A college campus may be a frightening place to a new student. At Skyline College for nearly 40 years, the Women in Transition (WIT) Program has been helping women, men, and members of the LGBTQ community make the transition back into an academic environment a little smoother and less intimidating so students can make constructive and informed decisions about their futures.
It is WIT’s philosophy that central to a student’s success is a comprehensive academic and social support system that extends from pre-orientation through graduation. To that end, The Women in Transition Program combines the rigors of an academic program with an integrated support network that help women persist and succeed.
The program provides academic and social support to help women succeed by providing pre-registration counseling, career and life planning courses, WIT seminars, core WIT courses in English, History and Math, information on transferability coursework and job placement. WIT provides support from orientation until graduation.
Moreover, the demographics of California are fluid, and as we enter the 21st century, the Women in Transition Program continues to redefine itself to meet the challenge of these changing demographics. Whether you are a re-entry student with a few college courses under your belt, a first-generation college student, or trying to become self-sufficient and learn new skills, the Women In Transition Program can assist you.
Melody Glines, a second year student at Skyline College and member of WIT, said, “I have been with WIT since the beginning and I would have been completely lost without it. The help, resources, and support for people like me floundering out there are a godsend. Additionally, Lori Slicton is the best as she has great ideas, listens and values our input.”
Kalyn Edwards, and Anthropology major, pointed to the value of WIT in her life, “I have been very fortunate to meet some amazing women and life-long friends from the WIT program and club. WIT has been a great support system for me as a returning older student. We not only study together and tutor one another, but we support one another on a personal level and when life gets tough, we’re there for one another.”
Lauren Tanedo, second year student and Psychology major, motivated by her female peers and by WIT Coordinator, Professor Lori Slicton, said, “I have been inspired to join WIT by the women around me. When Professor Slicton found out that I was returning to school after a lengthy absence, she recommended WIT to me so I could get acclimated to Skyline College. Through this first introduction, I have met many other women who are re-entry students, or first-time students. Most of these ladies are in the same boat as me–working and going to school. Finding and connecting with other non-traditional students really helped make me feel more confident about school. I felt so much better after meeting people who have had to overcome many of the same obstacles as I have.“
Jill Sellars added her sentiments on the impact that Professor Lori Slicton makes to Skyline College, “Lori Slicton really has a unique ability to identify women who might be prevented from going to school, who have been disempowered, and advocates for and inspires them to enroll in college. Lori is an advocate for empowering women and keeps us together and focused; without her, I am positive all of us wouldn’t be here. And now WIT students are utilizing the skills that Lori has modeled: identifying women under stress and advocating for communities of learning.”
WIT is a valuable resource on campus and steadfastly applies the Mission and Values of Skyline College: To empower and transform a global community of learners.
Please drop by WIT’s club meetings every Wednesday from 10am-11am in room 2307 to find out more about the power of women in transition.
WIT is located in the Women’s Center in building 2, room 2307, and is open daily for students to drop in. The Women’s Center is staffed over 30 hours each week.
Please contact Professor Lori Slicton, WIT Coordinator, or call her at (650) 738-4157 to set up a get-acquainted appointment.
Article by John Saenz and Bing Lei.
