Middlesex Community College’s first Pedagogy of Real Talk (PRT) cohort for professional staff completed year two of a Student Climate Survey. The latest survey is a follow-up to the year one project to assess the college’s current students’ sense of belonging at MCC, as well as the effectiveness of the PRT model.
“MCC as a whole is doing so many good things to allow students to feel like they belong to a community or are connected to others at the college,” said Kayla Caron, MCC’s Registrar. “This survey highlights key areas of opportunity to make a huge impact for certain student populations and their sense of belonging on campus. It's our goal to ensure that all students feel seen, heard and understood at MCC. This survey gives students a voice to directly impact change and build the kind of community where they feel like they matter.”
Staff ran the same survey as in year one to see if changes have been made across campus. With questions centered around belonging, the cohort is committed to taking immediate action on campus to support student success.
Staff in the cohort are looking to build relationships and use employees in current positions to shift behaviors and perspectives based on student responses and feedback. Their goal is to create an environment at Middlesex where students feel empowered to effect positive changes and influence in the community in a meaningful way, according to Caron.
“The survey is a powerful and impactful tool to create, build and operationalize improvements,” Caron said. “We want MCC students to be MCC students for life. Even when they leave, they will forever be connected to this college, and their lasting impact and improvements will resonate in future generations.”
Reaching out to 6,188 students via text message, email, and the college’s online management system Blackboard, 3,400 students responded for a 55 percent response rate. In the previous year survey, the cohort received a 44 percent response rate. To encourage participation, completed surveys were entered into a raffle. Middlesex students Heet Shah and Maureen Spencer were the winners.
MCC’s first professional staff cohort started in 2022 to build stronger bonds and connections with students, following the model Paul Hernandez created for faculty members. Their goal was to develop a theme based on personal experiences and speak directly to students in order to form meaningful associations with them that go beyond the classroom.
“Being a member of the PRT cohort has been an inspiring journey of collaboration, growth and dedication to fostering a genuine sense of belonging at MCC,” said Jeffrey Tejada, MCC’s Director of International Admissions and Compliance. “Through our collective efforts – particularly in creating the student climate survey – we've not only sought to understand the diverse experiences of our students, but also to shape an environment where trust, connection and community are at the forefront.”
All members of the cohort have different platforms to have these talks. Staff in the cohort – including from Admissions, Enrollment and Advising – spent their first year in the program developing and delivering their real talks in order to grow more comfortable.
“This work is a reminder that true belonging begins with listening and compassion,” Tejada said. “We are committed to building a campus where every student feels valued, heard and empowered.”