Valley Star

Issue date: 10/19/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Maria Low KEEPING IT TOGETHER - Twenty-two-year-old liberal studies major shows off her Student Handbook that she uses for her weekly assignments, projects and to record her personal goals.

Students might think one of the most important books in their bag is their a textbook. However, there is one must-have book this year and it's free. After a two-year absence, the Valley College Student Handbook makes a comeback to campus packed full of new helpful information for students.

"We wanted the students to be aware of what services are available on campus," said Dr. Yasmin Delahoussaye, vice president of Student Affairs. "This is a large campus and we wanted to explore different ways to communicate."

The Student Handbook has been around since 2000. However, in the past, the book was mainly a calendar with no additional information. Dr. Delahoussaye had the idea to create the Franklin Covey style handbook but lacked the funds to produce them.

The money for the books this year came from the Financial Aid Department. Though, this would not have been possible if it weren't for the students' march in Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles, March of 2003, according to Delahoussaye.

In 2003-04 state budget cuts forced schools to cut back on materials and supplies. The protest helped to increase the Financial Aid departments outreach and marketing promotional materials, which helped pay for handbooks. The 7500 books cost more than 30,000 dollars to produce and are free to new students during orientation. They are also available at Club Day every Wednesday in front of the campus center.

"What we get out of it, is the satisfaction and the hope that it's useful for students," said Barbara Rolstan financial aid director for Valley. "No other college has a handbook like this," said Ralston.

The book not only serves as an organizer, but also has information to help students define their educational goals and can help them plan their agenda for the school year. Their education budgeting, time management and how to petition grades. Additional information is also available on how to apply for financial aid.

"If students take the time to read it, they would find all the resources they could ever need to be successful," said Delahoussaye.

The back of the book contains spelling rules, punctuation, measurement and conversion tables, geometry formula and more.

Whether or not the books will be available each year remains to be seen. Ralston says at this time she can't make the commitment to fund the books.

"It's very useful," said student Liann Miliano. "These books should be available every year and never be cut out of the budget."

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