NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION INFORMATION

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Community Fun Facts Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Registering for Classes Paying for College Student Resources Agreement RELATED LINKS Driving Directions Programs Offered Student Handbook Academic Calendar

Welcome to St Cloud Technical & Community College!

The New Student Orientation has eight sections with multiple topics. Some pages will have a link that you can refer to, view important information and print portable document files (PDF). Many of the college and program policies are explained in detail on our website and in the student handbook. All students are required to read and understand this material. Once you have completed the orientation, you will submit a student agreement form. This will enable you to sign up for your assigned registration date.

Community
St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) is located in the heart of Central Minnesota. SCTCC is committed to meeting the needs of the community through its programs of study, which closely match the types of jobs available in the surrounding area. Students who choose to seek employment outside of St. Cloud will find their education is very portable. Graduates of St. Cloud Technical and Community College will enjoy the name recognition and value of their SCTCC education.

Fun Facts
FOUNDED St. Cloud Technical and Community College was established in 1948 as the second technical college in the State of Minnesota. TUITION The average cost of tuition for one year at SCTCC is $3,000 compared to $5,400 or more at public four-year universities in the state. FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS More than 75% of our students receive some type of financial aid in the form of loans, grants and scholarships.

If you have any special needs or require specific accommodations to view this presentation, please contact 320-308-5089.

STUDENT LIFE Student Life at SCTCC gives you all the benefits of a college experience. There are a variety of ways to be involved and take your education beyond the classroom. Activities include: athletics, student leadership Programs, music and theatre groups, multicultural clubs, and more

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Planning Course Schedules Registering for Classes Paying for College Student Resources Agreement

Assessment
SCTCC uses the Accuplacer assessment test. This assessment allows you and the college staff to work together to help you succeed in your educational program. Our goal is to place you for success. Understanding the Accuplacer Test and Scores Note: Students take the Accuplacer before being accepted to a program. If you did not take the Accuplacer and are reading this packet, it means you were exempt.

Time Management
You have applied, are accepted, took your placement test and may have met with your advisor to talk about planning your schedule. Each semester, you will meet with your advisor during Student Success Day (formerly called Advising Day). At this appointment, you will plan your schedule for the next semester. Click on the link below to view the college academic calendar. Academic Calendar

Planning
When planning your schedule, consider the following guideline: one credit usually means that you will spend one hour per week in class. If you take a three credit class, you will be in class three hours per week. As a rule, homework may take twice this amount of time. Please also take into consideration working and outside personal time. Most SCTCC students are employed while attending school. In order to be successful in your classes, time management is crucial.

Money is the #1 reason students withdraw from college.

Click on the link below for money management tips. Money Management for SCTCC Students

Suggested Work and Credit Load

Work 40 hours Work 30 hours Work 20 hours Work < 20 hours 0 5 10 6 9 12 14+ 15 Number of Credits

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Understanding Schedules Registering for Classes Paying for College Student Resources Agreement

Understanding the Course Schedule

This section of the orientation will cover how to use the course schedule and catalog. This information will be helpful when you register for classes at your Registration Session.

Find Courses at SCTCC

The SCTCC course schedule includes current offerings of classes including dates, times, instructors, locations, prerequisites and number of filled or open seats. Click on the link below to view and search the SCTCC course schedule online: Course Schedules

Catalog, Programs and Majors

The college catalog is available online. The catalog provides information about degree and certificate requirements. Click on the links below to view the full SCTCC College Catalog or check the programs and majors website for program information: Catalog Programs and Majors

Tutorials
Students can search and view the course schedule without having to log in. There are videos available at the course search screen (right side under Need Help). Click Here to Start The search results will display information about the course including, if it is online or not, the full title, course ID, days, dates and times.

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Understanding Schedules Registering for Classes Drop/Withdraw Procedures Academic Appeal Paying for College Student Resources Agreement

Tutorials (cont.)
By clicking into a course title, additional information about a course will display. This includes the course description and outcomes, prerequisites and other requirements and the cost of the course.

Registering for Classes

This section will teach you how to register using our online registration system (MnSCU e-services). Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) has developed some videos to assist you that can be accessed from the course schedule (right side of the screen under Need Help) Course Schedules

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Registering for Classes Drop/Withdraw Procedures Academic Appeal Paying for College Student Resources Agreement

Registering for Classes (cont.)

