Low number of college applicants generating anxiety among officials

Mathew

The Office of Admissions of the Dominica State College (DSC) has expressed serious concern over a small number of students who have submitted applications for entry into the 2010/2011 college programme.

Director of Continuing Education at the DSC Merrill Mathew said the college expected between 900 and 1,000 to submit applications for admittance to the 2010/2011 programmes however, so far, only 385 students have applied.

“This number is significantly low in view of the deadline for submission of applications which is 30th July, 2010. With only one more week to go before the close of the receipt of applications the college should have already received in excess of 700 applications,” he said.

According to Mathew, it is not very clear why the numbers are so low at present, but it may be that students forgot that they must apply before they receive CXC results.

“What is very clear though is that students who do not submit applications on or before the deadline of 30th July, 2010, may be disadvantaged greatly.  Some of the likely disadvantages include difficulty in entering programmes of choice; deferment of the start of classes; additional fees for late application; missing out on orientation for the 2010/2011 College year; and stress of not knowing if one will be admitted into a programme,” he noted.

He said the heart of the business of Dominica State College is students’ success.

“When students put themselves at risk therefore by not submitting their applications on time it generates anxiety for the college,” he said.

Mathew brushed aside suggestions that the students may have lacked interest in enrolling at the DSC.

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79 Comments

  1. Dominica's Future
    July 28, 2010

    @geo: You want to go there or what? If you want more information send check me personally. My business you want me to spread on DNO like that then? lol…

  2. Papz
    July 28, 2010

    @The Bull’s eye: I agree with your comment 100% Bulls eye. The new president is a positive and a good thing, he just need the support of the other administrative staff. This man has ideas, he have been there and done that. I believe he very well know what he is about. Those who were there could not do it before, so just breath in something new, something different, something that can and will bring in a positive change.

    It is also depressing too, that Mr. Matthew came out with this information on marpin as well as GIS news, and even the other radio stations, when other top administrative staff, is saying otherwise, and some not even aware that this Mr. Matthew was saying such. If the administration is not together, how can the progress start. If each person have their own ideas and lean on their own likes, how is this institution going to achieve much. I think it’s time the entire college wake up. I’m also aware of some lecturers not doing their jobs, please do stop this. Persons are not paying their monies to come and waste time. And it’s time too that the administrative staff be professional on their jobs, and stop allowing the public to hear degrading things about them, things that should not be.

  3. Papz
    July 28, 2010

    No matter what persons may say, the college was much better as it was before. We were better disciplined, educated, and respectable.

    Also, persons are trying to put down the new director that was just contracted, but i say God bless him and give him the direction and guidance to change this situation and institution around. It must be noted too that maybe the director is not getting the support that he needs from other administrators, instead they are working against him since they are not too pleased that he is there and prefer another.

    But isn’t it wierd and worth questioning the fact that this Dr. Seaman who have been at the college for such a long time is always overlooked when this position arises. Yes, i have seen her there since my time of the late 90’s, but it is always prefered by administration to appoint someone else to the post. If she knows that much and have been there for such a long, long time in the system, why aren’t things changing, why haven’t there been a concrete or serioius change in the system. If she could not and cannot make the change given her past positions, how is she able to do so even if she was given the post as director. It is one thing being qualified but another thing being able to apply what you know.

    I do believe a fresh approach should be taken towards this institution, before this college shuts down for good. Persons should stop bringing down each other, and work together, and stop sitting comfortably in their offices and receiving big salaries which is already draining out the institution.

  4. Dare to Differ
    July 28, 2010

    I cannot sit here and let so many persons destroy college’s reputation – the college consists of its administrators, students and teachers. It is true college has its issues like any institution, however, the college has done a wonderful job with the students. The majority of the teachers who teach at the college presently are persons who taught at the institution when it was CDCC and even then the whole country rated and loved the institution. Since it became the DSC they have added new staff members who do meet the requirements for an institution to offer an Associate Degree. So please stop saying that the college is a waste of time. The public can look at the content of the programs that are being offered and compare them to that being offered at other university and college and you will find similarities between the programs.

    Lets compare A levels with Associates Degree – even CXC offers Associates Degree along with its CAPE program. This already implies that DSC is on the right track – the colleges in Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua to name a few also offer Associate Degrees in various fields. So please stop shouting we must go back to A Level – it is already supplemented. Students are able to transfer more of their credits and cut down their time spent at universities.

    What about the students? Are the students a waste of time? The friendships built, the learning that they have received – is it a waste of time? Are the teachers doing such a poor job??? They work hard to ensure the students gain the knowledge to be successful. Stop it, the college is NOT a waste of time.

