Spring semester offers new opportunities
What do students have to look forward to in 2023? The answer: expanded opportunities and strong support services to make their educational dreams come true. New initiatives help students move faster toward a career and attain a certificate or degree that can lead to more economic stability for themselves and their families.
New Placement Initiative
SFCC has launched a new, more equitable approach to placement requirements, which determine whether students are ready for college-level work. Instead of relying on a single standardized placement exam that limits students to non-credit developmental classes, the college now considers multiple factors.
This will give students a clear path toward their educational goals. By applying a variety of placement measures – including high school GPA and skill assessment tools – students can take a college course and earn credit while at the same time receive the help they may need in English and Math. Previously, students who were required to complete developmental courses were less likely to succeed. This became a barrier that most affected low-income and first-generation students. Now, students will engage in college-level work sooner, be more likely to stay in college and earn a degree, and save money and time. Read more.
New Pathways program sets a roadmap to completion
Did you know that students often struggle to figure out what to study and which classes they need to earn a certificate or degree? The college has developed the Pathways guide that provides a direct route to success.
The Pathways guide outlines distinct areas of interest: Arts and Communication, Business, Teacher Education, Law and Social Sciences, Trades and Sustainability, Health Sciences and Science and Engineering. There’s also a Pathway to help those who don’t know what their interests are get started.
SFCC advisors will work with students to determine the most efficient way to earn a credential that leads to employment opportunities, to an associate degree or to a degree that transfers to a four-year institution.
Exceptional Student Services and Resources
SFCC has expanded services and resources to help students succeed in the classroom and in their personal lives. Many resources are available:
- Tutoring Center provides free tutoring in English, speech, reading, study skills, writing, math, science, computer science, accounting, media arts, and more.
- TRIO Student Support Services offers workshops, networking and study space for first-generation students and students with disabilities.
- Career Services connects students and community members with employers; assists in career exploration, résumé writing, interview tips and more.
- Student Resource Center supplies confidential, bilingual referrals to community services that help meet basic needs such as housing, transportation, and food.
- Campus Cupboard serves as a food pantry with free access for students.
- Family Resources serve young families through the SFCC Library’s Family Study Room, priority enrollment at Kids Campus, and more.
Extensive Financial Support
The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship covers tuition and fees for eligible students who are taking between 6 and 18 credit hours so they can pursue a certificate or associate degree.
Many other scholarships help pay for college. The Financial Aid Office assists students and their families in filling out a FAFSA (federal financial aid form for all scholarships) to enable them to apply for dozens of scholarships. The majority of SFCC’s students are eligible for financial aid. Students also can apply for on-campus student employment opportunities, which not only help cover expenses but also provide work experience.
The future looks bright for SFCC students.
