ORIENTATION TO COLLEGE

International Students

Diablo Valley CollegePleasant Hill, California, USA

AGENDA

Orientation to DVC (things you need to know to become a successful student

)

Important Policies

Discussion on certificate, associate degree, and transfer requirements

TERMS TO KNOW

Unit

Lower Division (0XX, 1XX, 2XX)/Upper Division (3XX, 4XX)

Prerequisites/Co-requisites

G.E.- General Education

Major Preparation

Articulation Agreements

P/NP (Pass/No Pass)

Web Advisor (online class registration)

Web CT (for online classes)

Student Choice (SC) grade option

Assessment

HOW IS COLLEGE DIFFERENT FROM HIGH SCHOOL?

You determine your own academic schedule and manage your own time.

You are responsible for finding out about deadlines, graduation and transfer requirements, and for tracking your own progress.

Plan on spending 2-3 study hours outside of class for every hour you spend in class (e.g. if you take 15 units, you will be in class about 15 hours per week; add another 30-45 hours per week for study outside of class, for a total of 45-60 hours per week for school).

Counseling visits are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged at least once per semester. Call or visit the Counseling Center to set up an appointment with the International Student Counselor: 925-685-1230, extension 2276/2278.

U.S. POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

AA/AS Freshman/Sophomore

60 Units

Certificate 12 – 30 Units

BA/BS Junior/Senior60-80 Unitsafter transfer

MA/MS 2+ Years60-90 Units

Ed.D/Ph.D/ Normally requires Professional School 3-5 years of

full-time work after MA /MS

CONTRA COSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

Contra Costa College (CCC) Los Medanos College (LMC) Diablo Valley College (DVC) &

San Ramon Campus (SRC)

DVC Off-Campus Locations: CSU East Bay Contra Costa Campus (CSUEB) Semester Abroad Programs in:

London, Florence, Paris, Madrid, and more!F-1 international students may take units at

LMC or CCC without prior permission, but they must take at least 6 units at DVC/SRC and be enrolled in a total of at least 12 units.

CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE

SAN RAMON CAMPUS

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

DVC: BASIC INFORMATION

Calendar

o DVC uses the Semester system (Fall & Spring Semester)

o Each semester is 18 weeks in length

o Day, evening, weekend, late-starting, and online courses available (F-1

students: Only one online class if taking only 12 units; cannot take all

night classes)

o Summer sessions are condensed (3-, 6-, or 7-weeks long) Schedule of Classes (published each term, available online)

Contains:

o List of classes offered for a specific term (i.e. Spring 2010)

o Calendar of important deadlines; pay attention to these!

o Registration information

DVC: BASIC INFORMATION – CON’T

Important Dates

• 1st day of instruction (If you do not attend, you might be dropped!)

• Last day to “add” a course

• Last day to drop for a full refund

• Last day to drop a course without it appearing on your transcript

• Pass/No Pass deadline

• Last day to withdraw from a course and receive “W” grade

• Final exam schedule

• Application deadline for certificate and/or associate degree

DVC: BASIC INFORMATION – CON’T

Catalog (published once a year, also online version)Contains:

o course descriptions for all DVC courseso regulations, policies, and procedureso certificate, degree, and transfer General Education

requirementso services available to studentso Information on extracurricular activitieso list of DVC facultyo college calendar

WHERE TO GET HELP

Counseling Center, across from the LibraryAcademic, Career, Personal Counseling

International Student Admissions & Services, 210 Student Services BuildingSupport and immigration advising for F-1 students

DSS – Disability Support Services, 2nd floor Student Services Building Students with Disabilities Permanent or Temporary Learning Skills Classes Accommodations per ADA

Career & Employment Services, 1st floor Student Services Building Cooperative Education Volunteer Opportunities Job Search Strategies

WHERE TO GET HELP

Transfer Center, in the Counseling Center Assessment Center, 1st floor Student Services

Building

Scholarship Office, 1st floor Student Services Building

The Learning Center - Math Lab, across from the

Counseling Center

English Writing Lab, in the Learning Center

Computer Center, 1st floor of the Library

Tutoring Center, in the Learning Center and the 1st

floor of the Library

STRATEGIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Take advantage of student services, especially counseling

Know how to select courses and manage time (consider taking

COUN-120, Student Success; it is transferable to UC and

CSU)

Get to know your instructors (office hours)

Be an active learner in class: Sit near the front, take good

notes, ask questions

Use the Library and the Learning Center

Get to know other students; joining a student club is a good

way to do this!

HOW MUCH IS DVC GOING TO COST?