  5. JB
    July 28, 2010

    It good 4 allu. Take allu anxiety, allu puttin us under nuff stress, If u can give u can take. And I’m confused, According to DSC officials their credits can be transferred to UWI, but I hearin something else

  6. DSC sucks!
    July 27, 2010

    I had so much stress in that two and a half years i went to dat sh*teous college, I even dropped out and started again to a different programme. same sh*t.I not surprise they not getting alot of applicants this year at all. Bad enviroment, bad administration, unappealing courses.

    A waste of time. If i have to study again to get better qualification, I have to start from the bottom up….again.

  7. geo
    July 27, 2010

    @Dominica’s Future:
    Give us more info
    what university?
    whats your major?

  8. to
    July 27, 2010

    @get the facts:
    sorry to tell you mine was rejected!! nothing transfered towards my major.
    So you can lie to the public all you want.
    Try keep the public in the dark

  9. Neccessary Attention Taken
    July 27, 2010

    There is an error on the dsc site which states that the application cost is $100.00 and the late application cost is $200.00. This can somewhat be the cause…. in a small way…

    The application cost is actually $50.00

  10. Dominica's Future
    July 27, 2010

    As someone who went to the Dominica State College for two years I wonder where some of us get our information. I did well and I am now going to a University who accepted my credits. As a matter of fact, when I started I was amazed that I was so well versed on the material and happened to be one of the best students in the class. Going to DSC was harder than where I am now because the professors were tough. I keep enduring and excelling. The main problem I had with DSC when I went there was the administration and getting my grades and so on. But being a firm person I was very stern and insisted that they do my stuff right since I don’t joke when it comes to my education. But at the end of it I still didn’t regret going. Maybe I had the best teachers there because they were all well educated and excellent. Our Dominican students continue to excel and that means our education system is not total crap. There are just a few administration issues. I don’t regret going there, at least I was able to learn something that helped me become the excellent student I am today!

  11. ZERO
    July 27, 2010

    Where there is no vision the people shall perish..Our leaders both in govt and those in charge of other institutions have no vision…A piece of paper will not give you vision..God must be first so many other good qualities will follow you…Why do you think we are all talking a different language but nothing is happening.If i had my say i would make wholesome changes,beginning first with the government misisters and ending with the institutions…WE JUST DON’T SEEM TO BE GOING ANYWHERE BECAUSE YOU CAN’T EVEN SPEAK YOU MIND AND SAY THE GOVT IS FORMING THE FOOL AND NEEDS TO BE VOTED OUT…Where is the man with all the qualifications behind his name? Now is the time for him to show his mettle….

  12. D
    July 27, 2010

    @dsc student:
    WAIT UNTIL YOU READY TO APPLY TO UNIVERSITY!! YOU NEED TO LISEN TO WHAT POEPLE BEFORE YOU WENT THROUGH. READ THE COMMENTS

  13. Bri
    July 27, 2010

    The college needs to get its act together. i did an Associates degree programme at the college, and graduated but cant u believe i have not gotten my grades for the fist semester and that was in 2008, in 2010 i dont even have all my grades and not even a certificate to show that i attended DSC and i have an Associates Degree. This is laughable. You go for your grades and you are told that they cant find it on their system.

    Jus ask students from the Faculty of Education about their struggles with the DSC and u will be amazed to hear their stories.

  14. VALDA BRUNO-DURAND
    July 27, 2010

    Well where is the new director who comes so higly qualified he should have some strategies up his so experienced sleeves, we need to stop victimizing qualified people who are in front of us for political favors and so called friends. DR. HELEN SEAMAN should be the director of that college no questions asked, even MR. HENRY VOLNEY who did such a credible job with the old six form now they want the whole alphabet behind your name and nothing to show for it, we keep looking for heroes outside and we have them right there in our faces, the person that talk about Annette come again ask for the last one they send to be ambassador, smooth talkers and “ayer pa LA” nothing not there. Its amazing though how the ordinary man and woman on the street knows what has to be done to get things going byut the so called intellects do not. I wish the DSC all the best push forward my people.

  15. reds........
    July 27, 2010

    I beg to differ with you because during my tenure 96-98. I went through the Building and Civil Engineering Program and with the professors that exsisted at the time in that particular program when I headed to the U.S for my studies if it wont for the math, physics, technical writing, fluid mechanics, statics, surveying that I took at Dominica state College at the time known as Technical college I would not have obtained As and Bs in those classes so it is all relative to the teachers I can attest that those that I had were very experienced in their line of classes.

