Benefits of Taking SLS Courses

Overview

Student Life Skills (SLS) classes help students at any point in their academic and professional journeys by developing their self-awareness and skills necessary to succeed. Below is a visual that helps identify ways specific student groups can benefit from enrolling in a SLS class during their time at Santa Fe College. SLS courses are offered every semester as elective credit and can be taken in-person or online.

Student Population	How SDL Courses Help
Traditional-Aged College Students	Provide essential academic skills, such as note-taking, critical thinking, and test preparation, ensuring success in their courses. Explore various career options, develop job search strategies, and build professional networks. Cultivate leadership qualities, such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, preparing them for leadership roles in academics and beyond. Provide techniques for handling the stress of exams, deadlines, and social pressures, promoting mental well-being and resilience.
First-Generation Students	Demystify the college experience, offering guidance on navigating academic and social challenges unique to first-generation students. Provide insights into professional environments, offer mentorship opportunities, and help them build confidence in pursuing career goals. Empower students to break barriers and become leaders in their fields, fostering resilience and determination. Address the unique stressors faced by first-generation students, such as navigating unfamiliar academic systems and balancing family expectations with personal goals.
Dual-Enrollment Students	Help students transition smoothly from high school to college, teaching study skills, time management, and effective communication. Introduce students to different career paths, assist in setting academic and career goals, and provide insights into the job market. Foster confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills, which are beneficial both in academic settings and future careers. Teach coping strategies for managing the transition from high school to college, balancing coursework with extracurricular activities, and handling academic pressure.
Returning Students	Assist in readjusting to academic life, refreshing study skills, and managing the challenges of balancing studies with other responsibilities. Offer guidance on career transitions, updating skills, and re-entering the job market after a break. Leverage students' life experiences and skills gained outside college, empowering them to take leadership roles in their careers and communities. Manage the stress of re-entering school, balancing studies with family and work commitments, and coping with the demands of adult learners.
International Students	Assist in adapting to a new academic culture, improving relationship-building skills, and understanding academic expectations. Provide insights into the job search process and develop the job search materials (ex. resume), skills, and networking needed to succeed in the US or abroad. Facilitate cross-cultural communication, enhance adaptability, and empower them to become leaders in global contexts. Offer strategies for coping with culture shock, homesickness, language barriers, and academic pressure in a new environment. Provide resources for adapting to a new culture, managing finances, accessing college resources, and building a support network while in college.
Veterans	Aid in the transition from military to academic life, offering support in adjusting to academic rigor and connecting with the college community. Help translate military skills and experiences into civilian career paths, leveraging talking points during the job search. Build on the leadership skills acquired in the military, helping students transition into leadership roles in civilian professions or within veteran communities. Offer support in integrating into civilian communities and building a college experience outside of the military.