Orientation to college :Orientation to college International Students Diablo Valley College Pleasant Hill, California, USA


Agenda :Agenda Orientation to DVC Important Policies Discussion on certificate, associate degree, and transfer requirements


Terms to know :Terms to know Unit Lower Division (0XX, 1XX, 2XX)/Upper Division (3XX, 4XX) Prerequisites/Co-requisites G.E.- General Education Major Preparation Articulation Agreements P/NP (Pass/No Pass) Web Advisor (online class registration) Web CT (for online classes) Student Choice (SC) grade option Assessment California State University (CSU) University of California (UC) Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)


How is college different from high school? :How is college different from high school? You determine your own academic schedule and manage your own time. You are responsible for finding out about deadlines, graduation and transfer requirements, and for tracking your own progress. Plan on spending 2-3 study hours outside of class for every hour you spend in class (e.g. if you take 15 units, you will be in class about 15 hours per week; add another 30-45 hours per week for study outside of class, for a total of 45-60 hours per week for school). Counseling visits are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged at least once per semester. Call or visit the Counseling Center to set up an appointment with the International Student Counselor: 925-685-1230, extension 2276/2278.


U.S. Post-secondary education :U.S. Post-secondary education AA/AS Freshman/Sophomore 60 Units Certificate 12 – 30 Units BA/BS Junior/Senior 60-80 Units after transfer MA/MS 2+ Years 60-90 Units Ed.D/Ph.D/ Normally requires Professional School 3-5 years of full-time work after MA /MS


contra costa COMMUNITY COLLEGE district :contra costa COMMUNITY COLLEGE district Contra Costa College (CCC) Los Medanos College (LMC) Diablo Valley College (DVC) & San Ramon Campus (SRC) F-1 international students may take units at LMC or CCC without prior permission, but they must take at least 6 units at DVC/SRC and be enrolled in a total of at least 12 units. CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN RAMON CAMPUS LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE


Dvc: basic information :Dvc: basic information Calendar DVC uses the Semester system (Fall & Spring Semester) Each semester is 18 weeks in length Day, evening, weekend, late-starting, and online courses available (F-1 students: Only one online class if taking only 12 units; cannot take all night classes) Summer sessions are condensed (3-, 6-, or 7-weeks long) Schedule of Classes (published each term, available online) Contains: List of classes offered for a specific term (i.e. Spring 2010) Calendar of important deadlines; pay attention to these! Registration information


Dvc: basic information – Con’t :Dvc: basic information – Con’t Important Dates 1st day of instruction (If you do not attend, you might be dropped!) Last day to “add” a course Last day to drop for a full refund Last day to drop a course without it appearing on your transcript Pass/No Pass deadline Last day to withdraw from a course and receive “W” grade Final exam schedule Application deadline for certificate and/or associate degree


Dvc: basic information – Con’t :Dvc: basic information – Con’t Catalog (published once a year, also online version) Contains: course descriptions for all DVC courses regulations, policies, and procedures certificate, degree, and transfer General Education requirements services available to students Information on extracurricular activities list of DVC faculty college calendar


Where to get help :Where to get help Counseling Center, across from the Library Academic, Career, Personal Counseling International Student Admissions & Services, 210 Student Services Building Support and immigration advising for F-1 students DSS – Disability Support Services, 2nd floor Student Services Building Students with Disabilities Permanent or Temporary Learning Skills Classes Accommodations Career & Employment Services, 1st floor Student Services Building Cooperative Education Volunteer Opportunities Job Search Strategies


Where to get help :Where to get help Transfer Center, in the Counseling Center Assessment Center, 1st floor Student Services Building Scholarship Office, 1st floor Student Services Building The Learning Center - Math Lab, across from the Counseling Center English Writing Lab, in the Learning Center Computer Center, 1st floor of the Library Tutoring Center, in the Learning Center and the 1st floor of the Library


Strategies for student success :Strategies for student success Take advantage of student services, especially counseling Know how to select courses and manage time (consider taking COUN-120, Student Success; it is transferable to UC and CSU) Get to know your instructors (office hours) Be an active learner in class: Sit near the front, take good notes, ask questions Use the Library and the Learning Center Get to know other students; joining a student club is a good way to do this!


How much is dvc going to cost? :How much is dvc going to cost? Enrollment -- $214/unit for non-residents Student Union -- $1/unit ($10 max/year) Books (expect to pay several hundred dollars per semester) Materials fees (for some classes) Other fees: Parking (if applicable) Student Activity Card (optional) $7 International Student Health Insurance (see ISAS for details) ALL FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE! Check the DVC website for current information on fees.


