My guide to. college success

Transcription

1 My guide to college success

2 A message from President Harrison Welcome to Columbus State. Student success your success is our number one priority. Not only does the college support your academic achievement here and now, but we re also dedicated to preparing you for future opportunities. At Columbus State, you ll acquire the knowledge and skills you need to impact the 21st century through a successful career, meaningful community service, and diverse individual interests. Here you ll have access to tools and resources which can help you to maximize your success. The first of these is this Student Handbook. This handbook is an introduction to the important academic and jobrelated skills that you will need to master, and it details the considerable resources available to help you maximize your success at Columbus State. The Student Handbook s initial sections cover skills such as time management, project planning, teamwork and persistence, and guide you through the steps to mastering them. Whether these skills are applied in the classroom or on the job, they often lead to a successful outcome. That is why they are highlighted. Subsequent chapters of the handbook are filled with useful information about the college. Within those sections, you will learn about student services as well as student rights and responsibilities. There is a helpful planner included, too, which lists college dates and deadlines for the academic year. Keep the Student Handbook nearby for reference as you navigate your first weeks at Columbus State. It will help you build a habit of success, semester by semester. I wish you success Beyond Measure at Columbus State and in the future. Very truly yours, David T. Harrison, Ph.D. President 1

3 A message from the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services Welcome to Columbus State! We are delighted that you are here as a student, but more importantly, we are eager to support your ambition and motivation to succeed not only at Columbus State but in the years ahead as you pursue your dreams and goals. Your Columbus State education is the pathway to achieving those goals, but you must be the partner who works with us to make your dreams a reality. The faculty and staff of Columbus State are committed to student success and completion. We want you to be that successful student, and we want you to complete your certificate, your degree, and/or your transfer options to a four-year degree. This Student Handbook has been designed to be your source of information as well as your motivation when you need a little extra support. We know that you may be balancing your life as a student along with the responsibilities of a job or a family or other obligations. Your academic work is very important however, and this Handbook can provide you with suggestions for time management or key resources on campus. The Handbook can provide the information that will allow you to be in charge of much of your own decision-making, such as Career Coach, CougarWeb, Degree Audit, or program and department information. Most importantly, Columbus State faculty, staff, and even other students can all be the source for good advice or just some sympathetic listening when needed. We wish you a very successful year at Columbus State! Let us know how we can be of help. Mabel Freeman, Ph. D. Interim Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Services 2

4 MY GUIDE TO College Success Columbus State Community College Student Handbook A printed version of the Student Handbook is made available annually just prior to Autumn Semester. Columbus State makes every effort to present current information at the time of the handbook s publication. However, the college reserves the right to make changes to the information in the handbook as necessary; these changes will be reflected in the online version, cscc.edu/services/studenthandbook/. Nondiscrimination Policy It is the established policy of Columbus State Community College not to tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment by or against any individual or group of individuals for reasons of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (GINA), military status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The college is fully committed to providing equal opportunities in all employment-related activities, educational programs, and other activities of the college. Anyone who is subjected to conduct that creates a discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing environment should report the conduct as outlined in College Policy 3-45, found at the following link: cscc.edu/about/policy/. Other college policies regarding Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Sexual Harassment/Misconduct and Workplace Family and Relationship Violence may be found at: cscc.edu/about/policy/. Reasonable Accommodations It is the Columbus State Community College policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. If you would like to request an accommodation because of a physical, mental, or learning disability, please contact Disability Services, Eibling Hall, Room 101(Columbus Campus), (VOICE/TTY). On the Delaware Campus, see Student Services in Moeller Hall, Accreditation Columbus State Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Member-North Central Association (NCA), 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL , 3

