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Connect2Complete, a program of Campus Compact supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, works with nine community colleges in Florida, Ohio and

Washington to utilize peer mentoring and community-engaged learning as strategies for retention of low-income, developmental education students.

 

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Professor  Donovan  has  seen  a  change  in  her  classes  since  participating  in  Connect2Complete:  “They  seem  more  confident  and  relaxed.  Students  are  very  engaged  and  comfortable.”  And,  Professor  Donovan  says,  her  classes  with  Peer  Advocates  have  higher  test  grades.  In  addition  to  having  the  support  of  a  Peer  Advocate,  Professor  Donovan’s  C2C  classes  have  also  begun  to  engage  in  service-­‐learning  this  semester.  Her  students  are  writing  letters  to  high  school  students  to  tell  them  what  they  have  learned  in  college  and  to  offer  advice:  “They  are  reflecting  on  high  school,”  Professor  Donovan  explains,  “Realizing  the  more  connections  you  have,  the  more  aware  you  are  when  you  make  choices.”  Professor  Donovan  has  also  noticed  that  having  the  support  of  a  Peer  Advocate  has  helped  students  with  disabilities  engage  more  fully  in  her  classes:  “Peer  Advocates  are  able  to  help  bridge  the  gaps.”  Overall,  Professor  Donovan  reflects,  “Connect2Complete  has  been  a  wonderful  addition.  It  has  really  upped  our  ability  to  serve  students.”    

 

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As  a  faculty  member  at  Tallahassee  Community  College,  Professor  Donovan  has  seen  that  her  students  sometimes  have  trouble  talking  to  instructors.  But  with  the  help  of  Connect2Complete,  students  are  more  likely  to  speak  up:  “Having  a  Peer  Advocate  in  the  classroom,  students  are  encouraged  to  talk  to  the  instructor.  They  see  things  and  hear  things  differently.  There’s  a  friendly  culture  in  the  classroom.”  Peer  Advocates  also  provide  Professor  Donovan  a  unique  view  on  classroom  activities:  “It’s  collaborative.  The  Peer  Advocates  think  of  activities  that  would  be  good  coming  from  a  student.  They  have  a  fresh  perspective.”    

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Connect2Complete: A Conversation with Professor Nancy Donovan

C2C Faculty Member – Tallahassee Community College, FL