By Luke Roney Staff Writer
Hollister
– A new program at Gavilan College could take some of the stress
and expense out of getting a four year degree.
Starting this year, the Gavilan College Transfer Institute will
guide students through their first two years of community college
and on to a traditional four year school.
By Luke Roney Staff Writer
Hollister – A new program at Gavilan College could take some of the stress and expense out of getting a four year degree.
Starting this year, the Gavilan College Transfer Institute will guide students through their first two years of community college and on to a traditional four year school.
“In the past, students were unsure about transferring (to a four year school). This is easy and efficient,” said Jan Bernstein Chargin, director of public information.
In addition to assisting students through the process of transferring to a university, the program will offer students early class registration, help picking a college major and an educational plan that, if followed, will get them through Gavilan in two years.
“This is an exciting package of services … for students who plan to transfer to a four year university,” said Rosa Sharboneau, interim dean of student services. “Transfer Institute will help them to succeed, and to make the best use of their time if they want to complete their lower-division work in two years.”
This year the transfer institute, which begins immediately, will accept about 150 students, according to Bernstein Chargin.
Those who are interested in the program must show that they are ready for college level work by performing well on an assessment test for English and math and also complete an application in which they state why they want to be part of the program.
Students who are accepted into the program will be able to register for classes a week earlier than the general student population.
“That way students can go into summer knowing it is taken care of,” Bernstein Chargin said.
Also, students in the program are assigned to a counselor who will help them create an educational plan that will get them through Gavilan in two years.
The plan acts as a contract between school and student, with the student agreeing to stick to their plan and attend class.
“It’s the student’s job to complete the plan,” Bernstein Chargin said. “Their counselor will give feedback on how they’re doing.”
There is no added cost to be part of the transfer institute program. For an application go to the Gavilan Web site at www.gavilan.edu.
Applications must be in by May 2.
Luke Roney covers education and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lr****@***********ws.com.
