Don't get left in the cold - Winter registration is next week

Winter registration for continuing (degree-seeking) students starts next week (November 26th through 30th).  Your  specific date and time is based on the number of earned credits you have at COCC.  Those who are nearing graduation will be closer to the beginning of the week, while those who are finishing up their first term, will be at the end of the week.  To find out your specific date and time, log in to your Bobcat account and check the "Can I Register" page.  Remember advising is required prior to registration each term.  If you haven't met with your advisor, schedule an appointment this week, or your advising hold will stop you from registering for classes. 

Remember - the college is closed Nov. 22nd and 23rd for Thanksgiving.  If your advisor is unavailable this week, contact the CAP center at 541-383-7200 or plan to wait in line at drop-in advising in the CAP center on Monday, November 26th.  Drop-in advising is first-come, first-serve from 9-4:30 in the Bend and Redmond campuses.

College Success and Beyond

I specialize in advising "exploratory," "undecided," and new/transfer students.  A large number of students I meet with are first-time, and in many cases, first-generation college students.  First-generation college students are the first in their family to go to college.  Often they have no frame of reference when it comes to college, having no immediate family members to discuss college do's and don'ts.  They often feel  a combination of excitement, fear, depression, confusion and anxiety all in the same term (maybe in the same day).  The first term (to three terms) can be difficult. 

Its important to remember, college can be similar to traveling in a foreign country.  You are learning a new language (terminology and acronyms), learning your way around and how to survive, meeting new people, and navigating rules/policies.  This, combined with the rigors of studying, deadlines and balancing home life can leave you feeling vulnerable and isolated.

If this is you, consider discussing with an academic advisor.  They may refer you to free college resources, help you decipher complex policies/procedures, and or help you problem-solve and take steps to alleviate some of the pressure. 

Also, consider taking a College Success class (course number HD 100CS).  This is a credited college course, designed to help you succeed in this new environment.  Most students report they are far more confident about their ability to succeed in college after taking the class.  This course also provides an opportunity to increase informal support networks (by making friends with students who are also new or fairly new), learn resources available to you, and identify skills needed to succeed far beyond college.

Hope this helps a little.

How to start college; attend free event with pizza and prizes

Are you thinking about going to college?  Join us on Nov. 14 from 6:30pm to 9pm in the Campus Center on COCC's Bend Campus for College night in Oregon.  At this free event, you will learn about college admissions, the financial aid process, scholarships and other college-related topics.   Free pizza and a chance to win a $500 dollar scholarship. Visit the College Night website for more information.