When you attend a registration session, advisors will assist you in registering for classes. The link below gives you the directions for registering online. Please review this information. This will make your registration go smoother. However, you will not be able to register until you come in for your registration session. Registration Guide

Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course

Sometimes you have to drop courses and it can be very confusing. Withdrawing from an individual course is different than withdrawing completely from your program or the college. The deadline for dropping courses is the fifth class day of the semester for a full refund. Students are obligated for any classes dropped after the fifth day of the term for full semester classes or one business day (after the first class session) for shorter courses. Dropping a course by the deadline means a course is removed from your class schedule, you are not financially responsible, and the course does not appear on your transcript, however it may affect your financial aid. If you withdraw from a single course after the drop deadlines, you will not be eligible for a refund and will receive a grade of W. You may withdraw from full term courses through the 12th week of the semester or through 75% of the class for shorter classes. A course withdraw can be completed online or in the Registration Office. A W is not figured into your GPA, but does count against your completion rate. If you officially and totally withdrawal from the college you may be eligible for a refund as defined below. Fall and Spring Terms 1 through 5 class day of term 6th through 10th class day of term 11th through 15th class day of term 16th through 20th class day of term After 20th class day of term
st th

Please contact the Registration Office at 320-308-5075 or Admissions Office at 320-308-5089 if you have any questions.

100% refund 75% refund 50% refund 25% refund No refund

If you do not officially withdraw, you will receive the earned grade in each course for which you are registered. You will be liable for all tuition and fees for those courses. A total withdraw from all classes and the college should be completed in the Admissions Office.

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Registering for Classes Drop/Withdraw Procedures Academic Appeal Paying for College Student Resources Agreement

Important Note
You are responsible to ensure that unwanted classes are dropped from your schedule. An instructor is authorized, but not required, to drop any student who fails to attend during classes during the five first days of the semester. Instructors can withdraw a student for non-attendance up to 75% of the way through the course. Always verify that your classes have been dropped by checking online or calling the Registration Office (320-308-5075). Remember it is your responsibility.

Academic Appeal
You may file an academic appeal if you feel you have extenuating circumstances that affect your ability to follow college procedures in any of the following areas: Appeal transfer of a D course Dropping courses during the defined drop/add period Grading Graduation Requirement Adjustment Required Course Substitution Pre-requisite Equivalency Transfer Credit Appeal Tuition Payment

Paying for College

What is it going to cost you to attend SCTCC? This section will give you an idea of how much it will cost to attend school and ways financial aid can help you to pay for college. The tuition payment policy at SCTCC requires that one of the following items below must be on file with the Business Office or Financial Aid Office at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester (or registration will be cancelled): $ $ All of your costs are paid in full. You have enrolled in the external Nelnet Business Solutions payment plan with a down payment of $300 or at least 15% of your tuition and fees. More information. $ $ $ $ You've applied for financial aid (your FAFSA is complete, submitted and SCTCC has your ISIR on file). The Business Office has on record that you've received a scholarship or other agency support equal to 15% of your tuition/fees or $300. Your enrollment as a PSEO student has been verified by the Business Office. You're an international student with an active I-20 or DS2019 in place.

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Registering for Classes Paying for College Tuition and Fees Financial Aid Scholarships Refunds Books and Other Costs Parking Student Resources Agreement

Tuition and Fees

Tuition at SCTCC is charged by credit hour. Click on the link below for SCTCCs current tuition and fee cost. Students are responsible for all tuition and fee charges prior to the start of the semester. Tuition and Fees

Financial Aid
STEP 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. STEP 2: Fill out the Information Release Form. A FAFSA must be on file one month prior to classes starting if you are planning on applying for financial aid. If the Financial Aid office does not have your FAFSA, your classes may be dropped. You and your family have the primary responsibility to pay for your education. Financial aid is intended to supplement the difference between the costs of education and the expected family contribution. Several financial aid programs are available to help you meet your educational expenses. The Financial Aid Office can help you determine the financial aid programs for which you are eligible. Please click on the link below for more information regarding financial aid types and the financial aid application. Financial Aid Application

Did you know?

You can view your financial aid award letter online. - Use your student I.D. number for your login and the password created.

Scholarships
The SCTCC Foundation has many scholarship awards available for new and current students. For a list of scholarships and eligibility requirements, click on the link below: Scholarship Information

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Registering for Classes Paying for College Tuition and Fees Financial Aid Scholarships Academic Progress Refunds Books and Other Costs Parking Student Resources Agreement

Academic Progress and Financial Aid

Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to continue to receive financial aid. To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average and complete a minimum of 67% of all attempted classes. Student Academic Progress Dont end up on probation or suspension, understand this policy.

Refunds
Please familiarize yourself with the drop, refund and withdrawal policies. These are very important! Not being aware of these policies could result in you paying for classes that you are no longer taking. Drop and Withdrawal Policies

Books and Other Costs

You will need to purchase your books for the classes you take each semester. All of the books that you need are located in The BookStop at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. Take your class schedule with you to make sure you are buying the right books. The BookStop staff will help you with any questions. You can order online at The BookStop.

