The Clipper

Issue date: 1/29/10 Section: News

Christina Castorena

College students often find themselves overwhelmed by a new freedom not experienced in high school. The result is that one in four college freshmen in the United States will drop out. Everett Community College is looking to help students avoid that outcome.

An EvCC committee comprised of faculty, administration and students is working on an proposal that would require mandatory advising for all new students.

"Our goal is to increase the student retention and completion rate. We want students to formulate a goal and take the necessary classes to stay on track for their careers as well as build relationships with faculty," says Christina Castorena, Dean of Student Development and Diversity Advocacy.

According to the proposal, all new students would be required to meet with an adviser and organize an academic plan prior to their third quarter of enrollment. For example, if a student starts in the fall quarter, the student would be required to meet with an adviser by the spring quarter of the following year.

If the proposal is approved, it will only affect new students. Students would be informed during registration of the mandatory advising requirements and notified again at orientation.

"I like the idea of mandatory advising because it keeps students on the right track. Advisers would help students stay on top of their academics grade wise and guide them to their desired careers by helping choose their classes," says student Katie Walter.

"If (new students) would have had someone to choose the right classes for what they want to major in, then they wouldn't have found themselves in classes they shouldn't have been in," says Walter.

According to Castorena, the committee, comprised of half a dozen people, has been working on the proposal since last spring.

"Right now we are in the final stages of the proposal, we are tweaking and refining it. We hope to have it finalized by mid-February," says Castorena, after which they will be submitted to the president, vice president and cabinet (confirm.)

Advising week is Feb. 22-25. Students can meet with advisers to talk about majors, select classes for next quarter and stay on track to graduate. For more information contact the Counseling, Advising and Career Center at 425-388-9263 or via e-mail at counseling@everettcc.edu.

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