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Introducing the Navigators: While they may not wear superhero capes, their mission is nothing short of extraordinary—to introduce prospective students to Madison College and opportunities for success.
Madison College Access Manager Torvic Caradine, along with his team of seven college access navigators, travel to 64 high schools throughout the year, connecting with students, building relationships with school counselors and talking with community members. The recruitment team is expertly equipped to answer questions on Madison College’s 200-plus programs, financial aid, resources, and even help students fill out applications.
How do you connect with prospective Madison College students?
We are the mobile Madison College recruitment team. Our job is to sit down and talk with students and not just ask them the first question, but the second, third, or even fourth question until we find out what they want.
People want that one-on-one connection to sit down (in person or virtually) and know we'll be there to help them with the next steps.
How does your team advocate the mission of Madison College as a community college?
When President Daniels first came to Madison College, he emphasized that we are a community college and we should be out in the community, and that is what we do. In one day, we may drive to Reedsburg and then visit another location. We have 64 different high schools, and each has a distinct personality; what works at Madison East High School won't work at Sauk Prairie High School. We also build relationships with school counselors—many come from four-year college backgrounds and don’t always understand two-year institutions. A lot of their students that they're pushing toward a four-year institution may not be suited or ready for that. So, we tell them about Madison College and give that choice to students.
Watch a Day in the Life of a College Access Navigator
Tell us what young people think about going to college.
If you think back on going to college for the first time, it's kind of a scary process. It’s the unknown that scares prospective students the most: Am I going to get in? How do I apply? I think the pandemic broke something, and a lot of people took a gap year. Then one gap year turned into two gap years, two gap years turned into three gap years and you are still living in your parent’s basement. So, when they ask for our help, we get them started and keep them engaged, because filling out their college application is one thing, but keeping them moving toward the next step is important.
What about the ones who don’t see themselves as college material?
We see all types of opportunities for young people. For example, Wisconsin Heights is a farming community, and the students have dreams and aspirations. They may not be ready for a UW school, or see themselves studying liberal arts, so we give them options. They might want to learn how to fix cars, trucks, or tractors. Or they tell us they like to play video games, and we let them know those are all careers.
Why do you love being a navigator recruiter?
I am an extrovert, and this is an extrovert's best job, because I get paid to talk for a living. I really do enjoy meeting new people. I also keep in touch with students I helped get into school. Students who are now nurses and police officers told me they never saw themselves going to college until they talked to me. One student enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA) program while he was in high school. He didn’t think he could do it, but I encouraged him because he had the scores. He became a nurse, and he still reaches out to me, even after graduation. And gives me a shout-out. That’s something that makes me tear up ...
The navigators are the first contact for students. How does your team continue that support once they are enrolled in Madison College?
We want to make certain that everyone at the college does their job to encourage students to stay here, continue their studies, and find their success. Getting students in the door is one thing but keeping them here is always the toughest part. Our team does our best to provide students with help and resources and make them feel welcome whether they are here on campus or virtual.
To connect with a Madison College Navigator, email recruiting@madisoncollege.edu or call 608.243.4330.
