Connecting to College: Guide to Key Players

1. Connecting to College: Guide to Key Players Katherine R. Kandalec, M.Ed. Athens Technical College Athens, Georgia

2. Agenda • The “who’s who” of the two year college • Access programs & requirements • Key points to remember for students

3. Student Focused Operations

4. College Admissions Recruiter Officer • Not just for sports! • First contact – first resource • Knowledgeable of programs, contacts, processes • Paperwork • Checklists

5. Advising Services • General Academic Advising • Program Chair • Meet early and often • Scholarships, career opportunities • Transition Specialists • High School Coordinators

6. Financial Aid Officer • “Follow the money!” • Personal assignation or open service • Assistance with the FAFSA • First notification of available scholarships

7. Student Support Services • Testing • Counseling Services • Disability Services • Special Populations • Alternative Financial Programs

8. Counseling Services Testing Office • Primarily for current “in-crisis” challenges • Larger institutions may offer ongoing services • Assistance with managing challenges – especially important for first generation students • Entrance exams / assessments

9. Disability CareerServices Services • Documented disability accommodations • Can serve as liaison with less experienced faculty • Accommodation is always disability-related and specifically addresses the unique needs of the student in question • Career exploration • Career planning • Strategic partnerships with employers • Resume and cover letter assistance

10. Special Populations • Serves “at-risk” students • Single parents/expectant parents • English as a second language • Displaced homemakers • Non-traditional students (gender under-represented) • Economically disadvantaged (eligible for Pell grant) • Maintains key contacts in community for referrals and additional resources • Hosts workshops, seminars, fellowship groups for students in need

11. Alternative Programs • WIA Program • Unemployed or very low income • Pays tuition, books, fees, and assists with transportation and childcare costs • Must be enrolled full time, maintain 2.0 GPA, and actively seek employment in field following graduation • 2 year time limit • Veterans Support Services / VA Certifying Officials • VA Benefits will pay 100% of tuition/fees directly • May be eligible for housing allowance and book/supply stipend

12. Academic Support • Tutorial Center • FREE • Extended hours – nights & weekends often available • Special review sessions before final exams • Open Laboratory • Free math assistance • A&P labs • Science labs • Study Groups

13. Other Vital Services • Student Activities • Get involved! Retention related to engagement • Bookstore / College Website • Budgeting • ID/Parking Services • Student ID cards have additional value • Parking tickets can add up quickly • Both can be free (or have free alternatives), depending on size of institution

14. Other Vital Services • Retention Coordinator / Early Alert System • Student Account Specialists (Cashiers) • Library Services • Registration and Records

15. Access Programs • Workforce Investment Act • Special Populations (via Perkins) • Upward Bound • High school students from low-income backgrounds, or those where neither parent holds a Bachelor’s degree • Program varies based on host institution • GACollege411 • Planning services, scholarship referrals, common application, Apply to College days • Fee waiver • www.CollegeAccess.org

16. Key Points for Students • Relationships are important • Get support & don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re experiencing • Transition between systems • Ask lots of questions • Find a mentor • Utilize the resources available

17. Questions or comments?

18. Katherine R. Kandalec Athens Technical College800 U.S. Highway 29 NAthens, Georgia 30601 kkandalec@athenstech.edu 706-355-5010