Your success is important to us so this booklet is designed to:
· tell you about the services and resources that are available at MCC to help you be a successful student
· familiarize you with MCC
· encourage you to learn strategies to help you get off to a good start
· help you discover how to avoid potential problems
· identify where to find help when you need it
This booklet is not designed to:
Here are some phone numbers you can call for assistance:
| Financial Aid |
989-328-1205 |
| Counseling & Career Services |
989-328-1231 |
| Student Activities |
989-328-1276 |
| Instructional Services |
989-328-1236 |
| Bookstore |
989-328-1278 |
| Registration |
989-328-1230 |
| Toll-free number (within Michigan) |
877-328-2111 |
Please begin here:
Use the following 11 questions to guide you through our services. After circling the best answer to each question, go to page 5 and correct your quiz. Complete page 7 and send that to Admissions, 2800 College Drive, Sidney, MI 48885-9723 or e-mail to Admissions@montcalm.edu or bring it to the registration desk in Student Services. Your participation will be noted and you will have met the New Student Orientation requirement (you must have completed New Student Orientation online, using this booklet or in person by your second enrollment at MCC).
1. According to a poll of MCC instructors, what are the top three keys to success in the classroom?
| A. Attending class regularly |
C. Planning sufficient time for homework |
| B. Communicating with the instructor |
D. All of the above |
2. Is academic assistance available to MCC students?
| A. Yes, Tutoring is available without charge to students |
D. Yes, you may talk to a counselor to see what options are available. |
| B. Yes, you may talk to your instructors for additional guidance. |
E. Yes, additional help is available for students with learning or physical disabilities |
| C. Yes, you can take a course for credit that helps you be a better student. |
F. A, B, C, D and E |
3. The Montcalm Community College Catalog contains: (Request your own copy of the MCC catalog at Student Services)
| A. Student rights and responsibilities. |
D. Sale on MCC Clothing. |
| B. Transfer information. |
E. Course descriptions. |
| C. Degree Certificate and Training program information. |
F. A, B, C and E |
4. The MCC Semester Schedule:
| A. Lists the courses, times, days, and dates for the semester. |
D. Keeps track of you personal appointments. |
| B. Tells how and when to register for classes. |
E. A, B, and C. |
| C. Tells you if a course is offered on-line. |
F. None of the above. |
5. What services does MCC's Counseling and Career Services provide?
| A. Academic advising for student success. |
D. Employment Services. |
| B. Career Guidance. |
E. All of the above. |
| C. A library of career and college resources. |
6. What must you do to enroll in MCC classes?
| A. Complete and turn in an MCC Application for Admission |
D. Meet with a counselor to discuss your schedule |
| B. Complete appropriate assessment testing |
E. Complete and turn in the registration form |
| C. Pay for or arrange payment/financial aid for your classes |
F. A, B, C, and F |
7. Can you change your schedule after you register?
| A. Yes |
D. None of the above |
| B. No |
|
| C. Yes, during designated periods |
8. Why is paperwork required for everything?
| A. To protect our students by providing consistent student success processes. |
D. A and C. |
| B. We own stock in a paper mill. |
|
| C. To ensure schedule changes are communicated to the appropriate student services. |
9. Can all students receive financial aid?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Maybe
10. Does MCC close in bad weather?
A. Never
B. Yes
C. Not very often
11. Does MCC offer activities for students outside of the classroom experience?
A. Yes. MCC has opportunities for co-curricular activities that enhance their college experience.
B. No. MCC students miss the opportunity for co-curricular involvement.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers:
1. According to a poll of MCC instructors, what are the top three keys to success in the classroom?
The answer is D – all of the above
2. Is academic assistance available to MCC students?
The answer is F – A, B, C, D and E
3. The Montcalm Community College Catalog contains:
The answer is G – A, B, C and E
The Montcalm Community College catalog is your guide to MCC. Request your own copy of the MCC catalog in Student Services.