  16. true
    July 27, 2010

    @Independent activist: that is the best response i have seen about that topic. thats what people need to realise, instead of crying down the college

  17. reds........
    July 27, 2010

    When you haveeducated men like Mr. Herbert Sabaroche a man who not only have the education and the experience and the contacts to move this college to higher level who is not given the opportunity based on politics what do you expect. How are we supposed to move forward as a people when we can’t look past political party. You know when I first came to America I thought this was the first place that I saw racism but here in Dominica we partake in something somewhat the same but the only difference is politcs. If you have the credentials to help better the country why stiffle it. Anyways as I was saying about Mr. Sabaroche he worked with the OECS helping stabalize education throughout the caribbean and decided to into politics to help is fellow people now was that a right move it wasnt from the outside looking in but from a career perspective all off us make a choice as to our careers and that his choice but why should an individual who can do so much dfor that college be hindered from trying to do based on politics right now we would have quality education plus quantity. Anyways thats my take on that. Give the man a chance to better the school and quit making politics a damn issue in this country of ours.

  18. dsc student
    July 27, 2010

    i am a current student at the dominica state college. I used to be in high school and hear college students telling us(high scool students) college is a waste of time. Though i didnt wanted to go there because of all the negative comments i had no choice because of my parents. College is NOT a waste of time trust me so far i am enjoying it though the school is really expensive but it is worth it. Students education s the key. I have not encuntered any problems frm any teacher so far. All of them come to class on time and are present 95% of the time. So students dont listen to all the negativity education is the key to success try it out dont listen to what people say. I am sure you wont regret it.

  19. dprincess
    July 27, 2010

    @Zarinha: would really like to know which administrative staff you speaking about there exactly, please be specific. Just because one member of staff ignored you, you don’t go generalising and saying the entire administrative staff is rude an unhelpful. Don’t categorize because you were snubbed. I’ve been to the college and have spoken to some members of administrative staff and they very helpful and really tried to assist me in getting me the proper information.

    So be more specific sister and come again. Don’t generalise. Maybe if we started respecting other people and their jobs mayb we would recieve some respect.

  20. get the facts
    July 27, 2010

    yes the college is very much accredited. this is y when they go away to study their transcripts are not rejected. also the students are educated, a representative of the college goes to each and every secondary school during the last term to inform students about the procedures to enroll into the college, what courses are offered and gives the students application forms. what most likely happens is that the students are not interested in school, or do not even bother inform their parents that ‘hey someone from the college came to speak to us’. if the college did not go to those lengths to inform the students then i could maybe agree, but that is not the case, so the college is not to blame, it is the students for their lack of interest in their own education

  21. Dort
    July 27, 2010

    @D girl:
    Totaly agree with you. I am one of those student that the system rejected.Like @D girl: am prensently a PHD student.

  22. jay
    July 27, 2010

    that’s because of the way the officials at the college handle their business…this school is not organised and the lecturers have very little regard for the education of the pupils

  23. The Bull's eye
    July 27, 2010

    This is SAD SAD SAD D-Girl. I appreciate your comments but I’m sad that u feel this way. So get to your cushy job and forget where u came from.

  24. Hmmm?
    July 27, 2010

    After reading some of these comments I must ask:

    Are some of our young people that foolish?

  25. D girl
    July 27, 2010

    Annette Bardouille came through the doors of DSC and tried to make a difference, this lady is highly educated and tried to impart her knowledge and experience but was turned away and fired from her position. Dominica do not want change, they are content with their mess as long as the ones in power gets to pocket the big bucks and the poor continues to struggle. The leaders of the country lead based on how they feel today but not whats right and best practices. DSC is part of a system and I must say good Luck in fixing the broken Dominican system. I know many people that have left dominica and gone to school in the US including myself and have completed their education and have gotten great high paying Jobs…. 50,60,70 plus thousand US a year…. Tell me why would they want to come back and contribute to an Island where they will be pushed in the corner to shovel papers and make less than they are worth?

    People do your research and invest in your children education, it dont have to be only the US but anywhere they can get a BS or better. Trust me its worth it.

  26. True
    July 27, 2010

    I attended the CDCC and am truly sorry to read these comments, especially when Mr. Matthew and Volney are well respected, hard working, good men of principle.

    I think students of DSC who have problems with certain teachers should openly complain about these individuals so that something could be done, because in this way we are not achieving anything.

    No matter what the circumstances are at the college, at the end of the day if students choose to party everyday or smoke ganja on the side of the road and don’t attend school, they should not turn around and blame the DSC for their bad choices and decisions. They have only themselves to blame.

    But this state of affairs is very sad indeed.