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6 Table of Contents Columbus State Online Resources CougarID...8 User Name...8 Blackboard...9 CougarWeb...9 Degree Audit Report System...9 Distance Learning...10 Focus...10 Online Writing Center...10 Student Got Questions?...12 My Career Goals My Career Plan Checklist...14 Career Development...14 Career Services...16 My Educational Goals Getting Started...18 Educational Knowledge Plan...19 College Catalog...20 Plan of Study...20 Transfer Resources...22 My College Success Strategies for Success...24 Time Management...24 Goal Setting...26 Course Selection...27 Resources for Success Advising Services...28 Faculty Advising...29 Career Services...29 Computer Labs...29 Counseling Services...30 Developmental Education...30 Disability Services...30 Library...31 Speech Rehearsal Lab...32 TRiO Programs (SSS)...32 Tutoring Services...33 Writing Center...33 Academic Procedures for Success Class Attendance...34 Grade point Average (GPA)...34 Satisfactory Academic Progress...35 Fresh Start Rule...38 Repeating/ Withdrawing from a Course...38 Graduation...39 My Money Matters Fees...41 Cashiers & Student Accounting...41 Financial Aid...42 Scholarships...43 Military and Veterans Services...43 Student Employment Services...43 My Student Leadership/Campus Involvement Athletics...44 Clubs and Organizations...44 C.A.R.E.S...45 Student Ambassadors...46 Recreation and Wellness...46 My Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct Americans with Disabilities Act...47 Campus Safety/Security/ Reporting Crimes...51 Children on Campus...52 Clery Reporting Requirements...52 Disclosure, Health/HS...52 Drugs, Alcohol on Campus...52 Equal Opp./Affirm. Action...53 Felony Reporting Procedure...55 Food/Beverages on Campus...56 Grade Grievance...57 Information Technology...58 Non-Discrim/Anti-Harassment...65 Notices on Campus...68 Parking Info/Regulations...68 R.A.V.E...68 Selective Service Reg...69 Severe Weather...69 Sexual Harassment/ Misconduct...69 Resources for Victims of Sexual Assault...74 Smoking on Campus...76 Student Code of Conduct...77 Student Right to Know...94 (Continued on next page) 5

7 Student Travel...94 Workplace/Family/Relationship Violence...97 Written Student Complaints College Terminology College Services Bookstore Bus Service (COTA) Copy Services Fitness Center Food Services Housing IT Support Services Media Production Columbus State Police Dept Columbus State Maps Campus Directory Planner/Calendar Quick Links

8 How to Use This Handbook My Success My sections in this handbook contain information and tools known to be effective in career and educational planning as well as in successful goal attainment. Use the following My sections found in this handbook to prepare, plan, and acquire knowledge to assist you in a successful educational journey. My Columbus State Online Resources, page 8 My Career Goals, page 13 My Educational Goals, page 18 My College Success, page 24 My Money Matters, page 41 My Student Leadership, page 44 Connect and Learn To find locations, phone numbers and hours of operation for the many resources at Columbus State Community College, see the Directory on page 131. College Knowledge, for a current college student, is having a proficient understanding of the terminology, policies and procedures of your college. The following sections will enhance your College Knowledge: Student Rights, Responsibilities and Code of Conduct, page 47. Columbus State Terminology, page 103. Academic Procedures for College Success, page 34. If you need assistance, the Telephone Information Center, , the Student Assistance Center, and Delaware Student Services are the recommended sources for information and referrals. Find out more information in the Got Questions? section, page 12. Calendar/Planner Use this section of the handbook to keep track of important dates such as test and assignment due dates, college deadlines, and events, page

