What Can I Do With This Major?

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As a counselor, I often hear from students, "I want to major in __________, but I don't know what kind of career I can go into with it." Here's a tool that will help. The website was forwarded by counselor, Steve Schommer.

Biotech jobs!

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Want a job in biotech fast? Take Biology 109 in the fall semester and complete Biology 206 in the spring semester to earn a certificate of performance in biotechnology. Entry-level jobs in manufacturing, research and development, and other fields assisting scientists can pay $12-13 an hour to start, and our biotech professors will help with job leads. Also, in the field of research and development, many companies will help pay for additional education so that you can take on other positions in the industry and earn more money by furthering your education. Our biotech program has nearly a 100% employment rate for the students who complete. This info comes from Professor Roya Lahijani. Call (619) 388-3289 or e-mail rlahijan@sdccd.edu for more info.

Introduction to Applied Biology

BIOL109 Fall 2015

CRN 43847 M/W 11:10--3:55 pm
CRN 43854 T/TH 11:10 –3:55 pm

BIOL109 has NO prerequisite !

A Professor's Advice About College Success

Pic by Bukulu Steven 

"For instance, the difference between 'Let's eat, grandma' and 'Let's eat grandma' is a dead grandma and my thinking you're a cannibal." From tip #5 below.



The following blog post by Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead appeared on August 6, 2014 in the Huffington Post. It's practical advice for college students:

A Professor's Pointers for Success in College: 21 Easy-to-Follow Tips

It's about that time again. Sleepy college towns will begin to awaken, abuzz with an excitement that only college students can inspire. Young scholars will soon arrive on college and university campuses, ready, or not so ready, to take on the world of higher education.

I have been teaching college students for 13 years, and I've come to know a thing or two about what makes some students more successful than others. Whether you're beginning your first year or returning as a seasoned upperclass(wo)man, I hope I can provide some practical advice as you embark on a new academic year. You see, we professors want all of our students to succeed. We want you to learn and grow and thrive, both academically and socially.

So here's to ivy-covered buildings, critical thinking, independence, making friends for life, asking hard questions, becoming global citizens, and discovering who you really are.

pic by Andre Karwath

1. Don't be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your professors and speak up in class, especially if you attend a large university with huge class sizes. I'm not saying you have to sit in the front row, answer every question and bring the instructor chocolates (did I say chocolates? I meant apples). Just don't hide in the back of the room and be invisible. Moreover, don't hesitate to ask questions in class; if you're wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too. If you think of a question outside of class time, visit the professor during office hours (that's the purpose of office hours) or send an email (see #9).   

2. Read all of your syllabi carefully. The syllabus is your contract for the course. There's no excuse for not being aware of essential information that has been provided to you. In addition, check your email account daily; faculty and staff members will use email to communicate additional information to you.

3. Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. "Plan ahead" should be your mantra for your academic life. Nobody ever says "Oh ****, I started on that too early," but plenty of students regret waiting until the last minute to begin studying or working on a project. Avoid pulling all-nighters (see Dr. Pamela V. Thacher's study).

Peer Mentor Job Openings

Need a job? Want to make a difference? The First Year Experience program is hiring peer mentors. For info, go to the FYE site, contact Tamika Balderamos 619-388-3888, or e-mail: tbaldera@sdccd.edu.

Padres Sign Pitcher for 20 Straight Years

A classy and compassionate deed by the San Diego Padres: The Padres Have Signed a Wheelchair-Bound Ex-Pitcher for 20 Straight Years was published in USA Today Sports on April 8, 2015.

Can A High School Senior Make a Difference?

Niki Mani: "I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that because he couldn't afford surgery he was going to go blind." Student's Nonprofit Offers Free Clinics to Save Diabetics' Vision was published in the U-T on March 17, 2015.