Certainly! GUID-45, or Guidance 45, is a common college success course offered at many California community colleges, including Riverside City College (RCC). When offered as a dual enrollment course at a high school, it serves to help students—especially first-generation college students, English Learners, and students from underrepresented backgrounds—prepare for success in college and beyond.
The full course title is often something like:
“GUID-45: Introduction to College Success” or
“GUID-45: College Success Strategies”
Its purpose is to:
Help students understand college culture and expectations
Develop academic and life skills
Assist students in creating an educational plan
Strengthen self-awareness, goal-setting, and motivation
Unit/Theme | Topics & Skills |
---|---|
College Systems & Resources | Understanding RCC’s resources (counseling, tutoring, financial aid, transfer center) |
Goal Setting & Motivation | Setting academic, career, and personal goals; growth mindset |
Time Management | Prioritizing tasks, creating schedules, overcoming procrastination |
Study Skills & Learning Strategies | Note-taking, reading strategies, test preparation, memory techniques |
Academic Planning | Understanding majors, certificates, degrees, and transfer pathways (e.g., CSU, UC, private colleges) |
Educational Technology | Using Canvas, college email, library databases, and online academic tools |
Diversity & Inclusion | Appreciating cultural diversity and developing interpersonal skills |
Wellness & Balance | Managing stress, mental health resources, work-life balance |
When taught at the high school as a dual enrollment class:
Students earn both high school credit and college credit for the same class.
The class is typically offered during the regular school day as part of their high school schedule.
An RCC-approved instructor teaches the class; this may be a high school teacher who meets college adjunct qualifications or a community college faculty member.
Students are registered as RCC students and may access RCC student resources (library, counseling, tutoring).
The course may be semester-long (16 weeks) or slightly condensed to fit high school block schedules.
Day | Activities |
---|---|
Monday/Tuesday | Direct instruction on college success topics (e.g., setting SMART goals, time management). Includes modeling and discussion. |
Wednesday | Independent or group activities: time management planners, self-assessments, scavenger hunts for college resources. |
Thursday | Reading college articles or case studies, followed by reflective writing using academic language. |
Friday | Class discussions, presentations, and real-world application projects (e.g., mock educational plans). |
Many instructors use Canvas (RCC’s learning management system) to post assignments, announcements, and grades—giving high schoolers early exposure to college digital platforms.
Early exposure to college expectations
College transcript and transferable elective credit
Increased confidence navigating higher education
Improved academic habits before they leave high school
Access to RCC’s student support network
Eases the transition to full-time college enrollment
"GUID-45 is a college success course designed to equip high school dual enrollment students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in postsecondary education. Students will explore academic and career pathways, develop critical learning and life management strategies, and gain firsthand experience with college resources and systems. Upon completion, students earn both high school elective credit and 3 RCC college credits."