It provides you with information about your academic program:
· Transfer guidance (pages 9 and 10)
· Required courses for your degree certificate or training programs (pages 42 - 79)
· Course descriptions (pages 82-131)
It provides you with information about college services and systems that help you be successful:
· Financial Aid (pages 17-21)
· Student Activities (pages 22 -24)
· Dropping and Adding classes (page 25)
· Withdrawing from a course (page 26)
· Academic procedures (pages 27-34)
· College closings (page 35)
· Emergency procedures (page 34)
4. The MCC Semester Schedule contains:
The answer is E – A, B, and C
·
Dates
and times during which students can register by
Web, Phone, Mail, Fax, E-mail,
In person
· Assessment testing schedule (both COMPASS and ASSET)
· A credit registration form
· Tuition, fees and payment information
· A description of room locations
Course information in the semester schedule includes:
Course Name
Example: Freshman English I
Prerequisites
[Minimum scores of ...]
Course Number
ENGL100
Code (session)
01
Credits
3
Time
8:48-9:41 a.m.
Location
IOEC (Ionia Education Center)
Days
MTW (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Dates
Aug 27-Dec 17
Instructor
Mr. Jenkinson
5. What services does MCC's Counseling and Career Services provide?
The answer is E – all of the above
MCC's Counseling and Career Services is located in the Administration/Library Building in Student Services.
Our counselors provide academic advising which may include:
· Discussing your educational and career plans and goals
· Planning your semester schedule
· Planning your transfer to another college or university
Career guidance may help in the decision-making process. Some tools that are available include:
· Interest testing and interpretation
· Computerized resources, books & video tapes
· Individual consultation
The MCC Career Library materials include:
· Career descriptions and information
· Labor Market information and business directories
· Michigan college and university catalogs
· Information about job search preparation, such as, resume writing and interviewing skills.
Employment Services are available to you as a student and, someday, as a graduate.
· Check the Employment Opportunities Bulleting for job openings. It is available in the office and distributed on campus. It can be mailed to you if you are not on campus regularly.
· Visit the Employment Services link on the MCC web site at www.montcalm.edu for more information.
6. What must you do to enroll in MCC classes?
The answer is G – A, B, C, and F
The enrollment process is very simple:
1. Apply for admission to MCC
2. Complete appropriate assessment testing
3. Register for classes
Other services and procedures can help you complete this process:
· Assessment testing will help place in the appropriate coursework. Additional testing in available in Elementary Algebra, Biology, Keyboarding, Computer Literacy and Typing I. If you have skills in the listed areas, consider taking a competency test (call 989-328-1264 for an appointment).
· Academic advising is available to make sure you're taking the correct requirements for your program of study. You must meet with an advisor prior to your second enrollment.
· Financial Aid may be available to help you pay for your courses. Your registration is not fully valid until your pay for your classes or arrange for payment with the Business Office.
· Buy your books from the MCC Bookstore located in the Activities Building. These are available about three weeks before classes begin.
· The printed schedule you receive when you register gives you starting dates and class meeting times. Other information may be printed on your schedule - read all notes.
7. Can you change your schedule after you register?
The answer is C
The DROP/ADD PERIOD is that designated period of time that you can change your mind about the courses that you registered for. It is a process that requires the completion of a “Drop/Add Form”. A more detail description is available in your MCC Catalog
You must complete a "Drop/Add Form" and turn it in at the registration area of Student Services.
NOTE:
· You should consult a counselor and financial aid (if you are receiving funds) prior to making a major change in your schedule.
· After the Drop/Add Period - THE COURSES WILL BE PART OF YOUR PERMANENT TRANSCRIPT!
If something happens after the Drop/Add Period that prevents you from completing your courses, DON'T just go away – WITHDRAW!
WITHDRAWAL is a procedure that allows you to discontinue a class after the Drop/Add period. You WILL receive a grade (WP-withdrawal while passing or WF-withdrawal while failing), but that grade is NOT calculated into your grade point average
To withdraw (see your MCC catalog for details) you must:
· Know your instructor's withdrawal policy (read your course syllabus)
· Talk to your instructor if you have questions about withdrawal
· Complete a "Withdrawal Form" and have your instructor sign it
· Turn the Withdrawal Form in at the registration area of Student Services
Contact Student Services if you have any questions about adjusting your schedule.
8. Why is paperwork required for everything?
The answer is D – A and C.
Generally speaking, there is paperwork of every process. This is too ensure that changes are entered into your student file and available to service areas that need it (ex. financial aid). If you have questions about procedures at MCC, contact Student Services. Be sure to know how any action you take will impact any financial aid you may be receiving.
