The Student Services Fair on Sept. 17 featured 10 booths and tables showcasing some of what the school offers to students in addition to traditional academic courses.
One service represented was the Learning Center. Here, assistance is offered to students who can benefit from tutoring, particularly in math and writing, in addition to other subjects. Tutoring services are provided by proficient students who have been recommended by their instructors and have completed a training course.
Additionally, workshops as well as instructional videos and DVD’s are offered in a variety of subjects.
Computer Assisted Instruction software is available to help improve skills in math, reading and writing. The Learning Center is located in AD 232 and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Career Center helps students to explore their goals and focus on a career. According to Talene Vartanian, a student worker, “If you don’t have a major yet, you need to see a career counselor; if you have time to take that career assessment, [there are] different kinds for different situations. We have a lot of resources.”
Among the offerings are Eureka and Discover, which are computer resources available at the center to more thoroughly evaluate various considerations in determining a career. The center is located in the San Rafael building on the second floor.
The innovative Center for Student Involvement (CSI), coordinated by Hoover Zariani, was particularly promoted at the event. This recently established office “initiates, implements and sustains civic engagement opportunities that promote diversity, critical thinking, personal responsibility, and communication skills for all students involved in its programs.”
Programs that run through this office include New Media Leaders, Gear Up/Avid, Shadow Days, the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Future Teachers and STAR.
The New Media Leaders project, run by CSI, trains students in the use of new media techniques such as making a tweet, blog, wiki (a webpage which allows multiple editors) or podcast for a public service announcement or to promote nonprofit organizations. Students interested should contact Zariani for further information and may enroll in a credit course.
Gear Up and Avid are programs offering students paid positions as tutors and mentors to work with at-risk middle and high school students. A 3.0 GPA is required and pay is $11 an hour.
Shadow Days is a program for students in high school. It is a day when, according to Zariani, “We bring students to GCC, it’s like a day in college for them. They are here from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. There is a tour, financial aid workshop, and they observe classes. Then we have lunch here on campus and the students talk to them about college and how it was for them. It gives the students a first hand account of what it is like to be a college student.”
Student guides involved with this program will take two or three high school students to class on a Wednesday morning.
Describing another program, Zariani explained, “We also help students find volunteer work. We have a list of about 200 different places where students can volunteer . working with kids, arts, law, health care.”
This community service work can also qualify for course requirements of volunteer work. Those who complete at least 100 hours of volunteer work will receive from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation a President’s Volunteer Service Award, including a pin, certificate and letter from the president of the United States.
The Student California Teachers Association promotes teaching as a career, both through activities on campus, conferences and workshops on a statewide level.
Additional programs run by CSI include STAR (Students Talk About Race) where students have an opportunity to facilitate discussions about topics such as racism and sexism with middle and high school students.
Zariani concludes, “Glendale College has a lot of services for students, I just hope students will take advantage of them.” Those interested in any programs of the Center for Student Involvement may call 818 240-1000 ext 5580, or visit Sierra Madre Room 267.
