Skyline College has recently employed the use of DegreeWorks, a program that can make the task of meeting degree requirements much easier for students.

DegreeWorks takes into account the requirements for every major at Skyline and allows students to view their progress for different programs of study. It shows the student which classes have already been completed and lists the ones that have not yet been taken. It enables students to figure out how far they’ve come without tediously flipping through the course catalog with a copy of their transcript.

When discussing DegreeWorks at the Board of Trustees meeting on February 22, the trustees talked about its ease of use and flexibility. DegreeWorks is able to take a student’s record into account and show them their progress toward any potential major, not only the one the student is currently pursuing. Such a feature could shorten the amount of time students spend in school and make the choosing of classes a more efficient process. A student working on an Office Assistant degree might find that they’re only a few classes away from earning a degree as a Computer Information Specialist, and realize they could finish faster on a different educational path.

Counselors have been using this program to help students understand their educational path more easily. Many students go to counselors seeking guidance either to transfer or earn a degree, and DegreeWorks assists counselors in offering such guidance.

“[Degree Works is] actually getting students through the door,” said Jacqueline Escobar, a counselor and professor at Skyline. “For students, it allows us to explore all options available to them. . . . [It] allowed students to plan educational goals in only a 30-minute meeting.”

It’s become apparent that students have trouble staying on track in college, and one reason might be because they are confused or overwhelmed by the numerous course offerings and potential programs of study. Many students start community college hoping they will discover their academic interests and be able to easily pick a major, but this often takes longer than expected.

Sandra Mendez, a Cañada College counselor, thinks DegreeWorks can help students get started on a program of study more quickly than if they were unassisted.

“It’s perfect for students who are undecided,” Mendez said. “Students who have been introduced to DegreeWorks are really proactive.”

DegreeWorks has benefits for students as well as institutions as a whole, such as Skyline.

Students have access to what DegreeWorks calls “interactive ‘what if’ planning,” which allows students to be more independent when following their program of study.

“I’ve used this program, and it kept me from driving my counselor crazy,” said Patianne Gladstone, a student trustee with the district who attends Skyline. “I can log onto it once a week, twice a week, and see where I’m at.”

The DegreeWorks program is currently available for Skyline students through WebSmart under the “Home” tab. With all the cuts in place and threats of future cutbacks, DegreeWorks is a valuable program. By keeping students on track and helping them make decisions for their academic future, they won’t have to stay at school as long, saving themselves and the state money. The widespread use of DegreeWorks can benefit the college and everyone that goes to Skyline.