Academic Clark College Planning your path to success

Goals of this lesson Become familiar with services offered by Advising at Clark College Identify resources to develop your education plan Understand personal and academic factors that influence the creation of your education plan Why create an education plan? ▫An education plan is your roadmap to successful completion of your academic goals at Clark College.

Advising Department Gaiser Hall 108 (360) Monday & Thursday: Drop-in Advising 7:30am – 6pm Tuesday & Wednesday: Appointment Only 7:30am-6:00pm Friday: Drop-in Advising 10:00am-4:30pm an advisor using “Ask an Advisor” on the websiteAsk an Advisor #1

Advisor or Counselor? ADVISORS help with …COUNSELORS help with… Educational Planning Understanding Program Requirements Choosing Classes College Policies & Requirements University Transfer Information Career - Identifying occupational goals Self-Management - Time and Stress Personal Issues – relationships, depression, anxiety, etc. Mental Health Referrals

Divisions of Advising College Prep & Transfer General AA Transfer Degree, Bachelor’s Degree Preparation, Transitional Studies, Undecided transfer intent  Professional Technical Business, Medical Office, Welding, Computer Technology, Paralegal, Machining, etc.; Undecided career/technical intent  Health Occupations & Education Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Elementary Education, Dental Hygiene, Pre-Med, etc.; Undecided health care field intent  Faculty Advising Engineering, Early Childhood Education, Addiction Counseling, CADD, and Graphic Design #2

What if I am undecided? 1.Visit Career Services ▫Learn about different occupations ▫Research employment outlook, salaries/wages, job requirements ▫Explore careers and professions 2.Speak with a Counselor ▫Discuss your strengths and interests ▫Explore your preferences ▫Identify and set goals 3.Meet with an advisor ▫Compare academic programs and pathways ▫Identify options available at Clark and the local area ▫Learn about program requirements #3

Degree or Certificate? It depends on your goals… Career Bachelor’s Degree AAS or AAT Associate of Applied Science Or Associate of Applied Technology CP or CA Certificate of Proficiency or Achievement AA /AST or AA-MRP Associate of Arts or Science Transfer Or Major Ready Programs

Degree Requirements General Education Career/ Technical Courses Career/ Technical Courses General Education Career/ Technical Courses Career/ Technical Courses General Education Electives General Education Science and Math Courses Science and Math Courses Science Electives Science Electives General Education Major Area Courses Major Area Courses All Associates Degrees require a minimum of 90 credits AASAATAA AST 1 or 2 AA - MRP

What is General Education? Communication Skills – English Composition Quantitative/Computational Skills – Math Health & Physical Ed. – Health and PE, or HPE Humanities – Art, Philosophy, World Language, etc. Social Science – History, Psychology, Sociology, etc. Natural Science – Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, etc. General Education Requirements Vary Per Degree (check with an advisor to verify your degree requirements)

Where do I begin? #5

Grades and Prerequisites You must earn a “C” or higher to move on to the next course in a sequence ▫Example: Earn a “C” or higher in ENGL 098 to move on to ENGL& 101 ▫Example: Earn a “C” or higher in MATH 089 to move on to MATH 091 Each grade is equal to a point value: A4.0C2.0 A-3.7C-1.7 B+3.3D+1.3 B3.0D1.0 B-2.7D-0.7 C+2.3F0.0 #6

What is a Credit? Credits are standard units of measurement ▫Time ▫Enrollment level ▫Degree completion ▫Satisfactory progress Example MATH 030 = 5 credits = 5 hours in class each week  This might look like…  1 hour, 5 days a week OR  2.5 hours, 2 days a week #7

Creating a balanced schedule Remember how much time is expected for success: ▫1 credit = 1 hour in class each week + 2 hours (minimum) studying* outside class = 3 hours total * “Studying” includes assigned reading, reviewing notes, preparing for tests, completing homework, etc. ▫So…  5 cr. = 5 hrs. in class + 10 hrs. studying = 15 hrs. total  12 cr. = 12 hrs. in class + 24 hrs. studying = 36 hrs. total ▫Ask yourself: how much is too much?  What other commitments do I have in my personal life? Pair major area requirements with general education Combine subject areas (writing-intensive vs. math-intensive courses) #8

Consider Full Time Enrollment Benefits to enrolling full time (12-15 credits a quarter): ▫Helps you stay on track to complete your degree ▫Encourages you to stay focused on school ▫Reduces your debt ▫Saves time and money National research shows that full-time students complete college degrees at higher rates.

Educational Planning Resources Clark College Catalog Degree/Certificate Worksheets Online Schedule of Classes Annual Class Planner #4, 10

Registration Cycle Registration access is assigned based on cumulative number of credits earned ▫The more credits you earn, the earlier you register! Important Dates & Deadlines available onlineImportant Dates & Deadlines ▫Withdraw deadline, late registration, finals Annual Academic Calendars available onlineAcademic Calendars ▫Quarter start and end dates, Holidays, Final Exams Week 3: Registration Dates/Times assigned; reminder sent Week 4: Class Schedule available Online Week 8: Class registration begins #9

Check your ! Student is the official means of communication between you and Clark College. ▫Watch for important information!  Registration reminders – when does registration begin? What day can I register?  Advising reminders – do I have an advising requirement this quarter?  Online Advising communication – responses to your s from advisors

When should I see an advisor? You can meet with an advisor any time you have questions regarding your program requirements or your education plan To make sure you are progressing successfully in your chosen degree or certificate at Clark, Advising is required at several checkpoints: ▫New student to Clark College (satisfied by orientation) ▫24-30 credits earned ▫70-76 credits earned ▫ credits earned ▫ credits earned ▫180 credits earned (each quarter until degree/certificate completion) You will be notified via your student that you have an Advising Requirement. A hold is placed on your account blocking registration until the Advising Requirement is met. ▫You must meet with an advisor prior to registering to have the hold removed.