Did you know that iMail is changing to Gmail? 

After June 1, 2013, iMail will no longer be available and all student emails will be sent using the new Los Rios Gmail. 

It is important to activate or upgrade your account because all official emails from the college will be sent to your Gmail account. 

This is also how you will receive messages from your college professors or from department programs.

It’s Week 16…the last week before you take your final exams and say “goodbye” to the Spring 2013 semester!

But, even though the semester will officially end, don’t throw away the contents of your backpack quite yet!

We know that you are excited for the upcoming summer break, but there a just a few more things you will want to do before you close out the semester…

1.  Hold off on throwing away your homework, exams, and class binder!  You don’t have to store these items for the next 5 years, but you may want to wait until your grades are officially posted on your transcript before you toss anything in the trash.  If, for some reason, there is a discrepancy with your grade (maybe the grade posted is not what you were expecting or you think that it may be a mistake), you will want to contact your professor to discuss this.  (Note:  Contact your professor immediately; don’t wait to discuss this a year later!)  It helps to have your previous assignments with you in case there is a question with your scores.

2. The Spring 2013 semester is over, but did you remember to enroll for Fall 2013?  If you haven’t registered for classes yet, you need to do so right now at this moment…or at least when your enrollment date comes up!  Hopefully, your new schedule will include important classes - like Math and English – along with other GE and/or major courses.  It helps if you have already met with a counselor to discuss your educational goals and your future classes.  If not, don’t hesitate any longer…but, please be patient if you find that the Counseling Office is abuzz with students.  They are probably there to do the same thing as you!

3.  Pay your tuition.  So, you’ve enrolled in classes already and you have a schedule that perfectly fits your work and family responsibilities…but, if you haven’t paid your tuition within 14 days, you will be dropped.  (If you qualify for a fee waiver, your tuition is covered.)  But, getting dropped from your classes isn’t even the bad part of it all…trying to get back into those same classes is what’s going to be tough!

4.  Before the next semester begins (you know when that is, right?), log onto eServices again.  Sometimes things may change:  there is a new location for a class, a professor has been assigned where it previously read “TBA,” or there is an orientation date for an online class that you must attend.  Check your schedule to make sure that there are no surprises or big changes.  (And, in case you didn’t know, the Fall 2013 semester officially begins on August 24, 2013.)

5.  Return your library books, pay your fines, and take care of your holds.  If you think you owe a balance or may be on dismissal status, you can log onto eServices to find out what needs to be cleared.  Try to take care of this before Fall 2013 begins so that you are off to a smooth start.  In some cases, like a “dismissal” hold, there are important deadlines and instructions to follow.

6.  Follow-up with financial aid if needed.  The best way to do this is to log onto “My City Aid” and to check your status.  If any questions or concerns arise, then contact or visit the Financial Aid office on campus.  Also, if there are documents or forms that you need to complete, then get this done as soon as possible.

and lastly…

7.  Give yourself a pat on the back for completing your first semester of college!  As you prepare for the next semester, think back on this experience and ask yourself what you want to do differently, what your goals are for Fall 2013, and what you have learned about yourself.  Even if the semester didn’t go as smoothly as you wanted or the transition from high school was a difficult one, be proud of yourself for making this important decision to attend college.  We want you to return to SCC with new motivation, confidence, and focus to achieve your goals!

GREAT JOB!  :)

NOTE:  Throughout the summer months, the campus will remain open!  That means that staff from Counseling, Business Services, Orientation, Financial Aid, EOPS, RISE, DRC, and Admissions will be available to help students.  Just make sure to check if there are any changes with the times (opening and closing of each department).

During this time of the semester, the Counseling Department is one of the most happening places on campus!  Even before the doors open, there is already a line of students waiting to meet with a counselor and, unfortunately, not everyone can be seen immediately.

Here are some tips on meeting with a counselor:

How can I meet with a counselor…

All students must sign in for a “quick question” meeting with a counselor.  The “quick question” meeting allows for 15-20 minutes to briefly review general education courses, major requirements, transfer information, and/or planning classes for the next semester.

During the “quick question” meeting, a counselor can also assist you with various forms (including Financial Aid, Student Petition, Excess Units, and/or Academic Renewal). 

…but I want an appointment…

Counseling appointments (30 minutes) are limited during this busy time. Those are reserved for continuing students who require extended academic planning, specific program planners, or for students who need an evaluation of transcripts from outside of the Los Rios Community College District. 

If you have already met with a counselor during a “quick question” and it is determined that more time is needed then an appointment can be made.

…and why is the line so long?!?!

