Student Handbook

Transcription

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2 Student Handbook Citrus Campus 3800 S. Lecanto Highway Lecanto, FL Fax: Ocala Campus 3001 S.W. College Road Ocala, FL Fax: Levy Center 114 Rodgers Blvd. Chiefland, FL Fax: Hampton Center 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL Fax: Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL Fax: Jack Wilkinson Levy Annex 7631 N.W. 151st Lane Chiefland, FL

3 Table of Contents A Message from Student Affairs... 3 Section 1 Starting Point... 4 Vision Statement... 4 Mission Statement... 4 Accreditation and Memberships... 4 Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination... 5 Appleton Museum of Art... 6 CF Institutional Learning Outcomes... 6 CF Website ( 7 Section 8 - Resources Citrus Campus Map Ocala Campus Map Index Section 2 Financial Aid Rights and Responsibilities of the Financial Aid Recipient Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Purposes Student Financial Aid Verification Book Charges Financial Aid Enrollment Levels Verification of Attendance Outstanding Fees and Disbursement of Aid Important Financial Aid Telephone Numbers CF One Card Section 3 Career Planning and Job Placement Section 4 Academic Advising Section 5 Success Strategies Learning Styles: Work smarter, not harder in the classroom.17 Section 6 Student Life Section 7 Student Right-To-Know Information Student Records Student Rights and Responsibilities Academic Integrity/Honor Code Code of Student Conduct Drug Free Campus Tobacco-Free College Student Assistance Program Substitutions for Eligible Students with Disabilities Student Complaints Grade Appeal Process Grade Appeal Procedure AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogens Sexual Offender Information Notification/Publication Admission and Readmission of Students with a Violent Criminal Record Posting Policy Dissemination of Literature, Public Exhibits, Displays and Presentations Student Activities Policy Social Security Number Collection, Usage and Release Equal Access / Equal Opportunity

4 A Message from Student Affairs A Message from Student Affairs Welcome to College of Central Florida. We are delighted that you have chosen CF to begin your career journey, augment your job skills, or continue your process of lifelong learning. Whatever your hopes and dreams, CF can help you achieve them. Our Student Affairs staff members are committed to your success, and we pledge to do all we can to guide and enrich your educational journey. Working cooperatively with our outstanding and dedicated instructors, we will help you negotiate the complexities of college life and proceed toward your goal. We urge you to take advantage of the wide array of cocurricular activities CF provides. Participating in student clubs and organizations will add to the quality of your college experience and provide you with an excellent foundation for leadership in your career. This student handbook is designed to help you learn more about the College of Central Florida. If you have any questions or need assistance please feel free to contact any member of the Student Affairs staff. 3

5 Section 1 Starting Point Section 1 Starting Point Vision Statement To be the first choice for quality higher education in our community. Mission Statement College of Central Florida provides access to high quality, high value baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, certificates and diplomas, and promotes the economic, social and cultural development of our community. Accreditation and Memberships The College of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia or call for questions about the accreditation of College of Central Florida. The commission should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support that the College of Central Florida may be in non-compliance with a requirement or standards. College of Central Florida is also approved by the Florida Department of Education to award associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, college credit certificates and occupational certificates. In addition, the programs listed below are accredited by the agencies listed. Please reference each program of study for additional information. The Applied Technology Diploma in Dental Assisting program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL For additional information regarding the Commission on Dental Accreditation, please consult the website at The Associate in Science degree in A.S. to B.S. Nursing program and the Associate in Science degree in Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nursing program are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing Inc., 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, telephone The Associate in Science degree in Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, 233 N. Michigan Avenue, 21st Floor, Chicago, IL The Associate in Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, CAPTE, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Telephone , address accreditation@apta.org, website The Postsecondary Adult Vocational certificate in Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, telephone , fax , The College Credit Certificate in Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions, CoAEMSP, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, telephone , website It also meets the standards of the 1998 EMT/Paramedic National Curriculum from U.S. Department of Transportation. The programs listed below are approved or certified by the agencies listed. Please reference each program of study for specific statements regarding approval or certification. The Postsecondary Adult Vocational certificate program in Correctional Officer and the Postsecondary Adult Vocational certificate program in Florida Law Enforcement Academy are approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL , telephone The Associate in Science degree in Fire Science Technology is approved by the State of Florida, Division of State Fire Marshal Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Florida State Fire College, NW Gainesville Road, Ocala, FL , telephone The college holds memberships in the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association of Florida Colleges, and the Association of Community College Trustees. Among other memberships are the National Junior College Athletic 4