  27. D girl
    July 27, 2010

    Going to this college makes no sense… Just a way to waste 2 years and money. Also a way to asume status within small communities. The best option is to save your money and apply somewhere else to go to school, maybe another caribbean island that offers more, such as Trinindad or Barbados. I remember wanting to go to tthis college and was not accepted because I had a 3 in maths, but today I am on the path to getting a PHD…..
    Maybe they should make it that everyone gets an opportunity .

  28. Dort
    July 27, 2010

    @tom:
    you need understand what are A-LEVEL. as dor said the are “A-level classes such as English, Math, Chemistry and Physics are known as university classes. These are basic classes needed for medical doctor, nursing, engineers etc”

  29. SIFOCOL STUDENT
    July 27, 2010

    Why would I want to learn Marketing Skills from an institution which is so inept in promoting itself? It is said that all publicity is good publicity. However that kind of negative exposure fostered by the institution itself is bordering on suicide. I think the three wise men just turned into the three blind mice, and the education system in Dominica might be on the verge of becoming a Hamlin Town.

    But don’t cry wolf yet. With time and effort, and some dedication, we can have a turn around. This is a wake-up call, Mr. Mathew. Stop the complaining. Please accept the challenge and do the right thing! A mind is a terrible thing to waste, and so is a good opportunity!

  30. tom
    July 27, 2010

    A LEVEL IS NOT COLLEGE………….OTHER CARIBBEAN STUDENTS LAUGH AT US WHEN WE CALLED A LEVEL COLLEGE….A LEVEL WAS A CONTINUATION OF HIGH SCHOO AT A HIGHER LEVEL IN ENGLAND AND COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES>>>>>>FIX THE CURRENT SYSTEM IF WE WANT TO BECOME GLOBAL>>>A LEVEL ONLY TRANSFERED TO 12 CREDITS WHEN YOU TRANSFER BECAUSE IT WAS ONLY 4 CLASSES YOU COULD TAKE MAXIMUM……MANY SCHOOLS IN THE US GIVES YOU 45 CREDITS FROM UNACCREDITED SCHOOL< HENCE YOU GET MORE CREDITS TRANSFERRED FROM THE CURRENT SYSTEM……THE CUNY SCHOOLS ARE ACCEPTING THE CREDITS NOW AND CUNY SCHOOLS ARE VERY RECOGNIZED AND COMPETITIVE…..

  31. The Bull's eye
    July 27, 2010

    So that is why we need to fix what we have instead of that of other countries and islands. It is fixable.

  32. The Bull's eye
    July 27, 2010

    Lets just assume he did leave as u say he did. So? Give it a rest people. Dr. Peter’s is a mover and a shaker. He gains more enemies than allies but when he does leave, he shakes things up just enough so the the institution can see the errors in their practices and by the time he leaves DSC, he would have made it easier for students to assimilate to other schools. @Cassandra:

  33. tom
    July 27, 2010

    ALL THESE A LEVEL FANATICS>>>>>YOU CAN ONLY GET # CREDITS FOR EACH A LEVEL WE DID HONME YOU GET 12 CREDITS IN ONE SEMESTER IN THE US COLLEGES>>>>IN OTHER COUNTRIES A LEVEL IS 6 FORM A YEAR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL ….

  34. Independent activist
    July 27, 2010

    You know what our problem is here in Dominica? We too free. I personally believe we should have a socialist system..not that i’m a hater of freedom of expression but allu does complain too damn much!! How comes everybody jumping up and say those teachers not qualified and the system disorgainsed, but nobody not asking why is only about three or four students that will have a 3.5 gpo and above when they leave college?The teachers not qualified so that should make the material easier to understand right? so why those children not acing the classes? Because the students are lazy. And although i believe that the Universal Secondary Education programme was implemented without the proper measures put in place to deal with it, i still put a lot of the blame on us students and our parents. Instead of urging us to make the best out of opportunities they never had, they help us to complain. That is why so many young ppl still leaving in their parents house without no job. A little two years college they could not take cuz it was too disorganized right? damn fools. that is why we will always be a broke-ass country!!

  35. The Bull's eye
    July 27, 2010

    To get your facts straight: I agree with you. Positive vibes.

  36. true
    July 27, 2010

    i Must agree with u point….having a degree or qualification do not make you a teacher….

  37. get your facts straight
    July 27, 2010

    sometimes it baffles me as to how we as Dominicans think….the same courses provide at DSC is the same that is offered else where but for more money. why cant we see the good in what we have and embrace on those opportunities…..every institution has its own challenges and as we always say in DA “experience is the greatest teacher” so they’ll improve.

    Going to other colleges/universities isn’t a bad idea but at least papa mete take the 2 yrs at DSC at a lower cost and then move on…BE WISE MY PEOPLE

  38. Cassandra
    July 27, 2010

    @The Bull’s eye: Now the institution is headed by Dr. Peters, who left the employ of the WICB under a cloud. Have we been thrown a googly?