9 My Columbus State Online Resources cscc.edu Cougar ID Number Your Cougar ID number is a unique 7-digit number assigned to you when you apply to Columbus State. Staff members will ask you for your Cougar ID number when they assist you. Your Cougar ID number is printed on your Student ID card. It is important that you know your Cougar ID number and that you carry your Student ID card when you are on campus. User Name (also called Login Name or User ID) Use your User Name to access Columbus State s online resources and services, including CougarWeb, Student and Blackboard. Your Columbus State User Name was assigned to you when you were accepted to the college. The format for user names is your first initial and last name followed by a number. If you have an uncommon last name, your user name may not include a number. Finding your User Name, Cougar ID Number, or Password 1. Go to cscc.edu. 2. Go to the Quick Links drop-down box and click on User Names/ Passwords. 3. Select appropriate box. 4. Provide your Cougar ID or Social Security Number and Last Name. 5. Click Search. 6. Your User Name and Cougar ID number will be displayed. 7. Create a password that is at least eight (8) characters (alphanumeric). Retype your new password. 8. Select and answer a challenge question that can be used if you forget your password. 8

10 9. Update Password. 10. For assistance with technical problems, call the Student Help Desk at Blackboard Blackboard is the portal to your courses. All distance learning classes utilize Blackboard, but so do many traditional on-campus courses. You can access Blackboard by going to cscc.edu; the Blackboard link is located in the upper right corner of the homepage. CougarWeb CougarWeb is an online portal to your student account. It is your first resource for obtaining information about your academic records. You can access CougarWeb at cscc.edu; the CougarWeb link is located in the upper right corner of the homepage. Using CougarWeb to access your account, you can: Register for classes Check account balances and print a fee statement Pay outstanding fees Check financial award letter View grades and print an unofficial transcript View current schedule View current profile and make updates to address and phone number View Degree Audit Report (DARS) Submit bank information for direct deposit Register vehicle and order a parking permit Degree Audit Report System (DARS) A Degree Audit Report is an online tool that tells you where you stand academically and tracks progress toward your degree. You can access the Degree Audit Report System from CougarWeb by clicking My Degree Audit. 9

11 Distance Learning Distance Learning (DL) offerings are a unique alternative to traditional on-campus learning. Online/distance learning allows student from around the city or around the globe to learn, using the latest interactive Web and video technologies, without the limits of time and place. The different types of distance learning courses include: Web - Instruction is held completely online, although most Web courses require testing at one of the CSCC testing sites. If a student lives outside Central Ohio, tests can be proctored at an approved testing site. To participate in a Web course, a student must have access to a computer and the Internet coupled with basic computer knowledge. Blended (Hybrid) - An online course with required real-time, faceto-face sessions. Blended course instruction is split between learning activities online and in a specified location, based on course content. Admissions and registration procedures, tuition costs, and the difficulty of coursework are the same for distance and traditional on-campus courses. Check the College Catalog for full degree and certificate programs offered through distance learning or find more information at: global.cscc.edu/ index.asp. For help with technology issues, contact the IT Support Help Desk at

12 FOCUS FOCUS is a student success tool (powered by Starfish ). Throughout your time at Columbus State Community College, you may receive notices from FOCUS@cscc.edu regarding your attendance, performance in class, or academic progress. Using the notices, your instructor may request a meeting with you, or request that you visit other Columbus State services, including Tutoring, the Learning Center, Student Services, or the Retention Specialist. You may also be contacted directly by one of these services, or an advisor, as a result of the notifications. Online Writing Center To access online services, login to Blackboard, then go to My Organizations, and click on Online Writing Center. Student Columbus State sends important messages to your student account. Check it frequently. It is the best way Columbus State has to reach you with specific messages about your account, your student status, and reminders to help you achieve the success you expect. Also, use your student to send messages to faculty and staff. Your student quickly identifies your message as one coming from a student. These messages get top priority. 11

13 Got Questions? Many academic questions can be answered by using the information and tools in your College Catalog, CougarWeb account, or at cscc.edu. You can also use the Ask the Cougar tool found in the Admissions link from the home page. When you have additional Columbus State-related questions, you can contact the following resources to provide you with answers and/or point you in the right direction. Telephone Information Center Assistance provided for: Adding or dropping classes Paying fees Purchasing parking permits and student IDs Accessing academic and financial aid information Student Services Moeller Hall, Delaware Campus cscc.edu/delaware Assistance provided for: Admissions Academic Advising Financial Aid Registration Connections to additional college resources Financial Aid and Registration Workshops Regional Learning Centers Services and hours vary by location. Phone numbers for the individual centers can be found in the Directory, page

