1	Primary Barriers Identified by STC Students
2	Research Objectives Barriers – challenges and stressors that promote student withdrawal. Knowledge of resources to address barrier. Plan of action to a solution.
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5	Pressure of Job AND School “I cannot concentrate due to fatigue and lack of energy.” “My work schedule changes. There’s no time for school because it’s time to go to work.” “I don’t have time for homework or study. I worry about money and more hours.” “I am the man of the family. I need work to survive, maybe two jobs. Sometimes I must leave for the north.”
6	Money “We run out of money and our parents will not give us anymore.” “I can afford to start but not to finish. Problems happen later in the semester.” “I need books and gas and food.” “Financial aid is not enough for my family, and I get pressured to work. I can no longer afford to use time for school. The stress with money forces me to quit.”
7	Fear of Failing “I need to get out before the drop date. I am not ready for this course. I’ll take it at a better time next year.” “What is the use of continuing the semester? I will try again next semester.” “It’s too easy to drop. I can't pass the developmental course anyway.” “It’s hard to maintain my grades and my choice to stay in school.”
8	Time Management “Sometimes I feel lazy and not motivated. I can’t wake up in the morning. I would rather sleep.” “Work piles up too quickly! I can't find time to do homework or study. Tests and papers are always due together…for all my classes.” “I have too many absences.“ “It is hard to make a good schedule.”
9	Lack of Information “I don’t know what to expect, like what to do to get into college, and how the college works.” “I don’t understand what’s so important about college. What’s the purpose? “I don’t have a focus . . . no long-term goals. That’s why my major is undecided.” “It’s hard being a returning student. I need study skills. Sometimes I lack confidence and don’t know where to find any support.”
10	Problems with Family “I must leave class or get there late and teachers do not understand.” “I must meet my parents expectations first. I’m responsible for siblings and sometimes have a crisis with illnesses.” “I have feelings of guilt. I have to help in emergencies. I have to drive them places or go home to care for people. Sometimes I have to leave for a week.”
11	Child Care “I can't find affordable babysitters. I have to leave class and I can’t afford daycare.” “I can’t quarrel with my family or it will jeopardize their cooperation. I must baby-sit my sibling's kids.” “I am a single parent. It is difficult to balance family and school. Sometimes I have family emergencies and have to miss a lot of classes.”
12	Transportation “I do not know how I’m going to get to class.” “My ride changed schedules. My friends dropped a course and my ride disappeared.” “My family has only one car. The car breaks down frequently and there’s no bus service.” “I can't afford gas. I do not own a car. I have to ask friends for rides.”
13	What are we doing to remove, reduce, or help students overcome these barriers?
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15	Comprehensive Student Advising: FTIC Mandatory Orientation and Advising Change Curriculum of College Success Class Encourage Early Financial Aid Applications Welcome Center – Student Success Center Inclusion of Financial Advising
16	Student Assessment, Placement & Matriculation: Developmental studies are an Opportunity – Not a Barrier Change terminology to reduce feeling of failure Encourage timely testing and accurate placement Testing instrument selection Curriculum alignment with college-level courses
17	Shared Accountability for Student Learning: College responsibility: Quality instruction Accurate and timely information Support systems and safety nets Established and enforced guidelines Student responsibility: Study, attend class, ask questions Abide by guidelines Utilize services and support systems
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