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

NEW DIRECTIONS

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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

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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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North Dakota State College of Science™ • www.ndscs.eduBE PREPARED TO BE A COLLEGE STUDENT

√ 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

PREPARATION TIPS

√ Take dual credit courses

RESOURCES & SUPPORT

College “Student Structured”

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, multiple-choice and short answer test formats

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

Teachers give frequent tests and provide makeup tests and retakes

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

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

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COLLEGEHIGH SCHOOL

THIS IS WHAT I KNOW..

WHAT I NEED TO DISCUSS WITH A PARENT/COUNSELOR

1. Graduation date

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

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WHAT DO I WANT TO DO/BE?

FACING THE ROAD AHEAD

PREPARING FOR YOUR COLLEGE EDUCATION

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

SENT APPLICATIONS TO: MY COLLEGE CHECKLIST:

COLLEGES I HAVE VISITED OR AM PLANNING TO VISIT:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1. NDSCS

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sent application

Filled out scholarship application

Filled out FAFSA

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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.

HIGH SCHOOL

Usually very structured, parents, teachers and other adults set your

limits.

COLLEGE

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

HIGH SCHOOL

Teachers monitor attendance.

COLLEGE

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

HIGH SCHOOL

Teachers approach you if they feel you

need help.

COLLEGE

You are expected to initiate contact if help is needed.

HIGH SCHOOL

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.

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.

HIGH SCHOOL VS. COLLEGE

www.ndscs.edu

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

College“Student Directed”

High School“Teacher/Parent Directed”

High schools and teachers require attendance

Successful students attend all classes although attendance may not be required

Teachers remind students of assignments, tests and makeup work

Students complete assignments and take tests on time

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

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

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

College“Student Directed”

High School“Teacher/Parent Directed”

Teachers give students supplementary information

Successful students seek background information or supplementary resources

Teachers monitor student performance by providing grade sheets

Successful students monitor their own performance and set improvement goals

Teachers discipline inappropriate talking in class

Teachers do not tolerate inappropriate talking in class

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

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

Students often choose electivecourses based on interest

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

Teachers guide research and the location of information

Successful students possess library and internet research skills

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College“Student Directed”

High School“Teacher/Parent 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

College“Content Focused”

High School“Student 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)

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT

www.ndscs.edu

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

COMPARISON CALENDER

JANUARY

FEBR

UARY

MARC

H

APR

IL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

COLLEGE

HIGH SCHOOL

Only 5 months

left of high school

Remember to fill out FAFSA

Valentine’s Day

midwinter break

Submit scholarship application

Help parents plan graduation

party

Prom!Less than 50

days until graduation

Attend registration

GRADUATION!

Send final high school transcript and shot records

I can’t believe I graduated

Receive financial aid package and

roommate information

Spend time with friends

and work over the summer

Do I have everything ready for college?

Say goodbye to friends

Move into the residence

hall and attend

orientation

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

FIRST WEEK OF COLLEGE

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NDSCS student job description

NOW YOU’RE A COLLEGE STUDENT

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.

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

Assignments• Complete assignments in a timely manner.

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

• 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.

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

Here are some things you might experience

THE RHYTHM OF COLLEGE LIFE

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

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

• 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

March

• 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

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FIRST ASSIGNMENT AS A COLLEGE STUDENT

Credit HoursCredit 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.

Academic YearAn 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.

SEMESTER LENGTH MONTHS

Fall 16 Weeks August – December

Spring 16 Weeks January – May

Summer 4 – 8 Weeks June - July

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

Managing your time

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MANAGING YOUR TIME

ITEM MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT SUN

SLEEP:

FAMILY & FRIENDS:

WORK HOURS:

PERSONAL TIME:

STUDYING:

TOTAL:

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

Hours in a week: 168

– Hours for class ____

= ____

remaining hours.

www.ndscs.edu

North Dakota State College of Science™ • 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.

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.

Courtesy of www.boxfreeconcepts.com

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NOTES

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ADVICE FROM STUDENTS TO STUDENTS

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

Nathan, Civil Engineering & Surveying TechnologyPelican Rapids, MN

“Get organized!!!”

Ashley, Dental HygieneWilliston, ND

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

Shavon, Liberal ArtsMilwaukee, WI

“Live on campus it’s fun… and the food is actually good.”

Tomi, Liberal ArtsBarnesville, MN

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask

for help from instructors.”

Kelsey, Dental HygieneFisher, MN “Go to events on

campus... it’s an awesome way

to meet people!”

Norris, Liberal ArtsSavannah, GA

“Take advantage of the campus jobs available.”

Cody, OTARedwood Falls, MN

NEW DIRECTIONS

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FACULTY QUOTES“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. ”

JIM ERDAHL

Why do you like teaching at NDSCS?

“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. ”

KRISTI JEAN

Why do you like teaching at NDSCS?

“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.”

CLINT GILBERTSON

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.”

JANE PASSA

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NEW DIRECTIONS