Q&A with Enrollment Services Director Mario Alcazar

College seems out of reach for too many of those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.  Generations of immigrants survived in fast food and restaurant service or seasonal work in various fields of agriculture. There were too few personal examples that demonstrated college did not have to be out of reach in order to set career sights higher.

Mario Alcazar was determined to interrupt that cycle of disadvantage by helping others to break through that barrier. As immigrants to the U.S., his parents had lived those predictable limits. But they were determined Mario and his siblings would get a different message, a different vision of who they were and what they might become.

Today, Mario is in a position to inspire, counsel, and motivate SJVC’s Ontario campus Admissions Advisors who are at the entrance of that opportunity for so many at the crossroads of their future career options.

What is your role as Enrollment Services Director for SJVC’s Ontario campus?

I train, develop, and motivate Admissions Advisors to engage with prospective students and to promote student growth at our campus. I ensure we are always following professional, ethical and compliance guidelines to help our students reach their career goals.

We are the largest campus in our organization (SJVC) with eleven medical, business, and trade programs. We offer morning, afternoon, evening and online classes to over 700 students currently.

What makes SJVC the right choice for so many?

The culture, environment, and support resources we offer students and graduates solidify a positive outcome toward their career goals. From student support services to resume and job interview preparation and job search, we’re there from the beginning.

And the relationship with their Admissions Advisor does not end when they start their program. We may hand the baton to their instructor, but their Admissions Advisor is there to make sure they had a good launch, are doing well in class and have the right long-term support.

How would you describe the enrollment process?

When a prospective student calls, our Admissions Advisors invite them to bring their families to their initial visit to our campus. It is important that everyone knows what to expect from their program and what kind of support is needed for this commitment.

They take a guided tour of the campus, see their classroom, and meet instructors. There is a financial aid and admissions process; then the final step is an acceptance interview with me to affirm their commitment. I want to cover expectations of how they can be successful here. I make sure their housing is stable, kids and transportation needs are taken care of and review their time management plan.  And I want to know if their family is alongside them in their decision to go to school.

Primarily, I want to confirm that a student is not just starting a SJVC program but is committed to graduating from that program.

What do you most enjoy about the enrollment process?

Many going through the enrollment process are predominantly Spanish-speaking and their family is experiencing college enrollment for the first time. Parents want to know how they can help make this happen for their son or daughter. We help them understand that there may be help with financial aid and the application process. Overcoming their fears and helping them understand the support that is available to them is very important. Seeing them feel really good about the entire process is exciting.

When a new student completes the enrollment process, we gather all our team and play ‘Celebration’ from Kool and the Gang. Our new student rings the bell in the front lobby where all can see and share a little excitement for their commitment; and we take lots of pictures.

How do you interact with your Admissions Advisors?

My passion is coaching and developing people in their positions. When I see our Admissions staff connecting with a potential student, progressing in their role, and implementing all their training – that gives me motivation.

I don’t micromanage but do my very best to motivate and drive the team. I speak with them daily, applaud their accomplishments and celebrate all we are able to do together. We always ask, ‘What can we do to get better results?’

How do you relate to students on campus?

I’ve always known from a very early age that I like to help others. I came from a family of six brothers and three sisters and growing up like that taught me to appreciate the small things. The values our parents gave us gave me that hunger to make sure I did well for myself.  Seeing my parents struggle helped me understand that I wanted to do better for myself and my future family.

So many of our students have the same struggles and hopes for a better future.

What is the greatest obstacle to your success in your role?

When we’re not able to help a student due to personal or financial issues. It’s difficult to not be able to help a non-resident applicant. Ineligibility for Title 4 funding can be a financial showstopper. I encourage them to open their mindset to community college and take classes there and get some education under their belt. It’s important that they don’t stop their education ambitions.

What motivates you to do your job well?

My team is what drives me. We accomplish so much together. When someone on our team helps others, they not only learn a lot about the student they’re helping, they also learn a lot about themselves. When an Admissions Advisor has someone in front of them communicating their hardships in life and who are trying to make a big change for themselves; they’re watching them at a pivotal part in their life. It’s an emotional commitment, and empathy plays a big role.

We’re not selling a car, a material item, something short-term. We’re creating a relationship with people who are making a decision that is life changing. And that is exciting to be a part of.