6 Section 1 Starting Point Association, the National League for Nursing, and Florida Campus Compact. CF has been approved by the state of Florida as an institution in which recipients of General Scholarship Loans for Preparation of Teachers (awarded by the state) may take the first two years of college work. Additionally, the college participates in the Drug-Free Workplace Program. The state Department of Education will accept work taken at the college to satisfy various certification requirements. CF is state-approved for veterans training under Public Law 550, Public Law (Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966), and for the education of disabled veterans and war orphans, and is a Servicemembers Opportunity College. Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination College of Central Florida offers equal access and opportunity in employment, admissions and educational activities. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information or disability status in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of gender and violates this policy statement, the college will not tolerate such conduct. College of Central Florida is an equal opportunity college and avows its belief in equal access and opportunity for all students, employees and guests of the institution. If you have a concern regarding discrimination or harassment, please contact: Equity Officer Carol W. Smith, J.D. Ocala Campus, Ewers Century Center Room 201C Telephone: , ext smithc@cf.edu If you have concerns, other than discrimination or harassment that fall within one of the following categories, you should contact the representative listed below by that category: Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator for Employees Dr. Henri Benlolo Ocala Campus, Bryant Student Union Room 205D Phone: , ext benloloh@cf.edu Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator for Students Coordinator, Access Services Ocala Campus, Bryant Student Union Room 204F Ocala, FL Phone: , ext access@cf.edu The college will make every effort to resolve concerns or problems as quickly as possible and to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Below are links to specific documents: Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Policy No CF.edu/community/cf/policies Discrimination, Harassment and/or Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure for Employees and Students CF.edu/community/cf/procedures Complaint Form for Discrimination, Harassment and/or Sexual Harassment Procedure CF.edu/community/procedures/discrimination Observance of Religious Holidays Policy No CF.edu/community/cf/policies AIDS and Blood Borne Pathogens Policy No CF.edu/community/cf/policies Copies of policies and procedures are also available from the Equity Officer and Human Resources Department located in Founders Hall, Ocala Campus. In compliance with state and federal regulations, the District Board of Trustees of the College of Central Florida has approved the above nondiscrimination policies and procedures to govern all areas of college operation including enrollment, admissions and equal opportunity employment. The following federal and state laws apply: 5

7 Section 1 Starting Point Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), 34 CFR Part 100 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 34 CFR Part 106 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), 34 CFR Part 104 Vocational Education Programs Guidelines For Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin, Sex and Handicap (Guidelines), 34 CFR Part 100 Appendix B Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 28 CFR Part 35 ADA Amendments Act of 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 College Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Policies and related procedures can be accessed on the college website at CF.edu/equity. College of Central Florida, under applicable rules of the Administrative Procedures Act, may change any of the announcements, information, policies, rules, regulations or procedures set forth in this catalog. The catalog cannot always reflect new and modified regulations. Statements in this catalog may not be regarded in the nature of binding obligations on the institution or the state of Florida. Prohibition of Misrepresentation to Students and Others The College of Central Florida strives to provide accurate, honest and clear information in print, online, broadcast media or oral presentations. The college will make every effort to avoid misrepresentation to students and others in communications made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means. All misrepresentations should be avoided; however, this procedure specifically applies to the three areas covered by statute 20 USC 1094(c)(3). Those three areas include: The nature of the institution s educational programs. The institution s financial charges. The employability of the institution s graduates. Appleton Museum of Art The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is one of the South s premier art museums, collections and educational centers. Located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. (State Road 40), the museum is approximately four miles east of downtown Ocala. As a vibrant cultural center for Ocala and the region, the Appleton Museum offers outstanding exhibits, lectures, films, workshops, tours, concerts, trips, school-related programs and volunteer opportunities for the community. Educational programs are developed and scheduled to complement both temporary and long-term exhibitions. The museum s weekly educational programs include a combination of lectures and presentations by scholars and artists, a film series, hands-on adult and children s workshops, and docent-led tours. The museum is a magnificent contemporary travertine marble building. The original two-story edifice was opened to the public in An additional wing, funded by Edith-Marie Appleton and state matching funds, opened in The Edith-Marie Appleton Education Wing houses an art library, classrooms, an art workshop and additional exhibition, office and storage space. A 2,662-square-foot Collections Storage Facility was added in 2009, expanding the museum to a total of 81,610 gross square feet. The Appleton Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. CF students are admitted free during regular museum hours with their CF ID card. CF Institutional Learning Outcomes College of Central Florida is committed to the development of individuals within the traditions of our democratic society. Through the richness of cumulative learning experiences, individually and collectively, students become participants in a dynamic learning community by exhibiting cooperation, respect and self-direction. Additionally, students will demonstrate increased knowledge, improved skills, responsibility, teamwork, and the ability to make sound ethical choices. Growth in these cognitive, affective and ethical abilities is measured by the following Institutional Learning Outcomes: Communications, Quantitative and Analytical Reasoning, Critical Reasoning, Computer and Information Skills and Global Socio-Cultural Responsibility. These learning outcomes provide a framework for students to grow intellectually, socially and culturally. 6