14 MY Career Goals Who am I? Where am I going? How do I get there? Visit the Career Services webpage, cscc.edu/services/careers, to access career assessment and other resources. My Career Plan Checklist First Semester Take a career assessment to assess your skills, interests, personality and values. Meet with a career counselor to discuss the results of the career assessment. Conduct job market research on various occupations to determine work environment, average salary, job outlook, education requirements, including licensing/certification requirements. Talk to people who work in career fields that interest you to gather information and gain insights about the career. 13

15 Engage in job shadowing of people and work settings you are considering. Research academic major/programs to determine degree requirements and admission criteria. Meet with faculty to solicit their insights about major/programs. Meet with an academic advisor to discuss your academic plans. My Career Plan Checklist Second Semester Meet with a career counselor to discuss how the major of interest relates to your career path. Make a decision about your academic major. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss the necessary coursework. Create a term-by-term plan of required academic coursework. Attend career events, workshops, and career fairs to gather information. Participate in volunteer service projects relevant to your skills and interests. Join campus clubs or organizations that relate to your career path. Establish mentor relationships with people in your fields of interest. Career Coach is designed to help you find a good career by providing the most current data on wages, employment, job postings, and associated education and training for your region. You can access Career Coach at cscc.emsicareercoach. com/. 14

16 Career Development Exercise What is your career goal? What degree(s) are required for this career? What are your degree options at Columbus State? What are your transfer options? What is the average salary for this career? Who are the local employers for this career? What is the job outlook for this career? 15

17 How do you determine which career choice is best for you? (Select the best answer.) ȗȗ Ask your parents or friends; they know you best. ȗȗ Look at your major and the careers most graduates from that discipline pursue. ȗȗ Take a career assessment of your skills, interests, values, and personality. ȗȗ Review the latest research on areas of hot job growth. Answer: Take a career assessment of your skills, interests, values, and personality Why are internships important? (Select the best answer.) ȗȗ To gain related, hands-on experience ȗȗ To help you decide what you do or do not want to do in a career ȗȗ To establish a network of professional contacts ȗȗ All of the above Answer: All of the above Career Services Career Services offers career counseling for undecided students, including assistance with career decision-making, choosing a major, assisting students in creating a career exploration plan, redirecting educational plans, and/or planning for a career change. Additionally, Career Services offers: 16 Individual career counseling Career assessments Career Quest Career Coach Career resource center

18 Career web resources Career workshops Classroom presentations Student Employment Student Employment is another resource available to assist currently enrolled students to gain valuable work experience and relieve some of the cost of completing their degree. The type of employment varies by enrollment level at the college and whether students are awarded Federal Work Study as a portion of their Financial Aid. Student Employment services include: Job Search (on-and off-campus) Job Postings Job Fairs Advising on Federal Work Study Eligibility Professional Development and Training To access career resources available through the Department of Career Services, students and alumni can visit Nestor Hall, Room 108 on the Columbus Campus, or call For more information, visit the Career Services webpage, cscc.edu/ services/careers. Career Planning Columbus State Community College students and alumni have access to a full range of career assistance services, including: Career postings Employment opportunities Resume workshops Career search materials Interviewing tips 17

19 MY Educational Goals Getting Started Now that you have established your career goals, you have the information needed to start work on your educational goals. Your educational plan should be comprised of goals and measurable milestones. These will help you to stay on track and focused. You will need both short-term and long-term educational goals. Remember, goals need to be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to reflect your progress, new knowledge and life changes. At this time, what is your long-term degree attainment goal? (Check all that apply and write your desired major, if you know it.) Certificate in Associate Degree in Bachelor s Degree in Master s Degree in Doctoral Degree in 18

