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Demographic Shifts: The Community College Experience
Ileana P. Rodriguez, Ph.D.Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student ServicesTriton CollegeRiver Grove, Illinois
Triton College Service Area at a Glance 25 communities in the western
suburbs of Chicago 332,937 residents in densely
populated communities Highly diverse in most
demographic dimensions Population is slightly older than
State average
Diversity in the Triton District While median household income is $50,773, the
range spans from $89,284 in River Forest to $34,663 in Rosemont.
Two extreme patterns in educational attainment coexist. River Forest has 38% of graduate degree completion among residents 25 years or older, while Stone Park has 2% on the same measure.
In 1990 the Triton district was 73% White; it is now 55%.
The Hispanic population grew from 1990 to 2000 from 8% to 15%.
Large immigrant population 19% of residents were born outside of the US
and of those 8.2% entered the country within the last 10 years.
28% of households in the district speak a language other than English at home.
Enrollment Trends at Triton College Current Fall enrollment is approximately 17,500
students. A headcount decline was experienced in the
year 2000; prior to this decline headcount figures exceeded 20,000.
FTE has since remained relatively stable, with recent increases in credits. Less students are taking more credits.
Over 20% of the institutional enrollment is in the ABE/ESL area – growth has exceeded 30% within the last 5 years.
Institutionally, growth has been experienced mainly in ABE/ESL and in the general education transfer offerings.
Strategies for Addressing Demographic Shifts
Enrollment initiatives to address emerging needs of our prospective and current student population:
1. Mentoring program for degree-seeking students2. Bilingual recruitment staff3. Learning communities for Developmental Education
students (supported by Title III Grant)4. Customized academic support and placement services
for students in career programs (supported by Perkins Act Grants and CSSI State Grants)
5. Tuition free courses to enhance preparedness for successful higher education experience
Strategies for Addressing Demographic Shifts6. Additional staff and resources to facilitate access to
financial aid; student friendly alternatives for tuition payment.
7. ABE/ESL transition program8. University Center – bringing 4-year colleges and
university and education to the community college campus.
9. Diversity Plan – Triton’s AAA: Appreciation, Adaptation, Achievement
10. Jump Start – Bringing together English, Mathematics, and Counselors from High Schools with our Faculty to build relationships. Long term goals include the development of vertical assessment programs that would inform curriculum decisions to close the gap between high school and college in terms of preparedness.
Challenges and Opportunities Funding!
Reduced funding at the State level is forcing institutions to move into the realm of competitive grants and requiring closer collaboration with community partners.
Embracing the new student! Appreciating the value added by the new student to
the institution and the educational endeavor. Building academic and student services programs
that are learner-centered, i.e., focused on the values, attitudes, and behavioral preferences of the new student population.
Contact Information:
Ileana P. Rodríguez, Ph.D.Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student ServicesTriton College2000 Fifth AvenueRiver Grove, IL 60171(708) 456-0300, ext. [email protected]