8 Section 1 Starting Point CF Website ( CF.edu has valuable information, including calendars, directories, catalogs, department and faculty pages that are an important resource. The MyCF button on the CF homepage takes you to the MyCF Web portal. MyCF Web Portal The first time you use the portal, you will see basic information arranged in three columns. Each column contains page portlets, small boxes providing information and services to students. At the top left of the portal, you can log in with your CF ID number and your password (which you set when you complete the CF application). Once you have logged into your account, you will see your name at the top, and you will be able to access your student information including: degree audit fee statement (fees and due date) financial aid awards and information needed grades registration semester schedule (this confirms enrollment) test scores transfer work 7

9 Section 1 Starting Point Familiarize yourself with the resources available from the various portlets; for example, the Campus Announcements portlet includes information on registration and financial aid and other collegewide updates. To find class schedules and to register for classes, select the Enrollment tab, near the center top. From here, you can follow the Schedule of Classes link to open an advanced search window. You can search by course code, course title, campus or center, instructor, etc. Once you have selected a class you want from the listing, make note of the course code and the two-digit section number. Make sure class days and times do not overlap. When you have determined all of the classes for which you want to register, go to the Enrollment portlet, select Add or Drop Classes and click on Register for Classes. A separate browser window will open. From this Registration Entry screen, follow the directions for adding, dropping or swapping courses. When you are finished, remember to close that browser window. 8

10 Section 1 Starting Point Once you have completed registering for your classes, you need to PRINT your Student Schedule AND Fee Statement. Print both of these from the My Classes link under the Enrollment portlet. The Finances tab will also provide you with your Financial Aid status. The Academics tab will give you information about your academic record, grades, GPA projection, test scores and degree audits. 9

