October 21, 2014 | SharkAdmin Getting students to to graduate has been a priority for faculty member Sally First. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she advises business students on the path to graduation. And each student who graduates from Northwest Vista College gets added to the Business area's “Graduation Wall.” John “Isaac” Cardenas, who graduated from the Business program this past summer, said there was a huge benefit to getting his associate degree at NVC. “I definitely recommend students graduate here (NVC) because you go 'core complete.' Once you have your degree, you move on and your classes transfer easily,” said Isaac, adding without having that associate degree his current school, UTSA, might not have accepted all his courses. In addition to earning his associate degree, Isaac said he experienced a more relaxed atmosphere at NVC, smaller classes and had an easier time meeting with instructors. Students often tell Sally they wouldn't have graduated if they didn't take the time to sit down with her to work on their degree plans. “I have so much fun helping the students. They get enthusiastic once they get on a plan and it gets me excited,” Sally added. Other initiatives Sally is working on includes: Developing a Canvas advising site to help students directly and to help faculty advisors with their students Training faculty in GPS Get training on graduation advising Sally says once she gets trained on graduation advising, Business students will have another place to go on campus to get mandatory graduation advising instead of just Cypress.
