Dr. Laura Douglas, president of Bristol Community College, has recently written about the cost-saving advantages of attending our school. As community college faculty and staff, we are used to this reputation of providing just a low-cost education. We, of course, know better. We would like to assure you that we’re so much more than just a low cost or safe alternative.
From the moment a student enrolls with us they are in capable and caring hands. Our staff is known for going the extra mile for our students — we are a small school, so we are able to quickly get a student connected to the services they need.
BCC's 2020 valedictorian, Vivi Goese, says “there are amazing tutors, librarians, and advisers, who encourage intensive engagement and relevant reflection.” These staff members are dedicated to the success of all BCC students. Now, working from home, BCC faculty and staff spend countless hours supporting students who have been thrust into uncertain times. We were there for you on campus, and we’re there for you now.
Goese, who is transferring to Brown University, has been an active part of our campus community, and that’s what makes BCC special: We create relationships that will help you to succeed and thrive.
Academics are also what makes BCC a desirable school. In addition to offering a low-cost education, BCC offers rigorous courses, engaged faculty, and intellectual challenge. Goese states “students have the opportunity to learn from distinguished and brilliant instructors. The environment at Bristol is designed to provide students a deep and successful experience.”
This environment she speaks about is what makes BCC a great institution. The small class sizes allow faculty to create close relationships with students. There are no lectures with 300 students: BCC creates community. The faculty and professional staff who have dedicated their lives to helping students overcome many obstacles to achieve their goals want you to know we are much more than a safe option.
Douglas is absolutely correct that coming to BCC to start your college career and even earn your associate’s degrees will net substantial savings compared to attending a four-year institution of higher learning for all four years. But, we know that the education and support you will receive at Bristol is the same quality, or better.
It’s not the cents you save but the senses you earn: The sense of what our world is really about once you are exposed to new ideas and concepts; the sense of what you can accomplish once you are inspired by the professor or support staff who connect with you as a person, and the sense of what you can do to change the world, for yourself and your community.
So, if you are on the fence about going away or sending your high school graduate away for school this fall or even about whether to register for classes at all, we want you to know we are here for you. Yes, BCC offers a cost-efficient and convenient way to earn your certificate or associate’s degree. But it also offers challenging classes and caring faculty and professional staff who are committed to helping you achieve your dreams now. Don’t let concerns about COVID-19 and all the unknowns derail your next steps.
We hope that you’ll join us this fall. We will be here, working for our students no matter the obstacles the world throws at us.
Emily Brown is president of the Bristol chapter of the Massachusetts Community College Council and wrote this on behalf of the Bristol Community College Council Leadership Team.