11 Section 2 Financial Aid Section 2 Financial Aid In order to be eligible to receive financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, referred to as FAFSA, each academic year. This can be done online at any time after Jan. 1. This should be done by May 15, the college s priority deadline, if you wish to be considered for all possible forms of aid and to be awarded by the time your fees become due. You may be eligible for federal aid, which includes grants, federal work study and student loans. Other types of aid include state aid, institutional aid and scholarships. The College of Central Florida has more than $700,000 of scholarships available to eligible CF students. In order to be considered for one of these scholarships, a separate application must be completed. This application can be found on the MyCF portal by selecting My Financial Aid and clicking on the scholarship application link. Rights and Responsibilities of the Financial Aid Recipient You have the right to: Information regarding financial aid application procedures, cost of attendance, aid available and renewal requirements. Confidential protection of your financial aid records. The contents of your financial aid file are maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Request a review of decisions made by the CF Financial Aid staff. To request a review, come to the Financial Aid Office and the front line staff will have you speak to the appropriate person. You have the responsibility to: Complete applications correctly and on time. Read and understand all materials sent to you from the Financial Aid Office and other financial aid agencies. It is recommended that you keep copies of all forms and materials submitted. Know and comply with the rules governing your aid program(s). Comply with the provisions of any student loan promissory notes and all other agreements you sign. Register for the appropriate number of credits for aid awarded, attend all classes, and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (2.0 GPA, earn a minimum of 67 percent of credit hours attempted and not exceed 150 percent of the published length of your declared program of study). Request assistance from the Financial Aid Office if you have questions or do not understand the information provided to you. Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Purposes All students receiving certain federal, state and institutional aid must meet the standards of progress outlined below. The requirements for those standards are set by federal regulation 34 CFR Sections (e), (f) and Your financial aid is awarded and continued contingent upon maintenance of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as follows: You must maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average. You must make progress toward your degree, known as a completion ratio, each academic year. Minimum progress requires you to earn 67 percent of all credit hours attempted, including transfer courses accepted (hours earned / hours attempted = completion ratio). You may attempt no more than 150 percent of the total credit hours in your degree or certificate program. Contact the Financial Aid Office or refer to the CF catalog for a complete explanation of the Standards of Progress. It is important to understand withdrawing from classes can adversely affect your completion ratio and may drop you below 67 percent. For financial aid purposes, remaining enrolled in a course for credit beyond the official add/drop period counts as an attempt. All attempted courses are counted, even if taken as part of a different degree program (technical or vocational college credits will not be included for students in college credit certificate, associate or bachelor degree programs). Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid recipients is evaluated every two semesters or 24 credit hours attempted, whichever occurs first. Students who do not meet the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and will no longer be eligible to receive financial aid. Students may appeal their SAP suspension by contacting the Financial Aid Office. Further SAP suspension and appeal information is available in the CF Catalog. Student Financial Aid Verification If your FAFSA file was selected by the Federal Department of Education for a process called verification, the Financial Aid O ffice will be required to compare information in your FAFSA with documentation provided by you and/or your parent(s). You will be notified of 10

12 Section 2 Financial Aid the documentation that must be provided in order to complete the verification process. The federal regulations require this information to be submitted before awarding federal aid. If selected for verification, CF must verify the following student/parent information: adjusted gross income (tax transcrips/w-2 forms) federal taxes paid (tax transcripts/w-2 forms) number in household (student/parent must show proof that they are providing more than 50 percent of the support for a member of the household who is 24 or older or a person that is not considered an immediate member of the household, e.g., grandmother, uncle, friend, stepchild, etc.) number in household attending college other untaxed income (student/parents must provide proof of other untaxed income not reported on their tax forms, e.g., Social Security benefits from SSA-1099, Workers Compensation, child support received) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Child Support Paid Unusual enrollment history The verification process can take six to eight weeks to complete depending upon how quickly the student/parent submits documentation required and the accuracy of the information. Needed information is displayed on MyCF under the "Missing Documents" link. Students selected for verification should check this link regularly to determine what documents are still required to complete the process. Students are also encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office if they have questions concerning their verification status. Book Charges Textbooks, study guides, manuals and program kits may be charged against your student account, if you have been awarded Title IV aid. Before charging books and other materials, students must complete a Book Authorization form on MyCF. This form will only be available to students that have no outstanding issues with the Financial Aid Office. Students who have been awarded Title IV aid* for the semester may begin charging their books before the first day of fall, spring and summer classes based on the published schedule. The specific dates are announced in Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, MyCF and the CF Bookstore for each semester. Returning books for credit against a financial aid award is only allowed during the same period as charging books. *Pell, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, etc. Financial Aid Enrollment Levels These enrollment levels apply to all three semesters - fall, spring and summer. Full time: Three-quarter time: Half time: Less than half time: 12 or more credit hours 9-11 credit hours 6-8 credit hours 1-5 credit hours NOTE: Please refer to the college catalog about enrollment and how the census date will impact your financial aid each semester. Verification of Attendance Your attendance will be verified by your instructors during the first few weeks of class and can be linked to some type of activity assigned by the instructor. If the instructor is not satisfied that you have attended, it can have an adverse affect on the d isbursement of financial aid, specifically federal financial aid awards. Federal Definition of Attendance: Attendance must be "academic attendance" or "attendance at an academically related activity." Examples include: physical class attendance where there is direct interaction between instructor and student submission of an academic assignment examination, interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction study group assigned by school participation in online discussion about academic matters any academic activity that the instructor deems appropriate 11

