Graduation is a key time in many students’ lives. On May 27 students from San Jose City College will walk the stage and take the next steps toward life and school, after attaining a degree or certificate. According to California Community College Chancellor’s Office, SJCC awarded 376 associate degrees in the 2009-2010 school year.

With a population of nearly of 13,000 students, San Jose City College needs to improve the graduation rate. The school needs to place more attention on counseling when students first arrive to college. Having an implement orientation will place more importance on what task students need to do prior to signing up for classes. While looking at transfer student, San Jose City College only transferred 286 students to either a University of California or California State University in the 2008-2009 school year, according to CCCCO.

The school needs to provide alternative methods toward students transferring and getting students to four-year institution. Graduation marks the beginning of a new transition from community colleges to four-year universities or the workforce. Many realize the path of moving on as a long and difficult path, but the moment of graduation will be both magical and special.

2011 will mark the beginning of a new semester for students that will be transferring on or attaining an Associate Arts or Associate of Science degree. Congratulations to those who have gone through San Jose City College and have continued to move towards getting a education or that are getting a career. With a student population of 13,000, more students should walk across the stage, and get a diploma.