June 19, 2008

Incoming Chandler-Gilbert Community College freshman Sierra Simon, 19, is a little nervous about starting college this fall. So when CGCC invited her to participate in the college’s new “I Start Smart” program, she jumped at the chance.

“I think this program will help me feel more comfortable getting started in college,” Simon said. “It shows that the college really cares and are involved with their students. Everyone here has been so friendly and have gone out of their way to ensure that I’m ready to start college this fall.”

“I Start Smart,” is intended for first-time, full-time CGCC students who have never taken a college class and test into college prep level classes. The program offers extra support to students just beginning to make their way through the college experience.

Jesus Chaidez-Hernandez, coordinator of recruitment at CGCC, said that after a student is identified as qualifying for the program, they are invited to a “Red Carpet Day” in which they receive an introduction to the college, meet fellow students, learn about financial aid, receive group advisement, and register for classes.

“We are rolling out the red carpet for these students,” Chaidez-Hernandez said. “Our goal is to do everything we can to ensure the success of these incoming freshman.”

During the two and a half hour Red Carpet session, students also enroll in one of three college success classes CGCC offers – “Advancing Academic Achievement,” “Strategies for College Success,” or “Math Anxiety Reduction and Student Success.”

“Students are encouraged to pick the class that best suits their needs,” Chaidez-Hernandez said. “Each class is unique, but all are designed to teach students the skills needed to succeed in college – whether it’s learning better study skills, time management, education and career planning, or anxiety reduction techniques.”

Chaidez-Hernandez said that one of the most unique aspects of the program is that existing CGCC students serve as student ambassadors. These ambassadors are on hand to share their experience with incoming freshman, offer advice, and answer questions new students may have.

“Student ambassadors are an important aspect of the “I Start Smart” program because they help new students relate to the college in a more personal way. Students also feel the freedom to ask ambassadors questions they may otherwise be afraid to ask,” said Sophia Alameda, CGCC student ambassador.

For more information about CGCC’s “I Start Smart” program, access www.cgc.edu/istartsmart or call (480) 732-7277.

CGCC is located at 2626 E. Pecos Rd. in Chandler.