New Student Orientation

RCC New Student Orientation for New Students RCC’s Survival Guide

Welcome to RCC!! Congratulations on making a great decision!! You have chosen a college that really cares about your success.

RCC Cares About You!! • Student success is our #1 priority and we want you to excel at RCC and in the future. • To ensure your success, we have created this presentation to help you during your time at RCC.

What’s the Big Deal about Orientation? • The person who benefits the most from orientation is: YOU!! • Completing this presentation is not a punishment or another hoop for you to jump through. • Many of the questions that you will ask in the next few months will likely be answered in this presentation.

So…… Take some time to go through the next several pages and…. Find out what it really takes to survive and thrive at RCC!!

What’s in your RCC Survival Kit? Tools that are vital for your survival include: • College Catalog • Curriculum Schedule • Student Handbook • Registration Information

Survival Tool #1: College Catalog • While this is a very important tool – don’t try to read it cover-to-cover. • Use it as a reference guide.

Survival Tool #1: College Catalog The catalog is divided into 4 main sections: • Policies: rules and guidelines for registration, tuition, financial aid, admission, grades, etc. • Programs of study: lists all programs offered, the classes required for each program, and even suggests the order in which the classes should be taken. • Course descriptions: gives brief description of the course and lets you know if there are any prerequisites (classes that must be completed before you take the course in question) for the course. • Services to Students: provides detailed information on all services offered to students by the Student Development Division and other RCC divisions.

Survival Tool #1: College Catalog Key points to remember: • Students are responsible for following the guidelines that are written in the catalog. • Use the online catalog to make sure you are up-to-date on the most current information. • Online catalog can be found at www.rockinghamcc.edu. • Answers to most of your questions can be found in the RCC catalog. (try the online version for the most accurate information!!) • Course descriptions (in the back of the catalog) can be a great resource to use when you’re planning your semester or your entire program schedule.

Remember… You are responsible for following the most current information in the RCC catalog Check the online version of the catalog often!!

Survival Tool #2: Curriculum Schedule • Use to plan your class schedule for each semester. • The curriculum schedule lists all classes that are being offered in a specific semester. • Students must obtain a new schedule each semester. • Each academic school year, 3 schedules will be produced – one for each semester (i.e. a fall schedule, a spring schedule, and a summer schedule).

Survival Tool #2: Curriculum Schedule How do I use the curriculum schedule? The next pages will provide detailed information on how to read and use the curriculum schedule.

Survival Tool #2: Curriculum Schedule Number: Abbreviation used to identify a specific course Section: Often, 1 course is offered several times in 1 semester, but on different days, times, and sometimes by different instructors. The section number identifies each time the course is being offered during the semester. Course: Title of the course Credit Hours: Total number of credit hours to be earned upon completion of the class Contact Hours: Average number of actual hours spent in class per week Days: Shows the days on which the class meets Time: The time the class meets (TBA means “To Be Assigned”, and is used for online courses and telecourses) Room: Where the class will meet (TBA means “To Be Assigned”, and is used for online courses and telecourses) Instructor: The last name of the instructor who is teaching the course

Let’s look at a few examples: English 111 01 • Expository Writing is worth 3 credits • It meets 3 hours per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 11:50 am • The class is held in the Humanities building, Room 104 • Phil Conte is the instructor • Introductory Algebra is worth 4 credits • Because it’s a telecourse, students will not have a set day/time to meet for class. Students will receive instruction via tapes from the library • Orientation is required for this class • Jane Timper is the instructor MAT 070 30

Survival Tool #3: Student Handbook • The handbook is a condensed version of the catalog – it highlights the key points. • It also contains important information that you will not find in the catalog.

Survival Tool #3: Student Handbook You can find the following items in the Student Handbook: • Athletic Schedules • Campus Contacts • Faculty/Advisor Directory • Campus Map • Terms to Know • Calendar

Survival Tool #3: Student Handbook Athletic Schedules • Of the 58 community colleges in NC, only 18 have athletic programs. • RCC is proud to be one of those schools!! • RCC has basketball, volleyball, baseball, and we soon hope to have golf!! • Check the handbook to find out when and where our teams are playing.

Survival Tool #3: Student Handbook *Campus Contacts • Lists all departments, contact names, their extensions, and why you may need to see that person or department *Faculty/Advisor & Staff Directory • Lists contact information for every full-time faculty and staff member at RCC *Make sure you dial 336-342-4261 and then the faculty or staff person’s extension; if on campus, just dial the extension.

Survival Tool #3: Student Handbook Campus Map • Use to locate any faculty or staff member; map provides abbreviations typically used for each building on campus. Terms to Know • Provides definitions of terms frequently used by RCC staff and faculty. • Get familiar with these terms so you know what RCC faculty and staff are talking about!!

Survival Tool #3: Student Handbook Calendar • A great tool that will come in handy during the school year!! • Get organized!! Use this as your monthly planner. • Use this to remember important academic dates such as: Dates for Spring Break The last day to withdraw from a class Graduation dates Registration dates for the upcoming semester – Very important!!

