Program now in place to assist those who are struggling

Program now in place to assist those who are struggling

Rebecca Rivera

rrivera@foghornnews.com

It’s not uncommon for students to struggle to maintain the balance between life and their grades. Many find themselves on academic suspension, and some give up and drop out.

According to the Retention Services Department, Del Mar College has taken steps to ensure every student is given the opportunity to succeed and to avoid academic suspension and dropouts.

The Academic Recovery Program was put in place requiring any student who is in danger of falling below a 2.0 GPA to meet with a case manager from Retention Services.

Each student who is referred to the program will be given an online-based leaning assessment to give a better idea where they are academically, and where their own strengths and weaknesses lie. Once a student has completed their assessment they will need to call Retention Services to schedule a time to meet with a case manager to access their individual needs.

“The program not only helps students get to the root of their academic struggles but they also connect them with countless resources, ready and waiting to help put them back on track,” said Danielle Neuman, case manager for Retention Services. “Time management is a large factor in why people’s grades begin to slip.”

Students are often trying to power through several classes, all while working and dealing with the day-to-day struggles life tosses their way.

According to Neuman, it can become overwhelming and students often find themselves drowning before they realize it.

“We’ve had students who are homeless, and living in their cars, and homeless shelters,” Neuman said. “We want students to know it’s OK to ask for help. Everyone struggles, but most people don’t want to talk about it.”

While a large amount of the program’s focus goes toward helping students get back on the good scholastic standing list, you do not have to be failing to get help.

Faculty who notice a student slipping can refer the student to the program.

Professors and advisors are asked to provide the name of the student, their concerns for their academic standings and any other concerns they may have for the well-being of the student.

Students will then be referred to Retention Services to meet with a case manager to talk about their issues and needs and help place them back on track.

Students can also refer themselves if they feel they are falling too far behind and that dropping out is the only option they have.

If you or someone you know is in danger of academic suspension, visit www.delmar. smartmeasure.com and log in as a first-time user to complete an academic assessment and then simply schedule an appointment with a case manager.

Retention Services is in Room 208 in the Harvin Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays. The services are free to Del Mar students.

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