New Book Prepares Students for Success in College and Beyond

June 30, 2010, Blue Bell, Pa.—Montgomery County Community College Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Steady Moono, of Collegeville, recently introduced a new book he co-authored, Thriving in the Community College & Beyond—Strategies for Academic Success and Personal Development, during a book signing event held at the College’s Central Campus, Blue Bell, Pa.

The purpose of the book is to help students make a smooth transition to college and to equip them with strategies for success on campus and in their careers. While the target audience is community college students, the content is relevant to anyone attending or planning to attend college, including high school students.

"The book is designed to do three things:  promote academic success, promote awareness of personal development and promote mindfulness or a consciousness of what you are doing and whether you are doing it effectively and to the best of your ability,” Dr. Moono said.

Starting with an introduction on how to use the material, the book proactively addresses challenges students may encounter as they transition through college and into their careers. The 11 chapters start with the keys to success at college, such as getting involved in activities and using available resources.

The chapters sequentially flow from initially setting goals to time management, developing learning strategies, managing money, developing social and emotional intelligence, maintaining health and wellness, decision making and career exploration.

The engaging format of the content makes the book an interactive learning tool. Each chapter, for example, begins by posing a question or statement. Readers are encouraged to reflect upon the material by writing journey entries in the "Think About It” sections.

As a way to reinforce key concepts, the authors highlight quotes, personal stories, action steps and remember points in distinct colors in separate text boxes. Website links provide opportunities for further research and information.

Each book provides an access code to enter My Power Learning ™, an online assessment to help students identify their learning style preferences.

Published by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, the book is a collaboration of four education specialists:  Dr. Joseph B. Cuseo, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Marymount College, Calif.; Dr. Aaron Thompson, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and Professor of Sociology at Eastern Kentucky University; Julie A. McLaughlin, Academic Advisor and Co-Chair of the First-Year Experience Advisory Committee at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; and Dr. Moono.

"Steady Moono is passionate about students and their success, and his passion fuels and excites a lot of the student success work,” Montgomery County Community College President Dr. Karen Stout said.

In 2008, Dr. Moono was recognized as an Outstanding First-Year-Student Advocate by the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.

The proceeds from the sale of these books at Montgomery County Community College will be donated to the College’s Foundation in support of student success programs.

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