  39. sweetness
    July 27, 2010

    I think it should be less in number than 385….people are now realizing how much this college is a waste of time……… there just nonsense. students grades are being lost through carelessness and no one wants to take the blame……well mr Director u all got wat its deserved!!!!!!!!

  40. The Bull's eye
    July 27, 2010

    I love your remarks. Positive.

  41. The Bull's eye
    July 27, 2010

    Okay? Fantastic.

  42. Fanchiface
    July 27, 2010

    Mr. Mathew knows exactly why the enrollment numbers are low. He knows it is because the whole system is just disorganized so most of the school leavers are going 2 colleges overs. My sister is one who will not be going she’s going 2 a north american college. It’s sad cause i attend college in the days when it was the CDCC (Clifton Dupigny) and this crap that’s happenin now never existed. Can u imagine students are leavin college and go work. Students apply to uwi that’s worth your money instead of going to DSC.

  43. The Bull's eye
    July 27, 2010

    Fantastic…Perhaps more will want to teach.

  44. liar liar
    July 27, 2010

    Straight talk it is a mess. most lecturers cannot go to class because tho they may have the degree, they are not “teachers” and cannot transfer the material……..hmmmn
    Stop wasting peoples time.

  45. dor
    July 27, 2010

    @Objective:

    Accreditation board requires ALL teachers to be qualify.
    Again ALL
    Not majority but all

  46. The Bull's eye
    July 27, 2010

    DSC is there to serve the community. If the community does not continue to apply and support the institution the students and Dominica are at risk.

    Perhaps more Dominicans with degrees should become college lecturers? However, the issue is the same here as it is everywhere. College graduates typically have large loans and need jobs that offer higher wages in order to repay those loans within a reasonable time. So it is usually left to the dedicated few who want to see changes in the education system, to make an effort to bring forth that change.

    This is unfortunate that these two previous comments are attacking the coordinators of the program. The people who are actually trying to make it easier for our kids to assimilate into a US school, SAD. Does it really matter if Dr. Peters has a sociology degree? People branch out of their fields of study everyday. As a man with a sociology degree, he has done quite a bit in the education system both here and abroad. He has provided a lot of help to Dominicans (AT OLE MISS, SUNY PLATTSBURGH and perhaps more schools) so I think he is qualified. And with the “dropout”, seems to me that he has turned his misfortune into a good thing. A good example to demonstrate that one can really amount to something with a little bit of hard work if they do not allow the misfortunes to drag them down. A lesson to learn if students are going to travel to US schools and elsewhere.@dor:

    Of course our schools have issues that is why these coordinators are trying to implement something that will work for ALL students. When I graduated from CDCC not even half of my fellow graduates were able to go to university. I was fortunate with the help of a foundation’s donations in order to continue. My credits from CDCC weren’t transferable. I had to start from scratch; the grades were only good to get me a look by the admissions body. So I think the program in place works to get more students to universities; it saves money and it was about time that Dominica got on track like Grenada.

    Perhaps there are a few quirks, but what new plan does not? A plan of this magnitude will continue to have problems in years to come.

  47. Objective
    July 27, 2010

    @dor: I checked the qualification page and was pleased to notice that 12 of the 16 staff members had at least a BSc. Furthermore these appeared to persons teaching in a technical or vocational field and had advanced training in the area.

  48. just giving my two cents
    July 27, 2010

    All i can say is that i went ot college in Dominica from 95-97 and to tell you the truth – it didn’t do anything for me.

    Went to College in Toronto and during classes – all what i remembered were from my high school days which says alot. In my days, our education system was really good. The level of education we get from primary to high school, surpasses many North American schools.

    What Dominica needs now is a college and University which will be just as good as, if not better than the North American schools that way, if and when our students go to these American schools, then they can continue to surpass the other students and show them what the our educational background is all about.

  49. oh boy
    July 27, 2010

    It all begins with the neolithic thoughts of our leaders (all of them). They do not take the time to plan, create, implement, and maintain. They do not run ongoing analysis and measurements.

    Short-term profits over long-term goals is what is killing the educational infastructure in DA. Those jokers are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. They diluted the educational structure by introducing universal education without proper planning. They do not train the teachers, they do not properly assess the curriculum, resources are not adequately distributed, and preferential treatment still runs rampant, etc What a bunch of jesters.

    You guys need to take the time to plan. IF not, it will be more costly in the long run, because you will have to spend a lot more resources to fix and enhance your poorly structured model.

    I need to gather all of you guys under a mango tree, and remind you clowns that you a running a country – not your household.

