As the Transfer Center coordinator at San Diego State University-Imperial Valley campus, Aracely Bojorquez makes it a point to get to know students before they get to the campus in Calexico.
“In order to see students succeed at SDSU in Calexico we need to be making contact with them well before they transfer,” Bojorquez said.
In February of last year, an office was opened at IVC in order for Bojorquez to have more access to students hoping to attend SDSU-IV.
“We complement the work that IVC is already doing,” Bojorquez said. “(Counselors) try to be as visible to students as possible because we want them to achieve their goals of transferring and eventually graduating from a university.”
Bojorquez said another component to a student achieving success once they transfer is for them to take responsibility and ownership of any and all academic requirements.
“Students have to be more aware, hands-on and be less dependent because it is a different environment,” Bojorquez said. “One of the tools that I provide is making sure students understand what the process is and what the institution expects them to do.”
Ideally, students slowly progress toward a more responsible mentality, yet for those who don’t, Bojorquez said help is always available.
“When we have our transfer-student orientation during the summer we make it a point the tell students about the different services the college offers,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if students are going from IVC to SDSU-IV, change is change and it can be difficult.”
In order to prepare students for life outside of IVC or the Imperial Valley, IVC Transfer Center Director Veronica Soto said the college holds workshops throughout the year.
“The last thing we want is to see a student return without a degree,” Soto said. “Picking a college is a process. The workshops are held to help students narrow down where they want to go.”
Due to the rise of tuition in the state, Soto said she is urging students to consider out-of-state universities.
“Students need to have options,” she said. “More and more students are becoming interested in Northern Arizona University-Yuma because of its proximity to the Valley and it’s less expensive than most schools (in the state).”
In order for students to have a smooth transition to their new university, Soto said she recommends students visit the campus first.
“Getting accustomed to being in a new area and not knowing anyone can be a drastic change for some students,” Soto said. “The more familiar they become with the area and the campus before getting there, the better off they’ll be.” Counselors help students achieve goals
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