What are Communities of Interest?
Communities of Interest (COI) represent a network of students with similar academic interests and career goals. Learning experiences and initiatives within the COI framework will:
- promote student engagement and development.
- enhance program persistence resulting in completion of a certificate or degree
- promote global citizenship and lifelong learning
COIs aim to provide structured, intentional, and meaningful experiences around academic support, social engagement, and workforce readiness. In general terms, COI activities would be:
- delivered in response to significant known and emerging barriers to student success
- supported by data and applied research
- purposefully designed for students across all campuses and not just for students who seek them out
- connected to Shark Path
- developed to help foster a sense of purpose
Activities
Based on the input received from institutional
stakeholders, examples of foundational COI activities
may include, but are not limited to:
- COI Kick-off Events
- Virtual Communities
- Academic/ Engagement Workshops
- Career Development
- Internship Preparedness/Workforce Readiness/Transfer Workshops
Communities of Interest Offered at MDC
COIs will enrich the vibrant campus life and activities that students already experience at the College. MDC will align the College’s COIs with the State of Florida, Department of Education meta-majors, which include:
- Arts, Humanities, Communication and Design
- Business
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Industry/Manufacturing and Construction
- Public Safety
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Social and Behavioral Sciences and Human Services