Week Seven - You are over half-way!

Week Seven Do's and Don't s

Do Schedule advising - Winter registration begins November 18-22 for current degree-seeking students (That's Next Week)!

Do review the academic calendar of important dates.  Take note of last day to drop courses with no display on transcript (November 15th for full-term classes)

Don't wait to contact your academic advisor to schedule an appointment if you are struggling in a course and want to discuss other options or if you need advising clearance.

Questions:  Contact the CAP center at 541-383-7200

Spook-tacular

 

Current degree-seeking students begin registering for winter term November 18-22nd. If you need academic advising clearance for winter term, best time to fly over and meet with your advisor is BEFORE Halloween.

Help Through the Storm

When students struggle in school, some try to hide their challenges from instructors, staff and those around them.  They think somehow the situation will just work itself out or they try to avoid the problem until its too late to protect their grades and/or completion.

However, help may be just around the corner.  Instructors and staff are often knowledgeable about resources and strategies that may help.  For instance, we may refer you to financial aid to inquire about the impact of dropping a class, disability services to assist you with accomodation for a learning disability, free tutoring to help you through a tough assignment, or  free personal counseling to help you through a rough period in your life.

Don't avoid instructors if you are struggling.  Instructors may offer you additional help during office hours. Discuss concerns and seek input on ways you may improve your grades.  Their contact information (and usually office hours) are found in the online campus directory (upper right-hand corner of the COCC home page).

If you need help, also consider meeting with an academic advisor to assist you in navigating resources that may help.  Advisors may also assist you in deciphering policies and procedures that may otherwise seem a little overwhelming.  Don't wait until its too late.  Early intervention and prevention are key to success!

Hot Tech Tip for Better Grades

Monitor your grades early in the term.  By monitoring your grades early and regularly, you are better prepared to strategize ways to improve grades or protect your GPA. Communicate errors or concerns with your instructor and follow-up with your academic advisor if you need further support.

Many instructors use a program called blackboard to track grades, which among many useful applications, it allows you to monitor your progress and ensure your grades are accurate.  The blackboard student account is located at the student log-in page on the COCC website.

If you are uncomfortable navigating Blackboard or logging into the account, computer lab attendants are available in each campus to help. Consider visiting a COCC computer lab, as needed.

Are you interested in learning how to use Blackboard more effectively? Here is a link with videos and information to help you get started: https://help.blackboard.com/en-us/Learn/9.1_SP_12_and_SP_13/Student. 

Fall into the Pathway to Success

Take advantage of COCC’s FREE academic support services:

• Academic Advising
• Career Services
• Computer Labs
• Counseling
• Services for Students with Disabilities
• Library
• Multicultural Center
• Native American Program
• Study Abroad Program
• Testing and Tutoring

Find out more information about these services on our website,  in your catalogue or call 541-383-7700 to be directed to appropriate department

Fall Term - Week Two Tips

Do check your class schedule in your Bobcat account to ensure accuracy before tuition is due. 

Do drop any unwanted courses before tuition deadline

Don’t  assume classes are dropped from your schedule.   Financial aid department does not drop classes for you.  Not attending does not constitute an official drop.   

Do check the balance due for courses to ensure you have enough funds (or financial aid) to cover the costs
Do ensure you have met all requirements for financial aid (if applicable to you) and/or made other payment arrangements to avoid late fees

Six Quick Tips for First Week

1. Do attend all your classes (both registered and waitlisted)
2. Don’t park in undesignated parking areas or forget to place parking permit sticker on your vehicle
3. Don’t forget to submit blue registration forms with instructor signature to Enrollment Services before signature expires (for waitlist classes and other courses you are adding first week)
4. Do attend drop-in advising at the CAP center if you have questions
5. Do attend “Jump Start” activities on campus this week if you are interested and can fit one or more into your schedule (See Student E-news)
6. Don’t forget to complete requirements of 2nd/3rd Academic Warnings (if applicable to you) BEFORE deadline to avoid being withdrawn from courses