At Santa Rosa Junior College, I've personally faced challenges in obtaining the guidance I need to achieve my academic and career goals. Like many others, I have found that the current system of general counseling does not adequately address the major-specific needs that students have. This is a significant issue, as tailored support and advice are crucial in helping students navigate their academic journey, prepare for future careers, or plan for transfers to four-year institutions.

Each student at Santa Rosa Junior College deserves access to specialized counseling that is aligned with their academic majors. Currently, the lack of major-specific counselors leaves many students without targeted guidance, which can lead to students feeling lost or unprepared in their respective fields. College should be a time of focused learning and preparation for the future, which requires access to counselors who are experts in particular fields of study.

Statistics have shown that specialized counseling can dramatically improve student outcomes. According to research by the National Academic Advising Association, students who receive major-specific advising are 30% more likely to graduate on time compared to those who receive general advising. Additionally, they report higher levels of satisfaction with their educational experience since they receive relevant advice tailored to their career aspirations.

Proposing a revision of the current counselor assignment system is not merely a request—it's an essential step towards ensuring that students are truly supported in their academic endeavors. I am calling on Santa Rosa Junior College to allocate resources toward hiring, training, and assigning counselors to specific departments so that each student can benefit from specialized support.

By reallocating resources or securing additional funding to support this initiative, Santa Rosa Junior College can set a precedent for how community colleges should cater to their students' academic needs. Creating dedicated teams of counselors for each department can empower students to make informed decisions about courses, majors, and career paths, ultimately leading to higher success rates.

I urge fellow students, alumni, educators, and supporters of Santa Rosa Junior College to join me in advocating for this necessary change. Let's ensure that every student receives the guidance they need to succeed. Please sign this petition to show your support for implementing major-specific counseling at our college.