Author: Rebecca Rivera

More than 600 students have applied for fall semester graduation, according to Kim Champion of the Del Mar College Registrar’s office. Of the 614 to apply, more than 400 have committed to walking the stage. Fall commencement ceremonies will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the American Bank Center. More than 750 degrees are expected to be awarded, Champion said. Students participating in the ceremony may purchase their cap and gown, as well as their graduation announcements, at the Del Mar College bookstore in the Harvin Center. The day of graduation students will meet in Exhibit Hall B of…

Math Learning Center makes big difference for many Like many students, Flora Esparza found herself struggling with math and in need of assistance. After using the Math Learning Center she noticed a huge difference in her grades. “I’ve used different tutors in the past, but they’ve been able to explain it better, where I’m able to learn it,” Esparza said. “I didn’t use it before, but now that I have, my grade average is higher.” The Math Learning Center, located in Room 117 in the Coles Building, is open 58 hours a week — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday…

Students to learn ins and outs of the process for applying Registration for spring classes is underway, and many students find themselves worrying about how to pay for their classes. Many are not aware they qualify for financial aid, or how to apply. “It was very easy,” said student Angel Abrego. “I thought it was going to be hard. I put off applying because I didn’t think I would get accepted. I was surprised at how easy it was.” The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, can be found at fafsa.ed.gov. The first step to applying for financial…

As class work piles up through the semester, stress levels climb and students find themselves short on time. Even finding time to ask for help can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, the Counseling Center is bringing that help straight to the students. They will be on the first floor of the Venters building from 9:15-11:15 a.m. Nov. 8 for their next Let’s Talk. Students can meet the counselors, ask questions about the services they offer, and even have an on-the-spot private session. Their signature inflatable blue couch lets students know they are in the right place. “Come out and meet us for…

Colleges focus less on filling classes, more on retention While enrollment numbers have traditionally been tied to funding for community colleges, a recent change has put more focus on completion rates. The state Senate in 2015 passed a bill that demanded all public colleges achieve certain standards set aside based on performance. These new standards would determine the amount of funding they would receive. Only about half of students enrolled in a two-year community college completed their degree in2012, according to a study by the assistant professor of higher education at the University of Texas, Lyle McKinney. There are several reasons for this. Many students transfer out. Ac- cording to the…