What Universities can Learn from Colleges

The education system in the United States offers students a plethora of options for pursuing higher education. One of the key distinctions within postsecondary education is the difference between universities and colleges, both of which contain unique strengths and weaknesses. However, it’s no secret that colleges have standards and attributes worth emulating by universities. In this blog post, we explore the reasons why universities need to pay attention to colleges and the valuable lessons they can learn from them.

Strong sense of community

Colleges tend to be smaller in size than universities, which provide a beneficial social and academic experience for students. An intimate and tight-knit community is one of the best benefits that colleges offer, where each student has a face and a voice known by their fellow students, faculty, and staff. To recreate this atmosphere in universities, small learning communities and mentorship opportunities can be formed to provide a comfortable academic environment where students have a sense of belonging and support.

Focus on undergraduate teaching

Though universities offer a diverse range of courses and programs, their core academic area of focus is often research. The benefits of research are undeniable, but it can come at the cost of undergraduate teaching quality. Community colleges and small liberal arts colleges focus heavily on undergraduate teaching, providing a more personal education to their students and student-faculty relationship building. Universities that prioritize undergraduate teaching are more likely to promote a positive reputation and high student satisfaction rate.

Emphasis on experiential learning

Many colleges prioritize experiential learning through internships, service learning, and other work-study opportunities that provide hands-on experience for students. This type of learning can complement traditional classroom learning and equip students with skills and knowledge that are applicable to their profession of choice. Universities can follow suit by investing time and resources on experiential learning opportunities that enrich the education of their students.

Close student-faculty relationship

One of the most significant benefits of colleges is that they offer small class sizes that generates a personal relationship between students and faculty. A close relationship with faculty members provides opportunities for students to ask questions and learn beyond the classroom, which enhances their learning experience. Universities should strive to create a conducive environment for student-faculty interaction, such as mentoring and research opportunities.

Affordable education

Community colleges are known for their affordability and the opportunities they provide for students who might not be able to afford a more traditional four-year education. Universities that provide heavily subsidized education and resources for their students are more likely to attract and retain students from low-income backgrounds and increase the diversity of their student body.

Universities can undoubtedly learn a lot by emulating colleges' strengths, such as creating an inclusive and supportive community that promotes academic excellence. Although universities are distinct in their goals and missions, learning from the best of both worlds can create a dynamic and functional institution that empowers students to achieve their full potential. By borrowing a page from the books of colleges, universities can build stronger relationships between professors and students, create more personalized learning experiences, and become more successful.