San Diego City College’s Welcome Center is the first stop for new, returning, and prospective students seeking academic support. Their goal is to ensure that everyone who enters feels at home. They call it the “Ultimate Student Experience.”
“Students will receive assistance from compassionate workers at The Welcome Center,” said Melvin Emery III, a cybersecurity major and student success specialist who works in the Center. “The people that work here have humility, compassion, grace, patience, perseverance, and most importantly, savviness, just to be able to adapt.”
In addition to ensuring students have a successful transition into college, the Center aids students through various resources, programs, and communities. The Center is staffed by outreach ambassadors, typically current or former students, who provide one-on-one engagement to help navigate the college system. This includes assistance with enrollment, class registrations, tours, FAFSA applications, student parking, JIRA, Promise applications, and more.
Soon, students will have the opportunity to sign up for peer mentoring sessions with a mentor at least twice per semester. These sessions will help students revisit and go over their academics, supporting them in their long-term goals.
“We are committed to assisting students by providing them with the support needed to become self-sufficient and complete their first year successfully,” said Clarissa Padilla, Outreach Coordinator who oversees The Welcome Center. “This support consists of technicians, counselors, and peer advocates, as well as personalized peer-led seminars and events.”
To learn more, visit The Welcome Center page or stop by their office in A-201.