It is important that student-athletes are able to balance the successful completion of their academic requirements while still competing in their sport. Issues such as time management, academic course requirements, athletic responsibilities as a team member, family responsibilities and possibly a part-time job make their lives complex. Thus, the following academic support services are provided to our GWC athletes.

GWC Student-Athlete Academic Support Services

GWC Student-Athlete Academic Counselor: Chad Ponciano

Your GWC Athletic Counselor assists all student-athletes by reviewing their academic record, reviewing community college eligibility, and creating abbreviated and comprehensive Student Educational Plans tailored to the athletic and academic goals. Every plan is different as every athlete is different: Academic plans are tailored to each student’s situation with consideration to course load, work hours, family responsibilities, athletic participation (travel, practices, workouts) etc.

Athletic Counselor support includes:

- Student Educational Plan (SEP) – A semester by semester breakdown of all coursework necessary to achieve the academic goal
- Assistance with class scheduling
- Review of Athletic Eligibility Requirements - Community College, NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA
- Clarification of Educational Goals (Certificate, Transfer programs)
- Review of Graduation requirements for Associate Degree
- Referrals to Student Service Programs (EOPS, DSPS, Tutoring/Writing Center, Student Health Center, Financial Aid)
- Communication with recruiting institutions’ Compliance Officers

F.A.S.T. Center (Foundations for Academic Success and Transfer)

GWC Student-Athlete Success Program was implemented in 2014 to bring the type of academic support that the student-athletes deserve in order to further their academic opportunities while also showcasing their athletic skills. All of which, would allow the student-athletes to either transfer to a four-year educational institution or successfully complete their community college degree.

The F.A.S.T. Center is equipped with laptops that can be checked out while in the Center along with free printing. The professional monitors chosen to run the Center are all former intercollegiate athletes who have earned a college degree and act as academic assistants and mentors to the student-athletes while studying in the Center.

Student-Athlete Tutoring Program

Tutoring is offered through our Academic Success Center (https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/asc/tutoring/index.html)

Student-Athlete Mentoring Program

The other component of the F.A.S.T. Center is the Student-Athlete Mentor Program. The Student-Athlete Mentor program, is a detailed week-by-week program to provide Student-Athletes exceptional academic support through paring Student-Athletes with Academic Mentors. Academic Mentors are specially trained Coaches that exhibit strong skills in Counseling, Teaching, and Organization. Through working one-on-one, Student-Athletes receive the academic support they need in a way that is specific, accessible, and relatable to their current academic and athletic situations. Skills that Student-Athletes gain as a result of receiving this high level of academic support include: Test taking strategies, study skills, note taking, academic writing, communication, time management, goal setting, increasing motivation, and developing personal accountability.

Why Choose Golden West College

GWC Graduates' Earnings are the Highest in Southern California and 3rd highest in the state!
Of the 114 California Community Colleges, GWC is ranked sixth for its combined TRANSFER RATE, GRADUATION RATE, RETENTION RATE, STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO, and DISTANCE EDUCATION ENROLLMENT.

Transfer to CSU in 2 years - Guaranteed when you sign up for the program and enroll in one of the eleven selected Associate Degree for Transfer majors! Priority Registration is included.

GWC offers an Associate in Arts (AA) degree, a strong university transfer program, career/technical education, general education, community services, and student support services. It provides a safe and secure location, a multicultural environment, and an active student body.

GWC is ideal for International Students, too!
• Specialists in International Student Advising
• Dedicated International Student Academic Counselors
• Reputable and varied academic programs in over 60 major areas
• Strong university transfer program
• Affordable education – spend half as much money on university transfer courses
• Convenient short-term, certificate programs
• Highly effective Student Success and Tutorial Centers
• Personalized attention and small class sizes
• Practical Training advisement
• Scholarship opportunities*
• Attractive location and campus
• Safe, secure environment. Considered one of the ten safest cities by City Crime Rankings

GWC Academic Support Services:
Learning Resource Center (LRC): GWC centralized Student Success Center that provides all enrolled students the following academic support assistance
Writing and Reading Center assists with writing essays and research papers in any subject area as well as understanding college text books
Tutorial Center provides group tutoring and drop-in tutoring for all students in many subject areas. 
Student Computer Center provides HP and MAC computers and provides access to scanners, printers and computer programs such as Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Adobe CS Suite and more.

GWC Student Support Services:
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and can participate in all facets of campus life. 
Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) assists low income/educationally disadvantaged students successful complete a post- secondary education. 
International Student Program (ISP) is committed to international student success with specialized academic counseling and special international student activities.

GWC General Academic Information:
GWC Academic Calendar
COUN 115: Student-Athlete Success & Educational Planning: This course is designed to introduce student-athletes to a successful college and transfer experience.  Athletic regulations including the NCAA and NAIA transfer requirements will be covered.  The course introduces college success skills, including college expectations, resources, policies, student-athlete lief balance, life after sports. In additional to teaching the skills and techniques necessary to succeed in college courses such as goal setting, problem solving, time management which is crucial for a student-athlete, learning styles, study methods and where to go on campus for academic assistance
Financial Aid
Scholarships
GWC Admissions