Student Success
The Office of Student Success is structured to help students maximize progress and reach their educational goals. Student Success Specialists work with students individually and in groups to provide intensive guidance, ongoing support, and intrusive advising to promote engagement, retention, persistence and completion.
Academic Advising
The individual student is ultimately responsible for course and program selections. At Vernon College, all students are assigned a Student Success Advisor upon completion of the admissions application. The Student Success Advisor is a student’s primary point of contact for all student success needs beginning with the first semester and continuing through the completion of educational goals.
Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching is a collaborative and interactive process intended to assist students in making an individualized plan for achieving academic success. It provides students with the opportunity to work individually with a Student Success Specialist to enhance their academic skills, increase awareness of educational resources, gain confidence and discover motivation. Academic Coaching is available year round. Sessions may vary based on student need.
New Student Orientation
Each new Vernon College student must attend a mandatory New Student Orientation program prior to enrollment. Programs are offered online as well as in-person at the Vernon and Century City Center locations. Students are unable to register for courses until they attend a New Student Orientation session. Students will learn valuable information to help them throughout their Vernon College tenure including but not limited to: student success pathways/career exploration, resources such as catalog, registration guide, website, and student portal (MyVC). Students should contact the Office of Student Success for dates and times.
Peer Mentor Program
The purpose of the Peer Mentor Program is to promote successful onboarding, improved academic success, persistence, and completion of students. Vernon College Student Peer Mentors are selected through an application process based on criteria including proven success as a student and interest in helping others. The Peer Mentor Program is designed to provide support and guidance to students as they enter college. Vernon College’s Student Peer Mentors are committed to sharing their experiences to provide motivation and promote self-efficacy. Student Peer Mentors help students connect to college services and resources, find information on policies and dates, develop time management strategies, and take action regarding academic and career goals.
STEPS
Striving to End Probation Status (STEPS) is a targeted academic coaching opportunity with a Student Success Specialist. Individual participant sessions include but are not limited to goal setting and detailed discussion of tools and resources available to increase student success. STEPS is designed to include periodic progress checks throughout the semester with a Student Success Specialist
Student Success Series
The Student Success Series provided by the Office of Student Success is workshops comprised of a variety of student success related topics (e.g. time management, note-taking, test anxiety, study skills). Workshop requests are initiated by faculty, staff or student organizations.
Student Wellness/Counseling
Student Success Specialists are available to provide consultation on personal or social matters including resources available and developing a support system to help each student achieve their goals.