Maximizing Success: Community College Guidance and Myths Debunked
Anastasia Fiandaca, an experienced counselor, challenges misconceptions about community colleges, emphasizing the importance of celebrating plans for community college alongside universities. She highlights the benefits of attending a community college, including cost savings and the flexibility in academic pathways for students. By breaking the two-year myth and promoting equal recognition for community colleges, students are empowered to make informed decisions about their higher education journey.
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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 afiandaca7919@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 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 1stGen 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 CalWorks: 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 under- represented 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
