George A. Muchita a Four-Year College Transfer Coordinator at Queensborough Community College explains the importance of a two year degree program.
by George A. Muchita Four-Year College Transfer Coordinator, Queensborough Community College
Ultimately, my goal at Queensborough Community College (QCC) is to offer students the opportunities and services that were not available to me when I was a prospective transfer student.
Students at QCC and elsewhere must realize the importance of completing their two-year degree program.
Having that degree, in most situations, guarantees the first two years of your four years are over and done with. You will transfer into a four-year school as a junior and be able to declare a major and commence taking your major courses, something you were unable to do prior to that point because you did not have junior status.
Here’s another indication of the importance of receiving the two-year degree: Four-year colleges are offering scholarships to students transferring in with their associate degree. This is becoming more and more common. The objective of QCC’s Transfer Resource Center is to provide outreach to all students who are about to graduate or otherwise leave QCC, especially those contemplating transfer to other institutions of higher learning.
That would encompass students who want to continue their education at another two-year institution; or those who wish to transfer to a four-year college (CUNY, SUNY or private); or those who may be looking for a school with an appropriate career-related curriculum.
Besides aiding students in finding a college that suits their educational goals, our office points out what scholarships are available to help pay for that education.
Students today are so fortunate, even though they may not realize it. When I was a student attending Queensborough Community College (1970–1972), the majority of students were enrolled in career programs, curricula developed to aid them in their quest for employment immediately after graduating.
A few planned to further their education by obtaining their bachelor’s degree and more. When I was ready to transfer, there wasn’t an office dedicated to assist students contemplating continuing their education at a four-year institution. Students had to do their own research for schools that had the majors we were interested in. I developed my own plan to research and find that perfect school.
Now I help others do the same.
George A. Muchita was recently honored by Queensborough Community College for more than 40 years of service. He has served QCC in many roles, as compliance officer, assistant business managerbursar, director of career counseling/job placement, counselor, fiscal coordinator for college discovery—and, for the past 10 years, as transfer coordinator and director of the Transfer Resource Center.Besides sitting on QCC’s Awards and Scholarships Committee, he serves on the Executive Board and the Issues Committee of the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association.
This piece appeared in the Spring 2016 Transfer Students Newsletter.For further information, please contact:
Todd Wilson
Strategic Communications Director
p – 516.237.8634
e – twilson@adelphi.edu