20 Educational Plan Knowledge: Gather the information necessary to develop a successful educational plan. Use the following resources to help you learn the educational level needed for a particular career. Career Coach (cscc.edu) Occupational Outlook Handbook produced by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics ( oco/) O*NET OnLine ( Degree and Certificate Options Chart Degree and Certificate Options at Columbus State A.A. Associate of Arts Prepares you to transfer to a college or university to complete a B.A. BACHELOR S A.S. Associate of Science A.A./A.S. Preferred Pathway Prepares you to transfer to a college or university to complete a B.S. Prepares you to transfer to The Ohio State University to complete a B.A. or B.S. BACHELOR S BACHELOR S A.A.S. Associate of Applied Science Technical Certificate CWD Center for Workforce Development Prepares you to enter a specialized career field and pursue a bachelor s degree in the same field by transferring to a specific university. Prepares you to enter a specialized career field or upgrade your skills for job advancement. Credits earned can often be applied to a related A.A.S. Provides noncredit learning opportunities including Certificate Programs, Training, GED Preparation, Basic English courses and others. WORK and BACHELOR S WORK and ASSOCIATE WORK 19

21 What level of education/degree is needed to be successful in my career choice? I need to major in to reach my career goal. I know that (college/university) offers my chosen major. You can find the certificates and programs of study that Columbus State Community College offers in the College Catalog. The Bookstore, most college departments, programs, and student services offices (including the Library) have a print version of the catalog available. The online version can be accessed at cscc.edu/academics/catalog. Most colleges will have similar information on their webpage as well. I know that the program/certificate at Columbus State is the best choice for my career choice and educational goals. College Catalog One useful tool for creating an educational plan is the annual College Catalog. It is available online, for purchase at the Bookstore, and (for reference only) at various college offices. The catalog contains important information for whatever program of study you choose. It provides course descriptions, the academic credits to be earned, and which term each course is offered. The catalog also lists the many resources available to students, such as tutoring, financial aid, and additional resources that can contribute to success. To access the electronic version of the College Catalog, go to cscc.edu/academics/catalog/. Plan of Study In order for you to be considered a candidate for an associate degree, you must have completed all the requirements for that degree as described in the official College Catalog in effect at the time you enrolled in the 20

22 program leading to that degree. Once you know all the requirements for your degree, you ll want to develop a term-by-term plan of the required courses you will take and when you will take them. This is often referred to as your Plan of Study. Associate of Applied Science programs have published Plans of Study. These can be found in the College Catalog. The Degree Audit Report System (DARS), found in CougarWeb, is a tool you can use to develop your education plan. Educational Goals To Do List: Determine which Columbus State academic program best matches your career goals. Use the College Catalog, college website, and DARS (found in CougarWeb) to build an academic plan leading to graduation. See an academic advisor to check your plan. Plan ahead for a smooth transition to another college or university to further your education or to the workforce. You can meet with other college and university representatives in the Transfer Center. Prepare your resumé and enhance your interviewing skills in the Career Services Office. Search Transfer Options The college has formal transfer agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities, offering more than 200 transfer opportunities. Search transfer options in the college s Articulation Database and connect with four-year partners at: cscc.edu/academics/transfer/. 21

23 Research Schools This process needs to occur early in your educational journey because the information is helpful in developing your best educational plan at Columbus State Community College. Gather answers to the following questions: What are the features, such as size, cost, and location, of the institution? What is the process for admission? Are there special admission requirements for my major? What are the specific degree requirements for my major? Who will my advisor be, and how should I contact that person? Transfer Resources Create your own personalized Transfer Plan using Transferology at transferology.com. Access the following transfer resources at cscc.edu/transfer: View college visitation schedules for the Columbus and Delaware Campuses Contact a four-year partner Browse a list of Transfer Options Review Frequently Asked Questions Request more information from a four-year partner school For additional transfer resources, go to cscctransfer.wikispaces.com. 22

