New
Student Orientation- If you have not attended a previous college or you are
planning to transfer to a university, then you will be asked to do a New
Student Orientation where you will be briefed on the college, the policies and
procedures, resources on campus and a walk through of your next steps. Some colleges offer this online, but an
in-person college orientation should be what you do to get a good feel for the
school.
College Counselor Meeting- After applying, taking your assessment tests and going through the college orientation, you will then be able to meet with a college counselor to discuss a student educational plan and your goals for school. This is where you will start your college career plan and map out what you will be taking each semester. Seeing a counselor early is a must to ensure college success. If you try to pick the classes you want based on what you like, you will be in for a big surprised. Speak to a trained adviser that can help you with your academic plan to make sure you are on the right course.
Class
Registration- After you get your class schedule from your counseling
appointment, you will now be able to register for classes. Each student has a specific registration
period. If you are new to the school,
you will have a later registration time than a returning student. But after a semester or two, you’ll start
getting that earlier registration time.
College Career Planning: “See your college counselor early and get the classes you need!”
From workplace To The Classroom: How To Adjust
It’s no secret that more working professionals are returning to school. Whether it’s to pursue a degree they’ve always been interested in, obtain a higher degree than the one they’ve got already or in the attempt to move up in their career by completing a certificate program, going back to the classroom environment after years of being in the workforce can be somewhat of a culture shock. However, there are ways to make this transition one that is less stressful and overwhelming.
Plan Properly
Instead of just jumping in and signing up for classes, it is better to use strategy when trying to squeeze a class schedule into your work schedule. Start from here. Evaluate your current job schedule and note what days and times you have available to attend classes. For example, professionals with traditional 9-5 jobs may want to look into night classes so that the two don’t conflict. Those that have work loads and projects that are not always consistent, may want to turn to online learning since this educational option allows students to complete their studies from anywhere that has a reliable Internet connection.
By blocking out days and time frames during the week to dedicate to school, it will be much easier when it comes time to choose your classes. You also should know how to improve your memory and study better.
Communicate With Your Boss
It’s always a good idea to let your boss and other superiors know that you plan on returning to school. In most cases, employers wholeheartedly support employees that are trying to better themselves, especially if the motivation is to acquire or brush up on skills related to their career. Some companies even offer tuition reimbursement or other incentives to encourage its employees to continue their education. It is best to discuss your plans with the higher ups before signing up for classes so that all the details can be ironed out before going through the effort of registering.
Don’t Give In to Intimidation
10 years ago the appearance of someone in their 30s, 40s, 50s and even beyond in a college classroom may have raised a few eyebrows but these days, the demographics of many college campuses are growing to include the influx of working professionals. Traditional students now include much older individuals, many of whom have more years of career training than the actual age of their classmates. Because of this new trend, there is no need to worry about getting strange looks or snickers from regular students. There is also no need to feel that you’re in competition with anyone you’re taking classes with. Make the effort to get to know the people you’re sitting next to. Not only can they help you learn how to be more comfortable with being back in the classroom, you’ll more than likely become someone they can turn to for advice as well.
Have a Support System
One of the most effective ways to adjust to going back to school is to have a strong support system in place. Individuals such as your family, best friends, coworkers and significant other are all great sources. Your support group should be comprised of people that understand your goals, are naturally positive and will keep you going, even when you don’t want to. Additionally, it helps to have one or two people in your support group that you can vent to about anything that’s bothering you.