New Directions

North Dakota State College of Science™ • www.ndscs.edu

NEW DIRECTIONS 1

WHAT ARE THE

BENEFITS OF HIGHER EDUCATION?

Knowledge. A college education teaches you to think critically and abstractly, to express your thoughts and opinions and to weigh options and make informed decisions.

Potential. College brings a world of information as you explore your interests, and helps you to understand the issues that connect communities, the nation and the world.

Opportunity. Critical thinking and new technology skills are vital for success and advancement in today’s workforce and provides you with more career and job opportunities.

Income. A person with a college degree typically has a higher income and is less likely to be unemployed or underemployed than someone with less education.

NEW DIRECTIONS 2

North Dakota State College of Science™ • www.ndscs.edu

Lowdown: What are the benefits of attending a two-year college?

• One or two-year programs that prepare students for jobs in a variety of careers, from technical and industrial occupations to business, marketing and sales careers.

• Courses can transfer to a four-year college

Getting In: A high school diploma or GED (but prepare for college-level work with the recommended classes) and ACT score.

www.ndscs.edu

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BE PREPARED TO BE A COLLEGE STUDENT

North Dakota State College of Science™ • www.ndscs.edu

RESOURCES & SUPPORT High School “Teacher Structured” Teachers usually give structured assignments with explicit directions

Successful students organize and interpret assignments and conduct research independently

Teachers often use T/F, multiplechoice and short answer test formats

Teachers give complex exam questions requiring analysis, application and synthesis of ideas and theories using multiple-choice and essay formats

Teachers give frequent tests and provide makeup tests and retakes

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College “Student Structured”

Teachers give fewer tests (2- 3 per semester) and generally do not allow for makeups or retakes

Grades are based on quality, completion and effort given to all assignments

Grades reflect the quality of the product and adherence to college-level thinking and writing

Teachers offer extra credit opportunities to improve grades

Teachers may not offer extra credit

PREPARATION TIPS √ See NDSCS recommended high school course brochure for classes to take in high school to be prepared for college √ Take classes that “stretch” your knowledge √ Take elective courses that develop background knowledge such as sociology, psychology, geography, anthropology, philosophy, biology, chemistry and physics √ Develop strong communication skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening √ Take dual credit courses

The conceptual framework for pages 4,7,8 and 9 is based on the work of many outstanding educators in the field of developmental education.

MNADE

THIS IS WHAT I KNOW..

HIGH SCHOOL

COLLEGE

1. Graduation date

1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

4.

5.

5.

WHAT I NEED TO DISCUSS WITH A PARENT/COUNSELOR

1.

2.

5

FACING THE ROAD AHEAD

PREPARING FOR YOUR COLLEGE EDUCATION COLLEGES I HAVE VISITED OR AM PLANNING TO VISIT:

WHAT DO I WANT TO DO/BE? 1.

1. NDSCS

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

4.

5.

5.

MY COLLEGE CHECKLIST:

SENT APPLICATIONS TO:

6

1.

 Sent application

2.

 Filled out scholarship application

3.

 Filled out FAFSA

4.



5.



Information courtesy of Helping Your First-Year College Student Succeed: A Guide for Parents

HIGH SCHOOL VS. COLLEGE

HIGH SCHOOL Classes are scheduled back to back. 6 hours/day = 30 hours/week.

COLLEGE Class times vary throughout the day and evening. You often have hours between classes.

12 to 16 hours/week.

COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Teachers monitor attendance.

Instructors may not formally take attendance, but you are expected to be in attendance.

COLLEGE

HIGH SCHOOL Usually very structured, parents, teachers and other adults set your limits.

HIGH SCHOOL Teachers approach you if they feel you need help.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to set YOUR limits, design your hours of study, class, work, sleep, etc!

COLLEGE You are expected to initiate contact if help is needed.

HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL Teachers provide you with information you missed when you were absent.

COLLEGE When absent, you are expected to get notes and information from classmates.

Teachers remind you of assignments and due dates.

COLLEGE The course syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due and how you will be graded.