13 Section 2 Financial Aid Outstanding Fees and Disbursement of Aid Your fee statement will show the amount you owe and any financial aid awarded. If your fee statement is more than your financ ial aid, you pay the cashier the difference to clear your account. If your fee statement is less than your financial aid, you may receive the balance of your financial aid in a refund when your account is credited. Some types of aid are not reflected on your fee stat ement until after the semester begins (e.g. Bright Futures Scholarships). The Business Office is responsible for processing refunds. Students should keep the college apprised of current contact information (address, telephone, etc.) so that refunds will be received promptly. You may review your award information on MyCF. If you have been awarded, awards will appear as intended, accepted or credited to your account. If the award is credited, it has been disbursed to your student account. Once credited, your refund will apply to your CF One Card (see below) within three business days, barring any unforeseen events. Any further questions regarding your disbursements, once they are credited to your account, can be directed to bursar@cf.edu. What happens to my financial aid if I withdraw from classes or if I stop attending classes? When a student who receives a net disbursement of Title IV funds* ceases attendance resulting in failure or withdrawal, the c ollege is required by federal regulations to determine whether or not the student must repay a portion of the net disbursement to the U.S. Department of Education. The Financial Aid Office will notify the student in writing of the amount owed, procedures for repay ment and the consequences of nonpayment within the allotted timeframe. Detailed information on repayments, including examples, is available in the Financial Aid Office. Students who receive Bright Futures awards should consult the Bright Futures website ( for current information regarding the impact on a student's award if the student withdraws from a class or does not complete the class successfully. *Pell, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, etc. Remember: You are responsible for withdrawing from a class. If you receive any type of financial aid, consult the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing to determine if you will have to repay any portion of the aid disbursed to you. Important Financial Aid Telephone Numbers Bright Futures ( Florida Vocational Gold Seal, Florida Merit, Florida Academic Scholars) Direct Loan Servicing Center Florida Governor s Council on Indian Affairs Florida Prepaid Florida TEACH Loan Default (U.S. Department of Education) Office of Student Financial Assistance in Tallahassee Pell Processor ( FED AID) Selective Service Information Veteran s Affairs ( Atlanta, Ga.)

14 Section 2 Financial Aid CF One Card You will receive a card in the mail within two weeks after registering for the first time. Activating the card and selecting a preference immediately is advised. It only takes two to three minutes at CFOneCard.com. RETAIN THIS CARD! Do not throw away this card or any of the information that is mailed with it. This information must be used to select a method to receive any financial aid disbursements or refunds from the college. This card is also required if you decide to change your disbursement preferences. Replacement cards are $10 if you obtain one from a cashier at one of the college campuses and have never activated your card; however, if the card has been previously activated or you order a replacement card online through Higher One, it will cost $2 1. Activation Option Debit card disbursement: Funds are available within hours. Direct deposit to third party bank account of the student s choice: This option requires the student to complete an Automated Clearing House form and return it to Higher One before any disbursements will be processed. Funds are available within two to three business days. 13