Enrollment -- $215/unit for non-residents

Student Union -- $1/unit ($10 max/year)

Books (expect to pay several hundred dollars per semester)

Materials fees (for some classes)

Other fees:

Parking (if applicable)

Student Activity Card (optional) $7

International Student Health Insurance (see ISAS for

details)

ALL FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT

NOTICE! Check the DVC website for current

information on fees.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Major-Related Courses Only

Related to Particular Occupational Skill

See DVC Catalog & Addendum for required courses, or…

DVC Website (under Degrees/Certificates)

CSU – CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: 60 CSU transferable units (minimum) 2.40 GPA minimum, higher GPA needed for some majors and

colleges Complete All of Area A & Area B-4; must be “C” or higher each

class Summer limitations for some CSU’s American History & Institutions Requirement

“double count” with Area C or D Strongly advised to complete all lower division major preparation

courses Complete 39 unit GE pattern Some CSU’s have special requirements Some majors (i.e. Nursing) have additional admissions requirements Many popular programs are impacted, i.e. there are more applicants

than the department can accommodate See www.csumentor.edu for more information

UC – UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: 60 UC transferable units (minimum) GPA of 2.8; a higher GPA will be needed for certain universities

& majors Complete work with “C” or better in:

- English 122 and 2nd English composition course- Transferable Math course- 4 additional transferable courses from at least 2 areas (Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences)

UC ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Complete IGETC only for low-unit majors Majors in Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, and

the Sciences need to see a counselor right away for academic planning

Strongly advised to complete all lower division major preparation courses

See http://uctransfer.universityofcalifornia.edu for more information

IGETC – INTERSEGMENTAL GENERAL EDUCATION TRANSFER CURRICULUM

General Education Pattern for UC and CSU UC: Some Restrictions (Check page 4 of form) Need minimum 60 transferable units Complete prior to transfer (otherwise, you will

face problems) Complete IGETC only for low-unit majors (see

page 4 of form for programs that do not accept or recommend IGETC)

Majors in Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Business and the Sciences (high unit majors) need to see a counselor as soon as possible for academic planning

INDEPENDENT (PRIVATE) & OUT-OF-STATE UNIVERSITIES

DVC has limited articulation with some private universities

in California, and no articulation agreements with out-of-

state universities

Private campuses vary in size

Typically, private institutions have smaller class sizes than

CSU & UC

Private institutions costs average about $30,000 + per year Scholarships might be available for international students at

private universities Learn more at www.aiccumentor.org or

www.collegesource.org

ASSOCIATE DEGREE (AA/AS)

Basic Degree Requirements: Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 60 units of degree applicable

coursework Overall GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework At least 12 units of degree-applicable coursework earned at DVC

General Education Requirements Option 1: DVC GE Requirements Option 2: IGETC GE Transfer Curriculum Option 3: CSU GE Requirements All three options also require American Institutions, Ecology of Human Health,

and Physical Education

Major/Area of Emphasis Requirement Completion of courses listed as the major area of emphasis Consult the DVC catalog or website for details

Link to other Bay Area Community College Programs: www.bacareerguide.org

IDEAS FOR CHOOSING A MAJOR

Create a list of potential majors

Review course descriptions for each major (see

www.assist.org for CSU and UC majors)

Find out the careers/jobs related to the majorEnroll in introductory courses in potential majors (e.g. ENGIN 110 Intro to Engineering; SOCIO 120 Intro to Sociology, BUS 109 Intro to Business)

Useful Websites to Explore Majors:www.assist.org/ www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/majorSearch.asponline.onetcenter.org

TIPS ABOUT TRANSFERRING

Plan ahead -- if possible know your major and where you want to transfer

before you begin at DVC. Keep records. Have your own set of transcripts and exam scores from high

school and college; keep copies of all of your DVC syllabuses.

Find out the requirements for General Education and major preparation.

Check the Transfer Center for workshops, visits by university

representatives, etc.

Meet with a counselor regularly -- we recommend once a semester.

Pay attention to details -- especially deadlines. Participate in Transfer Admission Guarantee programs: UC Davis, Irvine,

Santa Barbara, Merced, and Santa Cruz allow F-1 international students to use TAG. Some restrictions may apply; see a counselor for further information.

REACHING YOUR EDUCATIONAL GOAL

12 Units = full time status One unit = two hours of study time (or

more, depending on the class, your level of proficiency/knowledge, etc.)

Quality, not Quantity will help you reach your goal

REMEMBER: F-1 international students must COMPLETE at least 12 units each semester to remain in legal immigration status.

ASSESSMENT RESULTS

You must take Math and English assessment tests before enrolling in any DVC Math or English class.

Selecting Your First English Course Prerequisite: ENGL 116 and 118 for ENGL 122, or

appropriate score on the DVC English assessment. Select English classes appropriate for you according to

your assessment results. You may take the English assessment twice per semester.

Mathematics Course (see flowchart in Schedule of Classes) Prerequisite: Check the DVC catalog/course description. Admissions & Records - High School Transcripts/Exam

scores for Prerequisite Waiver requests. Select Math courses appropriate for your academic goal.

