Advising Special Populations:

Pathway to SuccessElizabeth CarrilloAssociate Director

Shirley CaballeroSenior Academic Advisor

Undergraduate EducationAcademic Advising Center

Florida International University

Brett EllisGraduate Assistant

• Fold the paper in half.• Rip off a corner.• Fold in half again.• Rip off a corner.• Fold in half again.• Rip off a corner.

Activity

• Who Are We?• Undergraduate Education: Exploratory Studies • Graduation Success Initiative

• Summer B Program• Articulation Agreement

• Transfer Guides

• Campus Partners• Closing the Gap

• What Matters Most?

• Final Thoughts

Overview

Undergraduate Education• Advise Exploratory Students• Freshmen• Transfers• Redirection

• Teach Exploratory courses• SLS 1402: Discover Your Major• SLS 3407: Major & Career Exploration

•Walk-ins & appointments

Exploratory Studies @ FIU

• Uncertain of major choice or options• Applied to “Selective Admissions” programs• Learn about all majors before making a decision• Gain better understanding of interests, skills, & values

GSI: Graduation Success Initiative

Designed to help student succeed academically

Helps find academic home

Provides a clear path to success

Gives immediate feedback and support on progress

MyMajorMatch

PROGRAM BACHELOR’SPsychology 2,548

Hospitality 2,035

International Business 2,022

Business Administration/Mgt. 1,957

Finance 1,772

Criminal Justice 1,513

Communication 1,175

Biology 1,096

Nursing 965

Accounting 964

2008-

2013

Top 10 Majors

MyMajor.fiu.eduMajor Map:

Programs of study that show what courses to take each semester in order to

graduate in 4 years

•Opportunity to prepare for Fall courses• Students enroll in 3 classes for 7 credits•Course options based on:• Test scores• High School UW GPA•Major

Summer B Program

• Finances•Class size•Proximity to MDC campus• Time constraints• Family/personal responsibilities•Work hours

• Transfer Guides

Florida Statewide 2+2 Articulation AgreementMDC FIU

Per Credit $82.78 $203.593 credit course $248.34 $610.77

http://admissions.fiu.edu/costs-and-aid/index.htmlhttp://www.mdc.edu/main/academics/tuition.aspx

Math courses depend on major and ALEKS score!

Not all students need Algebra,

Trigonometry, or Calculus

Disability Resource Center

• Referral Access Consultant

• Foreign Language

• Math Substitution for the Core• Alternative course(s)• Redirection

Campus Partners

Center for Academic Success

• Testing (PERT/Accuplacer)

• Tutoring & Writing Center

• Reading & Learning Assessments

Counseling & Psychological Services• Individual, Group, & Couples Counseling

• 24 Hour Emergency Hotline

• Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors

LGBTQA Initiatives

• Student 1:1 counseling

• LGBTQA Mentors Program

• Community outreach programs

• Offer awareness programs and workshops: LGBT 101 and Safe Zone training

• Advocate for inclusive campus policies

• Transgender and Intersectional education

Get Parents Involved!• Collaborate with teachers for Parent Teacher Conferences• Provide Fact Sheets, Handouts (Online & Send with students)• Host workshops for parents •Make encouraging phone calls

Closing the GAP with CAP

One of the highest predictors of students’ enrollment in college is the influence of their parents. (Bergerson, 2009)

What Matters Most?

Money Matters

In a study done by the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative:• 37% of 11th and 12th grade students could not estimate the price of tuition and

fees.• 28% percent of their parents could not estimate the price of tuition and fees.

(National Postsecondary Education Cooperative, 2007)

Ways to Help:• Bring in a FAFSA/Financial Aid expert for a workshop • Do scholarship research & encourage students to do the same

Lower-income families often overestimate the costs of attending college and underestimate the amount of financial aid that is available to their students. (Bergerson, 2009)

Supportive Strategies:• Newsletters• Post acceptance letters in office/classroom/hallway• College fairs, visits, have teachers speak about their college

experience• Write recommendation letters• Language and messaging/Encouragement• Build relationships with college Advisors & Admissions Counselors• Scaffolding/Developing autonomy• Encourage AP/Dual enrollment courses (if available)

What Matters Most?

•What is an “appropriate institution” for student?• Cost of attendance• Academic programs• Location & Size • Support services

• Reach Out & Make Connections• “Warm Hand-Off” = increased likeliness for student to follow-up

Final Thoughts

Thank You!

Elizabeth Carrillo, M.S.(305) 348-2892Carrille@fiu.edu

Shirley Caballero, M.A.(305) 348-4275SCaballero@fiu.edu

Brett EllisBreellis@fiu.edu