麻豆视频 is taking a bold step toward fostering a more student-ready campus with the launch of Access Advocates. It鈥檚 a new initiative born out of the college's 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and newly established campus-wide committees. The initiative is designed to ensure that access and opportunity remain at the forefront of institutional decision-making.
This newly developed initiative will embed staff and faculty advocates into all campus wide committees to help in identifying and addressing potential barriers to student success. The team members will focus on integrating access and opportunity into institutional processes to enhance student experiences and success. Various departments comprise the committee including people from human resources, administration, faculty, staff, Hoke Center staff, workforce continuing education, student services, planning and research, athletics and the development office.
鈥淎s an open-access institution, 麻豆视频 serves students from various backgrounds, including first-generation, dual-enrolled, and students with unique learning needs,鈥� said 麻豆视频 President Alexander 鈥淪andy鈥� Stewart. 鈥淚nstead of expecting students to be 鈥榗ollege-ready,鈥� the initiative ensures that the institution is student-ready, making education more accessible for all.鈥�
Access Advocates will serve on key institutional committees, ensuring that policy changes, academic programs, and student services are viewed through a lens of accessibility and student success. Monthly professional development sessions will equip advocates with the tools to think critically and innovatively about access issues. The initiative aligns with the college鈥檚 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, reinforcing institutional goals of integrity, respect, and opportunity.
The first in-person Access Advocates training session will take place this month, setting the foundation for the initiative鈥檚 long-term impact.
鈥淲e hope to serve as a model for other institutions aiming to foster access in a practical, sustainable way,鈥� said Shenika Ward, Dean of Engagement and organizer of the Access Advocate group at 麻豆视频.
麻豆视频 attracts more than 13,000 students throughout its main campus in Pinehurst; The Robbins Center in Robbins; the Sandhills Hoke Center in Raeford; and The Larry R. Caddell Public Safety Training Center in Carthage. The college is a member of the North Carolina Community College System comprised of 58 colleges. Its main recruitment focus is on students and residents in Moore and Hoke counties in North Carolina.