1. 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

2. Background EL Paso Community College 30,000+ students (2011) 85% Hispanic Over 130 programs of study Geological Sciences A.S. 5 campuses (6 th by 2013) University of Texas at El Paso 22,000+students (2011) 77% Hispanic Geological Sciences B.S, M.S., Ph.D.

3. 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/passion visiting with UTEP faculty at least a semester before transferring

4. 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

5. How do we track students? Department tracking is very good Council Of Undergraduate Research Initiatives (COURI) Strong alumni network, newsletter, Facebook, Linked-In

6. 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 parent Financial 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

7. 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)

8. 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?

9. SOLARIS research program provides non- traditional students: Stipend of $1000/semester $500 for supplies/rentals Travels for students to presentations