Engage Volume 4, Number 1

A Message from the President

Enrolling in college signals the beginning of a new chapter in life. Doing so as an adult comes with additional questions and concerns that can make this important step feel daunting.

College of DuPage provides adult learners with a welcoming environment where faculty and staff understand their circumstances. In this issue of Engage, we shine the spotlight on this important population, the programs they seek and the people who work closely with them.

You may be surprised at just how many adult students can be found in our classrooms. These are students who are 20 years of age or older who have been away from school or never attended. In fact, I have heard countless stories from our faculty who find the perspectives and experiences of their adult students invaluable in the learning environment.

In addition to smaller class sizes and greater access to faculty, adult students will find numerous resources on campus to help them succeed. For example, the Learning Commons provides free support options that include tutoring and assistance, while our library maintains extensive collections, materials and services to meet educational goals.

Getting started could not be easier. Our Admissions and Outreach team has three representatives who work exclusively with adult learners, while adult information sessions are designed specifically to answer their unique questions.

We know adults enroll in college for a variety of reasons—to change careers, to gain additional skills and credentials, and for personal enrichment. Most recently, people have faced the loss of jobs or other challenges related to COVID-19.

Let College of DuPage help you meet whatever goal you set. Age should never be a barrier to academic success, and in this issue of Engage, discover why COD is the place for you.

Popular Annual Financial Report

I invite you to take a look at the fourth annual Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The PAFR is a summarized version of the College’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and provides information on the College’s financial condition in an easy- to-read format.

The issuance of a PAFR is not required by any regulatory body. While the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada encourages state and local governments—including community college districts—to issue PAFRs, only a small number do so. We are proud to share a PAFR with the community and help them understand our financial condition.

The PAFR and other financial reports can be found at cod.edu/financials.

—Dr. Brian W. Caputo, President of College of DuPage.

Engage Magazine Volume 4, Number 1

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