loan debt and news of closures among area private colleges, how can considering college become a compelling choice for pursuing a brighter future?  

It’s helpful to realize that attainable options are well within reach through �鶹ӰԺ at Geauga’s regional campus. With locations in Burton and Twinsburg, area residents can acquire the skills, certificates, and degrees they need to get ahead with improved employment rates and salary increases, at just a fraction of anticipated costs.

New programs are also now available locally, including the undergraduate certificate in Medical Assisting and the Paralegal Studies program launching in Fall 2024 at the Burton location. Students at both Twinsburg Academic Center (TAC) and Burton can meet with the new Career Advisor Stacey Tiburski for help in navigating optimal academic paths toward successful careers. Services include career assessments, resume and cover letter writing, job and internship searches, graduate school preparation, and more.

Senior Admissions Counselor Bethany Begeot has worked with incoming students at �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga for the past five years. She recognizes that, “more than ever, students are looking into what the ‘value’ of a college education is. As a former regional campus student, I see incredible value in the educational opportunity the �鶹ӰԺ State system offers. First and foremost, we are able to offer tuition that is about 40% less than that of an Ohio public university main campus.”

Offering flexibility and options, �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga works with students so they can enjoy the savings and convenience of completing beginning coursework for many KSU degree programs locally, even if their ultimate plan is to finish their degree at the �鶹ӰԺ Campus.

“I like to think of the regional campus system as either a home base or a launch pad for students,” Begeot says. “They can choose a degree program they can start and finish on our campuses, while still reaping the benefits of being a �鶹ӰԺ student and utilizing the resources available to them, system-wide. Or, we can simply be the launch pad that they use to propel them forward, starting with us and then transitioning to the �鶹ӰԺ Campus when the time is right!”

CONCERNS WHEN CONTEMPLATING COLLEGE
Prospective students can be recent high school graduates or adults who have been in the workforce for decades. Everyone has questions and concerns about college readiness. 

“Students coming to us right out of high school are sometimes intimidated by the idea of four more years of school. However, many quickly adapt to college once they begin and find satisfaction in checking off the boxes that get them closer to a college degree,” Begeot says.

For anyone with prior college credits, �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga offers the BTAS (Bachelor of Technical & Applied Studies). This program is designed for returning adult students, leveraging their existing credits toward degree completion.

Increasing accessibility to a college education, �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga’s open admission policies do not require a minimum GPA or test scores before granting admission. Once admitted, a new student may need to take placement assessments to be matched to the proper level of college courses. Apply to �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga at any time in the Apply Now section of the kent.edu/geauga website.

When it comes to costs, Begeot shares that tuition at �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga is about 40% less than that of a typical Ohio main campus: approximately $7,300 per academic year. Even better: There is no application fee plus parking is free on campus.

MAKING THE GRADE

But if students still feel unprepared or overwhelmed, supports are in place to ensure their success. Campus resources include tutoring, library resources, accommodations for students with a documented disability, mental health counseling, and more.

Erin Bailey, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, serves as an academic coach who focuses on skills needed for student success.

She has identified three main struggles for incoming students: communication, critical thinking, and time management. The experience of going to college helps students to master these skills, which makes them more marketable in the workforce environment.

“Communication skills simply improve through students taking writing courses and submitting assignments in other college classes,” Dr. Bailey says. “Instructors provide feedback to the students that enables them to become more proficient writers. Communication is one of the crucial skills employers are looking for in today’s workplace along with critical thinking.”   

Dr. Bailey explains that students leave high school with general knowledge of how to remember and understand concepts. While in college, they learn how to analyze and evaluate information, providing a deeper understanding of how to process information.

Going to college also helps students master time management capabilities, since many are working either part-time or full-time. College students learn quickly how to prioritize deadlines while juggling multiple issues inside and outside of the classroom, Dr. Bailey says.

These ‘soft’ skills make college graduates more marketable in the workplace. Data from the National Center for Educational Statistics show, with more education, adults gain a better  along with , indicating a college education gives people a proven greater advantage in the job marketplace.

Mahli Mechenbier, M.A., J.D., is Senior Lecturer in the Department of English at TAC. She teaches several levels of writing courses, including Introduction to College Writing (a preparatory college writing class) and College Writing I & II.

She is well aware of incoming students’ top concerns, including the struggle to keep up with the demands of college coursework while balancing job and family responsibilities. Recent high school graduates, accustomed to ‘soft’ assignment deadlines, often struggle with meeting firm college deadlines. Prof. Mechenbier stresses that new students should attend orientation, which answers common questions and sets realistic expectations.

Most �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga students can build a flexible class schedule that requires attendance on campus only two days a week. Even so, they should be prepared for the daily time commitment needed for reading and assignments (especially for online courses).

To be successful at �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga, Prof. Mechenbier says that prioritizing responsibilities, managing time, and maintaining focus are vital skills.

“Setting space aside in your day to be able to read materials critically and analytically (do not just skim!) is central to student success,” she adds. “College is not just about memorizing material. Students must be able to apply what they learn in the classroom to situations in their future employment environments.”

Also, be prepared to revise and edit essays in English courses. “High school writing often consists of essays which students write in class, submit, and never revise. College essays are not finished in one sitting; freshmen should understand that their work may not be its best unless they take the time to review and improve an initial draft.”  

Regardless of age or experience, every student contributes to the dynamic sense of community on campus. “At Geauga, your perspective is always valued as a student and as a member of our learning community,” Prof Mechenbier assures. “Do not allow pre-conceptions about college stop you from enrolling in a course. Everyone can learn from each other.”

Finally, Prof. Mechenbier encourages students to seek support to ensure success at �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga. “Tutoring is there to help students succeed. Never be afraid to ask for assistance on an assignment. Your long-term academic success is important. Use your resources. Approach your professors. Talk to your classmates to build a support system.”  

The pathway to a brighter future is well within reach at �鶹ӰԺ State Geauga. As admissions counselor Begeot says, “Students are in charge of their own academic journey, but they are not alone in it!”