  50. Waste of time
    July 27, 2010

    I am very sorry, but it seems that the staff is underqualified and the institution is therefore hopeless. I would not advise any youngster to follow an associate degree there, that is an absolute waste of money. I strongly advocate our high school grads sticking to A-level programmes. A-levels are internationally recognised. I sat A-levels and had no trouble getting into Uni. Parents do not doom your young people to backwater universities in the US, they deserve better than that. Register your children in private a-level classes instead. It is obvious that the state college is not even near ready to meet the tertiary education needs of our youngsters.

  51. Zarinha
    July 27, 2010

    Reading the plight of the Dominica State College is really no surprise to me. I think that it was just a matter of time before people started to realize that attending the college here is really a waste of two years. I went there back in 2002 when they were just starting out as the State College and I graduated with a 3.40 GPA and let me tell you, I spent almost 2 more years trying to land a job at a decent company. No one respected my associate degree from the institution although I did work very hard to obtain it. I can tell you that it was alot of sleepless nights staying up to study and in the end, I ended up having to take a job for 650 dolllars a month just to make ends meet. The teachers there have the worst attitudes and dont even talk about the admistrative staff. They are completely unhelpful and downright rude, and dont care one bit about the students and their education. They dismiss you and disrespect you at will without giving two thoughts about it. I would not recommend sending any young adult to the Dominica State College at all. I recommend you try to get a loan, or scholarship if possible and go straight to where you can get a decent, quality and respectable education. It will definitely be worth it in the end. And for those of you who cannot afford a loan or get a scholarship, the CXC Associate degree is a much better option- give that a try after conducting your own research about it. good luck!

  52. IS THIS THE DOMINICA REGGAE FESTIVAL???
    July 27, 2010

    And he dismisses the real reason why they do not want to enroll there. Imagine that. Hopefully DSC will read these comments and WHeeel and Come Again. I have four kids, and non of them wanted to go there for all the reasons stated above…. And its still isn’t cheap…..

    Dominica fini… all of our young ones going out and not coming back. And not even staying to go through our kochonee education system. Labour power….

  53. Anonymous
    July 27, 2010

    After graduating from the the D.S.C one year ago, we have not gotten out Certificates. The college is jus not ready yet so i can see why they are having low registration this year.

  54. J
    July 27, 2010

    lol I graduated in 07 and I don’t regret not going to DSC at alll, its a complete waste of time and money. Why would parents want to send their kids to DSC? get them to work and secure a student loan to a recognised College/Uni in the US/UK/Canada if they want any chance of getting the job they really want.

  55. Cassandra
    July 27, 2010

    When we put quantity over quality in order to score cheap political points these are the results we get.Unfortunately it is the future of our young people that has become the plaything of a dogma, that is detached from the real world and its requirements. It would not cost any more and certainly be more effective to send our students direct to U.W.I., for instance, which at least has recognition. Come on, for the sake of our future generation, swallow our (false) pride and join that real world.!

  56. dor
    July 27, 2010

    @Patriotic B:

    You made some good points, however you also missed some excellent points.

    1) Do you know why the credit obtain at DSC is not transferable in 99.9% of schools in the US? This is because most of the teachers are not qualify or don’t have the required degree. To teach at a diploma level in the US, ALL teachers need to have AT LEAST a bachelor’s degree from accredited institution (that is one step higher). Take a look at some of our teacher’s qualification.
    http://dsc.dm/index.php?option=com_sobi2&catid=3&Itemid=106

    2) The program don’t follow the required number of credits to get an associate degree.
    In the US associate degree needs 60 credits, bachelor is 120 and master is 30 with thesis or 33 without thesis.
    Take look at the number of credits needed to get a diploma at DSC.
    http://dsc.dm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=175&Itemid=114
    The PM, Mr. Vince Henderson and Dr. Peter went ahead and created the DSC program without taking into account the rest of the world. Three wise men (Sociology major from the University of Mississippi, a drop out and A Doctor rate respectively).

    The antidote for that mess is A LEVEL

    3) Why did the three wise men make A level optional.
    Are they saying our kids a too stupid to do A Level? I don’t think so!!!
    A-level will transfer in any university in the world!! That’s the direction we should be pushing our kids.
    The PM, Mr. Henderson and Dr. Peter all did A level!! They all went to university.
    Our kids are not smart enough? Tell me
    A-level classes such as English, Math, Chemistry and Physics are known as university classes. These are basic classes needed for medical doctor, nursing, engineers etc.
    Why are we cutting our kids short?

    It’s very sad went we play politics with our kids future. One day the people responsible will have to answer.

