DSC Basics

The Campus Environment Matters

At Daytona State College, we endeavor to be an equitable and accessible institution. We embrace differences, protect the rights of our constituents, and extend a mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all people. We seek to ensure that all students and employees enjoy the opportunity to participate as they see fit in the full range of activities offered by the College. It is our goal that all of our students and employees achieve their full potential as local, state, and national citizens.

Daytona State continues to make a firm institutional commitment to developing a working, teaching, and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. We will also work to eliminate any barriers to equitable employment and student participation. By embracing our differences, fostering collaboration, and empowering people, we can provide our community with the educational services and resources needed to become leaders in a competitive global environment. 

• dual enrollment students;
• those who recently graduated high school;
• those who took a few years to work either out of necessity or desire to explore before committing to college;
• those attending to improve skills or earn the credentials required for a promotion or advancement at their current employer, and
• those who are coming back after a variety of life experiences such as starting a family, getting a divorce or losing a spouse, that has removed them from college classes for many years.

Rewarding Aspect of College

A rewarding aspect of your college experience is interacting with a variety of people. Attending college enables you to learn side-by-side with a variety of different people (students, faculty, and staff).  Students may be:

• high school students;
• those who recently graduated high school;
• those who took a few years to work either out of necessity or desire to explore before committing to college;
• those attending to improve skills or earn the credentials required for a promotion or advancement at their current employer, and
• those who are coming back after a variety of life experiences such as starting a family, military service, getting a divorce, or losing a spouse, that has removed them from college classes for many years.

The wide spectrum of people in a single classroom may surprise you. You also may find that you have more in common with others than you originally thought.

Why This Matters

How do varied backgrounds positively contribute to your education? What benefits do you gain? Consider these returns:

A Richer Educational Experience:

• You have the opportunity to learn from people with different backgrounds and upbringings. By engaging directly with these diverse backgrounds, you can expand your knowledge beyond what you find in books, movies, or media. This is your chance to explore a world that extends beyond your personal experience.

Improved Communication and Thought Processing Skills

• Through interactions with individuals different from yourself, you’ll learn to communicate more effectively and often in ways you’re not accustomed to. Developing better interpersonal skills, you’ll discover new approaches to connecting with people whose views differ from yours.

A Reimagined Personal Perspective

• Engaging with those who question or challenge your opinions allows for growth. You don’t necessarily have to change your mind, but you can re-examine your stance on various topics. It also helps you better understand why you hold the beliefs you do.

An Informed View of Stereotypes

• Exposure to a wide variety of people helps you challenge stereotypes or biases you may have adopted over time. By learning about the truth behind stereotypes, you can dispel misconceptions and gain a more informed perspective.

Remember that your unique background, experiences, and perspectives contribute to a richer educational environment. Sharing your viewpoint can help others understand and appreciate perspectives that previously didn’t exist. Don’t hesitate to express your thoughts!