You need to read, save and consult it frequently.

www.ndscs.edu

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North Dakota State College of Science™ • www.ndscs.edu

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY High School “Teacher/Parent Directed”

8

College “Student Directed”

High School “Teacher/Parent Directed”

College “Student Directed”

High schools and teachers require attendance

Successful students attend all classes although attendance may not be required

Teachers give students supplementary information

Successful students seek background information or supplementary resources

Teachers remind students of assignments, tests and makeup work

Students complete assignments and take tests on time

Teachers monitor student performance by providing grade sheets

Successful students monitor their own performance and set improvement goals

Teachers tell students what to learn

Successful students determine what to learn and know how to study using their own learning styles

Teachers discipline inappropriate talking in class

Teachers do not tolerate inappropriate talking in class

Teachers…

• Summarize main ideas • Outline notes • Provide study guides • Formulate questions

Successful students…

• Use effective textbook reading skills to learn content • Take effective notes and study them regularly • Create their own study guides • Generate questions and answers from varying perspectives

Teachers usually require less outside studying than college

Successful students study 2- 3 hours for each 1 hour of class time

Teachers provide in–class study time and students often study with many distractions

Successful students use study areas on campus and create a study area at home

Others schedule a student’s time for classes, sports and work

Successful students must develop personal time management systems for college classes, study time, work and social life

Teachers guide research and the location of information

Successful students possess library and internet research skills

Students often choose elective courses based on interest

Successful students choose courses based on program, degree or transfer requirements

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT High School “Teacher/Parent Directed”

College “Student Directed”

Students have daily contact with teachers and receive regular feedback

Successful students have limited contact with teachers and must seek feedback

Teachers and parents direct academic accommodations and services for students with special needs

Successful students seek out academic accommodations and special assistance

Teachers provide extra help

Successful students seek out peer tutoring and further academic assistance during instructor office hours

Friends and family support students

Students may not be in contact with family support system and need to create a new support system

ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT High School “Student Focused”

College “Content Focused”

Teachers give short lectures that often duplicate reading assignments

Teachers present extended lectures that supplement assigned readings

High school classes are usually limited to 30 or fewer students

College classes are usually larger with 40 – 100 plus students

High school classes meet daily

College classes meet 2 -3 times per week

Teachers provide necessary background knowledge

Teachers assume students have background knowledge and skills

Teachers focus student learning with questions

Teachers expect students to generate questions

Teachers cover all content in class

Students are responsible for all material whether or not it is presented in class

Teachers provide organization

Students must have systems of organization for assignments, notes, and handouts (notebooks/folders)

www.ndscs.edu

9

North Dakota State College of Science™ • www.ndscs.edu

COMPARISON CALENDER

HIGH SCHOOL

Send final high school transcript and shot records

Receive financial aid package and roommate information

Do I have everything ready for college?

Say goodbye to friends

AUGUST

Attend registration

COLLEGE

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I can’t believe I graduated

JULY

MARCH

Submit scholarship application

GRADUATION!

Spend time with friends and work over the summer

JUNE

FEBRUARY

Remember to fill out FAFSA

Prom!

Less than 50 days until graduation

MAY

Help parents plan graduation party

APRIL

Valentine’s Day midwinter break

JANUARY

Only 5 months left of high school

Move into the residence hall and attend orientation

FIRST WEEK OF COLLEGE

www.ndscs.edu/fargo • www.ndscs.edu • www.ndscs.edu/online 11

NOW YOU’RE A COLLEGE STUDENT

NDSCS student job description For Safety Purposes Go online and regularly update your cell phone number and e-mail address.

Class • Attend class and do not leave early.

• Be aware of the instructor’s and the college’s attendance policy.

• Respect your instructor and others in the class.

Need Help?

• Ask your instructor.

• Go to the Academic Service Center, located on the 2nd floor of the Library.

• Go to the Library for research help.

• Notify your instructor if you are going to be absent.

Assignments • Complete assignments in a timely manner.

• Remember: full-time students should work less than 20 hours per week. Being a fulltime student is like having a full-time job.

• Do original work. Don’t plagiarize (use someone else’s work, ideas or thoughts).

• Review and be aware of the requirements and deadlines outlined in the course syllabus.

• Be prepared for class by reading and completing the assignments.

• Take notes in class.

