College Success and Beyond

I specialize in advising "exploratory," "undecided," and new/transfer students.  A large number of students I meet with are first-time, and in many cases, first-generation college students.  First-generation college students are the first in their family to go to college.  Often they have no frame of reference when it comes to college, having no immediate family members to discuss college do's and don'ts.  They often feel  a combination of excitement, fear, depression, confusion and anxiety all in the same term (maybe in the same day).  The first term (to three terms) can be difficult. 

Its important to remember, college can be similar to traveling in a foreign country.  You are learning a new language (terminology and acronyms), learning your way around and how to survive, meeting new people, and navigating rules/policies.  This, combined with the rigors of studying, deadlines and balancing home life can leave you feeling vulnerable and isolated.

If this is you, consider discussing with an academic advisor.  They may refer you to free college resources, help you decipher complex policies/procedures, and or help you problem-solve and take steps to alleviate some of the pressure. 

Also, consider taking a College Success class (course number HD 100CS).  This is a credited college course, designed to help you succeed in this new environment.  Most students report they are far more confident about their ability to succeed in college after taking the class.  This course also provides an opportunity to increase informal support networks (by making friends with students who are also new or fairly new), learn resources available to you, and identify skills needed to succeed far beyond college.

Hope this helps a little.

How to start college; attend free event with pizza and prizes

Are you thinking about going to college?  Join us on Nov. 14 from 6:30pm to 9pm in the Campus Center on COCC's Bend Campus for College night in Oregon.  At this free event, you will learn about college admissions, the financial aid process, scholarships and other college-related topics.   Free pizza and a chance to win a $500 dollar scholarship. Visit the College Night website for more information. 

  

Winter Registration Reminder

Are you a current degree-seeking student with COCC?  Watch this silly youtube video for an important winter registration reminder and tips to finding your winter registration date and time.

Winter Registration Reminder

Remember:  Winter registration starts Nov. 26th through 30th for current degree-seeking students at COCC.  

Do I have an advising requirement?

Check your Bobcat Account (Can I Register Page) to see if you have an advising hold (or any other holds on your account) that will stop you from registering on your date and time.  (Click this link to learn how:  http://www.cocc.edu/Admissions/Register-for-Classes/Can-I-register-for-credit-classes-/)

Five Tips to Receiving Top Notch Advising

Get the most out of your academic advising by going prepared!  Learn five success tips to prepare for your academic advising appointment:

1. Review your degree requirements to help select courses you need (use GradTracks to help you: About GradTracks )
2. Read the course descriptions to learn about the classes you are considering (and whether they have prerequisites or recommended preparations) before you take them
3. Go to COCC's online schedule to find out when/if the classes you want are offered
4. Make a list of possible classes that work with your schedule (and maybe a couple "Plan B" back-up classes in case you  don't get into your first choices)
5. Bring your list (and questions) to your advising appointment

By preparing ahead, you've done your part in receiving top notch advising!

Planning: The future is now

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now”  Alan Lakein, writer. 


Visit COCC's website for free Career Services www.cocc.edu. 

Direct link to Career Services - http://www.cocc.edu/CAP/Career-Services/

Tuition Payment/ Refund Deadline - October 5th

TUITION DUE:  Fall-term COCC tuition is due by 5 pm, Friday, October 5. Use your Bobcat web account to pay online with a credit card, checking or savings account. You can also call in credit card information to 541-383-7229 or pay in person at any Enrollment Services office. DEADLINE TO DROP: The deadline to drop a full-term class and receive a refund is also 5pm on Friday, October 5.  You may drop a class using your COCC Bobcat web account, in-person at the Enrollment Services office at any COCC campus, or by calling the Admissions and Records office at 541-383-7500.  An instructor's signature is not required to drop a full-term class by this deadline See the schedule for short term class deadlines

Nine survival tips for first two weeks

COCC classes are starting this week.  Here are a few survival tips for you:
1)  ATTEND ALL - classes first week to avoid being dropped from a course or wait list
2)  TWO DAYS -  You have two days to submit signed registration forms for any classes you have added through instructor signature.  Submit those to Enrollment Services (located in Boyle Education Center in Bend or at front desk in Prineville, Madras or Redmond (Bldg. 3).
3)  DROP IT - Double-check your Bobcat account BEFORE the end of your 100% refund period/tuition deadline.  Don't rely on  non-attendance as a method of dropping a course.  You may find yourself with a bill and a failing grade, if you haven't officially dropped.

 4)  ADVISING - Drop-in Advising is available in the CAP Center at COCC every day this week (9am-5pm)
5) TUTORING - Need help with a course, visit your instructor during office hours and/or Tutoring and Testing Center
6) GRADES - Start monitoring your grades early- (check your grades every week in Blackboard)
7) FINANCIAL AID - Double-check status of financial aid in your Bobcat Account
8) TUITION DEADLINE - Pay tuition by October 5th, 5pm (and/or make payment arrangements through Cashier's office) to avoid late fees
9)  WORK STUDY - Have you been awarded a work study amount in your Financial Aid Award Letter?  If you have been awarded Work-Study funding, check the COCC Student Jobs website for an open positions.  Apply for those that interest you.  Go to www.coccstudentjobs.com