Here are some shots from the National College of Ireland. This college is only partially supported by the state (which is how they label the governmental support). The rate of support is about 38%--the rest coming from fund development and only some fees are charged. Relative to others in the system, this is a poorly state funded college. The majority receive 80% of their funding from the state--relative to an average of about 30% in the states (William and Mary only gets 18% from the state). You'll see the mission statement shows a big commitment to second chances. The college offers remedial support to those needing it--reminded me of the open access of the community college, but there is not real straight equivalent of institutional levels. This college had been renovated recently and is a section of Dublin that is under renovation and would have traditionally been in the dock area--like below the tracks. The president of the college spoke with us and discussed some of the financial challenges going on now.
What a great mission statement! Were those signatures surrounding it?
ReplyDeleteThese are signatures around the mission statement. There wasn't any indication who they were, I suspect key stakeholders. The plaque was in a prominent location in the lobby--a new building.
ReplyDeleteHi Pamela
ReplyDeleteI work for National College of Ireland and I wanted to say thank you for your interest in NCI, and also for writing about your visit.
I just have to correct one thing. I would hate for anyone to have the perception that our students are generally remedial, when this is certainly not the case. We have an unusual student demographic in that 80% of our students are part-time, working adults - making them 'non traditional' students, but certainly not 'remedial'! The other 20%, about 1000 people, are full-time undergraduates who have come through the CAO process.
Lastly just in relation to the first comment, the signatures around the mission statement are those of our staff members, committing to the mission.
Thanks again for your interest and support of the College.
Best wishes
Emma Kytzia
National College of Ireland