  57. Parent and educator
    July 27, 2010

    I won’t send my child to DSC unless I have to. That Associates Degree Program which they are forcing students to register into is not even worth the paper it is written on. The A’level program will take you much further since it is well recognised.

    The DSC needs to get it’s act together and stop short changing the future of this country!

  58. Cesare Bonventre
    July 27, 2010

    @Cesare Bonventre:

    Ha! Note that the word polyether should be changed to “plethora”

  59. Cesare Bonventre
    July 27, 2010

    The American model of higher education is next to useless – Unless there is a polyether of corporate jobs being doled out

    The American-styled college degree is only a certificate – It only proves the student can take numerous frivolous exams. Yet it “teaches” nothing.

    In Dominica – what is the point?

    If Dominica wants more enrollees’, then it will have to give them something for their money and their time: Skills that readily translate into meaningful life investments!

    Where are the degrees in drafting small business plans, developing & maintaining business over head & creating ROI?

    Where are the degrees in marketable computer skills that translate into making money right now?

  60. overseas
    July 27, 2010

    college in dominica is a money making business now.. not like the time i went to college some years ago. you seeing children just roaming in town.

  61. STAFFEE
    July 26, 2010

    Well Mr. Mathew, you know or maybe you are hearing how hard the country is now and that is one
    major factor parents cann’t send their children to college.

  62. Former_DSC_student
    July 26, 2010

    I attended the DSC for two years and that was only because I had no choice. While I did not have to pay for going there, I wish I had spent the two years doing something else with my time. The college on a whole is VERY disorganized. While I had some lecturers who tried their best despite the circumstances under which they had to teach , I had one so called lecturer who came to class when he wanted, taught what he wanted, never did any labs in the whole two years I was there and just couldn’t care less.

    I remember I would never have my timetables on time for exams, wrong grades on my grades slip – all these kinds of things. In terms of the content for what is taught, I think a lot of this needs to be revised and updated. The people who work in the administrative offices have the worst attitudes I have encountered.

    The cost of one transcript at the DSC is appalling to say the least. One transcript = $100.
    And for that you get, one sheet of paper with your grades and another sheet with course descriptions. And there is no way it costs more than $10 to have these mailed out.

    So right now I am at a no-name school in the US, and I have to re-take or will have to re-take ALL the classes that I took at DSC. What a shame. When I inquired, it seems that the material highlighted in the course online was just no up to par. (not that i wasn’t expecting it)

    If DSC truly wants to excel as an institution of higher learning, a lot of work has to be done. It needs to go back to the drawing boards and competent people with experience in education administration should be hired. It is not impossible, but with the right people and some time it can happen.

  63. ROY
    July 26, 2010

    You call that “The Next Level”.

  64. Patriotic B
    July 26, 2010

    The administration are aware of the issues why enrollment is so low. First of all, the credits are non-transferable if student intends on pursuing their education further in schools like UWI and many US schools. Why spend 2 years in a college where you get little to no credit, try to pursue a Bachelor’s degree and have to start all over? Very few schools like Monroe College accept the credits but that is only because of an articulation between Monroe and DSC. Plus Monroe is not a good school, so they are recruiting caribbean nationals since students in the US only go to them for 2 reasons: It’s an accelerated program focusing on major related courses with no liberal arts background and it is easy to get into compared to other well established, reputable schools that requires competitive SAT scores and entrance exams. So in all actuality, it is a waste of time for those who want to pursue further education beyond the certificate.

    Also, quite a few student who attended DSC at some point have been complaining that going to DSC is a waste of time and they drop out. Based on these repeated incidences, do you all conduct exit interviews to determine the root of the problem?

    What is your marketing strategy? How do you go about recruiting candidates for your programs. Do you go directly to the high school campuses to educate them on the wonderful resources you provide and the benefits to the students?, do you host information sessions with on the spot advising? The website which is a perfect alternative for recruitment needs a lot of work. There are thousands of schools out there with websites so if you are having problems with content, browse sites already created, use them as samples and have one of our highly trained IT professionals volunteer their time to create a decent website.

    Can you identify the support services available to student during their tenure at DSC? It’s not only about academic because if you don’t have a support system it WILL NOT WORK. We have to place value in the education system and get the students to trust that they are working towards a CAREER and not just to get a job.

    How do the administrators expect to lure prospective candidates to their institution when what you do is not appealing. Why should they be motivated to apply? You all know all the answers, let’s be realistic, implement measures to generate trust from the schools, students, parents and others which will result in higher enrollment numbers.

