It's the Part-Time Thing

The recent Community College Survey of Student Engagement shows that part-time community college students are not as engaged in their in-class and out-of-class work as full-time students. I think most of us would have postulated that without the survey, but the survey gives evidence.

And, as reported in Inside Higher Education, a higher rate of part-time faculty results in a lower completion rate for community college students. Does anyone see a pattern here?

Students will continue to be part-time, and the percentages will grow, at both community colleges and universities. We will probably not see a reversal in the hiring patterns in higher education either. Which leaves us with the challenge: To design and shape a culture of engagement and learning in a culture that is not engaged. I am open for suggestions.