9. Can all students receive financial aid?
The answer is A – Yes.
There are three types of financial aid:
· Gift Aid - grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid
· Loan Aid - money that DOES need to be repaid.
· Work Aid - programs such as the Work-Study program are available on the MCC campus
Financial aid is NOT automatic and it is not a quick process. Plan ahead and apply early. The Federal Student Aid Program Center may take 2 weeks (internet application) to 20 weeks (mail-in application) to process your application
Applying for Financial Aid:
· You must complete a Free Application for Student Aid Form (FAFSA). These are available at Financial Aid in the Student Services area of the Administration/Library Building.
· Have an OFFICIAL copy of your high school transcript sent to MCC Admissions (an official transcript is sent directly from a high school to the college).
Keeping Financial Aid:
· You must make satisfactory academic progress.
· If you withdraw from all of your classes prior to completing 60% of the semester, you may be required to pay back some of your aid.
· Contact Financial Aid if you have any questions about how a drop, add, withdrawal or course failure will affect your aid.
Financial aid other than federal or state funds:
· Other grants and scholarships are listed in your MCC catalog.
· Contact Counseling and Career Services (989-328-1231) for information about applying for foundation and organization grants not associated with MCC.
· Go to the MCC web site www.montcalm.edu to “alumni and friends” then to “foundation” and finally “scholarships”
10. Does MCC close in bad weather?
The answer is C – Not very often.
Montcalm Community College does not often close due to weather. See your MCC catalog for the list of TV and radio stations that announce our closings.
· MCC students are adults who must evaluate the weather in their area, the road conditions, their driving skills and the condition of their vehicle.
· If you miss class due to weather, illness or other circumstances, be sure to consult the course syllabus for the class you miss to keep up with your work.
11. Does MCC offer activities for students outside of the classroom experience?
The answer is A – Yes.
MCC students are offered many opportunities to be involved with campus and community activities and projects. Activities include:
· Free use of the gym, pool and fitness center during posted "open" periods (the schedule is listed in MCC's "Life Focus" bulletin mailed to your home three times per year and at the recreation desk)
· Service Learning projects sponsored by some MCC instructors provide students with an opportunity to help a community as part of their course work.
· Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. MCC's chapter, Alpha Tau Alpha, is an award winning organization that is involved at the local, regional and international levels. This organization focuses on the hallmarks or leadership, fellowship, scholarship and service. A GPA of 3.5 is required for membership, but ALL students are encouraged to participate in activities.
Please complete this form (keep the informational section) and . . .
· send this to Admissions, 2800 College Drive, Sidney, MI 48885-9723
· or e-mail to Admissions@montcalm.edu
· or bring it to the registration desk in Student Services
Your participation will be noted in your student file and you will have met the New Student Orientation requirement (you must have completed New Student Orientation in one of the following ways by your second enrollment at MCC: online (www.montcalm.edu), using this booklet or in person).
Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Last First Middle
Social Security Number or Student ID Number __________________________Phone number _________________________
New Student Orientation Score: ___________ correct answers out of 11 questions. Date __________________________
1. Overall, was the orientation information of value to you? q Yes q No
2. Rate the importance of the information provided (please circle).
Special Needs service Very important Important Somewhat Important Not Important
College catalog Very important Important Somewhat Important Not Important
Scheduling booklet content Very important Important Somewhat Important Not Important
Employment & Career Services Very important Important Somewhat Important Not Important
3. Rate the explanation of the information (please circle).
Special Needs services Excellent Very Good Good Poor
College catalog Excellent Very Good Good Poor
Scheduling booklet content Excellent Very Good Good Poor
Employment & Career Services Excellent Very Good Good Poor
Comments___________________________________________________________
4. Did you meet with an academic counselor prior to attending this session?
q Yes q No If yes, when? _______________
5. Did you register for classes prior to attending this session?
q Yes q No
6. What questions do you have that have not been answered?
________________________________________________________________
7. What information should have been in this booklet that wasn’t?
________________________________________________________________
8. What information should not have been in this booklet?
_______________________________________________________________
9. Is the orientation booklet? qToo long qJust right qNot long enough
10. What suggestions do you have to improve this orientation booklet?
_______________________________________________________________