    There should be clearly designed career paths at DSC for those wanting to pursue further higher education and does that don’t want to and if prospective students cannot see their paths then they will not be interested. You may want to higher someone in R&D who is able to identify, research, speak to prospective schools worldwide who are willing to accepts most of the students credits and make that information available to students. you can also start speaking to employers in Dominica to develop an internship program for all majors and possible employment beyond college. In addition do you have a mentorship program for those who have graduated in respective fields regardless of the schools they went to to motivate and coach aspiring students.

    These are some of the programs that you may want to consider in getting students to value your education model.

    Higher Education Professional

  65. Patat
    July 26, 2010

    Sounds like the DSC never had any need to market themselves before!!!

    Now boss if u sooo arrogant by listing all that students will miss out and u still expect them to run to your doors?

    Why not use the persuasive approach and invite all recent graduates to a general meeting at the DSC and play a promo DVD about the benefits of the DSC and get them to full out the application forms while there. Then later cut your varry!!!

    All now so it looking like the DSC needs to go back to College itself to sharpen up its human and public relations skills, you know the next level!!!

  66. sweety
    July 26, 2010

    Well so far my son is one of the 385 who registered, but i think this is a serious concern. Something is wrong somewhere and the government should look into this.

  67. lmao
    July 26, 2010

    @R: they in The US and other big countries studying..not one of them in DA.

  68. vivi davis
    July 26, 2010

    It is quite clear that DSC Merrill Mathew is very much in denial. Sudents of dominica no longer feel the pressing desire to return or even entertain entry to the state college for the first time due to the ongoing staffing issues. It makes absolutly no sense that i should pay my hard earned cash to register at an institution where the teachers do not show up for classes on time or even at all, and to top it up the cost is high.
    dominica state collge needs to wheel and come again.

  69. R
    July 26, 2010

    the tuition is high and cost of living gone up in Dominica and salary stayed the same, people loosing jobs.
    No jobs, parents have no money to send they kids to school.
    All ministers and members if parliament making all the big money in the country, well now the s*** his the fan.
    You all didn’t enable us (people of the country) how you expect us to be able to afford to school fees, bus fairs and food when you don’t pay us?
    ” Full the schools with the children of the ministers and the members of parliament that making all the big money in the country.”

  70. Stress
    July 26, 2010

    That place is a waste of time.
    they give you so much stress, they tell u, u need 6 more credits to graduate
    you go get that six credits then they give u a next story u need 12 credits, that place giving pple
    white hair.

    Only attend the Dominica State College if you have no other choice What So Ever.

  71. Opinion
    July 26, 2010

    If a student has any intentions of attending the UWI Open Campus Program then the Dominica State College is useless, as the credits are non- transferrable. So quite a few students are applying directly to UWI from high school. Plus the college environment (the stench from Labass) is not at all appealing..

  72. WELL
    July 26, 2010

    So didn’t you know that the entire education system in the country especially in the govt schools is in a mess??

  73. Kanpeche
    July 26, 2010

    I have checked DSC’s website. I am sorry to say, but the site is poorly constructed and does not provide the deadline information on the admissions page. It is actually on the calendar page. Also, what is with all the smiley faces and rainbow of colours on the calendar page. Is this a college web page or a crayoning page at Sunday school? Common! We have to do better. Let us take the time to create something that will convey the information we intend. It looks like someone type the information in a word document. I hate to be so critical, but if you are going to do something, dedicate some time to it, and do it right – after all, this is higher education. Your website says a lot about you.

    http://dsc.dm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=31

  74. DA Man
    July 26, 2010

    This is cause for concern and should be thoroughly investigated by the Ministry of Education. Making assertions why this is so is not going to yield answers. There is sufficient time before the school term begins to get some answers. Mr. Director this is an ideal opportunity to be proactive and help our discouraged children. Your hands may be tied, but it is still your responsibility to apply the pressure to those above for assistance.

  75. George Bush
    July 26, 2010

    Well people who are board members of the college do not send their own children there.

    But I urge people to do the A level programme. Less and less children are doing everyday so therefore it’s an easy schlorship!

  76. hmmmm
    July 26, 2010

    the fact of the matter is that the country is on a path of doom and everbody is bailing ship……. no other explanation!!!!!!!!!

  77. well
    July 26, 2010

    we getting enrolled elsewhere ..china, cuba, venezuela, russia, u.s.a…etc..

  78. student
    July 26, 2010

    Is the college Accredited? I’ve heard many students say that they arent interested because of accreditation issues. Actually one of my cousins chose not to attend 2 years aback because of that. Maybe that might be the problem, Mr Mathew & staff should educate the students at various secondary schools while they are in 5th form, then they can know their options.

  79. Notify
    July 26, 2010

    Probably enough information was not disseminated to the general public regarding the closing date for application. After having questioned my cousin who has already registered, he informed me that he was not even aware of the closing date until he saw an application.

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