West Bay Rotary Club - October 22, 2015

October 8, 2015

West Bay Rotary

October 22, 2015

 

Deborah Meehan, Director

University of Maine, Rockland

 

There are many changes happening in higher Ed

 

Last May the URock Campus graduated 62 local students

 

The state needs 60% more people with a higher education in Maine that's at least 36,000 more workers needed with at least an associate’s degree

 

The reality is that only 30% have advanced degrees

Maine is the lowest per capita state for salaries

 

We have to focus on work force development – but can we predict jobs we will need a decade from now?

 

There is currently a push for training in specific skill sets – Does this encourage people to only learn things for financial success?  This potentially limits learning and interests.  It’s tempting to focus on the economics of a college education.

 

The chronicle of higher ed – trends College of 20/20:  Students are going to seek full time higher ed, online & best value.

 

Local students are focused on raising a family, often they first in family to attend, going to school part time.

 

Maine work ethic makes them competitive in any job market.

 

Higher ed is changing

With physical constraints removed – open & online learning

Digital libraries

Scholarship & research are now more conversational

Shift from teacher to student centered learning – teacher is now a guide on the side rather than a sage on the stage.

 

Access is the issue

Financial resources limited

200,000 Mainers with some college – no degree

 

Not doing a good job of those who want an education – the students we serve our students are geographically committed to staying here and therefore the Rockland campus is important.

 

Always in need of scholarship funds – the return on getting Mainers finished with their degrees will have a huge return for the state.

 

High School Aspirations – 50 junior/senior high school taking college credits to get their college experience started.

 

40 inmates enrolled in education at the prison – thanks to Warren Buffets Sister.

Recidivism rate of these students is 0% in comparison to 60% nationally.

 

Q&A

Do you ascribe the increase in student population to the adoption of the name URock

It helps to attract younger students.  New location also helps.

 

What percentage of live vs. virtual?

900 total classes – 40 in person classes

 

Is there a cost for high school courses?

The only cost is books, it is completely tuition free. 

We have students who almost complete an Assoc Degree while in high school.

 

What percentage of students rely on financial aid?

95%

 

What is the cost for one general ed class?

$750

 

How do we get the money refocused on education vs. infrastructure?

5 staff – 600 students

It’s about efficiency

 

Rotary News

Buckets for Paws – working on new forever home

Auction for the Animals - December 3

Samoset – 5p

 

Etienne – 5x Paul Harris recipient

Ron Hall – Recognized EREY completion – Noel Cox, Susan Dorr, Tom Griffen, Bill Harman, Tim Hartman, Joanne Miller, Mary Sargent, Gary & Roberta Walker

 

Polio Walk – 7 people from West Bay – 50 total from all clubs & Interact

Awareness and funds were raised.  Please get pledge amounts to Kim – Checks payable to West Bay Charitable Foundation – note: Polio Walk

 

District Youth Leadership Conference – Brings interact & rotaract club members to the region

Nov 21 – Rockport Opera House

9a – 5p

No cost – lunch provided

This encourages the establishment of new youth interact & rotaract clubs – will help clubs to keep in touch with each other.  Volunteers & sponsors needed.

 

Chamber of Commerce – Jewel

Need to get dates confirmed for inclusion

Ewaste – Saturday April 23, 2016

Duck Derby – Saturday of Memorial Day weekend

Windjammer Weekend – Saturday of Labor Day weekend

Chili Challenge – Feb 6, 2016 4p-7p

Christmas Tree Sales – start November 28

 

Next Week - Tim Lawson classification talk

 

Community Service

November 7 – Habitat for Humanity / afternoon shift needs more people.  Inside painting

November 7 – Paws move from Camden Street to John Street