Order Online to Avoid the Long Lines!

OTHER OPTIONAL COSTS Locker Rental

$20.00 (limited availability)

Parking
Everyone using the parking lots between 6 am and 10 pm is required to display a parking permit. Students are charged a parking/access fee of $3.00 dollars per credit, which is included in your total tuition/fees due for the semester. Students need to register their vehicle online and then permits may be picked up in the Business Office.
Students enrolled in only online-delivered courses can apply for parking access fee waivers.

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Registering for Classes Paying for College Student Resources Student Life Star Alert YMCA / Metro Bus Tobacco Free Campus Disability Services AACE Career Center Agreement

Student Resources
SCTCC has many resources available to help you including advising, counseling, tutoring, a career center and job placement services. Get a complete list by clicking on the link below. List of Resources GPS LifePlan

Print this list and take advantage of any services you need.

Student Life
The Student Life Office encourages personal enrichment by providing a variety of leisure, recreational and civic engagement opportunities for the SCTCC campus. Student Life supports the educational mission at SCTCC by providing opportunities that foster intercultural appreciation, leadership, creativity, confidence, self-esteem, integrity and personal and civic responsibility. Our central belief is that students who are actively engaged in the campus environment will find their experience at SCTCC to be more satisfying and successful. Director of Student Life and Athletics: John Haller Room 1-135, Phone: 320-308-5922, email: jhaller@sctcc.edu Assistant Director of Student Life and Athletics: Nate Hiestand Room 1-132, Phone: 320-308-5009, email: nhiestand@sctcc.edu

Star Alert Emergency Notification System

Star Alert, a free St. Cloud Technical and Community College emergency notification system, makes it possible for students and employees to receive notices by cell phone and/or email, of campus-related emergencies (including weather related announcements). Sign Up Now!

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St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Registering for Classes Paying for College Student Resources Student Life Star Alert YMCA / Metro Bus Tobacco Free Campus Disability Services AACE Career Center Agreement

YMCA, Metro Bus and more

St. Cloud Technical and Community College offers groups and activities that allow you to get involved. Some of the benefits of being a student at SCTCC include membership to the YMCA for one-time joiners fee of $60.00, free transportation on the St. Cloud MTC Bus and access to St. Cloud State University Health Services where students pay the SCSU student price to use the clinic. Stop by the Student Activities Office to find out more! Student Life

Health Services

Tobacco Free Campus

The college policy on the use of tobacco is not intended to deny tobacco users their prerogatives, but rather to limit the potential adverse effects of tobacco use on others. Please click on the link below to view the complete policy: SCTCC Tobacco Policy (page 39 on the handbook)

Disability Services
START WITH A PLAN: Disclose disability and have documentation reviewed. Establish a plan for appropriate accommodations. Contact: Judy Jacobson-Berg at jjacobsonberg@sctcc.edu COMMON ACADEMIC ACCOMODATIONS: Tests taken in a quiet location with extended time. Textbook and material formatted in audio, electronic, large print, or Braille. Special advising for course selection and credit load. Adaptive furniture or other technology. Contact: John Bjork at jbjork@sctcc.edu INTERPRETERS FOR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING: Contact: Ann Pierce-Rhodes at apiercerhodes@sctcc.edu

St. Cloud Technical and Community College Orientation

Welcome Assessment Time Management Course Schedules Registering for Classes Paying for College Student Resources Student Life Star Alert YMCA / Metro Bus Tobacco Free Campus Disability Services AACE Career Center Agreement

Academic Achievement Center (AACE)

The AACE offers free tutoring to all SCTCC students! Tutoring is always available for math and writing, and available part-time for other common courses such as accounting, biology, and chemistry, to name a few. If you need program specific tutoring, stop in room 1-112 or contact Kerby Plante @ kplante@sctcc.edu

Career Center
If you are undecided about your major, you can use SCTCCs Career Center, Counseling offices and other resources to help you. It is okay to be undecided or to change your major (to do so, please contact the Admissions Office).

Agreement
Congratulations! You have completed your new student orientation. Click on the link below to sign the student agreement form. You next step is to reserve a seat for your program registration date. Then you will receive a registration confirmation in your SCTCC Student Email account. Please check this email account for important Orientation/ Registration information. It may take up to 12 hours for your account to be activated. Student Agreement Form. Pass Code: Cyclones Click on the link and submit the agreement form. This will bring you back to the initial login screen. Enter the info required and login. You should check your SCTCC Student Email account regularly to be sure you dont miss important information from instructors or SCTCC offices.

If you have any questions, call the information desk at 320-308-5000 or email us at enroll@sctcc.edu
320-308-5000

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