HCC student represents community colleges on MA board 
A second semester liberal arts major and parliamentarian for the Student Senate, Liam Hogan is also getting an education in higher ed assessment—and is part of a group that will help reshape student learning at public institutions across the Commonwealth.
Hogan is a member of the Working Group on Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment, part of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education's Vision Project. One of just two college students and the only community college student on the board, his voice will be heard alongside that of college presidents, provosts, faculty members, institutional research experts, Board of Higher Education members, and others.
"I'm excited to have this great opportunity," Hogan said, adding that his input will focus on differences in academic settings and outcomes between four-year and community colleges. Hogan said students attending four-year schools are seeking bachelor's or advanced degrees, while community college students range from individuals seeking a certificate or associate degree, to a person looking to transfer to a four-year, to someone taking a single class of interest.
Tasked by Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Commissioner Richard M. Freeland to make Massachusetts a national leader in academic achievement of public college students, the group will ultimately make recommendations on student learning outcomes, campus based assessment programs, and best practice measures for students learning at public institutions across the Commonwealth.
The group will meet monthly through the spring and fall 2010 semesters. The first meeting took place in Boston on Jan. 14. Student Activities Coordinator Vivian Ostrowski, who nominated Hogan for the seat, also attended.
Ostrowski said the experience will be enriching for Hogan and for community college students alike. "Community college students are often juggling more things and have more issues than four-year students on so many levels, and their outcomes can be wildly different," Ostrowski said. "Theirs is a voice that needs to be heard."
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