24 Take Action Know the college/university deadline dates. Gather and submit all necessary paperwork for the college/university. A Columbus State Community College transcript request form can be printed at cscc.edu/services/ recordsandregistration/transcript-request.shtml. To connect with area college representatives, visit the Transfer Center in Aquinas Hall, Room 126. Advisors from other colleges visiting Columbus State will be available for you to speak with according to the schedule posted online: cscctransfer.wikispaces.com/visiting+columbus+state. 23

25 MY College Success Columbus State is committed to helping you be a successful student and reach your educational goals. Ultimately, how well you do is in your hands, and there are many steps you can take to be a success at Columbus State. We have already reviewed your career, educational goals, and academic planning. Additional success strategies are important and will help you now and in the future. Ask yourself the following questions: What skills does a successful student have? What skills do I have, and how can I develop my skills for success? How do I currently manage my time and responsibilities? What is my learning style? What are ways I can discover how I learn best? What resources are available to me at Columbus State to help me in and outside of the classroom? Strategies for Success Time Management How you use your time can determine how successful you are. Often, students underestimate the amount of time they will need to devote to their studies to be successful. A promising student typically spends 2-3 hours a week for each credit hour he/she is enrolled. For example, a student enrolled in 12 credit hours (full-time student status) spends approximately hours a week on his/her studies. This does not include class time. Math and science courses typically demand more time, but each class varies based on course and instructor expectations. Total credit hours = Total study time per week = 24

26 Course Credit Hours Study Time x 2 or 3 = x 2 or 3 = x 2 or 3 = x 2 or 3 = x 2 or 3 = Time Management Assessment Do you have a clear and accurate picture of how you spend your time? Use the following assessment to see where your time goes. There are 168 hours in a week. Estimate how much time on average you spend on each task per week. Hours of sleep each night X7= Hours spent grooming each day X7= Hours for meals/snacks each day X7= Travel time (to/from campus, work) X7= Hours you watch TV or play video games per day X7= Hours on the computer for activities not related to your coursework X7= Hours on the phone (talking, texting or similar activity) per day X7= Hours per week for work 25

27 Hours per week for regularly scheduled activities (athletics, church, etc.) Hours in class per week: Hours per week utilizing college resources (Academic Advising, The Learning Center, faculty office hours, tutoring, etc.) Hours per week reading, studying and completing assignments outside of class Hours per week relaxing, exercising or taking time for yourself Hours per week with friends and family Hours per week of errands (shopping, cleaning, etc.) Total = If you do not have enough hours, prioritize your activities from 1-15 with 1 being the most vital activity. See if you can reduce the hours spent on less vital activities. Goal Setting Plan and evaluate your goals regularly. Successful goal setting includes evaluation. You can use your academic calendar to plan goal reviews. You can review and assess progress on your short term goals each semester. Long term goals should be checked at different milestones in your academic plan, such as after completion of developmental courses or admission requirements. 26

28 Course Selection Each term you will need to choose courses for your schedule. Below are questions and information you should consider when making this decision. What are my program of study requirements? Remember to review the program of study and discuss your plan with an academic advisor. Have I completed all the prerequisite work to schedule this course for this term? Course prerequisites can be found in the course descriptions in the College Catalog. How much time can I dedicate to in-class and out-of-class requirements each week? Remember every hour you are in class requires at least 2-3 hours per week out of class for reading, research, study, and assignments. Course load not only means how many courses, but what types of courses. Math classes and science classes with labs often require more time. Keep this in mind when scheduling courses and reconsider taking too many heavy course load classes in the same term. Do I find certain subjects more difficult than others? If you struggle in a specific subject like math or writing, you may want to consider a lighter course load when taking these courses. Is my course load realistic with my other life commitments? Remember to include time for commuting, personal activities, and family commitments. 27