iFALCON, the new study program at Cerritos College, is set to launch in three weeks.

ASCC President Michael Barrita said, “Everyone is excited to finally see the campaign get implemented in the classrooms.”

Teachers will introduce new studying habits that will hopefully help them succeed.

Barrita added, “Right before this semester began, about 50 teachers went to a meeting where they were taught how to teach these successful studying habits.

“Our goal is to help students practice helpful study habits and reach their goals by succeeding in every aspect inside and outside of the classroom,” he explained.

Construction on the program commenced two years ago due to a concept introduced by Faculty Senate President Bryan Reece.

“I noticed that strong students had similar study habits,” Reece explained.

He introduced the Habits of the Mind campaign to the faculty during the Fall 2008 semester.

Faculty members, such as English professor Frank Gaik, welcomed the idea with open arms.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea. The students can really benefit from it,” Gaik said.

The campaign has been promoted throughout school by posters, cards, activities, and its  catchy name, iFALCON.

The posters are similar to those from the iPod campaigns.

The name iFALCON did not just come overnight.

With help of Barrita, Reece was able to test different acronyms to figure out which would be more appealing.

“There was no contest, most students chose iFALCON,” Barrita added.

Each letter of iFALCON represents a detailed step that students can use to their advantage to obtain success.

“F.A.L.C.O.N stands for Focus, Advancing, and Linking up, Comprehend, Organize, and New Ideas,” Barrita explained.

Members of the student government and faculty are sure the campaign will be a success.

“I have 100 members of faculty that are teaching the campaign. I am building toward having 100 percent faculty participating in it,” Reece said.

Since it will be the first year that iFALCON will be taught in certain classes, teachers will be free to experiment teaching the campaign to students.

With aid from the iFALCON website, teachers will be allowed to show videos to their students made by students participating in the campaign.

The site also includes quizzes and other tools used to enhance the students’ comprehension of what the campaign is really about.

The campaign will last for 14 weeks.

She said, “It will be a really good learning experience and will promote success.”