On Saturday, May 3, 2014, the English Language Institute hosted its twice-annual ESL Registration Day for new ESOL students. Fourty-one attendees were able to come to Skyline College’s Learning Center and participate in nearly all of the steps to matriculation. Thirty-one placement tests were given and 37 people attended an orientation with counselor Kenny Gonzalez. All of these students are meeting with Kenny this week to review their placements and register for classes.
Chris Rico, ELI Program Services Coordinator, assembled a volunteer team of ESOL students to assist new enrollees at every step of the way. Students assisted clients with filling out the application, and A&R’s Minerva Velasquez was on hand to provide G-numbers. Goldie Lee and her excellent assessment staff ran the testing process, ably assisted by Jairo Barreto, who ensured that the technical aspects of the day ran smoothly. ELI student assistants America Lopez and Selena Wu helped make counseling appointments and guide students throughout the day. Campus Ambassador Bianca Porras introduced new students to the processes of Financial Aid.
ESL Registration Day is critical to many members of our non-English speaking community who would like to improve their English and get an education, but who need encouragement and guidance through the very complicated steps of matriculation. Outreach for the event takes many months and can be difficult to target the population. The event often brings out very dedicated and tenacious individuals; the ELI staff were particularly touched by a mother and daughter who walked forty-five minutes to get to the college for the event.
The ELI wishes to thank Dr. David Reed for allowing The Learning Center to be used for this event and the College Success Initiative for providing the funding. Because of this campus collaboration, over forty new students can begin their educational journey at Skyline College.
Article by Leigh Anne Shaw
