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The Report Card A monthly newsletter that gives
you the facts... |
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Background:
One of the goals of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) is to offer accessible and affordable higher education to all Washington state residents. Community colleges have an “open-door” policy that gives students access to programs and services on a non-competitive basis to meet the needs of the community.
Highlights:
Washington
community and technical colleges serve an increasingly diverse student
population. Over the last
decade, the number of students of color served system-wide increased
by 10% and continues to increase. Likewise,
the student population at Green River has become more diverse over the
years, although the percentages have been lower compared to the system.
- Of
the state-supported students enrolled in fall 2003, more than 25% were
students of color at Green River compared to 29% system-wide.
- Over the past three years, the percentage of students of color enrolled at Green River increased by 3%. (See Figure 1).
While
Green River continues its efforts to hire an increasingly diverse
faculty and staff, the percentages of faculty and staff of color has
been significantly lower than that of the student population. In fall
2003, more than 13% of faculty and staff were of color. (See
Figure 2).
- Over
the past three years, the percentage of faculty of color at Green
River has mirrored the percentage of faculty of color
system-wide.
- The
percentage of full-time faculty of color increased by 3% during the
same time period whereas the percentage system-wide remained
unchanged at 13%. (See
Figure 3).
Over
the past three years, the percentage of students of color at Green River
has been comparable to the percentage of people of color in the
college’s service area, whereas the percentage of faculty of color has
been considerably lower. (See
Figure 4).
Last year, Green River received close to 5,400 financial aid
applications. The purpose
of financial aid is to provide access to educational opportunities for
students who cannot afford the cost of college. Green River provides a
variety of scholarships, grants, loans and employment programs for
students. Students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program
and meet satisfactory academic progress standards to be eligible for
financial aid.
- Of
the $8.5 million in financial resources distributed to students in
2002-03, 72% was in the form of grants and scholarships; 22% was
loans; and 6% was earned through work-study. (See
Figure 5).
- The number of financial aid awards given to students last year increased by 16% from the prior year. (See Figure 6).
Green River provides services and assistance to students with disabilities that allow equal access to various programs and services. Many students with disabilities, however, do not report their disability to college officials.
-
Of the state-supported students enrolled at Green River in fall 2003, over 4% reported a disability.
- Of those students, nearly 21% reported a learning disability and 15% a mobility limitation. (See Figure 7).
Among
the Washington community and technical colleges, the number of students
enrolled in distance learning is growing more rapidly than any other
type of enrollment. Students
taking distance learning courses demand “just-in-time” training to
meet their needs while juggling full-time jobs and family obligations.
- In
fall 2003, distance learning represented 14% of Green River’s
total enrollment compared to 8% system-wide. (See
Figure 8).
- Over the past three years, the number of students enrolled in distance learning courses at Green River increased by 44% compared to 42% system-wide.
