University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges have rolled out a new initiative aimed at increasing graduation rates. “Go Forward! Agree to Degree” challenged students to make a pledge to put their education first, focusing in on key areas that are known to increase academic success. Some of these ideas seem simple and rather straightforward, such as going to class, checking your school email, and communicating with your teachers. However, certain other resources seem to be escaping the notice of many students.
“…students do not maximize the use of the services and support available to them,” says Louise Yamamoto, Director of Community Relations. “I suspect that many students do not realize these opportunities exist, or they feel their schedules do not allow the time to seek help.”
So far, thousands of students throughout the UHCC system have pledged (with over 600 students and 100 faculty coming from Kapi‘olani Community College), and that number is still rising. The program will be ongoing throughout the semester, with other events in place to assist pledges, old and new, on track.
“KapCC is a very caring environment,” said Yamamoto. “I am always amazed at the spirit of volunteerism, the laughter, new friendships developed, and stories shared that make an event such as Agree to Degree a positive and integral part of College Life”