Survival Tool #4: Registration Information • Registration takes place each semester. • Registering for classes officially places you in the classes you select. • It also puts you on the instructor’s roll sheet – very important if you want to receive a grade and credit for the class!!

Step By Step The next Pages will take you through the registration process…

Survival Tool #4: Registration Information 3 major steps to Registration • Admissions • Class/Schedule Advisement • Sign-up for Courses

Survival Tool #4: Registration Information Step 1: Admissions Consists of filling out an application, submitting official high school, GED, and college transcripts, and taking the Placement Test A word about Placement Tests • It is notan admissions test. • The test has 3 sections – math, reading, and writing. • The score results help to determine at which level you should start RCC. • If developmental classes are necessary for any subject, you start these classes in your 1st semester – taking these classes will build up your current skills in that subject area. • Upon completing the developmental classes, you’ll be ready to advance to college level classes – taking your college classes will be a breeze!!

Survival Tool #4: Registration Information Step 2: Class/Schedule Advisement • An RCC counselor assigns an advisor to you. (for new or readmitted students only) • Schedule an appointment with your advisor. (contact the department secretary if you are unable to reach your advisor) • Discuss schedule options with your advisor and develop a schedule.

Survival Tool #4: Registration Information Step 3: Sign-up for Courses • Using your Student ID # (see next page for more information about this), your advisor will enter your schedule into the computer system. • Pick up your printed schedule from the designated printing area. • Make tuition and fee payment (i.e. financial aid or payment to RCC’s Business Office).

Very Important Information about your Student ID Number: • Also referred to as your Datatel ID number. • The 1st time you will see this number will be on your printed registration schedule • This number is used to conduct all RCC transactions and will be listed on paperwork you receive from RCC. • Your Student ID number will never change. • Almost all services at RCC will involve your Student ID #, including: Registration Meeting with your advisor Student ID Card Grade reports Financial aid Transcripts Bookstore Vouchers

RCC Now You’re Ready for Classes at RCC!!

What’s Happening at RCC? These resources will help you keep up with RCC’s events & activities: The Rock: • RCC’s newspaper, published weekly. • Information on RCC current events and other important information. • It’s free!! RCC Email Accounts: • This is a new service for students. • Check your email often – many of the departments on campus (Financial Aid Office, Student Activities, Records Office, etc) will use this to send important information to you. RCC Website: • Check this regularly for information and updates related to the school. RCC Information Monitors: • Located in each campus building. • Check monitors for announcements and information on current events, athletic schedules, cultural programs, social events, and other events held at or sponsored by RCC.

It’s your choice!! • If you want or need something to do, RCC has many options – just take your pick. • RCC has athletic events, cultural programs, educational programs, student organizations, and many social events available to you. And the best part of all….. It’s free!!!! • All RCC activities and events are paid for by the Student Fee that is charged each semester (students are charged and are required to pay student fees during registration). • Since you pay these fees as a part of your bill, why not take advantage of these services?

Financial Aid Information

Financial Aid Policies/Procedures • Financial Aid is a great way to pay for your education. • It can be a worthwhile investment if it is used properly. • In the next few pages, you will find some useful financial aid tips as well as some general financial aid statistics.

Financial Aid Facts & Figures • 58% of RCC students receive some form of financial aid assistance. • The Pell Grant is the largest source of financial aid used by RCC students. • NC Community College Grant & Loan Program is the 2nd largest source of financial aid used by RCC Students. • Many RCC students qualify for and are awarded RCC-specific scholarships. • All RCC students interested in receiving financial aid must complete the FAFSA form, available in the Financial Aid Office or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. • College tuition can be used as a tax credit when filing yearly income taxes. Did You Know?

Financial Aid = Affordable EducationYour dollar goes a long way at RCC!! Take a look at what you would pay at an NC community college compared to some of the 4 year NC institutions: These costs are per semester. Student fees not included (typically required by most institutions) Chart information is approximate & is based on tuition costs listed on each institution’s website

Financial Aid – Useful Tips • Apply early – It typically takes a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks for the federal government to respond to an application. • Apply online – The response time online is much faster. • You must re-apply every year – After the 1st year, you will be updating or verifying information from the previous year. • RESPOND PROMPTLY to ALL NOTIFICATIONS – Each year, 30% of all FAFSA applications are selected by the government for verification. If this happens to you, you must provide all information that the government requests from you. If you don’t, your application will not be processed, and you will be ineligible for aid. • Stay informed about Foundation Scholarships and FAFSA deadlines for the upcoming year – See the Financial Aid Department for information on these deadlines. *(As a general rule, all Foundation Scholarship deadlines are in the spring of each year)

Important Financial Aid Policies Financial aid often gives many students the opportunity to further their education. However…. Financial aid is NOT free money that you can spend anyway you want. There are certain rules that you must follow in order to remain eligible for financial aid.

