Connecting to College:

Guide to Key Players

Katherine R. Kandalec, M.Ed.

Athens Technical College

Athens, Georgia

Agenda

The “who’s who” of the two year college

Access programs & requirements

Key points to remember for students

Student Focused Operations

Student

Admissions

Financial Aid

Advising

Student Support

Academic Support

Program Support

College Admissions Recruiter Officer

Not just for sports!

First contact – first resource

Knowledgeable of programs, contacts, processes

Paperwork

Checklists

Advising Services

General Academic Advising

Program ChairMeet early and oftenScholarships, career opportunities

Transition Specialists

High School Coordinators

Financial Aid Officer

“Follow the money!”

Personal assignation or open service

Assistance with the FAFSA

First notification of available scholarships

Student Support Services

Testing

Counseling Services

Disability Services

Special Populations

Alternative Financial Programs

Counseling Services Testing OfficePrimarily for current “in-

crisis” challenges

Larger institutions may offer ongoing services

Assistance with managing challenges – especially important for first generation students

Entrance exams / assessments

Disability CareerServices ServicesDocumented disability

accommodations

Can serve as liaison with less experienced faculty

Accommodation is always disability-related and specifically addresses the unique needs of the student in question

Career exploration

Career planning

Strategic partnerships with employers

Resume and cover letter assistance

Special Populations

Serves “at-risk” studentsSingle parents/expectant parentsEnglish as a second languageDisplaced homemakersNon-traditional students (gender under-represented)Economically disadvantaged (eligible for Pell grant)

Maintains key contacts in community for referrals and additional resources

Hosts workshops, seminars, fellowship groups for students in need

Alternative ProgramsWIA Program

Unemployed or very low incomePays tuition, books, fees, and assists with

transportation and childcare costsMust be enrolled full time, maintain 2.0 GPA, and

actively seek employment in field following graduation

2 year time limit

Veterans Support Services / VA Certifying OfficialsVA Benefits will pay 100% of tuition/fees directlyMay be eligible for housing allowance and

book/supply stipend

Academic Support

Tutorial CenterFREEExtended hours – nights & weekends often availableSpecial review sessions before final exams

Open Laboratory Free math assistanceA&P labsScience labs

Study Groups

Other Vital ServicesStudent Activities

Get involved! Retention related to engagement

Bookstore / College WebsiteBudgeting

ID/Parking ServicesStudent ID cards have additional valueParking tickets can add up quicklyBoth can be free (or have free alternatives),

depending on size of institution

Other Vital Services

Retention Coordinator / Early Alert System

Student Account Specialists (Cashiers)

Library Services

Registration and Records

Access Programs Workforce Investment Act

Special Populations (via Perkins)

Upward BoundHigh school students from low-income backgrounds,

or those where neither parent holds a Bachelor’s degree

Program varies based on host institution

GACollege411Planning services, scholarship referrals, common

application, Apply to College daysFee waiver

www.CollegeAccess.org

Key Points for Students

Relationships are important

Get support & don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re experiencing

Transition between systems

Ask lots of questions

Find a mentor

Utilize the resources available

Questions or comments?

Katherine R. Kandalec

Athens Technical College800 U.S. Highway 29 NAthens, Georgia 30601

kkandalec@athenstech.edu

706-355-5010