Embedded Files
Meet Your Adviser:
Meet Your Adviser:
Hello! My name is Kassy Vang, and I’m humbled to continue working with the Boost Class of 2023 as your DCAC College Adviser during the summer with the Summer College Transition Initiative. I am originally from the Central Valley (Fresno/Madera) and a proud first-generation, Hmong college graduate of the University of California, Berkeley ‘21 where I earned two Bachelors of Arts in Public Health and Ethnic Studies.
Fun facts about me:
I am left-handed but use my right hand to chop food
I am ISTJ-T (learn about your personality!)
I prefer the Fall/Winter over Spring/Summer.
I look forward to supporting you through whichever mode of communication works best for you! Text, call, e-mail, or 1:1. I also encourage you to join our weekly Thursday webinars (11am - 12pm) to help you get the most out of your college experience! Please review all the tools available on this website!
virtual 1:1 sign Ups
virtual 1:1 sign Ups
Questions about the next steps required for enrolling? Confused about the orientation steps? Want to confirm that you are all set? Parents/Guardians are welcome!
Quick question(s)?
Quick question(s)?
Have a quick question? Email or Text/Call me at:
vangkassy@berkeley.edu
(510) 460-1563
WEEKLY EMAILS & TEXTS
WEEKLY EMAILS & TEXTS
Don't miss important deadlines!
Watch out for my emails & texts!
Weekly College success webinars!
Weekly College success webinars!
Attend our weekly college success webinars where we'll review relevant & important topics to help you transition to college
Webinar Giveaways:
$100 Amazon gift cards
DETAILS:
Every Thursday (June 15th - July 27th)
11am-12pm
WEBINAR #6: Battling Imposter Syndrome
WEBINAR #6: Battling Imposter Syndrome
Thursday, July 27th, 11 am-12pm
Upcoming Webinars
Upcoming Webinars
End of Summer College Transition (SCT)
Message of the week:
Message of the week:
WEEK 8: GRADES AND DEADLINES IMPACT MY FINANCIAL AID?
WEEK 8: GRADES AND DEADLINES IMPACT MY FINANCIAL AID?
In high school, you likely received some support in applying for financial aid. Now that you are in college, it is important to know that grades earned, enrolled units, and deadlines will impact your financial aid. All campuses have rules regarding something called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SAP is defined as the successful completion of coursework toward an eligible certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Student Financial Aid to monitor the academic progress of students receiving financial aid. Suppose you aren’t making expected progress (completing a set number of units every quarter/semester with a required GPA). In that case, you may risk losing your financial aid and possibly being put on academic probation. You must meet with your academic adviser every quarter/semester to ensure you are on track! Also, this is a friendly reminder that the FAFSA must be completed every year. To find information regarding SAP for your college, simply do a search for “Satisfactory Academic Progress” on your campus website and/or ask your academic adviser. You can RENEW your FAFSA starting on October 1, 2022, but NO LATER THAN March 2, 2024.
WEEK 8: WILL I FIT IN? WILL I SUCCEED?
WEEK 8: WILL I FIT IN? WILL I SUCCEED?
YOU have everything you need to be successful in college. Over the years, you have learned to be resourceful, take advantage of opportunities, and persevere despite challenges. Graduating from college will be challenging, but you must get through the HARD to reach your academic, career, and personal goals. It is important to remember that success is more likely (and a better experience) when you are in the community! Dedicate time and energy to finding YOUR PEOPLE! Attend club meetings, participate in student events, and say hello to a new person daily! You absolutely BELONG in college, but it will take commitment, focus, and support! You can do it! You can start by researching student organizations and resources on your school website and by following your campus and student groups on social media.
WEEK 7: HOW WILL I GET AROUND CAMPUS?
WEEK 7: HOW WILL I GET AROUND CAMPUS?
Whether you are living on campus or commuting daily, it is important to make a transportation plan. If you are driving to campus, get a parking permit. If you are traveling via public transportation, be sure to review routes and any special programs available for students.
WEEK 7: AM I READY TO MOVE?
WEEK 7: AM I READY TO MOVE?
Some of you are not only starting college but are also moving away from your family homes! This is a whole other transition that needs to be planned for. Refer to our moving/packing list to get ready for your move!
WEEK 6: WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK?
WEEK 6: WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK?
It’s important to have a plan if you get sick. Some colleges require health insurance for full-time students - be sure to research this on the college website. If the college requires insurance, it may automatically be added to your fall bill. If you remain on your current health insurance (likely from your guardian) - be sure to waive out of the campus program and identify the nearest health facility covered by your insurance.
WEEK 5: NEED TO SET UP A PAYMENT PLAN?
WEEK 5: NEED TO SET UP A PAYMENT PLAN?
If the financial aid you accepted (grants, work-study, and loans) doesn’t add up to the total cost of attendance (including housing and fees), you must pay the college/university. This could be a small or large amount. If you don’t set up a payment plan in advance, the university will expect you to pay a lump sum every semester. One of the things you should do is carefully REVIEW your fall bill. Doing so will help you understand if you have any out-of-pocket costs and will help you determine whether or not you need to set up a payment plan! Review information on payment plans available on your portal or search for payment plans on your college website.
