Running Start Information Session November 24, 2014
Welcome Running Start Overview Timeline Agenda: Program Eligibility Pre selection Criteria Admission Steps: Application, Testing & Test Preparation, Scheduling, Studying Tips Programs Transferring Fast Facts & Where are Running Start Students Today Questions
Overview Running Start is a program for qualified students from participating high schools to attend Rock Valley College full time for their junior and/or senior years of high school. The courses taken in the 2 year program will be for Dual Credit, meeting the requirements for both a high school diploma and an Associate degree simultaneously. Students participating in the 1year program earn one year of college credits (non-degree completion). Each H.S. has agreed to offer different programs please make note of your specific High School program. Running Start is administered out of the High School Connections office at RVC, in conjunction with the approved high schools.
We Schedule classes Monitor attendance and grades (mid-term & final) Communicate with RVC faculty and high schools regarding academic progress Oversee all Dual Credit students HSC=RVC Guidance Office to high school students on campus Individual meetings with Running Start students Assist students with transfer Serve as advisor to Running Start Club
Timeline December 12 th January 30 th February 6 th February 25 th March 20 th May Application and HS transcript due to High School Connections (HSC) Last Day for Placement Testing Acceptance packets mailed to students Last Day for Acceptance Packets to be returned to HSC Last Day to set-up RVC technology Required Orientation 5:30pm 7:30pm May/June/July STU 100- Planning for Success required (2 week course) MTH 120- College Algebra required for Engineering and Science (8 week course)
Program Eligibility Pre-selection Criteria Meet with your high school counselor regarding the Pre-selection process. Students must: 1) Have a minimum 3.0 GPA cumulative in high school at time of application 2) Have completed 1 year of Algebra, 1 year of Geometry, and 2 years of English with a grade of B or higher before starting summer courses 3) Have completed high school chemistry with a B or better *for students applying for the 2-year Engineering program
Admission Steps After you and your high school counselor have determined that you meet the Pre-Selection Criteria 1. Complete and submit a Rock Valley College High School Programs Application for Admission. Applications due to HSC by December 12 th 2. Submit your HS transcript Must be received by December 12 th 3. Complete all 3 ACCUPLACER Placement tests Testing completed by January 30 th 4. Return the Acceptance packet information to the High School Connections office. Packets must be received by February 26th
Testing Information Take the Reading, English & Math ACCUPLACER tests in the Testing Center at RVC. (Or submit ACT or SAT scores) Testing completed by January 30 th. ACCUPLACER Tests are computerized and untimed. Approximately 20 questions for each subject area. Prepare with practice tests. Be well rested and alert. Be nourished so your brain is well fed! Bring photo ID!! (High School ID is perfect) Testing may be arranged by your HS as a group or completed individually check with your HS Counselor
Running Start Programs Available by District Beginning Summer 2014 To participate in the Running Start Program, students having met the Pre-Selection criteria in their high school will complete the High School Connections Program Application. Please indicate on the Application which Running Start program the student is applying for based on the programs offered by their school district. District Running Start AA & AS Running Start Engineering Running Start 2-Yr program 2-Yr program 1-Yr program 1 Belvidere X X X 2 North Boone X X X 3 Pecatonica X X X 4 Rockford X AS only X 5 South Beloit X X X 6 Winnebago X X X
Two Year Program Degree Completion Degree Completion Programs: Regular (Associate of Arts or Associate in Science) Engineering (Associate in Science) (Running Start Engineering have pre-determined course sequences) All high school requirements must be met by the end of the sophomore year Students applying for the Engineering program must have completed high school chemistry with a B or better
One Year Program Offers seniors the opportunity to earn 1 year of college credit (1-year program is non-degree completion) All high school requirements must be met by the end of the junior year
Who Pays? Tuition School District RVC fees School District Books Student Supplies Student Transportation Student
Class Schedule Your summer and fall classes will be scheduled by the HSC office. Summer schedules will include: STU 100: Planning for Success for all students (must be completed in the summer). MTH 120: College Algebra (Running Start Engineering students). Students must earn a B or better in these summer courses to remain in the program; no repeats allowed. Classes may be scheduled Monday through Friday. Classes may be as early as 7:30 am and end as late as 10:15 pm based on course availability. Students may be scheduled for a Physical Education class depending on high school policy.
High School to College Transition Studying for college level courses is different than high school To succeed, you must make the time *The general rule is to study 2 hours for every 1 hour you have in class. Ask for help. Don t be embarrassed to ask for help! People around you can help even other Running Start students Responsibility is on you! No one reminds you of deadlines - consult your syllabus/calendars You will Be treated as an adult - advocate for self Have campus freedom - take responsibility for your actions Need to practice Time Management
Campus Resources Take advantage of all campus resources and facilities! Educational Resource Center- ERC (Library) Computer Lab, Books & Periodicals, Meg s Daily Grind Student Center- SC High School Connections Office, Tutoring, Writing Center, Testing Center, Bookstore, Computer Lab, Atrium, Papa John s & Subway Jacob Center for Science and Math- JCSM Math Lab and Science Lab often staffed by RVC faculty Clubs and Organizations Over 30 clubs on campus Running Start Club and more! Tutoring Resources are all FREE! Take advantage of them.
Transferring to complete a bachelor s degree Begin planning as soon as possible for your transfer. Work backwards from the college/university you plan to transfer to by speaking to that college Admissions Office. Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI)- a statewide effort to help Illinois college students transfer credit more easily between more than 100 participating Illinois colleges and universities. itransfer.org Attend Transfer Sessions, College Night, etc.
Fast Facts Running Start started in Fall 2009 with the Class of 2011. Graduates: 2011 43 graduates 2012 42 graduates 2013 45 graduates 2014 58 graduates How many total Presidents List & How many total Dean s List? Last fall Presidents List (4.0) 28 individual students Deans List (3.5) 72 individual students Currently there are 143 students participating in a Running Start Program.
Where are Running Start students today? Augustana College Bradley University Butler University BYU- Idaho BYU-Utah Carthage College Columbia College-Chicago Duke University Elmhurst College Illinois College Illinois State University Iowa State University Loyola University Marquette University North Central College Northern Illinois University Rockford University Rock Valley College Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville Southern Illinois University- Carbondale University of Dubuque University of Illinois University of St. Francis University Wisconsin- Madison University Wisconsin- Whitewater Western Illinois University Western Michigan
Questions? Running Start
High School Connections Linda Auman Coordinator, Running Start & Dual Credit Advisor l.auman@rockvalleycollege.edu 8 1 5 9 2 1 4 0 8 6 Jennifer Dyer Administrative Assistant j.dyer@rockvalleycollege.edu 8 1 5 9 2 1 4 0 80 Cara Patterson Dual Credit Specialist & Transition Advisor c.patterson@rockvalleycollege.edu 8 1 5 9 2 1 4 0 87