Letter to the editor:
The recent article in the Renegade Rip (Feb. 9) issue about the college counseling services program is an opportunity to look closer at the inherent issues particular to the text of that article. Whether or not the writer’s perceptions are accurate, the fact remains that the counseling program has an unhappy client. Nevertheless, this discussion is an ideal opportunity to share with students some facts about the program and its services.
1. The counseling program had 22,412 student contacts in 2004 with test score evaluations, course selection, program planning, crisis counseling and probation and disqualification issues.
2. The counseling ratio for our staff is 1 counselor for every 1,400 students. The California Community College Counselor’s Association recommends 1 per 800 students and the state average is 1 per 1800 students. Compared to other colleges of like size and proximity in the valley we are fourth from the bottom.
3. For most students, counselor appointments can last no more than 30 minutes maximum. While it may be disconcerting to new students, this time allotment is generally sufficient to meet most students’ needs. The time is predicated on the assumption that students have explored the general college information distributed during the college new student orientation (also available on the counseling web site located on the main BC web page). All entering college freshman are required to complete this orientation program.
4. While it would be nice if all counselors smiled when working, such behavior may be unrealistic. Unfortunately, smiling doesn’t always happen in the “real” world. Come to think of it, many students who sit in my classroom don’t always smile.
5. Counseling program staff makes a strong effort to offer students comprehensive and valuable services to help them in their matriculation at BC. We do have many successes but as do other programs, we sometimes fall short of our expectations. When that may occur, the student who experiences a failure in service should immediately tell the counselor about his or her dissatisfaction with the given service. If the student is not satisfied with the explanation or remedy of a specific issue, he or she should contact the counseling department chairperson for assistance.
Kathy Rosellini
Counseling Department