Campus & Community

Palm Beach State College leaders today accepted Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s statewide “Ready, Set, Work” challenge calling for the achievement of 100 percent graduation rates for full-time students.

College officials said the challenge is formidable but attainable through a concerted effort to improve student completion.

“We know what is at stake for our students, and we are wholeheartedly committed to making sure that they have what they need to get to the finish line,” said College President Ava L. Parker, J.D.

Scott announced the challenge at an Orlando meeting of the Association of Florida Colleges’ Trustees Commission attended by all of the PBSC trustees as well as President Parker.  He noted that the average graduation rate for state colleges is 43 percent for full-time students getting their degree in three years.

Palm Beach State College’s graduation rate for full-time students currently stands at 38.65 percent within three years and 51.73 percent within four years.

Wendy S. Link, chair of the PBSC District Board of Trustees, said each member of the board expressed support to President Parker following the session with the governor. She noted that student completion is a major emphasis both at the College and the state level.

“Students who do not complete their studies on time lose out on opportunities to compete for good jobs or to transfer to the universities to advance their education. We are determined to change this, not by lowering standards but by increasing our efforts on all fronts,” Link said.

The College has already embarked on a comprehensive improvement plan for completion that includes enhancements in instructional support and class scheduling.  The plan also provides for more advisors and better advisement tools so that students have more personalized guidance in setting their educational path and staying on track to graduation.