15 Section 3 Career Planning and Job Placement Section 3 Career Planning and Job Placement Finding Your Path to Success College of Central Florida wants you to succeed while at CF and after you graduate. CF offers many services to help you decide what courses to take and what career to choose. Academic advisors can help with your academic choices. Career counselors can help you choose a career and prepare for a job interview. CF students can also receive a referral for other services on campus as well as information about resources available in the community. Career Center Services The CF Career Center maintains a variety of resources to assist students in choosing career goals, programs of study, colleges and life directions. Including: access to on-campus recruiters building a career portfolio career counseling career exploration interview aids job search assistance personalized career assessments resume writing tips Patriot Placements is an electronic job posting service where students can search and apply for jobs and post a resume. Visit the Career Center homepage at cf.edu/patriotjobs and click on Patriot Placements under Important Links to register and begin searching for jobs. The Career Center is in the Bryant Student Union, Room 205A. Call , ext. 1721, or visit cf.edu/patriotjobs. Nine Predictors of Career Satisfaction Take some time to consider the following components of an ideal career before thinking about specific job titles. 1. What are you good at? List your top skills and abilities. Think about your personality traits, such as honesty and enthusiasm; your general skills that are useful in many jobs such as writing clearly or the ability to organize and prioritize; and your job-related skills learned through education, training and experience. 2. What interests you? Write down your top interests. Are you proficient with computers? Do you have a knack for repairing engines or furniture? Do you enjoy photography? Do you have a flair for numbers? Do you like to help people solve their problems? Consider all of your interests. 3. What motivates you and is most important to you? Prioritize the values you would like to include in a career. Do you want to help others? Would you like to have authority? Do you want creative or exciting work? How important is variety, independence, recognition, good pay and security to you? 4. How much money would you realistically like to earn? Think about the money issue now so that you can make a good decision when you receive a job offer. If you found the perfect job, what would be the least pay you would accept? What is the reasonable lower end and upper end of pay you can expect in your next job? 5. What level of responsibility do you want? Do you like to be in charge? Are you good at supervising others? Do you want to be accountable for the performance of others or responsible for a territory? Decide how much responsibility you are willing to accept in your ideal career. 6. Where do you want your ideal job to be located? Consider where you would like your work to be located geographically. Are you willing to move? What kind of a commute do you want? Do you want to be near relatives or public transportation? As you add criteria, you will have fewer places to look for your job, but you will find what you want. 7. What special knowledge would you like to include in your career? List knowledge that you have gained from schools, hobbies, family experiences and other sources. Are you a good cook? Are you talented at home decorating? Do you like to work with children? Do you have a good understanding of investments? As you fine-tune your career choice, include one or two of your special knowledge areas. They could make you a unique applicant in the right setting. 14

16 Section 3 Career Planning and Job Placement 8. What kind of work environment do you prefer? Define what you did and did not like in past work settings to create your ideal work environment picture. For example, do you like to work outdoors? Do you prefer a small or large organization? Does a quiet work space appeal to you? 9. What types of people do you like to work for and with? Identify the types of coworkers you prefer. If you have worked for a difficult boss or been unhappy working with a team, you know why this is important. Do you prefer creative types? People who are friendly or who keep your relationship very professional? Do you want a boss who interacts with you all day or one who lets you work independently? After you consider these nine questions, use them to research specific job titles and employers and keep the factors in mind during job interviews. Although you may need to compromise, getting as close as possible to your ideal career choice will likely pay off in job success and satisfaction. Patriot Job Connection Need a job while in school or when you graduate? CF partners with Workforce Connection to provide on-campus job placement assistance in the Patriot Job Connection, located in the Enterprise Center, Room 109 on the Ocala Campus. Patriot Job Connection office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is or JOBS, ext Services for students include: Current, local job postings in EmployFlorida.com One-on-one assistance with a placement specialists Resume and interviewing workshops and assistance On-campus employer recruiters Computers, fax, copier for student use while job searching All services are provided at NO charge! Visit the Patriot Job Connection anytime, call to schedule an appointment with a placement specialist, or visit 15

17 Section 4 Academic Advising Section 4 Academic Advising What CF advisors can offer you: career exploration course selection degree requirements degree selection educational planning goal setting orientation and registration study skills time management transfer assistance To determine which advisor you should meet with, go to the CF website at CF.edu, click on Current Students, then Admissions & Enrollment and then Advising. There is a complete listing of advisors serving A.A. students, A.S. and Certificate students, the Citrus Campus, the Levy Center, TRIO Programs and Academic Foundations. For more basic advising questions or concerns, you may seek the assistance of an advisor in the Bryant Student Union, Room 102, at the Ocala Campus, or Citrus Learning and Conference Center, Room 106, at the Citrus Campus. You may also send an to eadvise@cf.edu, our online advising service. Students pursuing an Associate in Arts degree may access A.A. advising sheets online at cf.edu/go/admissions/advising. There is a sheet for each area of interest. These advising sheets show the A.A. degree requirements with the recommended university prerequisites in the general education and elective areas. Degree audits are available through the MyCF Web portal at CF.edu. Career exploration, degree audits and 2+2 transfer information is available with your academic advisor. Associates in Arts students are required to meet with their academic advisor once they have earned 30 college credit hours. Important dates, including priority registration, ar eon the Academic Calendar at CF.edu and MyCF. For information about transcripts, residency status, academic status, registration, withdrawals, petitions, etc., visit a CF Enrollment Services Center: Ocala Campus, Bryant Student Union, Room 102, 3001 S.W. College Road. Citrus Campus, Citrus Learning and Conference Center, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto. Levy Center, 114 Rodgers Blvd., Chiefland. 16

