Initiative Overload? Challenges Facing Tri-City College's Goal of Serving Stopped-Out Students

• In Event: Centering Minoritized Identities Within Organizational Theory

Abstract

A leading community college nationally, Tri-City College is an institution in the suburbs of Midwestern U.S. charged with serving a diverse population, including traditional and non-traditional postsecondary students and secondary school students. Due to increased national, state, and local pressure to improve completion rates, Tri-City joined a national initiative aimed at improving institutional degree attainment through the reengagement of adult learners who previously stopped out after accruing over 45 credits towards their degree. Framed by the concept of institutional agents in the policy implementation process, this case study examines the challenges faced by TCC and the potential initiative overload currently facing many community colleges as they seek to serve and take responsibility for educating an increasingly diverse student population.

Authors

• Paul G. Rubin, University of Utah

• Jason L. Taylor, University of Utah