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

Surplus Computer Equipment Sale

In case you didn’t see this in the September COCC Enews article:

Surplus Computer Equipment Sale Sept.19
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the COCC Bookstore on College Way
Computers, monitors, printers and related equipment will be available. Items sold on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Limit of two computers and two monitors per person.  The sale will continue 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept 20 and 21, depending on the availability.  Items can be purchased with cash, credit or debit card, check or student financial aid.  There is no warranty; all products are sold as-is. The College does not provide tech support; or hold, deliver or ship items. For detailed descriptions of the computers, visit the COCC website and enter "sale" in the search box.

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. 

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.

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

Show me the money! How financial aid is distributed...

On the second Friday of each term, tuition due date (also referred to as the "census date"), enrollment is frozen and financial aid is calculated based on the number of credits the student is registered in. 

Aid is applied first to tuition, fees and authorized bookstore charges.  Any remaining funds are refunded to the student (typically by the following Friday), with the exception of first-time student loan borrowers.

LOANS:If you are a new Direct Loan borrower at COCC, you are required to complete entrance loan counseling and sign your master promissory note before loans will be processed.  Check online using your ‘Bobcat Web Account’ for any outstanding requirements.  If you are a new student at COCC and receiving loans for the first time at COCC, your loan disbursement must be delayed 30 days from the start of class disbursements.    

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY:Work-study earnings are paid each month through the College's normal payroll process.  You may check current job postings online at www.coccstudentjobs.com.  COCC does not guarantee positions to all students awarded work-study.  For more information visit:  Work-Study or contact Deborah at 541-383-7263.

PART-TIME STUDENTS: you may also get aid as a part-time student. See this weblink for information: http://www.cocc.edu/Financial-Aid/FAQs/Can-I-Get-Financial-Aid-As-A-Part-Time-Student-/

4 Middle of the Term Tips

1. Check your grade status in each course (use the syllabus and your returned coursework, or the online grading system if possible).
2. Talk to your teachers if you are concerned about your progress!
3. Use your online account (Bobcat account) to locate the name and contact information for your assigned advisor.
4. Set up an advising appointment to discuss grades, drop deadlines, and/or to receive your advising clearance before registration for the next term.