Indystar.com recently posted an editorial that referred to Vincennes University as having an “appallingly low” graduation rate. The article included a comparison of Ivy Tech Community and VU to much larger schools, Purdue and Indiana University. It mentions that VU only has a 24 percent graduation rate, and suggests that these two schools are seriously damaging the statewide college graduation rates. “The fact that only 55 percent of students who start college in Indiana graduate within six years isn't a problem just for the individuals involved. It also marks wasted opportunities of the state to improve the education level of its work force and to drive up Hoosiers’ per capita income,” says Indystar.com.
The article makes reference to the fact that what community colleges are doing for students is menial. “Creation of a community college system has been one of the most important advancements in economic development in Indiana in the past decade. But the networks growth ultimately will mean little if students don't earn degrees,” the article said.
Also, it states that students that drop out of college blame money issues, but students at the two most expensive state universities have much higher rates of graduation. Ivy Tech President Tom Snyder told Indystar.com that students drop out because of potential job offers, and “because of family circumstances, they will get themselves up one step and quit.”
President Richard Helton agrees that some of the issues may have to do with financial problems, but there are many other reasons why our graduation rate is significantly lower. One reason is because we are an open enrollment school. “This is a mission that we are proud of, we give opportunities to all students,” said Helton. VU does not have many requirements to get into the school, besides have a high school diploma or a GED diploma. Also, many VU students are non-traditional. These students may also be parents, and work full time jobs. They take three to six hours a week, so it will take them longer to complete a degree and graduate. He also added that college enrollments increase during times of economic downturn. “When you put all of this together, it may speak to this issue,” Helton said.
He also added that the fact that since part of our mission at VU is to be a transfer institution. Many students come here for a year or two with no intentions of getting a degree from VU, but to better prepare them for a bigger school. Helton believes that although the student may not have a degree, this institution helped him/her to work towards achieving their goal. “But at the end of the day, we do want to improve this,” Helton said regarding the graduation percentages.
Tyson Sims, Associate Professor of English, said that VU students are more at risk for two reasons. First, VU has open enrollment, but IU and Purdue can choose their students. Also, VU is here to service students that are at risk, and they are working to minimize that. “This has been a concern for administration for the past five years,” said Steve Netti, Associate Professor of Speech and Theatre. “Yes, they are lower than the other state universities, but the fact is we are primarily a transfer school,” Netti added.
Students agreed that transferring was a major reason for the low graduation rate. “We are a transfer school, [the students] get their grades up and can transfer as well,” said Nick Spears, a first year Fire Science major. Garrett Keeney, a fourth year student in Graphic Design said that students that attend VU are more inclined to graduate at a school they transferred to.
Tim Swarens, editorial page editor, was contacted, and is unavailable for comment until next week.
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