ADVISING THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOUND Anastasia Fiandaca M

ADVISING THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOUND Anastasia Fiandaca, M. S. Counselor, City College of San Francisco (Latino Services Network and Project Survive) and College of Marin (General Counseling) afiandac@ccsf. edu afiandaca 7919@marin. edu

WHAT ARE YOUR ROLES WITH COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS? • Please share your name and your role/position • Share a little about your students’ demographics

BREAK THE TWO YEAR MYTH • Referring to community college as a “two year school” and to universities as “four year schools” is false and sets poor expectations and bad planning. • Even for academically well-prepared students attending private and elite universities, earning a Bachelor’s degree takes on average more than 5 years. • Community college students may have multiple goals (certificates, Associate’s degrees, and university transfer) that can lengthen their time to completion. • High unit transfer majors such as environmental science, chemistry, engineering, and biology can require so many classes that it is difficult for students to be transfer-ready in fewer than 2 ½ to 3 years. • UCs generally do not offer spring admission and most CSUs have limits to spring admissions. • Note: AB 705 changes access to transfer-level math and English courses, which may help speed up graduation/transfer rates.

CELEBRATE PLANS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON PAR WITH UNIVERSITIES • Educators who speak disparagingly about community colleges or overly praise the virtues of universities can • Create a feeling of shame for highly-impressionable students who plan to or must attend CCCs • Put pressure on students to plan to attend universities even when it’s not the best fit for them or their situation • Lead students to believe there is a lack of opportunities available to students who attend CCCs • There are worthwhile and important societal roles even for students not immediately ready for or interested in a university education

SHARE THE BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE • Cost savings: $46/unit is about $1, 100/year for a full-time student vs. • ~ $7, 300/year for a full-time student attending CSU • ~ $14, 000/year for a full-time student attending UC • ~ $47, 000/year for a full-time student attending a private college • Not only for working class students, CCCs can be a great money-saving option for middle class students who are not eligible for financial aid • A great way to make college savings stretch farther and reduce the need for loans, especially for students interesting in majoring in areas that don’t lead to traditionally high -paying careers

PRIORITY FOR UC & CSU ADMISSONS • Both the UC and CSU systems offer priority admissions for California community college transfer students • It can be much easier to be accepted for transfer than as a frosh student • UC Davis 3. 2 transfer GPA vs. 4. 0 high school GPA • UC Berkeley 3. 7 transfer GPA vs. 3. 87 high school GPA • Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAGs) available for most majors at most UCs (not UCSF, UCB, UCLA, or UCSD)

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES AT CCSF • UCLA Transfer Alliance Program (TAP) and CCSF Honors Program • Significantly increases chances of admission • UCB Transfer Academic Program (TAP) • One on one advisement from UCB admissions adviser • SFSU Transfer Articulation Bridge (TAB) • Allows students to take an orientation course and earn 3 university units • Cross Registration Program • Allows students to take a course at UCB or Mills for the same cost as a CCSF course and earn 3 university units

OTHER IMPORTANT BENEFITS • Smaller class sizes • On average, CCC class size is smaller than UC and often CSU, which can benefit all students, especially first generation students and those who feel less confident • Professors chosen for teaching ability • CCC instructors are hired based on their teaching experience and ability, rather than their published research or how much funding they’re able to draw • Excellent preparation • CCC transfer students achieve at the same or higher rates as those who attend university right out of high school

FLEXIBILITY FOR NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS • Undocumented students: SB 68 allows community college attendance to count toward AB 540 eligibility (exemption from non-resident tuition) • Student parents: Those who must balance education with parenting/family responsibilities are not penalized for part-time attendance • Students who need to work: Similar to above, not penalized and do not feel unusual for part-time attendance • Those who need to stay close to home: CCCs are available within easy commuting distance for a majority of students all around the state; saving money on housing • First generation college students: Some 1 st Gen students benefit from a more diverse, supportive college environment with access to resources targeted toward their needs

A VARIETY OF RESOURCES TO START STUDENTS OUT STRONG (CCSF) • Multicultural Retention Services Department: Bilingual, culturally appropriate, holistic academic counseling for Latinx, African American, Philippinx, Asian Pacific American, and Pacific Islander students • VIDA/Dream Center: Resources and support for undocumented students • Cal. Works: Financial resources and support for student parents • EOPS: Counseling, tutoring, and book vouchers for first generation, underrepresented students

RESOURCES CONTINUED • National Institute of Health Bridges Program: Paid summer lab research opportunities for Biology and STEM students • MESA/STEM Center: Tutoring, workshops, and resources for underrepresented students in calculus-based majors • Disabled Students Programs and Services: Strategies, support, and accommodations for students with physical, learning, or psychological disabilities • Maker SPHERE: Three maker spaces across several CCSF campuses presenting opportunities for hands-on learning, creating and collaborating