Certificate programs :Certificate programs Major-Related Courses Only Related to Particular Occupational Skill See DVC Catalog & Addendum for required courses, or… DVC Website (under Degrees/Certificates)


Slide 15:ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: 60 CSU transferable units (minimum) 2.40 GPA minimum, higher GPA needed for some majors and colleges Complete All of Area A & Area B-4; must be “C” or higher each class Summer limitations for some CSU’s American History & Institutions Requirement “double count” with Area C or D Strongly advised to complete all lower division major preparation courses Complete 39 unit GE pattern Some CSU’s have special requirements Some majors (i.e. Nursing) have additional admissions requirements Many popular programs are impacted, i.e. there are more applicants than the department can accommodate See www.csumentor.edu for more information


Slide 16:ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: 60 UC transferable units (minimum) GPA of 2.8; a higher GPA will be needed for certain universities & majors Complete work with “C” or better in: - English 122 and 2nd English composition course - Transferable Math course - 4 additional transferable courses from at least 2 areas (Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences) UC ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS Complete IGETC only for low-unit majors Majors in Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, and the Sciences need to see a counselor right away for academic planning Strongly advised to complete all lower division major preparation courses See http://uctransfer.universityofcalifornia.edu for more information


Slide 17:General Education Pattern for UC and CSU UC: Some Restrictions (Check page 4 of form) Need minimum 60 transferable units Complete prior to transfer (otherwise, you will face problems) Complete IGETC only for low-unit majors (see page 4 of form for programs that do not accept or recommend IGETC) Majors in Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Business and the Sciences (high unit majors) refer to www.assist.org for required courses, and see a counselor for planning.


Slide 18:DVC has limited articulation with some private universities in California, and no articulation agreements with out-of-state universities Private campuses vary in size Typically, private institutions have smaller class sizes than CSU & UC Private institutions costs average about $30,000 + per year Scholarships might be available for international students at private universities Learn more at www.aiccumentor.org or www.collegesource.org


Slide 19:Basic Degree Requirements: Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 60 units of degree applicable coursework Overall GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework At least 12 units of degree-applicable coursework earned at DVC General Education Requirements Option 1: DVC GE Requirements Option 2: IGETC GE Transfer Curriculum Option 3: CSU GE Requirements All three options also require American Institutions, Ecology of Human Health, and Physical Education Major/Area of Emphasis Requirement Completion of courses listed as the major area of emphasis Consult the DVC catalog or website for details Link to other Bay Area Community College Programs: www.bacareerguide.org


Slide 20:Create a list of potential majors Review course descriptions for each major (see www.assist.org for CSU and UC majors) Find out the careers/jobs related to the major Enroll in introductory courses in potential majors (e.g. ENGIN 110 Intro to Engineering; SOCIO 120 Intro to Sociology, BUS 109 Intro to Business) Useful Websites to Explore Majors: www.assist.org/ www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/majorSearch.asp online.onetcenter.org


Slide 21:Plan ahead -- if possible know your major and where you want to transfer before you begin at DVC. Keep records. Have your own set of transcripts and exam scores from high school and college; keep copies of all of your DVC syllabuses. Find out the requirements for General Education and major preparation. Check the Transfer Center for workshops, visits by university representatives, etc. Meet with a counselor regularly -- we recommend once a semester. Pay attention to details -- especially deadlines. Participate in Transfer Admission Guarantee programs: UC Davis, Irvine, Santa Barbara, Merced, Riverside, and Santa Cruz currently allow F-1 international students to use TAG. Some restrictions may apply; see a counselor for further information.


Slide 22:12 Units = full time status One unit = two hours of study time (or more, depending on the class, your level of proficiency/knowledge, etc.) Quality, not Quantity will help you reach your goal REMEMBER: F-1 international students must COMPLETE at least 12 units each semester to remain in legal immigration status.


Slide 23:You must take Math and English assessment tests before enrolling in any DVC Math or English class. Selecting Your First English Course Prerequisite: ENGL 116 and 118 for ENGL 122, or appropriate score on the DVC English assessment. Select English classes appropriate for you according to your assessment results. You may take the English assessment twice per semester. Selecting Your First Mathematics Course Prerequisite: Check the DVC catalog/course description. Admissions & Records - High School Transcripts/Exam scores for Prerequisite Waiver requests. Select Math courses appropriate for your academic goal.


