Counseling for Educational Planning: Programs and Strategies

Date: April 23, 2015 – April 24, 2015
Location: Norco & Sacramento, CA

A 2012 California law requires all community college students to complete an education plan signed by a counselor. Colleges are looking for new ways to facilitate this planning. The event gave California community college representatives an opportunity to learn about effective counseling programs and to share ways to support student education planning. The one day event, hosted by the REL West California Community College Alliance, took place at two different community colleges on April 23rd and 24th.

Event goals:

The primary goal of each one-day regional event was to inform representatives of California community colleges about innovative and promising counseling programs and strategies to support students' education planning. As a result of their participation, attendees:

1. Were introduced to counseling programs that support students' decision making prior to Student Education Plan (SEP) development and facilitate completion and approval of SEPs.
2. Used a research-based framework to synthesize the information shared at the event and to identify the programs, strategies, and lessons learned that are relevant for their college.
3. Understood common challenges to implementation and practical, research-based solutions.
4. Had opportunities to engage with educational researchers, deepen their understanding of the research process, and foster an interest in engaging in research at their institutions.

Speakers included:

• Denise Noldon, California Community College Chancellor's Office
• Michael Kurleander, University of California, Davis
• Cynthia Mosqueda, El Camino Community College
• Monica Green, Norco Community College
• Brook Oliver, Sierra Community College
• Kim McDaniel, Sacramento City College
• Jerilyn Chuman, Saddleback Community College
• Mary Silva, Modesto Community College

For more information, email Mary Rauner at mrauner@wested.org