OVERVIEW: SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

Section Numbers:Identifies individual coursesOff-campus locations (SRC, CSUEB)

10 Minutes between Classes▪ Unit Value Varies (most classes 3-5 units) 19 units Maximum at Registration without permission

from Dean of Counseling; may ask permission to take more AFTER first semester’s grades have posted on your transcript.

See online Schedule at www.dvc.edu/schedule

HOW TO READ THE SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

CHEM-120 General College Chemistry - (LR) - 5 Units

Prereq:CHEM 108 or appropriate chemistry skill level demonstrated through Chemistry Diagnostic Test or equivalent; MATH 120 or appropriate placement through Math assessment process or equivalent.

Recom: Eligibility for Engl 122. Note: Calculator used in this course

2563 MW 9:30-10:45am PS 275 Cruise, T. 8/18 – 12/15 MW 11:00-1:50pm PS 205

Grade Code:LR = only letter grades will be assignedP/NP = only pass/no pass grades will be assignedSC = either credit/no credit or a letter grade will be assigned you will

have to decide what you want before the sixth week of the term and submit forms for P/NP option to Admissions

WHAT TO CONSIDERWHEN BUILDING A SCHEDULE

F-1 international students must complete at least 12 units each semester.

Classes to Choose: English Math Major and/or General Education Personal Interest/Fun Classes

Other Choices Career 110 - Career & Life Planning Career 130– Career & Major Exploration Counseling 120 - Student Success Counseling 130 - Ensuring Transfer Success

What to do if classes are full? Late Add Codes/Schedule Request Form

Remember to have alternative courses, days/times as “back up” choices

HOW TO USE WEBADVISOR TO SEARCH AND REGISTER FOR CLASSES

FIRST-TIME LOG-IN TO WEBADVISOR

UserID: First initial of first name + full last or family name + last three digits of DVC ID number.

Example: Bradd Pitt, DVC ID number 1990700, would log-in as bpitt700.

Password: First-time log-in would be your birthdate in mmddyy format.

Example: If Bradd Pitt was born on January 1, 1970, his password would be 010170.

Bradd

Scroll down

Tells you when you can register for classes.

Click here to search for open classes.

Click here to register for classes on your worksheet or drop a class for which you have already registered.

Some courses have a waitlist. If the class is full, but the waitlist is open, you can add your name to the waitlist and get first come, first served priority for any seats that might open up in the class. Not all classes have waitlists!

Also available in the “Register for Sections” link above.

Click here to search for open classes.

Bradd Pitt, 1190700

bpitt@dvc.edu 925-555-1212 123 Easy St. Hollywood, CA

Transfer

Click here if you do not need to change any of your personal information below.

Choose this option to start a search for classes and to register for open classes.

Select “DVC” from the drop-down menu list.

Select the appropriate term from the drop-down menu.

Select the appropriate Subject/Department from the drop-down menu. You can also fill in the Course Number and Section Number, if you know it. Or, leave those blank and search all of the courses in that department. NOTE: The next screen may show only a limited number of courses in the department, so providing at least the Course Number will help you limit your search.

Scroll down and click on “Submit.”

Notice this message. There were too many courses to display all of them.

Notice this message. There were too many courses to display all of them.

This number shows the actual number of seats available in the class.

Notice this message. There were too many courses to display all of them.This number shows the maximum number of students allowed in the class.

Notice this message. There were too many courses to display all of them.This number shows how many students are on the waitlist, IF the class has a waitlist.

Check the box of the class for which you would like to register, then…

…scroll down and click “Submit.”

Select “Register” from the “Action for ALL” menu, or…

Select “Register” from the Action menu of the class for which you want to register, then…

…scroll down and click “Submit.”

NEXT STEPS

1. Complete Student Education Plan for Upcoming Term2. Materials Needed:

Assessment Results (only available after you arrive at DVC and take the assessment tests for English and Math, and Chemistry if applicable)

Schedule of Classes (available online at http://www.dvc.edu/org/info/schedules/)

Major articulation agreement (see http://www.assist.org for CSU and UC agreements)

General education requirements (available at http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/forms.htm, at the bottom of the page under “Curriculum and Transfer Guides”)

Create a worksheet to help you schedule classes with no time overlap

Remember to check for course prerequisites/co-requisites

in the DVC catalog.

ADVISING

Once you’ve completed your Student Education Plan: Sign up for classes on WebAdvisor as soon as you are

allowed, or go to the class if it has already begun. Take a Schedule Request form with you.

Visit the DVC Bookstore for textbook information. Review important dates in the Schedule of Classes.

FINAL COMMENTS… After you begin your classes, make an appointment with the

international counselor for long-term educational planning.

Welcome to DVC…

DVC Counselors