Wednesday, August 15, 2012

How to improve your GPA by repeating a course

Is your GPA below where you'd like it to be?  Did you have a bad term and wish you could retake one or more courses for a better grade?  Well guess what?  You might be able to do just that!  COCC has a repeat grade/grade forgiveness policy!  Yes you heard me correctly!  Find out how you may replace your grade by retaking the course (once).  See this link for more information about Grade Repeats and talk with an academic advisor about your options. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

4 Common Holds to Avoid

The process of signing up for classes each term is called registration.  Unfortunately, many students miss their registration date and time, because they have a hold on their account.  These are the four most common registration holds you want to avoid:

1.  Outstanding debt with the school -

Pay any past tuition or fees before registration.  Sometimes outstanding debt is as small as an unpaid parking ticket or library fine, but it will still cause a hold on your student account - Contact the cashier's office at 541-383-7229 or pay your bill online.

2.  Placement test not taken (or outdated) -

At COCC, if you haven't passed a college writing and math class within two years of the placement test, you will be required to test again (the term before the test expires) so you can register.  Go online to schedule placement test or contact the CAP center at 541-383-7200.

 3.  Unmet academic advising requirement-

Academic advising is required for all degree-seeking students before registering each term.  Click here for more information about the academic advising requirement at COCC.  See this link for information about how to contact your advisor.  

4.  Academic Warnings (2nd or 3rd) - 

If you are on second or third academic warning, you will have a registration hold on your account until you complete the required paperwork and advising.  Learn more about Academic Warnings. 

Check for holds on your registration.  Check for holds at least two weeks prior to your registration date/time.  Then check it again the day before registration, just to be safe.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

4 Steps to a New Career

Looking to start a new career?  Undecided on your major? These 4 steps can help you embark on your new adventure:

Step 1:  Look Inward - 

To start your pathway to a satisfying career, you need to take a look inward.  During your self-assessment,  consider your interests, passions, personal strengths, skills and needs.  COCC offers students many resources to help you with this process.  See Career Services

Step 2: Gather Information

Be curious.  Explore and gather information about different types of occupations.  Explore the training or education needed and where you can get it.  Contact the Employment Department, Workforce Development, or Career Services (at COCC) to learn more.

Step 3:  Decision-Making - 

Narrow your choices.  Its recommended you try your options through job shadowing, volunteering, informational interviews, internships and/or part-time work.  This is a good way to get a "feel" for whether the career pathway is a good fit for you.

Step 4:  Take Action - 

Start the education or training you need.  Learn to improve job finding skills. 


Would you like some help getting started?  COCC has a free non-credit class called "Process of Choosing a College Major" available to both students and community members.  See Career Exploration Upcoming Events