Important Financial Aid PoliciesThe policies listed below were not established by RCC; they are directly from the federal government. 1. Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy You must pass at least 67% of the coursework you attempt in order to remain eligible for financial aid. Also, you MUST keep your GPA at a satisfactory level (see college catalog for details). 2. 150% Rule Your financial aid eligibility expires when you have completed 150% of the hours required in your program. If your Criminal Justice program requires 66 credit hours for graduation, financial aid will fund up to 99 credit hours. Anything you take in the Criminal Justice program beyond 99 credit hours will be ineligible for financial aid. Ex.

Important Financial Aid PoliciesThe policies listed below were not established by RCC; they are directly from the federal government. 3. Return to Title IV Policy If you withdraw from school or stop attending all of your courses before the 60% point of the semester, you will be required to repay the unused portion of the financial aid you received back to the federal government.

Going to College Doesn’t have to Cost an Arm and a Leg!! If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office at: Whitcomb Student Center 336-342-4261 x2319

RCC Other Important RCC Information • Parking • Campus Safety • FERPA • Syllabi • Student Success

Other Important RCC Information Parking • There’s one major statement that is often made about RCC’s parking problem… We don’t have one!! • Unlike other local colleges, RCC has adequate space for student parking. • RCC students don’t have to worry about driving around for 20 minutes to find a space – there’s plenty for all!!

Other Important RCC Information Parking Guidelines & Tips • To avoid getting tickets, get a sticker for each car you will most likely use on campus (the cost of your parking sticker is included in your student fees, so you may as well use it). • If you temporarily must use a different car, come 10 minutes early and get a temporary sticker. • If you need a “handicap” parking sticker, don’t use grandma’s - get an RCC handicap sticker!! Only RCC handicap stickers are honored on campus. Parking in a handicap space without one will result in a ticket. • Park only in areas that are designated as “Student Parking”. • Drive slowly on campus. • Pay your parking tickets. If you don’t pay your tickets, you will be encumbered. This means you will not receive a grade report at the end of the semester, you will be unable to register for classes, you won’t be able to request a transcript, and you won’t be able graduate.

Other Important RCC Information Parking Guidelines & Tips - Special Instructions • There is no student parking in Parking Lot A (Administration Building), except to conduct business inside the Administration Building, and then for no longer than 15 minutes. • If you are in a car without a student parking permit, library parking, GED parking, or other campus parking is NOT permitted without obtaining a temporary parking permit from the front desk in the Administration Building. • Do not park in the roadway or the aisle of any parking lot at any time (this includes parking in these areas while waiting for a parking space). Doing this creates a hazard – you can almost always find spaces in the Whitcomb Student Center lot. • No parking is allowed in front of the Library or Science Building, except to remain in the car briefly to drop-off or pick-up students.

Other Important RCC Information Campus Safety Tips • We have a safe campus, and we want to keep it that way. Please report any suspicious activities/people to Campus Security or the Vice President for Student Development. Your identity will be kept confidential. • No weapons/drugs/alcohol of any kind allowed anywhere on campus, including the parking lots. • Lock your vehicle when on campus.NEVER leave pocketbooks, book bags, jackets, sweaters, or any other items out in the open and unattended. When at the gym, secure your belongings in a locked locker. • If you become the victim of any crime on campus, please report it as soon as possible regardless of how insignificant it may seem at the time. Please let us know immediately about the incident so we can follow-up on it and have a record of it. • WE WILL PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY. We do not release any information regarding your class schedule (i.e. days, times, location of classes) to anyone. If anyone inquires about where you are on campus, we will not disclose that information. We will deliver only “Emergency Messages” to students.

Other Important RCC InformationFERPAFamily Education Right to Privacy Act • We DO NOT give out information from your educational records without your consent, except as permitted by law (i.e. to colleges to which you are applying, legal subpoenas, etc) • Know your rights!! • For more information, see the FERPA policy in the College Catalog.

Other Important RCC InformationClass Syllabi • Expect to receive a syllabus in each class • Your class syllabus will contain a lot of important information about that class • Be sure to read the syllabus for each of your classes, and especially pay attention to: Class assignments Due dates Attendance and other policies • The class syllabus is just like a contract. It contains the material that your instructor has agreed to cover for the course and it also contains the requirements you must follow in order to successfully complete the course.

Student Success Your success is our #1 priority. If you have a question/ need/problem/concern, please feel free to talk with your academic advisor, one of our counselors, or anyone in Student Development. We want to help you succeed. Other Important RCC Information Some of the services we offer in Student Development include: 1. Counselors (academic, career, personal issues) 2. Placement Testing 3. Financial Aid 4. Transcripts 5. Career Planning software/counseling 6. Student Success Seminars (stress management, test-taking skills, study skills, career planning 7. Student activities, clubs, organizations 8. Intercollegiate and intramural athletics

Any Questions?? We’ve got Answers!! Contact:Rockingham Community CollegeStudent DevelopmentP.O. Box 38 Wentworth, NC 27375336-342-4261 x2333www.rockinghamcc.edu

New Student Orientation