Best Practices for Implementing the Community College Readership Program on Your Campus
Implementation
To initiate the program on their campus, chapter officers at Cleveland State Community College distributed a survey (Word Document) to 3000 students inquiring about their opinion of civic engagement and newspaper readership. Over 1000 surveys were returned with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the students. Chapter President, 2003-2004 Chapter President Shantae Morris presented the findings to the student government and soon after the college began implementing the use of newspapers on campus and in the classroom.
The Phi Theta Kappa chapter at West Virginia University at Parkersburg heard about the Community College Readership Program at their annual Regional Leadership Conference. "Our chapter made a direct connection with USA TODAY and worked together to implement the program on campus. We would not have started the program if it had not been for the information provided to us by USA TODAY at the regional meeting, " stated Paul Bibbee, chapter advisor.
Bergen Community College's Phi Theta Kappa chapter in New Jersey obtained information from colleges already participating in the Readership Program to launch the effort to increase newspaper readership on their campus. Vice President of Fellowship Athos Cakiades states, "I called upon fellow Phi Theta Kappa members from chapters across the Society that more than gladly responded to my call." Cakiades also used the online Readership Program PowerPoint to present information to the college administration.
2003-2004 International President Amber Davids served as the primary advocate for the Readership Program at College of DuPage in Illinois by approaching several departments on campus and gauging their support. "The Student Government along with my college president agreed to cover all costs of the program. They were thrilled with the concept of promoting civic engagement and encouraging newspaper readership among our 36,000 students on campus."
Campus Integration
As soon as West Virginia State College began the Readership Program, students and faculty were eager to enhance their newspaper readership. Chapter advisor Judy Whipkey integrates the newspapers into her classroom and has noted that the Marketing/Finance and Developmental English departments use the newspapers as well. "The program has been well received by both students and faculty," comments Whipkey.
The Ohio University Medical Center hosts discussions on various health-related issues at North Central State College. "The Center was able to use the papers for their talks to the community and in the classroom. The chapter also uses the newspapers to participate in the Case Study Challenge," commented chapter advisor, Diane Hipsher.
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