18 Section 5 Success Strategies Section 5 Success Strategies Learning Styles: Work smarter, not harder in the classroom. Each person uses all available senses (sight, sound, touch and smell) when learning. These senses are called learning modalit ies and we use them in processing and retaining information. Some of these senses we use more efficiently than others in the learning process and are identified as our individual learning style or modality preference. There are three main types of learning styles: visual, kinesthetic and auditory. It is important to know your learning style and to put into practice the learning strategies below. You can visit the Office of Testing and Career Development at the CF Ocala Campus, Bryant Student Union, Room 205, and Citrus Learning and Conference Center, to take a free inventory to help you determine your learning style. Visual Learners "Seeing is believing." Characteristics needs to see it to understand it learns best by seeing, reading, watching strong sense of color and design as organizational tool uses lists and planners to organize relates to vivid imagery, figurative language and descriptions sensitive to environmental distractions such as excess movement, sounds and noises may have difficulty remembering oral instructions and following lectures Learning Strategies uses multi-media to enhance learning such as video, computer assignments, illustrations, diagrams, demonstrations uses color coding to organize notes, time and possessions marks calendars with different colors of ink and uses colored stickers and folders for different courses sits away from windows and doors, sits close to front of class, takes good notes and uses written instructions Auditory Learners "Can you hear me now?" Characteristics needs to hear it to understand it uses phonics and auditory word attack skills prefers listening and auditory instruction to reading and writing Learning Strategies uses verbal instructions from self and others, thinks out loud to process ideas and uses tapes for reading and lectures reads to self out loud to remember certain definitions, terminology or vocabulary puts review questions on tape participates in classroom discussions and group learning activities Kinesthetic Learners "Learning by Doing." Characteristics needs to apply it to understand it action oriented in problem solving difficulty with long periods of inactivity Learning Strategies active learning group learning activities, labs, projects, portfolios, making models, conducting demonstrations, making presentations, taking lots of notes, papers case studies, collaborative group projects, contextual learning and real-life applications takes frequent study breaks with physical movement such as stretching, short walks and does better with shorter class periods stretched out during the week 17

