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Student Services

On-line Student Orientation

We would like to thank you for Starting Smart with Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College!

This web site will summarize all of the important services and resources that are available to you in order to become a successful student and graduate at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

COLLEGE SUCCESS

Whatever your goal may be at Southern, whether it is degree completion, certificate, or taking classes for personal enrichment, we want you to be successful in achieving that goal.

Identify your goals.  Goal setting is a process that allows you to choose what direction you want to go in life.  By setting an Educational and Life goal, your destination and the steps you need to get there are clear.

Set small goals for yourself that work together to achieve the larger goal.  As you work toward your goal, be flexible and realize that, as you learn more, your goals may change and may need to be re-evaluated.

Manage your time wisely.  Schedule your classes to meet your individual life style.  Schedule time for school, study, work, family, fun, and free time.  It is recommended that for every hour you are in class, you should plan for three hours of study time outside of class.

Get involved in student activities.  The Student Government Association (SGA) sponsors free activities throughout the semester.  All students are urged to participate in these activities.  If you would like more information about the SGA, contact your campus counselor.

Take advantage of the resources provided by the college.  Southern offers a large variety of resources to assist students in their success.  This orientation will inform you of many of these resources and will provide you with contact information.  If you are interested or would like information about any of the following, feel free to ask questions.

AS A NEW COLLEGE STUDENT, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS MAY BE HELPFUL TO YOU.

Credit Hour – A credit hour is the approximate number of class-hours involved in a course, typically from one-to-four credits.

Course Load – A full-time course load is 12-or-more credit hours taken in the same semester.  A part-time load is anything less than 12 credit hours.

Prerequisite – A prerequisite is a class or other requirement that must be completed or met before taking a particular course.  Prerequisites may be found in the Academic Credit Course Description section of the Course Catalog.  For example, a student must complete EN 101 before entering EN 102.

Co-requisite – A co-requisite is a course that must be taken at the same time as another course.  Co-requisites may also be found in the Academic Credit Course Description section of the Course Catalog, or you may check with your advisor.

Audit – To audit a course is to attend and participate in a class and not earn college credit for that class.

Syllabus – A syllabus is a document given to each student by his or her instructor at the beginning of the semester.  The syllabus contains important dates, requirements, and guidelines pertaining to your class.

Change of Schedule Form – The student must complete the Change of Schedule Form in order to add/drop or withdraw from a class.

Add/Drop – The College publishes dates when classes may be added/dropped.  Courses are not added simply by attending, nor are they dropped by ceasing to attend class.  Students must properly complete all necessary forms and steps in the add/drop procedure.

*See Financial Aid Counselor before adding or dropping classes.

Withdrawal – If after the add/drop period a student finds it necessary to withdraw from class or from the college, he/she must complete a Change of Schedule form, have the instructor(s) sign this form, and return it to Student Records.  Students withdrawing from class will receive a grade of “W”.  The student is responsible for knowing his/her last day to withdraw from courses. 

*See Financial Aid Counselor before adding or dropping courses.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

 Below are some things you may want to know before you attend your first college class.

• Arrive to class on time, and be prepared.

• Expect to begin work on the first day of class.

• Instructors may observe their own attendance policy.

• Messages to students are delivered to classes only in cases of emergency.

• Get to know your instructor.

• Plan for two-three hours of study time for every hour you are in class.

• When in doubt, ask questions or consult the current college catalog available on line at http://www.southern.wvnet.edu
   

AVAILABLE SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Admissions and Records Process

• Step 1 - Fill out admissions application to the College.
• Step 2 - Submit official transcripts and immunization records.

Financial Aid

To be considered for any of the three types of aid listed below, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA).  These may be completed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

There are three types of aid:

• Grants – Grants mean FREE money.  Grants do not need to be repaid.
• Loans – Student loans must be repaid.
• College Work Study – Money earned working part-time at the college while attending classes.

Bookstore

• Bookstores are available on each campus for your convenience.
• Refund policies are available in the current catalog or on the web.
• You will be charged a portion of your tuition if you register for classes even if you do not attend classes.

Advising, Counseling, and Placement Testing

Contact an Advisor to:

• Schedule placement testing (ACCUPLACER)
• Click here for free ACCUPLACER practice tests
• Discuss educational plans and goals
• Plan a semester schedule
• Register for classes
• Plan a transfer to another college or university

Career Services

• Determine Academic Major
• Career Exploration
• Job Referral
• Workshops
  • Resume Writing
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Job Search

*For additional information, contact a campus counselor.

Student Support Services

All first-generation, low-income, or disabled students are encouraged to contact the Student Support Services (SSS) staff.  Services offered by the SSS include assistance in career guidance, personal counseling, tutoring, and help in completing the financial aid application process.

Office of Disability Services

Students with disabilities attending Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College who desire accommodations have the responsibility to:

• register with Disability Services
• disclose disability in a timely manner
  • provide a minimum of a two-week notice for all major accommodation requests (special accommodations of equipment may need more time)

• provide appropriate documentation
• provide a minimum of a two-week notice for all major accommodation requests (special           
• accommodations of equipment may need more time)
• provide for his/her personal independent living needs or other personal disability-related needs
• when necessary, receive information, counseling, and assistance
• follow the College’s policies and procedures established for all students
• meet the requirements and maintain the standards for all activities, programs, services, and courses

For further information, please contact Disability Services

Student Government Association (SGA)

The purpose of the SGA is to provide an elected body of students to represent the opinion and wishes of the student body.  The SGA helps coordinate and maintain a well-balanced academic, social, civic, cultural, and recreational program for the student body.  The SGA makes recommendations to the campus and college concerning needs and concerns of students.  The SGA also offers dances and speakers and sponsors various activities for Southern students.  The counselor at each campus serves as advisor to the respective SGA.

• SGA on all campuses
• Officers are elected by Southern students
• Regular monthly meetings held

Student ID Cards

All Southern students are required to have an ID card.  ID cards are made in the library.

Library Services

Full-service libraries are currently operated on the Logan and Williamson Campuses.  The campuses in Madison and Saulsville offer electronic access to Southern’s library services, as well as public libraries or facilities at nearby colleges.  The materials, equipment, and services offered are made available to both students and non-students; and anyone may check out the titles after obtaining a library card.  For Southern students, the student ID card serves as a library card.  Services offered by the library include:

• Check out books
• Access research for papers and assignments
• Work with Librarians to best use the resources available
• Computer resources

Inclement Weather

Southern offers a weather line at all campus locations.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Last Update - 05/21/2007