New program at Palomar is hiring students to visit high schools

When you decided to take the plunge and apply for Palomar College, what was your experience? Did you have someone you know to help guide you through the process?

In recent Student Services Planning Council meetings, there has been talk about implementing a new system of integrating incoming students into Palomar. SSPC members want the implementation of a student ambassador program as one of their goals in a two-year action plan drafted in October.

The past has shown that the current methods are not as inclusive as many college students need. College officials have made note that the more hands-on approach to orientation of incoming freshmen is more helpful to students.

Palomar sends out counselors to talk with students about the college and the benefits that can be seen from attending. The SSPC among various on-campus committees and administrators have decided to implement a new job force to help aide incoming freshmen.

This new force is called Student Ambassadors.

This position has opened up and applicants are screened for qualifications to go out to high schools and talk with potential students about all that Palomar has to offer.

They will be there to answer questions, give information and be a point-of-contact for those who need or want it.

These students will be screened, trained and will represent Palomar College. A second hiring process is due to happen in Spring of 2015.

Student Ambassadors will also help with orientation days where students tour the campus, talk with department heads, visit with counselors and ultimately come up with an education plan that fits their needs.

Kendyl Magnuson, director of Enrollment Services, has been pushing for changes such as this to go into effect so that incoming students in the future feel as though the college is invested in their future.

He said he feels that to get an increase in enrollment as well as student participation, there must be an initial investment from Palomar to put students and their educational needs first.

Although the applications are currently closed, be on the lookout for the second hiring process early next semester at www.palomar.edu/hr/student-employment/.