Salt Lake Community College hosted David Bergeron, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Postsecondary Education, on Friday, Sept.14 as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s third annual back-to-school bus tour.
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| David Bergeron |
SLCC held separate events at two campuses with Bergeron. He met with veterans at the College’s Westpointe Center campus to hear first-hand their concerns, issues and needs in terms of entering, persisting and finishing postsecondary education.
At the first event focused on veterans' services, Bergeron heard from students, faculty, and administrators about the issues facing veterans in higher education. He thanked the College's students and personnel for their feedback, saying that it allows the Department of Education to better perform its role. "We have a great respect for veterans and all they do," he said. "We are working closely with many departments, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, to see what we can do to improve service to veterans—especially in the area of education. And I thank you all for coming out here to day to provide your insights and share your experiences."
Bergeron also attended a roundtable discussion on college access and completion for students at the Student Center at the College’s Taylorsville campus later in the day.
Federal funding and support for students, particularly first-generation and low-income students were the main topics covered.
Jocelyn Maxime, a first-generation student who hails from Haiti talked about his experience with the TRIO program. He suggested to assistant secretary Bergeron that the Department of Education consider easing some of the demands placed on first-year students. "My first year here in college was really difficult, from dealing with documentation to financial aid. I planned on dropping out. I didn't think I could handle everything," he said. "Fortunately, I went in to see an advisor who recommended me to the TRIO program. I was given so much support personally. The next year, my college dream became a reality."
The visit, which also included stops at other Utah schools, highlighted education successes and promoted the theme “Education Drives America."
hi. thanks for sharing the update. such interactions are necessary for continuous improvement in education system.
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Its good to know that there is atleast someone who is hearing concerns of students. Anyway it was good to read your blog, please keep updating.
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