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• College is difficult; set realistic grade expectations, good grades take a lot of time.

Focus on learning.

• Use good time management skills for your studies and homework. No one will be looking over your shoulder. You are responsible for your own success.

Stay Healthy! Seek Balance!

• Get plenty of sleep and eat a regular and well-balanced diet!

• Make good choices concerning alcohol and other substances.

• Use the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center workout facility.

• Like to ice skate? Go to College Night at the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Sports Arena on Wednesdays from 7:15-9:15 p.m.

• Be social. Go to residential and college activities and meet new friends. Go to College Discount Night at the local movie theatre on Tuesday evenings.

• Get involved in a college club or organization.

• Stay connected to family and friends.

North Dakota State College of Science™ • www.ndscs.edu

THE RHYTHM OF COLLEGE LIFE

Here are some things you might experience August/September • • • • •

Excitement Test new found freedom Frequent calls/visits home Homesickness/loneliness Anxiety about roommates/instructors/ classes • First exams October • Roommate problems arise • Ask yourself “Do I fit in here?”

• First test grades returned • Midterm exams • Love relationships from home remain strong • Consequences of decision-making experienced November • Midterm grades returned • Roommate challenges become more clear • Many exams and papers due before Thanksgiving • Excitement and/or anxiety regarding going home for Thanksgiving • First series of campus-wide illness (cold, flu, strep, etc.)

December

March

• Anxiety over upcoming finals • Excitement and/or anxiety regarding going home for the break • Sadness about leaving new friendships and/or love relationships • Roommate challenges continue January • “Fresh Start” mentality sets in with new term • Satisfaction and/or disappointment with fall term grades • Homesickness • Loneliness for love relationships back home • Relief being away from home and back at school February • Feelings of claustrophobia and depression set in with winter • Potential use of alcohol and other substance abuse • Challenges with love relationship back home • Homesickness/loneliness • Valentine’s Day brings out loneliness

• Anxiety regarding finding roommate(s) for next year • Excitement and/or disappointment regarding Spring Break plans • Midterm exam stress • Concern over summer employment • Concern over winter weight gain April • Excitement with arrival of spring • Concern if picked right program • End of semester pressure • Final exam anxiety May • Apprehension about returning home for the summer • Sadness over leaving new friendships and/or love relationships at school • Realization of how college influences life decisions In addition to the stressors listed, students may also feel anxiety about: • Missing family birthday and holiday celebrations • Missing participation in family traditions • Wanting involvement with family maintained, but expecting their desire for complete freedom respected

www.ndscs.edu Information courtesy of Helping Your First-Year College Student

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FIRST ASSIGNMENT AS A COLLEGE STUDENT

Managing your time Credit Hours Credit hour is a value assigned to a course that determines the number of hours the student spends in the class each week.

EXAMPLE:

English 110 College Composition I 3 Credits

The student would be in class 3 hours each week.

In order to find the right balance between work, class time and studying you need to be aware of how it all adds up! It is important to make smart choices as you select your courses. Keep in mind the other responsibilities you may have such as family, work and financial responsibilities. Here is a good model to follow:

Work Hours

Semester Hours/ # of Courses

Minimum Study Hours

Minimum Total College/ Work Load

0 – 15

12-15 semester hours/4-5 courses

24 – 30

36 – 60 weekly hours

16 – 20

12-15 semester hours/4-5 courses

24

52 - 56 weekly hours

21 - 30

9 semester hours/ 3 courses

18

48 - 57 weekly hours

31 – 40

6 semester hours/ 2 courses

12

49 - 58 weekly hours

Over 40

3 semester hours/ 1 course

6

49 weekly hours

Academic Year An NDSCS academic year consists of two semesters (fall/spring). Each semester is 16 weeks in length.

Additionally, many students may take advantage of the NDSCS summer session (which for most programs is optional.) Students use this session to catch up on missing credits, focus on one particuler class or to simply lighten their load during the fall and spring semesters.