Slide 24:Section Numbers: Identifies individual courses Off-campus locations (e.g. SRC) Be sure to leave enough time between classes! Unit Value Varies (most classes 3-5 units) 19 units Maximum at Registration without permission from Dean of Counseling; may ask permission to take more than 19 units AFTER first semester’s grades have posted on your transcript. See online Schedule at www.dvc.edu/schedule


Slide 25:CHEM-120 General College Chemistry - (LR) - 5 Units Prereq: CHEM 108 or appropriate chemistry skill level demonstrated through Chemistry Diagnostic Test or equivalent; MATH 120 or appropriate placement through Math assessment process or equivalent. Recom: Eligibility for Engl 122. Note: Calculator used in this course 2563 MW 9:30-10:45am PS 275 Cruise, T. FULL TERM MW 11:00-1:50pm PS 205 Grade Code: LR = only letter grades will be assigned P/NP = only pass/no pass grades will be assigned SC = either credit/no credit or a letter grade will be assigned; you will have to decide what you want before the published deadline and submit forms for P/NP option to Admissions & Records.


Slide 26:F-1 international students must complete at least 12 units each semester. Classes to Choose: English (according to your assessment results) Math (according to your assessment results and your academic goal) Major and/or General Education Classes Personal Interest/Fun Classes MAXIMUM 19 units first term! Other Choices Career 110 - Career & Life Planning Career 130– Career & Major Exploration Counseling 120 - Student Success Counseling 130 - Ensuring Transfer Success What to do if classes are full? Late Add Codes/Schedule Request Form Remember to have alternative courses, days/times as “back up” choices


Slide 31:UserID: First initial of first name + full last or family name + last three digits of DVC ID number. Example: Bradd Pitt, DVC ID number 1990700, would log-in as bpitt700. Password: First-time log-in would be your birthdate in mmddyy format. Example: If Bradd Pitt was born on January 1, 1970, his password would be 010170.


Slide 34:Bradd


Slide 35:Scroll down


Slide 36:Tells you when you can register for classes.


Slide 37:Click here to search for open classes.


Slide 38:Click here to register for classes on your worksheet or drop a class for which you have already registered.


Slide 39:Some courses have a waitlist. If the class is full, but the waitlist is open, you can add your name to the waitlist and get first come, first served priority for any seats that might open up in the class. Not all classes have waitlists!


Slide 40:Also available in the “Register for Sections” link above.


Slide 41:Click here to search for open classes.


Slide 42:Bradd Pitt bpitt@dvc.edu 925-555-1212 123 Easy St. Hollywood, CA Transfer Click here if you do not need to change any of your personal information below.


Slide 43:Choose this option to start a search for classes and to register for open classes.


Slide 45:Select “DVC” from the drop-down menu list.


Slide 46:Select the appropriate term from the drop-down menu.


Slide 47:Select the appropriate Subject/Department from the drop-down menu. You can also fill in the Course Number and Section Number, if you know it. Or, leave those blank and search all of the courses in that department. NOTE: The next screen may show only a limited number of courses in the department, so providing at least the Course Number will help you limit your search.


Slide 48:Scroll down and click on “Submit.”


Slide 49:Notice this message. There were too many courses to display all of them.


Slide 50:Notice this message. There were too many courses to display all of them. This number shows the actual number of seats available in the class.


Slide 51:Notice this message. There were too many courses to display all of them. This number shows the maximum number of students allowed in the class.


Slide 52:Notice this message. There were too many courses to display all of them. This number shows how many students are on the waitlist, IF the class has a waitlist.


Slide 53:Check the box of the class for which you would like to register, then…


Slide 54:…scroll down and click “Submit.”


Slide 55:Select “Register” from the “Action for ALL” menu, or… Select “Register” from the Action menu of the class for which you want to register, then…


Slide 56:…scroll down and click “Submit.”


Slide 57:Complete Student Education Plan for Upcoming Term Materials Needed: Assessment Results (only available after you arrive at DVC and take the assessment tests for English and Math, and Chemistry if applicable) Schedule of Classes (available online at http://www.dvc.edu/org/info/schedules/) Major articulation agreement (see http://www.assist.org for CSU and UC agreements) General education requirements (available at http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/forms.htm, at the bottom of the page under “Curriculum and Transfer Guides”) Create a worksheet to help you schedule classes with no time overlap Remember to check for course prerequisites/co-requisites in the DVC catalog.


Slide 58:Once you’ve completed your Student Education Plan: Sign up for classes on WebAdvisor as soon as you are allowed, or go to the class if it has already begun. Take a Schedule Request form with you. Visit the DVC Bookstore for textbook information. Review important dates in the Schedule of Classes. NOTE: There are more than 1000 international students at DVC, and only one international academic counselor. Be independent and self-guided, but ask questions when you don’t understand something that you read in the materials. FINAL COMMENTS… After you begin your classes, make an appointment with the international counselor for long-term educational planning. Welcome to DVC… DVC Counselors International Counselor