The Student Experience

The Student Experience

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Enhancing the student experience is paramount to Community College of Philadelphia’s success. A wide variety of students enroll in classes at the College – from first-time college students and students right out of high school, to adults who are looking to change careers or enhance their professional skills. That’s why the College is committed to providing academic and support services to ensure that all students have access to the resources that will help them succeed.

By increasing academic and student development opportunities and integrating student life, community service, co-curricular activities, internships and service learning into programs of study, the College is working to ensure students have access to an engaging, vibrant educational experience that will help them achieve their goals.

 
Brittany Halbsgut, ’17, UPenn ’20

“I WOULD NOT BE WHERE I AM TODAY IF CCP HADN’T GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE WHAT I CAN DO. IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED TO BUILD THE LIFE I WANTED.”

— Brittany Halbsgut, ’17, UPenn ’20

 

Roary’s Introduction Changes the Game

Roary’s Introduction Changes the Game

The fall 2019 semester at Community College of Philadelphia welcomed new and continuing students as well as a new mascot, Roary (they/them), a non-binary lion from Botswana, Okavango Delta.

Roary made their debut as the College’s mascot on Sept. 17, 2019, during an upbeat and unforgettable event in the Athletics courtyard at the center of Main Campus. Well over 1,000 students, faculty, staff and alumni members gathered to witness their arrival and access school resources at the 2019 Black and Gold Bash.

Franklin, the Sixers mascot, and Villanova University’s Will D. Cat were there to welcome Roary to the mascot team and participated with the crowd in a world record attempt for the most people roaring simultaneously.

Roary’s presence represents the diversity of the student body and embodies the strength, power and resilience of the College’s diverse athletes and students. Roary has injected a new sense of spirit and pride on campus and positively identifies with all students.

Roary’s debut gave way for the announcement of other new and exciting changes around Main Campus, including the renaming of the Gymnasium as the Lion’s Den, Roary’s Café, the Lion Card and Pride Portal.

Roary’s presence represents the diversity of the student body and embodies the strength, power and resilience of the College’s diverse athletes and students.

 

CCP Cares

CCP Cares: Help When Students Needed It Most

In January 2020, during the opening session of its Professional Development Week, the College announced CCP Cares, an initiative to efficiently connect students in immediate need with helpful resources. Requests are made online through the CCP Cares form, and disseminated to dedicated contacts representing departments throughout the College. The goal is to respond to student requests within a single business day.

During the first two months of its inception, CCP Cares received a total of 11 inquiries. Since officially launching during the COVID-19 shutdown, nearly 900 student requests have been managed through the CCP Cares form. Requests range from students needing assistance with paying their bills, and students facing food and housing insecurity, to students needing assistance with registering for classes and financial aid.

 

During the COVID-19 shutdown, nearly 900 student requests have been managed through the CCP Cares form.

 

Lion Pride. Lion Proud.

Lion Pride. Lion Proud.

As Roary brought new excitement and a renewed campus spirit, the Community College of Philadelphia Lions showed the city that gritty teams that play together, win together.

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at the College displayed endurance, courage, athleticism and a hunger for victory during the 2019-2020 season.

Their drive was evident as both teams were named EPAC (Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference) Champions and advanced through to the Final Four of the Region XIX, Division III tournament. And the talent extended well beyond the courts as the women’s basketball team was set to send three of its players on to four-year colleges on scholarships next year. Cassandra Colon, forward, was headed to University of Toledo; Elan Wali, guard, to Southern Nazarene University; and Kyirah Beckham, to Edward Waters College.

Kenyatta McKinney, women’s basketball head coach

“We have a family environment. The young ladies care for each other. We want people to come out to see us. They are entertaining and they play hard.”

—KENYATTA MCKINNEY, women’s basketball head coach

 

Commencement Ceremony Postponed

CCP’s 54th Commencement Ceremony Postponed – But Hopes Remain High

Though the College was not able to host an in-person commencement ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 1,844 students still successfully completed their degree and program requirements and graduated from the institution.

Graduates were celebrated with a dedicated page on the College’s website where they could enjoy congratulatory videos from City and College leaders; find their name among the list of 2020 graduates; enjoy messages of support and encouragement from professors, staff, classmates, friends and loved ones; take a look back at the year in photos; and share stories in the Yearbook, among other things.

While the College community could not celebrate together, graduates received “Commencement in a Box” packages, which included keepsakes including their graduation cap, tassel and confetti. Diplomas were also mailed to graduates’ homes.

Graduates were encouraged to celebrate by posting their photos and videos to social media opening their “Commencement in a Box” packages and to participate in a cap decorating contest.