What is the Reentry program?

How can the Reentry program help me?

Do I need an orientation to register for classes?

Undecided on a major and/or career?

Reentry Barriers/Concerns and Solutions?

When should I see a counselor?

 

WHAT IS THE REENTRY PROGRAM?
The Reentry Program assists new, returning, and continuing students who are age 25 or older, returning to school after an absence of five or more years. Our services include priority registration for qualifying students, counseling, and the myCuesta Reentry Group.

HOW CAN THE REENTRY PROGRAM HELP ME?
The Reentry Program specializes in addressing the needs and concerns of adult students. Take advantage of our services to help smooth the reentry process and to help with a more successful completion of your chosen educational goals.

DO I NEED TO ATTEND AN ORIENTATION TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES?
New students should complete the online orientation. The orientation is designed to prepare you for your first semester at Cuesta College.

I AM UNDECIDED ON A MAJOR AND/OR CAREER. WHERE CAN I GET ASSISTANCE?
Academic counselors can assist you with the process of choosing a major and/or career. The Transfer Career Center in the Counseling Department also provides career exploration workshops, career related information, and access to Eureka, a robust career exploration website.

I'M APPREHENSIVE ABOUT ATTENDING COLLEGE. WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TYPICALLY ENCOUNTERED BY REENTRY STUDENTS? HOW CAN YOU HELP ME OVERCOME MY CONCERNS?
Reentry students are often amazed to learn that they are some of the most successful students on campus! Instructors enjoy having adult learners in their classes because they bring life experience, attend class consistently, do their work, and appreciate the opportunity to further their education.

The barriers, or fears Reentry students are concerned about are usually easily overcome, or don't exist at all. Some examples:

Fear: "I won't know how to study; I'm afraid that my brain is 'rusty'."
Solution: Take a Study Skills class (College Success Studies) that will give you the tools to become a successful student.

Fear: "I won't fit into the campus environment, because I'm going to school with students who could be my son or daughter."
Fact: Almost 50% of students on campus are 25 or older and Reentry students find they feel very comfortable in the campus environment.

Concern: "College is expensive; I don't have childcare."
Fact: Financial aid and scholarships are available. Cuesta College has Children's Centers on both campuses!

Concern: "I'm afraid that I won't be able to juggle my family's needs with my school work."
Solution: Time management is the key to balancing your new life. This topic is a focus of the College Success (CSS 225) class. It is very important that you start with a realistic class load, and counselors can help guide you in the right direction.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A COUNSELOR?
You can make a counseling appointment for information about Cuesta College before you register for classes. Once enrolled, we recommend that you meet with a counselor at least once each semester for assistance in your class selections and help with career clarification. The Reentry Services counseling staff is particularly sensitive to the concerns adult students and work closely with Reentry students in an encouraging and supportive way. Meeting with a counselor once a semester is a requirement for priority registration. Contact the Counseling Department for more information.