MDC3 and a Writing Classroom

Over a period of six weeks in the summer of 2012 I had the privilege of working with a number of students where the main focus of our class became an analysis of the graduation crisis at our institution. Earlier in the semester our college president sent an email to the college community providing a clear context of the challenges facing us.  With fewer than 40% of students graduating from Miami Dade College, it became clear to all of us that these numbers merited a robust discussion and analysis.  More significantly, the numbers suggested that the very students who were sitting in my class were likely not going to complete their course of study.  We were alarmed and energized and dedicated the short six-week summer semester to research, discuss, and reflect.  The essays provided are a small snapshot of the work completed.  They suggest that students are concerned and eager for an authentic reform that challenges the very foundation of a college culture that is often disengaged and distant from their real life concerns.  More significantly, they expressed a clear desire to be part of the conversation that will help design and implement our institution's effort to transform itself.