Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
November 28th 2005
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Introduction
1
Barriers
Personal
Financial Aid
College Support Staff
Faculty
College Facilities
Cafeteria / Food Service / Bookstore
Computer Labs / Library
Academic Support / Tutoring
Course Scheduling
Foreign Language Support
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
Summary of Frequent Barriers
6
Knowledge and Actions
8
Changes
12
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Introduction
As part of the Achieving the Dream Initiative at Capital Community College, student focus
groups were initiated by faculty and staff members to give students an opportunity to identify
barriers to student success, as well as knowledge and actions taken by students to overcome these
barriers, and changes the college can make to alleviate them.
Criteria
Specifically the focus groups addressed the following five categories:
Category 1: Barriers
“As students make progress toward a degree (or certificate program) what are some of the
barriers that exist that they must overcome?”
Category 2: Frequency of Barriers
“Taking into consideration, the barriers in number one, what proportions of students do you
think experience those barriers?”
Category 3 and 4: Knowledge and Actions
“Taking into consideration, the barriers in number one, what do successful students “know”,
to overcome these barriers?”
“Taking into consideration, the barriers in number one, what do successful students “do”, to
overcome these barriers?”
Category 5: Changes
“Taking into consideration, the barriers in number one, what changes would you recommend
to the college to remove or lessen the effects of this barrier?”
Participants
A total of 47 Capital Community College students participated in the 10 sessions, which took
place Wednesday October 25th and Thursday October 26th, 2005. A more detailed description of
the focus group facilitators, recorders, session times and locations are attached.
In the remaining sections of this document, a summary of the results of each category
addressed by the focus groups will be provided.
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 1 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Barriers to Student Success
Each focus group identified barriers they felt hindered their and other students’ success at Capital
Community College. They can be grouped together into the following categories:
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Personal
Financial Aid
Student Services
Faculty
College Facilities
Cafeteria / Food Service / Bookstore
Computer Labs / Library
Academic Support / Tutoring
Course Scheduling / Registration
Foreign Language Support
In the following sections, each of the barriers described by the focus groups are listed by
category. In each category, the barriers are listed, followed by:


the average estimated frequency of CCC students who face the barrier
the number of focus groups (out of 9) who reported the barrier
Personal Barriers
Balancing school with a full-time job
Inability to manage time and responsibilities
Balancing school with home life
Insufficient study skills
Unable to find babysitting/day care (especially in the evening)
Pressures/Fears of returning to school after a long break
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Average
Estimated
Frequency
83%
82%
76%
74%
63%
33%
Number of
Focus Groups
6
4
5
4
5
3
Page 2 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Financial Aid Barriers
Financial Aid insufficient to cover student expenses
Inadequate advising for obtaining financial aid
Average
Estimated
Frequency
81%
78%
Number of
Focus Groups
5
1
Student Services Barriers
Average
Estimated
Frequency
Number of
Focus Groups
93%
4
87%
3
85%
80%
3
1
79%
3
65%
NA
NA
2
1
1
2nd floor offices close too early / Inadequate support for night
students
Lack of communication or language barriers in
admissions/registration process
Not enough college counselors / Counselors aren’t helpful enough
Rude staff attitude / Poor customer service
Unclear which courses are transferable / necessary for
degree/program completion
No guidance for registering for courses
Placement Testing is unfair for students with learning disabilities
Placement Testing is a deterrent for those who test poorly
Faculty Barriers
Inability to communicate with teachers
Unavailability of academic advisors / faculty preoccupied with
teaching
Average
Estimated
Frequency
31%
NA
Number of
Focus Groups
2
1
*NA = Not Available (focus group did not specify estimated frequency)
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 3 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
College Facilities Barriers
Capital Prep students monopolizing computer lab resources
Elevators slow / not enough elevators
Public bus service ends too early in the evening
Heavy traffic downtown / Bad transportation in the winter
Capital Prep students crowding the elevators
Capital Prep students being disruptive and noisy
Average
Estimated
Frequency
100%
96%
85%
74%
71%
54%
Number of
Focus Groups
1
3
1
3
2
2
Cafeteria / Bookstore Barriers
Cafeteria food is overpriced / not good quality
Cafeteria is not open enough hours
Textbooks are not available when classes start
Long lines at the bookstore
Insufficient number of vending machines
Frequent changing of required textbooks
No textbook assistance for people w/o financial aid
Cafeteria service is not friendly
Average
Estimated
Frequency
100%
100%
80%
77%
50%
NA
NA
NA
Number of
Focus Groups
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
Computer Labs / Library Barriers
Difficulty with logon procedures / Unavailability of IT help
Decline in the maintenance of computer hardware
Library is not open enough hours
Insufficient number of open computer labs / Lack of information
regarding computer lab availability
Computers in library don’t have necessary software installed
Average
Estimated
Frequency
100%
100%
100%
Number of
Focus Groups
1
2
2
84%
4
82%
2
*NA = Not Available (focus group did not specify estimated frequency)
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 4 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Academic Support / Tutoring Barriers
Lack of knowledge of academic support resources
Not enough tutors / tutors are unavailable / tutors are ineffective
Targeted Tutoring is needed for specific subjects (like Math
Center)
Average
Estimated
Frequency
64%
53%
40%
Number of
Focus Groups
2
4
1
Course Scheduling / Registration Barriers
Problems with class scheduling / room assignments
Problems with online registration
Insufficient number of course offerings
Students have to pay for non-credit courses
Average
Estimated
Frequency
72%
60%
52%
NA
Number of
Focus Groups
3
1
2
1
Foreign Language Support Barriers
Lack of academic support for Spanish speakers
Insufficient number of bilingual courses
Insufficient number of practical classes for ESL students
Language problems for immigrants
Average
Estimated
Frequency
75%
69%
67%
64%
Number of
Focus Groups
1
3
3
3
*NA = Not Available (focus group did not specify estimated frequency)
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 5 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Summary of Frequent Barriers
In this section, the most frequent barriers to student success are listed. There are two sets
of lists, based on the following criteria:


the estimated percentage of students who experience the barriers
the number of focus groups (out of 9) which reported the barriers
Frequent Barriers Based on the Estimated Percentage of Students Who
Experience Them
The following student barriers were estimated by the student focus groups to affect 90%
or more of the student population:
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2nd floor offices close too early / Inadequate support for night students
Elevators slow / not enough elevators
Capital Prep students monopolizing computer lab resources
Cafeteria food is overpriced / not good quality
Cafeteria is not open enough hours
Difficulty with logon procedures / Unavailability of IT help
Decline in the maintenance of computer hardware
Library is not open enough hours
The following barriers were estimated by the focus groups to affect 80% or more of the
student population:
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Balancing school with full-time job
Inability to manage time and responsibilities / cant keep track of assignments
Financial Aid is insufficient to cover student expenses
Not enough college counselors / Counselors aren’t helpful enough
Lack of communication or language barriers in admissions/registration process
Rude staff attitude / Poor customer service
Public bus service ends too early in the evening
Textbooks are not available when classes start
Insufficient number of open computer labs / Lack of information regarding
computer lab availability
Computers in library don't have necessary software installed
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 6 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Frequent Barriers Based on the Number of Focus Groups (out of 9) Which
Reported Them
The student barriers to success reported by 5 or more of the 9 focus groups are listed
below. These barriers are:
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Balancing school with a full-time job
Balancing school with home life
Unable to find (or pay for) Babysitting / Day Care (specifically in the evening)
Financial Aid is insufficient to cover student expenses
Next the barriers reported by 4 of the 9 focus groups are listed. These barriers are:
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Insufficient study skills
Inability to manage time and responsibilities / cant keep track of assignments
2nd floor offices close too early / Inadequate support for night students
Insufficient number of open computer labs / Lack of information regarding
computer lab availability
Not enough tutors / tutors are unavailable / tutors are ineffective
Finally, the barriers reported by 3 of the 9 focus groups are listed. These barriers are:
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Lack of communication or language barriers in admissions/registration process
Not enough college counselors / Counselors aren’t helpful enough
Unclear which courses are transferable / necessary for degree/program completion
Elevators slow / not enough elevators
Heavy traffic downtown / Bad transportation in the winter
Cafeteria food is overpriced / not good quality
Problems with class scheduling / room assignments
Insufficient number of bilingual courses
Insufficient number of practical classes for ESL students
 Language problems for immigrants
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 7 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Knowledge and Actions
In this section, the knowledge and actions successful students utilize to overcome the barriers are
summarized.
Personal
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome personal barriers include:
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setting goals
scheduling time wisely
showing initiative / taking
responsibility
staying focused
making a commitment to succeed
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talking to Counselors
talking to Dean of Students
avoiding distractions at home
finding a quiet place to study
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talking with teachers
following instructors tips
keeping up with work
getting help from Math Center
getting help from Professors
organizing study groups
using a tutoring services

utilizing family/friends for babysitting
assistance
working part-time/ cutting back on
hours

Financial Aid
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome financial barriers include:
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applying early for financial aid
moving home to save money
spending money wisely
working part-time
finding a work-study job
using payment plans
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using existing resources
talking to counselors
planning ahead
speaking up / asking for help
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taking out personal loans
applying for scholarships / grants
talking to family members
borrowing books from other students
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 8 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Student Services
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome barriers related to student services
include:
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planning ahead and being prepared
doing your own research
talking to other students
finding a counselor who you are
comfortable with
listening carefully and asking questions
if you are still confused
being persistent
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asking counselors/advisors for written
proof of degree/program requirements
maintaining your own records
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utilizing online student services
avoiding staff who are rude
knowing who / who not to talk to
Faculty
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome barriers related to faculty include:


knowing all teachers are not the same
knowing it is not the teacher's
responsibility for student success
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attending all classes
maintaining good communication with
teacher

talking with the teacher privately
talking with other students about the
teacher

using career office as a replacement for
academic advising

College Facilities
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome barriers related to the college facilities
include:
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utilizing public transportation
organizing a carpool
depending on family/friends for rides
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coming to school early
taking the stairs instead of elevators
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 9 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Cafeteria / Bookstore
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome barriers related to the college facilities
include:



frequenting outside restaurants instead
of cafeteria
bringing food from home
bringing your own snacks

coming to the bookstore early to buy
textbooks
Computer Labs / Library
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome insufficient access to computer labs and
library services, and logon problems include:
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using computers at public library
using computers at Kinkos
using resources of family / friends
buying a computer
getting to the computer lab early
negotiating with instructor to use
computers during class time
learning the computer lab schedules
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Using the new online 24-hour librarian
service
setting aside daily hours to study
talking with workers on 6th floor
working in the lab until someone tells
you to leave
asking a friend to logon for you
Academic Support / Tutoring
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome insufficient access to tutors, tutor
ineffectiveness, and lack of knowledge of tutor availability include:
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using family help
forming study groups with classmates
going to teacher for extra help
getting a tutorial book, references or
other support material
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going to tutors with specific questions
going to tutors with material you have
the most difficulty with

looking online and on school bulletins
for tutor schedules
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 10 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Course Scheduling / Registration
The knowledge and actions utilized to overcome problems with course scheduling/room
assignments, online registration, and insufficient number of course offerings include:

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
planning ahead
looking ahead to see which courses are
offered the following semesters
taking online courses
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registering for courses with counselors
instead of online
being persistent
looking for courses at other colleges
looking for other classes that satisfy
degree/program requirements
Foreign Language Support
The knowledge actions utilized to overcome lack of support for students who speak
foreign languages include:
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going to Language Lab / getting a tutor
getting support from family / friends
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using a friend or fellow student to
translate
practicing on your own
taking teachers who speak other
languages
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 11 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Changes
This section lists the suggested changes Capital Community College can make to
alleviate the student barriers to success.
Personal
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to time management,
balancing school with home/work duties, and lack of evening daycare include:
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Provide students with detailed syllabus
Provide mentors to students
Distribute free planners
Have student progress reports
Tell students best study methods for
each course
Have teachers modify teaching
strategies to accommodate different
learning styles
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Provide quiet study areas
Open college on Sunday
Have relaxation areas (recreation room,
lounges)
Provide more online courses
Provide more flexible class times
Provide more evening courses
Provide more weekend courses
Provide evening day care
Open Early Childhood Center for
evenings
Financial Aid
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to insufficient money to
cover expenses and unavailability of financial aid related assistance and guidance
include:
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Offer more jobs for students
Offer financial aid for non degree
students
Base financial aid on student’s need
not family situation
Provide longer payment periods
Allow for more flexible payment plans
create a book fund or way for students
to donate old books

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
Provide better advice
Offer workshops on financial aid/grant
opportunities
Do a better job notifying students of
deadlines
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 12 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Student Services
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to student services
include:
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Extend the hours of service on 2nd
floor
Provide more online student services
Counselors should show more interest
in student success
Counselors should be available more
Have regular counselor evaluations
Counselors should be regularly
informed about degree / program
changes
Have specialized counselors for each
department
Publicize requirements for each degree
/ program
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Have counselors that speak different
languages
Have counselors that work with
specific populations (international ,
high school, adult )
Have student volunteers who speak
different languages trained and
assigned to help
Provide orientation through the
registration process
Encourage pre-registration and more
support for late registration
Post information on bulletin boards /
flyers
Give customer service training to staff
Faculty
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to faculty include:


Increase the faculty office hours
Hire more bilingual professors
College Facilities
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to the college facilities
include:


Provide more information on parking procedures and available transportation services
Move Capital Prep to a different location
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 13 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Cafeteria / Bookstore
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to the cafeteria and
bookstore include:



Hire new food service management
company
Increase the cafeteria hours of service
Put vending machines on other floors

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Make textbooks less expensive
Extend Saturday bookstore schedule
during the semester
Keep the course / textbook listing up to
date
Stop frequently switching to new
editions of textbooks
Computer Labs / Library
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to the computer labs
and library include:
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
Open more computer labs
Post schedules of computer lab
availability
Place more computers in the library
Make sure the software needed for
classes are available on all computers

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Make IT help more available
Simplify logon procedure
Fix the broken computers in a timely
manner

Extend the library hours
Academic Support / Tutoring
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to insufficient academic
support include:
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Make tutoring available more hours
Hire more (better) tutors
Pay tutors more money to increase
their motivation
Hire professional tutors
Hire tutors who know all levels of a
given discipline

Post academic support information
online and on bulletin boards / flyers


Provide tutors for each subject
Provide free workshops for basic
computer skills
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 14 of 15
Student Focus Group
Detailed Summary
Course Scheduling / Registration
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to course scheduling
and registration include:



Organize room assignments earlier
Offer more sections for heavily
trafficked courses
Provide more online courses




Provide more flexible class times
Provide more evening courses
Provide more weekend courses
Offer more classes / smaller sections
Foreign Language Support
The changes CCC can make to alleviate student problems related to foreign language
support include:



Provide more ESL classes
Run ESL classes more than twice a
week
Provide weekend ESL classes


Prove more tutoring for ESL students
Provide clubs for ESL students
Achieving the Dream Student Focus Group Summary
Prepared by Seth Freeman
Page 15 of 15