Basic Skills Counselor Position Tenure Track Proposal

Background on Basic Skills Counselor State funding began in 2007-08 under the State of California Basic Skills Initiative. Counselor position has been full-time, temporary since August 2008 Currently funded 80% by Basic Skills and 20% by SSSP. Funding has been stable for 8+ years, with no indication of change for future years.

Background on Basic Skills Counselor Five different Counselors have held the Basic Skills Counselor position since inception. Lack of permanency and consistency in staffing becomes an equity issue for a student group at high risk of non-completion. The College is mandated to provide direct advising and counseling services to Basic Skills students under SSSP, our Equity Plan and Basic Skills plan. Due to it being integrated in 3 plans, Student Services Division has prioritized dedicated Counselor services to this population; in the event of a state funding reduction, the college can look at our 3 plans for redirected funds.

High Turnover of the position The Basic Skills Counselor serves a vulnerable, at-risk population. Therefore, it is important for those students to have continuity with the same Academic Counselor, Faculty and Staff.  Since 2012, Cañada has had multiple counselors in the position, including: Carla Stoner-Brito Michelle Mendoza Nadya Sigona Daryan Chan  Currently--  Jaime Huston-Sylvester   All of the above counselors left the Basic Skills position for the opportunity to secure a Full Time Tenure Track position. Each time a new Basic Skills counselor is hired, they need to be fully trained and often times once that happens they are on the search for a tenure track position and a new hire is needed.

Role of the Basic Skills Counselor Provide counseling services for students enrolled in basic skills classes.  Support students through the Early Alert program.  Conduct classroom visits on and off-campus to do introductions, promote programs and services on-campus, and encourage creation of SEP’s.   Collaborate with basic skills faculty and staff to plan a            three-day Proactive Registration event, serving students in developmental English and math classes.  Participate in ACES and ACES Inquiry Committees.    Serve on SEP Campaign workgroup. 

Summary Consistently funded position for over eight years. Part of SSSP, Basic Skills and Equity plans. Non-tenured status has led to high-turnover and lack of continuity for students, an equity concern. Specialized work functions that require high levels of training. Other tenure track, formerly categorical positons at Canada and within the district. (EOPS, DRC, TRiO)