Student Success

The Reason for our Being

The San Jacinto College story begins and ends with our students. Our success depends on their success, which is why, for more than 50 years, student success has been at the heart of our mission. It is the basis for everything we do. Since our early days in a leased store-front with 876 students, to today, with more than 30,000 students, three campuses, and nine extension centers, student success has been – and continues to be – our mission.

In 2012, San Jacinto College was designated an Achieving the Dream Leader College. This initiative focuses on helping students reach their goals of earning certificates or associate degrees. The College has implemented several student success initiatives to assist and guide students through their college experience.

First Year Experience

• New Student Orientation for all first-time-in-college (FTIC) students includes resources for success, interaction with faculty in specific programs, advising, and registration. Students are linked with Student Orientation Leaders who also participate in the calling program so that the relationship between the FTICs and experienced student leaders continues through the first semester.
• Student Success Course: all FTIC students testing into a college preparatory class are required to take a student success course. The course includes career assessment, advising, and registration in class at the end of the course, all of which have been proven to help students succeed. The course also includes a section of the College’s Quality Enhancement Project (QEP), which encourages students to read their textbooks.
• Retention Calling Program: all FTIC students’ are called twice in their first semester—once within the first two weeks and again at mid-term. The calls are to ask questions about the students’ experiences at the College, outline support available at the College, and to answer any questions the students may have.
• Special Student Life events are planned around FTIC students. In the calling programs, students are invited to the events, which offer a chance for more interaction with their orientation leaders and develop ongoing relationships with experienced students.

Elimination of Late Registration

National data shows that course success rates are higher when students begin attending class on the first day. Therefore, we eliminated late registration. The College has also accommodated students with more starting date options to assist with their busy schedules.

Pay-as-You-Go

To better manage enrollment, create efficiencies in our enrollment management process, and to help students become successful by insisting they attend class on the first day, the College has instituted a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) process. PAYGO requires that students pay in full by the payment deadline. If they do not, they can still register after the payment deadline and up to the first day of class, but payment must be received on the day they register. The College offers many payment options, including an installment payment plan.

We want our students to succeed

Our students come to San Jacinto College from many different backgrounds and cultures. They come to us to learn, to grow, to discover themselves, and to achieve their dreams. Many are the first in their family to pursue a higher education. Some are returning after years away from a classroom. No matter how they came to the College or why they’re here, San Jacinto College remains committed to their success.