CSM ACCREDITATION SURVEY
Survey of San Mateo Country Business Leaders—Spring 2005
[Narrative Comments to Open-Ended Questions]
7. When students complete their studies at CSM, what should they be able
to know, do, or value?
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learn the new skill that are necessary, work well with others, earn a living
Students should be open minded, and be able to think independently. They
should be English-language literate in speaking, writing and reading. Mastery of
the English language in proper form is vital to their future economic and social
success.
They should be able to have an idea what they want to do in the next few years go on to school, stake out a career in the work world, and value literature, history,
current events and the arts.
History, literature, humanities, and the arts teach us value and also prepare us for
the future by learning through our successes and FAILURES over the ages.
Students need to be able to manage money and the life time ability to develop and
learn new skills.
They should be able to survive in this competitive environment aka the Bay Area.
It is all very important. It is all inter-linked.
Analytical, take charge and critical thinking
Students should be able to determine what they want to do with their life. They
should know enough about their community to discover how to make a
contribution. They should also have a balance introduction to both the academics
and enriched skills, like working for governments, non-profits, etc.
How to work with a team and be productive, organized, flexible, and trainable
with high morals and acceptance of difference.
They should know enough English, math and economic skills to know the value
of their worth and the market value of their skills. Ability to communicate these
values to potential employers will help their employment potential.
Think critically, think independently, ask questions, persevere, write persuasively,
understand math and percentages, be able to organize and orally communicate
thoughts, be skilled in basic computer productivity programs, have knowledge of
history and politics to understand their voting rights, and create a sense of
community and the importance of giving back.
Have an entry level job relevant to their field
They should be able to step into a job with the basic skills to build on. They
should be able to express themselves verbally and in written forms such as
business letters, essays etc. They also should also have a grasp of mathematics
and business.
Think for themselves and respect the values of others.
How to achieve their professional goals.
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Develop a schema for viewing the world around them and their place in that
world How to fit new information into that schema Understand how to serve
their fellow man and the world in which they live
Be able to adapt to CHANGE in the society.
Provide the foundation for learning and thinking. All of the other stuff will
follow. You cannot train an individual to be a leader.....it will happen for some
and many will never become leaders.
Students must be able to think for themselves and have a solid foundation in
math, science, logic, and reasoning. Most of the other stuff is fluff.
Students should be given a solid foundation in the basics.
Students should know how to speak clearly & effectively. They should be
comfortable with a computer and have strong analytical skills. They should look
at all sides of an issue and make up their mind based on ethical & logical thinking
(they should not be giving only the professor's agenda nor should she/he teach
with a bias).
They should be able to write and compute at a level that allows them to enter the
work force. They should know the history of our country. They should leave with
enthusiasm for learning and a desire to continue their learning.
After a students' time at CSM, they should value the availability to further their
education and use the disciplines they have learned to motivate themselves and to
use their time wisely.
First and foremost, a grounding in the basics of math, science, and writing.
Contribute to society.
This is a test - please disregard
8. Are there any additional comments or suggestions that you would like to
share with us?
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The community colleges are doing a GREAT job and should continue to do so. They
reach a segment of the population that does not have the ability to seek higher education
at the university or 4 year college level. Even if they do go on to the latter, they have
established a good foundation for doing so.
Be open, and don't compromise. Good Luck!
It would be nice for CSM to be well-connected to their community and build
specific relationships with business and non-profits. For example: create intern
and volunteer programs with non-profits where students can earn either money or
academic credits.
Sure, let people know about CSM. Not students; the business and community in
general. Your job is to establish the broad value of CSM, in case you need
community support.
CSM should make more classes available online.
Yes. For most professions, learning high-tech skills is not as important as writing
and speaking skills. While you will never send computer illiterate students into
the world, many components can be learned on the job. But, the ability to
communicate and sell your ideas and work supersedes all technical skills.
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I think you should consider encouraging students and faculty to hire personal
coaches for success support
A solid design-based transfer program in Architecture needs to be brought back to
CSM.
I couldn't answer the first segment of questions as I do not have current
knowledge of CSM's performance. CSM has a good reputation, but I can't
comment on specifics without talking to students, teachers, other feeder schools,
or doing research.
Your survey is slanted to the college bound students. I feel the local public
college plays a critical role in "re-training or re-entry" skills for adults who need
or want to change career paths. My own re-training was a life changing
experience. It supported me in starting a small graphic design business 16 years
ago. It wouldn't have happened without CSM's fantastic teacher, Ed Seubert. I've
told him and now I will share with you that his courses changed my life.
I have taken several classes at CSM but never EVER have I had the opportunity
to evaluate the quality of education delivered by the faculty. You need to do more
of this!!! THANKS
There are some real losers teaching at the college.....some good ones. But when
you get a bad one, it is a Doozy.
You cannot teach ethics and values.....People acquire this elsewhere.
Please keep CSM a place free from the fads and fashions of academic political
correctness. It does nothing to help the students and it alienates most of the
citizens of the county. Thanks for doing this survey.
Keep doing good work
Along with teaching the academics, professors should teach respect for all on
campus and they should expect punctuality. This will better prepare the students
for the working world.
Our Community College system is a very important link to the higher learning of
our young adults. The system is a stepping stone to the future for our kids. Keep
up the good work.
Think it is so beneficial that the educational community is able to provide housing
for teachers!
Please uphold solid academic traditions.
CSM stands out as a beacon among junior colleges. Please continue what you are
doing.
You should provide more online courses. There are very few available and most
other schools have extensive offerings. Thanks.
San Mateo County needs to become more aware of the college and its wonderful
offerings.
The basics and fundamentals of learning need to be stressed. The other stuff, such
as leadership, critical thinking, etc., will naturally follow. Avoid fads in
education.