The fact that less than half the students who enrolled at
Gavilan College with the intent to transfer to a four-year college
or earn an associate’s degree or certificate actually achieve their
goals is disheartening.
Less than 50 percent of those looking to transfer actually do
The fact that less than half the students who enrolled at Gavilan College with the intent to transfer to a four-year college or earn an associate’s degree or certificate actually achieve their goals is disheartening.
According to the state’s 2009 accountability report for community colleges, 46.4 percent of first-year Gavilan students who expressed a desire to transfer to a university or earn an associate’s degree or a certificate reached their goal within six years. That percentage is down from 49.8 percent the previous year and 52 percent the year before that. Gavilan’s percentage also lags behind the state’s 51.8 percent of community college students who reach their initial goals within six years. So the question is, why is this happening? What are the obstacles?
Better tracking of students could lead to higher transfer rates
Gavilan’s Vice President of Instructional Services Kathleen Rose said she wasn’t worried by the statistic, “but it’s a bit of a call to action,” she told reporter Sara Suddes. Part of the problem is that Gavilan “doesn’t do a good job” of capturing the reasons why students drop out, withdraw from classes or fail to reach their goals, Rose added.
“We have to, of course, continually monitor these trends,” she said. “I think that would help.”
That goes without saying. The college’s mission states: “In an environment that cultivates creativity, stimulates curiosity and emphasizes student learning, Gavilan College serves its community by providing high quality educational and support services that prepare students for transfer, technical and public service careers, life-long learning and participation in a diverse global society.” At the end of that statement is a note that states the mission is evaluated and revised on a regular basis.
Mission statement should be evaluated, help given to students
Well, it’s time to evaluate how the college helps prepare students to transfer. Gavilan needs to better connect students with counselors to stay abreast of graduation requirements to better reach their goals.
Most importantly, before making that decision to withdraw or walk away, having that critical conversation with academic counselors is key.
Yes, Gavilan’s enrollment has increased, but it is still a small school and, as such, should provide that individual service students may not have at the four-year level.
Gavilan needs to better ensure that those who are looking to transfer get the help needed to accomplish that goal.
