http://chronicle.com/article/Video-Finding-Advantages-in/236340
In this interview, Darron Collins, who is the president of a 350-student university called “College of the Atlantic” discusses the steps that he takes in order to ensure that his college succeeds, as well has how being a smaller school has its benefits. He talks about how being a small school gives a much bigger sense of community between the students. It allows the students to build a better relationship with the faculty, and its easier for the faculty to maintain these relationships. The students are also able to have a bigger impact on the school by voicing their opinions and actually being a part of how the school is run. Even though they aren’t able to raise a lot of money through tuition, they receive a lot of support through scholarships and other organizations. The students here are primarily need-based and receive many scholarships for attending this school. Students here come from the US as well as 40 other countries around the world, showing how difficult it is to get into this school with only 350 students.
This school has definitely succeeded in terms of allowing top-tier students who can’t afford a normal private university to have a close-knit college experience, while receiving a lot of scholarship as a student. With only 350 kids, the students get a good college experience, being close knit with their peers as well as the college faculty. The school is better able to cater to the student population, even cater to their personal needs. This can allow students to have a better learning experience as well, as they are able to have a personal connection with their professors.
I feel that this a university is a great example of a comfortable college experience. With a low student population, low prices, a more selective acceptance process, as well as a great student-faculty ratio, students are able to fully access the school’s resources and push their education to its maximum potential.
Chris, I found your post very interesting! One of the things I felt I had to adjust to when entering college is having to be a part of a much larger community. In high school, it’s much easier to build relationships with your instructors. That’s something I kind of miss most about high school. I agree with this model of higher education and that a smaller school has many benefits in enhancing the learning experience. I commend Collins for instituting one of what I think are the major necessities of higher education, developing a sense of community within the students and faculty. I think there should be more colleges like “College of the Atlantic” across the U.S.