Steps

Kasey Thomas/Staff

When students line up for fall classes later this spring there is going to be a whole new order.

Southwestern College has unveiled its new Enrollment Priority System for fall 2014 and the times they are a-changin’. California’s Student Success Act of 2012 shuffles the desk. First-year and returning students are now required to go through a matriculation process that includes online orientation, assessment testing and a Student Education Plan.

There are four groups. First priority goes to military veterans, foster youth, CALWORKS recipients, EOPS students and Disability Support Services students.

Second priority goes to ASO officers, MESA students, District Identified Learning Communities, University Links, Vocational Rehabilitation, students in the SWC Honors Program and eligible student athletes.

Third priority goes to SWC High School Early Admission Program students.

Level 4 is comprised of continuing students. Those making good progress towards transfer get priority. Students with more than 100 units go to the back of the line.

Level 5 will accommodate new and returning students on a come-first, served-first basis.

Dean of Student Services Mia McClellan, who led the System Planning committee, said the program was designed to help students earn certificates or transfer within two years.

“The big emphasis is getting students to declare a major and making sure that they take those degree applicable units,” she said.

Student athletes are eligible for priority registration if they follow the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) guidelines, said Academic Senate President Randy Beach.

Students close to transferring that do not receive high enrollment priority can appeal, said McClellan.

“We are working on the timelines right now,” she said. “We have to be able to notify students that they’re not going to be eligible so they have time to petition.”

Students will be prioritized by their overall units. Returning students with fewer units will get higher priority. Students with 100 or more units lose enrollment priority.

Counselor David Ramirez said California is narrowing the gate.

FAFSA has reduced its student financial packet from nine years of Pell Grant awards to six years, he said.

“The requirements are increasing, financial aid is decreasing,” said Ramirez. “This will help students reach their goals sooner.”