Preparing Students in Two-Year Colleges for Success

At Four-Year Colleges

Joshua I. Villalobos El Paso Community College

Diane Doser University of Texas at El Paso

Background EL Paso Community College

30,000+ students (2011)85% Hispanic

Over 130 programs of studyGeological Sciences A.S.

5 campuses (6th by 2013) University of Texas at El Paso

22,000+students (2011)77% Hispanic

Geological Sciences B.S, M.S., Ph.D.

What attributes does UTEP look for?

associate’s degree or at least chemistry and precalculus – cannot start geosciences core without this

field or lab experience (knowing something about what a geologist does) -helps focus on long-term goals

basic computer skills- helps in securing on-campus support

motivation/passionvisiting with UTEP faculty at least a

semester before transferring

What issues do 2-YC students face?Financial - help in finding

scholarships/assistantships/work study

Social- other undergrads, meeting other faculty

Institutional- Getting through gauntlet of registration/ transfer/ advising

How do we track students?Department tracking is very goodCouncil Of Undergraduate Research

Initiatives (COURI)Strong alumni network, newsletter,

Facebook, Linked-In

What attributes does EPCC look for? Students who have the skill set, passion, and

determination to continue with geology. Issues that affect these attributes:Family obligation -breadwinner or single parentFinancial need- will they be able to afford the

tuition or the expenses of a 4YC (books, parking, Internet, computer)?

Distance-2YC multi-campuses vs. 4YC single campus.

Age- realistic education and career paths for those who are 41 vs 21

Education-English or math deficiencies

How do we track students? Key is first identifying students at the

2YC level in the geosciences, then:Having students register as geology

majors at 2YC Creating a working relationship with

students (this also helps in the transfer process and in tracking long term)

Clear understanding of the demands the educational path will require in terms of money, time, personal obligations.

Clear and streamlined degree plan (less Buffet more Menu approach) that reviewed and articulated with a 4YC

Research opportunities at the 2YC (SOLARIS)

How do we ensure 2YC student success?

SOLARIS research program provides non-traditional students:

Stipend of $1000/semester $500 for supplies/rentalsTravels for students to

presentations