1. Community College The Basics Kim Downey, Counselor

4. Community College Degree Options 1- or 2-Year Technical Degree or Certificate Gain technical skills in a specific area Get job in industry immediately after graduation Work on credits to transfer for a 4-year degree Goal = transfer to 4-year college or university General education classes Earn dual high school & college credit Expanded Options & Advanced Diploma programs

5. Certificates & Associates of Applied Science (AAS) What it is 1 or 2-year degree programs Learn technical skills specific to an occupation Very hands-on Complete necessary training & licensing for occupation Goal = job in industry immediately after graduation Examples Automotive Technology Culinary Arts Computer & Information Systems Dental Assisting Fire Science Nursing Veterinary Technician

6. Transfer Programs (AAOT or AS) What it is Associate’s degree General education courses & foundational courses for a specific subject area or university major Goal = transfer to 4-year university for bachelor’s degree or higher AAOT – Junior status @ OR public universities & some others AS – meets gen. ed. requirements, not guaranteed Junior status (engineering, science, business) OTM (Oregon Transfer Module) - First year gen. ed. Examples Anthropology Biological Sciences Engineering English/Literature Pre-Law Psychology Pre-Veterinary

7. Advanced Diploma & Expanded Options RPA pays for your student’s tuition, fees, and books at COCC! Same programs, slightly different paperwork Technically stay an RPA student, but are working toward a degree by taking COCC classes “Dual-enrolled” Receive RPA High School diploma @ end of 5 th year Can be finished with HS credits, or take classes @ RPA while also taking classes & earning credit @ COCC!

8. This is still College!! Advanced Diploma & Expanded Options are still COLLEGE!! The grades and completion rate you earn will impact your student’s college transcript FOREVER!! But, all the benefits of pursuing college still apply!

9. Pros and Cons of Community College Pros Cost is significantly less Avg. community college tuition = $4,500 U of O = $9,900 *financial aid applies to both Stay close to home (can be a Con as well…) Flexibility of scheduling Degree in 2 years Hands-on, practical training Cons Limitations of degree programs Limitations of course offerings Not all courses transfer Limitations of campus involvement Commuter campuses Sports/activites/clubs Lack of research Student population Different ages Different goals & priorities

10. Steps for Community College Next Year: 1. Contact your student’s Advisor 2. Encourage your student to attend COCC College 101 Dec. 12 th 9:00am – 2:00pm (RPA will take a bus!) 3. Fill out the FAFSA – beginning Jan. 1st Sometimes grants can offer more money than we can! 4. Attend Advanced Diploma Info. Night – Spring Term 5. Complete necessary paperwork with your student – Spring Term 6. Support your student in passing all classes this year and working toward graduation!

11. Questions?