It’s enrollment time!  During the enrollment period, the sign-in list for a “quick question” meeting fills up quickly in the morning.  If you come in the afternoon, there is a great chance that the sign-in list will be full.  If this happens, you will need to return another day to meet with a counselor.

Will the counselor complete an iSEP (individual Student Education Plan) with me?

During the “quick question” meeting, a counselor can assist with a one-semester iSEP to assist with course selections.  If a full iSEP is needed, the counselor can schedule an appointment for a future date.

Where should I wait if I am on the ”quick question” list?

If your name is on the “quick question” list, there is a specific time in which you will be seen.  For example, your time slot may be 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and you may be 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd on that list.  It’s okay if you decide to leave, but it will be important to return to the Counseling seating area BEFORE your time slot comes up.  If we call your name and you are not there, we will go to the next person on the list and there is a chance that you will need to reschedule.  As you wait in the seating area, make sure to listen for your name and let the counselor know immediately that you are here.

What should I do if I have an appointment?

It’s always a good idea to check in at the front desk so that we know you are here.  Afterwards, please wait in the seating area for your name to be called…don’t leave!  Make every attempt to arrive before your scheduled appointment so that you have time to find a parking spot and to locate the Counseling Office.  If you are late 7 minutes, there is a chance that you will not be seen and will have to reschedule.

What should I bring with me?

If you have attended a college or university outside of the Los Rios Community College District, it will be important to bring those transcripts with you.  You may have already completed general education or major-related courses, so we do not want you to repeat courses that are unnecessary!  Also, if you have successfully completed any math or English courses from another college or university, we can assist you in the next sequence of courses to take.

Also, bring all completed documents that requires a counselor’s signature.  For example, if you are requesting to take excess units for the Fall semester, complete the form BEFORE you meet with a counselor.  Other forms that require a counselor’s signature include:  Financial Aid Consortium, Academic Renewal, Re-Assessment slips, and Dismissal forms.  All of these forms can be found online under “Admission and Enrollment Forms” and/or “Financial Aid.”

What if this is a follow-up?

If you have previously met with a counselor and have reviewed the general education pattern, have had an outside transcript evaluated, or have documents that were given to you (such as a printout from the “ASSIST” website), BRING THEM ALL WITH YOU.  This will save time with your appointment or quick-question meeting so that you will not have to go through the same information twice.  Keep all of these important documents in a folder!

Do I need to take the assessment test?

If you are new to college, complete all assessment tests before meeting with a counselor.  (Don’t forget that an essay may be required for English placement.)  If your placement results are over two years old and you have not successfully completed an English or math course, you will need to retake the assessment tests.

Be aware that it will take approximately 3-4 days AFTER you complete the English essay to receive the results.  It is helpful to wait until your result is available so that a counselor can review the sequence of courses with you and make appropriate recommendations for general education and major courses.

What is going to happen during my counseling appointment?

You requested this appointment so we want YOU to let us know how we can assist you!  And, be specific as to what kind of help you need so that we can give you as much information as possible.  For example, if your goal is to graduate AND to transfer, let us know that you want to do both because there are different requirements for each goal.  Many students don’t realize that receiving an Associate Degree does not necessarily mean that you are ready to transfer to a university.  There will be additional courses to take, specifically with math and English.

Other helpful tips:

• Before you wait in line, make sure that you are at the right place.  There are times when you may not need to see a counselor, but, rather, go to a different department such as Financial Aid or Admissions.  You can also find your iSEP on eServices.

• Do not wait until your enrollment date comes up to meet with a counselor.  Counseling services are available throughout the entire semester.

• Don’t forget that there are other counselors on campus who can assist you.  For example, if you are a participant in RISE, DRC, EOPS, or CalWORKs, there are counseling services available within that program.

• The “quick question” meeting (15-20 minutes) goes by quickly, so focus on what your immediate needs are. 

• If you have received correspondence from the Admissions Office, Financial Aid, or other departments on campus, bring those with you.  We can better assist you if we are aware of the situation.

• If your designated time slot is coming up, don’t leave the seating area.  If you go down the hallway, outside in the quad, to your car, or to another building, you will not hear your name be called and you may be skipped.  (And take off your earbuds so that your music doesn’t distract you!)

The workshops at the Freshmen Welcome focus on strategies for college success – including study skills, motivation, and time management.  Click here to read the workshop descriptions.

Getting started at Sacramento City College!
by: scc411

The Counseling Department is on Facebook!  Log onto Facebook and “like” us at www.facebook.com/SCCCounseling to receive important information and updates.

Also, there is a Facebook group just for new students!  This is a chance to meet other students who are new to college and to share your exciting experiences.  Click here to view the page and request to join the group!