WEEK 4: FALL COURSE REGISTRATION
WEEK 4: FALL COURSE REGISTRATION
You had some control over your electives in high school, but in college, you are in FULL control of the classes you will take. In college, you will have university requirements as well as major requirements. You will also have the option to change your major if desired. There are definitely a lot of decisions to make regarding your courses. Attending and fully engaging in all aspects of your college orientation and visiting your college adviser every semester will help you feel secure in your course picks. If you are starting your college experience at a Community College, meeting with your adviser frequently and creating an academic education plan is super important. If you want to transfer, the sooner you decide what you want to study and where you want to transfer to, the faster you will reach your goal. Utilize information and resources on the campus website and those on the College Transition Checklist.
WEEK 3: ARE YOU READING TO LIVE ON YOUR OWN AND/OR PLAN YOUR FALL BUDGET?
WEEK 3: ARE YOU READING TO LIVE ON YOUR OWN AND/OR PLAN YOUR FALL BUDGET?
Some of you are about to live away from home for the first time. Others may be staying home but will take on more “adult” responsibilities and actions such as managing a budget, applying for part-time jobs, and making on-time payments for tuition, housing, and other personal needs. Ensuring you are ready to engage with these new responsibilities starts with informing yourself, finding resources to support you, and marking all deadlines on your calendar! Utilize information and resources on the campus website as well as those on the College Transition Checklist (see below).
WEEK 2: SUBMITTED ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO YOUR COLLEGE?
WEEK 2: SUBMITTED ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO YOUR COLLEGE?
One of the most common missteps in the enrollment process is failing to submit required documents on time! This includes high school and community college transcript, AB540 Affidavit, Special Education paperwork (IEP), and College Board AP test report. See the checklist for more information.
WEEK 2: UM? HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CLASSES?
WEEK 2: UM? HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CLASSES?
Some of your biggest questions are likely around registering for classes! Attending and fully engaging in the campus orientation will make it so you have all your questions answered! Make sure you have registered and create a quiet space for you to focus, take notes, and ask all your questions! Take the time to create a list of your most pressing questions ahead of time!
Week 1: HELLO? IS ANYONE THERE?
Week 1: HELLO? IS ANYONE THERE?
Engaging with communication sources available through your college is vital for your success! Be sure to read all communication (email and portal messages/to-dos) carefully and quickly take action on required steps (especially those related to creating accounts). Once activating your campus email, make it a habit to check it daily. It's also a great idea to follow your class on social media, visit the COVID-19 updates page and review the academic calendar.
Week 1: IS YOUR FINANCIAL AID SET?
Week 1: IS YOUR FINANCIAL AID SET?
Submitting your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application was just the beginning! There are many steps required to ensure that money makes it to your account! This includes accepting aid on your portal if chosen for verification (submitting tax transcripts), if receiving a Cal Grant (updating your college on WebGrants portal), if taking student or parent loans (completing online counseling and signing promissory notes).
College Transition Checklist!
College Transition Checklist!
Make a copy of the google document below!
NEXT STEPS RESOURCES & QUICK LINKS
NEXT STEPS RESOURCES & QUICK LINKS
PREVIOUS WEBINARS
PREVIOUS WEBINARS
Zoom Recording and Google Slides below!
SCT Webinar #1 Financial Aid & Literacy.pdfWEBINAR #1: FINANCIAL AID/LITERACY
WEBINAR #1: FINANCIAL AID/LITERACY
Recording: FINANCIAL AID/LITERACY
Recording: FINANCIAL AID/LITERACY
SCT Webinar #2 - Course Enrollment 101 (Public).pdfWEBINAR #2: COURSE ENROLLMENT 101
WEBINAR #2: COURSE ENROLLMENT 101
Recording: COURSE ENROLLMENT 101
Recording: COURSE ENROLLMENT 101
SCT Webinar #2 - Why Community College_ (Public).pptx.pdfWEBINAR #2: WHY COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
WEBINAR #2: WHY COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
Recording: WHY COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
Recording: WHY COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
SCT Webinar #3 - Building Community and Practicing Self-Care (Public).pdfWEBINAR #3: BUILDING COMMUNITY & PRACTICING SELF-CARE
WEBINAR #3: BUILDING COMMUNITY & PRACTICING SELF-CARE
Recording: BUILDING COMMUNITY & PRACTICING SELF-CARE
Recording: BUILDING COMMUNITY & PRACTICING SELF-CARE
SCT Webinar #4 - Professional Development on Campus (Public).pdfWEBINAR #4: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON CAMPUS
WEBINAR #4: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON CAMPUS
Recording: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON CAMPUS
Recording: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON CAMPUS
SCT Webinar #5 - Career Readiness Presentation (Public).pdfWEBINAR #5: Career Readiness
WEBINAR #5: Career Readiness
Recording: Career Readiness
Recording: Career Readiness
SCT Webinar #6 - What We Wish We Knew.pdfWEBINAR #5: WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW
WEBINAR #5: WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW
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