Highest turnout at ABE orientation

More than 115 students—the highest turnout ever—participated in a recent orientation conducted by the Adult Basic Education Program at the Northern Marianas College.

The orientation was meant to familiarize new students with the programs and services offered on campus. These include counseling, financial aid, tutoring, computer lab assistance, student leadership opportunities, and career planning.

“The high number of students who have enrolled in the ABE program, particularly in the ESL and GED programs, prompted us to step up the education and awareness efforts for our students,” said Tee Abraham, dean of Community Programs and Services. “We want to be sure they are well informed about—and take advantage of—the resources that are available to help them remain in school and succeed.”

The available services were highlighted through presentations made by Chrislaine Pangelinan of Counseling Programs and Services, Marissa Mafnas of Admission and Records, Daisy Manglona-Propst of Financial Aid Office, Heather Santos of Educational Talent Search, Elsie Skang-Ngewakl of the Educational Enrichment Center, Greg Quitugua of the Computer Lab, and Ivan Mereb, ASNMC president. NMC president Dr. Carmen Fernandez was also present to deliver the welcoming remarks.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Ross Manglona, director of NMC Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Services, shared his experiences as a GED graduate, emphasizing the importance of family support.

The orientation also included presentations from other staff members of the ABE Program: Adult Basic Education state director and GED administrator Lorraine Cabrera provided information about different programs under the Adult Basic Education that include the Adult School, General Education Diploma, English as a Second Language, and Family Literacy. ABE instructor/coordinator Elsie Cabrera focused on the interpretation of GED National Test scores and her role as instructor coordinator to include NMC’s main site and other school community partnering sites on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota; ABE instructor/counselor Velma Mafnas focused on the CASAS Assessment being used along with NMC-ABE’s new data management software so that students can understand the importance of CASAS and how it relates to them. Mafnas also dispensed some key advice to help the students stay and succeed in the ABE program. [B][I](NMC)[/I][/B]