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

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

Student Focused Operations Student Admissions Financial Aid Advising Student Support Academic Support Program Support

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

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

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

Student Support Services Testing Counseling Services Disability Services Special Populations Alternative Financial Programs

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

Disability Career Services 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions or comments?

Katherine R. Kandalec Athens Technical College 800 U.S. Highway 29 N Athens, Georgia