As we focus on degree plans, workforce requirements and graduation rates, it’s easy to lose sight of one of our core missions as educators. Our communities don’t just want employable graduates from their higher education institutions, they want potential leaders who can develop creative solutions to challenges in the workplace and community. We can never lose focus on developing the “whole student” and the role that personal development plays alongside academic development.

On our college campuses, extracurricular involvement is a key to personal development. Students who participate in extracurricular activities become more engaged with their fellow students and their campus and are more likely to stay in school through completion. Their engagement in campus-based activities enhances their academic learning, often providing practical experience to the theoretical classroom knowledge. Students learn to interact socially and professionally through extracurricular activities, gaining experience in negotiating, communicating effectively, managing conflict and leading others.

Employers actively seek graduates with these skills. Academic success is not the only thing employers are looking for in today’s highly competitive labor market. Leadership in extracurricular activities is seen as an indicator of future management potential. Employers want to hire well-rounded individuals with practical problem-solving and leadership experience. They are looking for graduates who are well-developed personally and well-rounded intellectually.

At the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, I see evidence every day that we are offering opportunities for personal and academic development. When I interact with our student government leaders, student athletes, musicians and the students from our many professional societies, like Phi Theta Kappa, I see students embracing and valuing extracurricular activities. These students are leading their campus-based organizations today, but it’s easy to see them leading companies and large organizations in the future.

As a community college, SCF’s extracurricular activities are what tie our students to our campuses and help create that feeling of belonging. Multiple studies show that students who feel engaged with their campus are far more likely to not only graduate, but to find satisfying careers after college. Students can participate in as many activities and clubs as fit into their schedule. They can experiment with new activities and discover hidden talents. We encourage them to take advantage of our extracurricular activities, including 38 student clubs. They can even start a new club if their interests aren’t yet represented.

These extracurricular activities are essential to creating the kinds of well-rounded students that transfer to the state’s university system or other institutions around the country or enter directly into the workforce. At SCF, we feel this is part of our core mission—to develop graduates who are not only prepared to continue their education or fill local employment needs, but who are also ready to be strong contributors to society and our community.

When we focus on developing the “whole student,” we help our students get the most from their experience at SCF. Students who chose to engage beyond the classroom realize a better return on their tuition investment and gain experiences they will value far into the future. 

Carol Probstfeld is president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.