Three years ago St. Clair County Community College began its participation in Achieving the Dream, a national initiative to help low-income students and students of color stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree. During the kickoff event, one directive was clear—go back to your institution and have “courageous conversations” to improve student success.

Not Just a No-Show: Understanding Faculty Absence at Graduation
Each spring, university campuses are spruced up: Lawns are mowed and stages assembled, and rows of chairs fill the arena. Graduation is a time-honored tradition, celebrating students’ hard work and