The Vaquero Success Center (VSC) is a one stop hub for many common students’ questions. The VSC is a good place to start if there are questions on how to get started at GCC or how to get more involved on campus. Helpful liaisons called Student Ambassadors can address a variety of concerns. “I love my job, and I love helping people,” exclaimed Tsoler Dernersesian, who works at the VSC front desk. She often helps people who come in overwhelmed or frustrated and not exactly sure where to go for help. VSC can help with everything from activating student email, to signing up for financial aid workshops, or zoom online support. Student Ambassadors receive on-going training across several departments, so they stay up-to-date and ready to answer a wide range of questions.

The VSC is like “a little puzzle piece that fits into different departments,” explained Talia Guiragossian, Program and Services Specialist at GCC. The office focuses on student retention by connecting students to the resources they need. For example, first-year college students in the Promise Plus program are given priority registration and one-on-one academic counseling to set them up for success.

Getting more involved by helping his fellow students on campus has made him feel more connected to GCC and better able to take advantage of these services himself, explained Sayat Teker, another student ambassador. He has personally walked students over to other offices and introduced them to make sure the students felt at ease and got the answers they needed. 

The Student Resource Fair is another way VSC connects students to other departments or programs on-campus. The event is held two to three times per semester and is a great way for students to see what other opportunities or services are available. Since all the tables are lined up in one space, the Plaza Vaquero outside of the Admissions building, it is a very convenient way to browse for more information in a friendly, informal environment. Representatives from each department or club, such as academic counseling or Associated Students of GCC (ASGCC), are standing by to chat and answer questions. The next resource fair is on May 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair is open to all current or prospective students.

For more information on the Student Resource Fair: https://www.glendale.edu/students/student-activities/student-affairs/vaquero-success-center/events

Visit the VSC website for services offered: https://www.glendale.edu/students/student-activities/student-affairs/vaquero-success-center

Kimberly Parnell can be reached at [email protected].