19 Section 5 Success Strategies Time Management There are 168 hours in a week. For one week, write down the time you spent on all your activities: Sleeping, eating, studying, inclass, homework, travel to and from class and work, entertainment, home/family responsibilities, church, work. Evaluate how you spend your time, and define your "time busters" (e.g., procrastination, TV, telephone, Internet). Remember: Do not underestimate the importance of any one of the areas listed above. The primary reason motivated students fail to reach their goals is personal overload of activity. 80/20 principal: you should spend 80 percent of your time on the 20 percent most valued activities. Set goals and prioritize them. General rule: spend two to three hours of study time for each hour you are in class (a three-credit hour course would require six to nine hours per week on homework, studying and exam preparation). General Strategies for Studying Do not miss class. Listen during lectures and participate in discussions. Active participation will help you retain what you are learning. Budget your time effectively. An hour or two each day is more effective, and far less painful, than studying all night before exams. If a concept gives you trouble, do additional reading or problem solving beyond what has been assigned. If you still have trouble, ask for help; you can find friends, classmates, tutors, or teachers who will be glad to help you. Working together with friends can be valuable in helping you solve difficult problems. However, be sure that you learn with your friends and do not become dependent on them. When studying your text don t highlight underline! Using a pen or pencil to underline material requires greater care and therefore helps to keep you alert as you study. Reading and Study System, SQ3R SURVEY - Read the chapter title, introduction, learning objectives, summary and end of chapter questions. Also review bold face headings and subheadings, graphics, and italics throughout the chapter. This will provide an overview of the chapter and create a mental framework for understanding the chapter more thoroughly as you read. QUESTION - Prior to reading each section, turn each heading into one or more questions. It will be helpful if you write your questions down so you can refer to them as you move through this process. This step helps you concentrate and creates active learning. READ - As you read each section, look for answers to your questions. This fills in the information around the mental framework you have created in the previous steps. RECITE - After you have finished reading a section and before moving on, go back to your questions to see if you can answer them. If you can not, you may have missed the main ideas in that section and may want to read it again. If you can answer them, you are ready to move on to the next section, repeating the entire process. REVIEW - This is the final step in your reading session. Again, review your questions to see if you can answer them. This step helps to refine your mental organization and begin to build your memory and understanding of the material. Following this model as you read chapters is likely to reduce the amount of time you will need to spend studying the chapters the week before the test because you have already begun to learn the material as you move through this process. Note Taking First, be sure to do all your homework assignments before going to class. You will have a much easier time understanding what the instructor is going over if you have read the textbook chapters and done the assignments. Second, bring your textbook to class as you may want to follow along or even take some notes right in your text. Third, leave a good amount of space in your notes so you can fill in further insights as you review your notes. Further, ask questions and participate in class (be an active learner). Abbreviate as much as possible (words, phrases, name), but make sure you will be able to read and understand your notes later. Use symbols, such as #, <, vs., and w/. Translate or add clarity to your notes as soon after class as possible. Date your notes and use meaningful headings. Clip related handouts to your notes. E-Learning Success (Success in Online Courses) Taking an on line course requires just as much time and effort as an in-class course. Consider these questions before you register for an online course. Yes No Do you like to work alone? Distance learning does not provide the face-to-face interaction of a classroom course. Yes No Are you comfortable working primarily with a text-based medium? Without a lecture, you will have more reading to do than the same class on campus. Yes No Are you comfortable asking for clarification and continuing to ask when you need more information? 18

20 Section 5 Success Strategies Yes No Do you have good, basic computer skills? Do you know how to use the Internet, send s and attachments, and manage files? Yes No Are you an effective manager of your time? Good time management skills are essential; it could take you from six to 15 hours or more per week for each online course. Yes No Are you disciplined? Yes No Are you detail oriented? Yes No Do you have good problem solving skills? Yes No Do you need convenience and a flexible schedule? Yes No Do you have your own computer with Internet service at home? Yes No Do you have the software required for the course? Although CF campuses have computer labs students can use, you must factor the extra time spent on campus to use that resource. If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you might want to try an online course. Test Taking Tips General Preview the test before you answer anything. Write your short answers in clear and simple sentences. Do a mind dump and write down anything you think you might forget. Quickly calculate how much time you should allow for each section according to the point value. Read the directions carefully. Answer the easy questions first. Go back to the difficult questions. Look for cues (other questions might provide an answer). Answer all questions (unless you are penalized for wrong answers). Ask the instructor to explain any items that are not clear. Try to answer the questions from the instructor s point of view. Use the margin to explain why you chose the answer. Circle key words in difficult questions, this keeps you focused on what is important. Express difficult questions in your own words. Do not change answers. Go with your first instinct. It is usually correct. Use all of the time allotted for the test. Multiple Choice Read the directions carefully. Know whether you must mark the one best correct answer or all correct answers. Know if you are penalized for guessing. Read the stem of the question. Use the options for hints. If you are uncertain of the correct answer, cross out all that are definitely wrong and then come back to this item later. Circle all negative words and 100 percent ("all") words. "All of the above" answers are often correct. True/False Most true/false tests contain more true answers than false answers. Pay close attention to qualifiers, negatives and long strings of statements. Qualifiers are words that restrict or open up general statements: never, none, always or frequently, often, generally. Negatives are confusing. Circle the negative and read what remains, answering whether it is true or false. If it is true, the opposite or negative is usually false. Every part of a true sentence must be true. Fill in the Blank or Short Answer Prepare for the test; try to categorize your study material. Use grammatical clues as hints. If you can think of several answers, try to determine what the instructor is seeking. Make a guess using common sense, usually better than leaving it blank. Write your short answers in clear and simple sentences. 19