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SEMESTER

LENGTH

MONTHS

Fall

16 Weeks

August – December

Spring

16 Weeks

January – May

Summer

4 – 8 Weeks

June - July

North Dakota State College of Science™ • www.ndscs.edu

MANAGING YOUR TIME

Think about how much time you spend a week in each category: ITEM

MON

TUES

WED

THUR

FRI

SAT

SUN

SLEEP: FAMILY & FRIENDS: WORK HOURS: PERSONAL TIME: STUDYING: TOTAL:

Hours in a week: 168 – Hours for class ____ = ____ remaining hours.

www.ndscs.edu

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COLLEGE TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Associate in Arts degree, or A.A. degree: An academic program of 60 to 64 credits mostly in liberal arts and sciences courses, designed to satisfy the first two years of a four-year, baccalaureate degree. This is the most common program taken by students who plan to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year university.

Associate in Applied Science degree, or A.A.S. degree: An academic program generally of 60 to 72 credits designed primarily to prepare students for employment in a specific job, but which may also be designed to transfer to a related four-year major. At least 25 percent of the credits must be in general education courses.

General Education (“gen eds�): Courses in liberal arts and sciences that typically are introductory and provide students with general knowledge and reasoning ability rather than specific skills for employment or specialized knowledge for a major.

Reciprocity: The series of agreements that Minnesota has with neighboring states to provide lower tuition for students in one state who attend public colleges and universities in the other state. Reciprocity students typically do not have to pay the out-of-state tuition rate to attend school in a neighboring state.

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Courtesy of www.boxfreeconcepts.com

Registration: Each semester you must register in specific classes for the next semester, pay tuition and fees, etc.

Academic year: Usually August through May and divided divided into two semesters (fall and spring).

Tuition: The money charged for course instruction.

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid; filed by all seeking aid; used to determine aid eligibility.

NOTES

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ADVICE FROM STUDENTS TO STUDENTS

“Find the buildings where all of your classes are located.”

Shavon, Liberal Arts Milwaukee, WI

“Get involved in all the different types of clubs and organizations.”

Nathan, Civil Engineering & Surveying Technology Pelican Rapids, MN

“Take advantage of the campus jobs available.”

Cody, OTA Redwood Falls, MN

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help from instructors.”

“Get organized!!!”

Ashley, Dental Hygiene Williston, ND

Kelsey, Dental Hygiene Fisher, MN “Live on campus it’s fun… and the food is actually good.”

“Go to events on campus... it’s an awesome way to meet people!”

Tomi, Liberal Arts Barnesville, MN

Norris, Liberal Arts Savannah, GA

NEW DIRECTIONS 18

“

FACULTY QUOTES

CLINT GILBERTSON Why do you like teaching at NDSCS?

JIM ERDAHL

KRISTI JEAN

Why do you like teaching at NDSCS?

Why do you like teaching at NDSCS?

“

I enjoy teaching because it gives me the opportunity to introduce students to an industry and career that has been an important part of my life. I still remember the enthusiasm my instructors had when I was a student and how excited I was to begin a new career in the auto collision industry. Teaching can be very rewarding; witnessing first-hand the achievements of our students and the pride they display upon completion of a project is second to none. The auto collision industry is dependent on the training provided by our school and schools like ours. I take great pride in preparing students to achieve high levels of success in an industry that has a strong future.

”

“

I didn’t want big class sizes, where I wouldn’t know the students in a big lecture hall. I wanted to get to know my students and how they learn on a personal level.

When we enter the lab and do hands-on experiments, the science and technology is witnessed first-hand and true learning occurs. I get so motivated when my students will pull information from a previous lab and apply it to a totally different topic. They truly understood what was covered before and they are making the connections. I know that one day they will return to the lab and tell me about their new invention, patent or company that they started.

”

“

I enjoy the enthusiasm and willingness to learn shown by NDSCS students. It’s fun to teach students that want to be here and want to learn.

I also enjoy the challenge to always stay on the cutting edge of the industry in order give the student exactly what they are paying for.

”

JANE PASSA Why do you like teaching/coaching at NDSCS?

“

The people and students you get to work with are second to none. The relationships you develop are why you teach/coach. I am able now to see my former students and athletes as successful mothers and professionals in the work force. It is exciting to think I was maybe a little part of that. I keep in touch with so many former athletes and am blessed to know that the experience they had here were some of the best they had ever had.

”

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NEW DIRECTIONS 20