Changes within a community's economic climate are bringing an increasingly diverse student population to the doorsteps of these institutions compared with the past.  U.S. News reports that many community college campus' enroll between 44-48% of students from schools with low-income, high minority populations annually.  And, although college administrators, faculty, and staff will contest that after a student enrolls every student is treated equally, is that really in the best interest of the student?  More importantly, does the student coming from the low-income household have the tools to remain in college and succeed?  In this session, participants will discuss the hidden rules in class and in the classroom, and strategies designed to empower and equip students.