family guide to college success...career center on the gila river indian reservation. nearly 300...
TRANSCRIPT
Page 1
Family Guide to
College Success
TRIO Student Support Services
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education
Page 2
Table of Contents
Central Arizona College Mission Statement ............................................3
Vision and Values ......................................................................................3
Letter from the President of Central Arizona College. ............................4
Central Arizona College Governing Board ...............................................5
Administration ..........................................................................................5
Short History of Central Arizona College .................................................6
Central Arizona College: An Overview .....................................................7
How to Help a Family Member to be Successful in College ....................9
Academic Overview .................................................................................10
Degrees and Certificates .........................................................................11
Support Services for Students.................................................................12
TRIO Student Support Services .............................................................14
TRIO Peer Mentors....................................................................................15
TRIO SSS Staff ........................................................................................17
Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................18
College Vocabulary and Terms ...............................................................21
Academic Calendar..................................................................................22
Tuition and Fees .....................................................................................23
Estimated Cost of Attendance for Arizona Resident ..............................24
Residence Life Fees .................................................................................24
Estimated Cost of Attendance for Non-resident.....................................25
Campus Directory....................................................................................26
Page 3
Central Arizona College
MISSION Central Arizona College engages our diverse
communities in quality learning experiences for lifelong
success by providing accessible educational, economic,
cultural, and personal growth opportunities.
VISION Central Arizona College is the leader of innovative
learner success and the center for educational
opportunities in our diverse communities.
VALUES Accountability
Community Diversity
Excellence Innovation
People Respect
Student Learning
Page 4
A Letter from the President of Central Arizona College
Dear Family Members:
It is with pleasure that I welcome you to Central Arizona
College. Families are a great source of support and encouragement
to college students. We recognize the value of your contribution to
the college experience and we are here to encourage you and your
student.
The transition to college is often confusing for students and their families. The
college language is new, student-responsibilities increase, and relationships change.
It is important to understand how these changes take place and what you might do
to help.
This Family Guide assists you with the change process. It lists the Academic
Calendar, a list of college terms, and the names of College staff members who may
assist you. The Guide contains information to answer questions or to direct students
to the appropriate office for service.
Central Arizona College engages our diverse communities in quality learning
experiences for lifelong success. The College mission is achieved through the Student
Success program.
In closing, I am delighted to welcome you as the newest members of the CAC
community. May this be the beginning of a wonderful experience for you and your
student. I look forward to meeting you since you too are a valuable part of student
success.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jacquelyn Elliott, Ed.D.
President and CEO of Central Arizona College
Page 5
2015-2016 Central Arizona College
Governing Board
PRESIDENT
Gladys
Christensen
MEMBERS
Rick Gibson
Dennis Miller
Rita Nader
Dr. Debra Banks
Jack Yarrington
Administration
President & CEO
Dr. Jacquelyn Elliott, Ed.D.
Vice President of College Affairs
Dr. James Moore
Executive Director II Human Resources
Brandi Clark
Vice President of Business Affairs
Christopher Wodka
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Mary Gilliland
Page 6
A Short History of Central Arizona College
July 1, 1961, was a historic day for Arizona’s education.
The Arizona Legislature passed a bill that permitted
counties with the necessary assessed valuation and
potential numbers of students to form junior college
districts. Senator E. Blodwin Thode, from Casa Grande in
Pinal County introduced the measure. On December 17,
1961, Pinal County voted affirmatively to organize a
Junior College District.
As the bill prescribed, Superintendent Mary C. O’Brien
appointed 5 citizens to make up the original Pinal County
Junior College District Governing Board. Charter
appointees were: Claude C. Compton of Casa Grande; C.
Leroy Hoyt of Kearny; Paul Pearce of Eloy; Dr. Leslie A.
Wakefield of Florence and Dr. G. H. Walker of Coolidge.
Lee Be Dillon of Casa Grande was appointed by Governor
Paul Fanning to serve as the first Pinal County
representative on the Arizona State Board of Directors for
Junior Colleges.
Selection of a site for the new college was the primary
order of business at early board meetings. In May 1962,
Mrs. Julian Woodruff offered 80 acres in the Lake of the
Desert area near Signal Peak.
“Paramount in the philosophy of the
‘Open Door’ community college, is the
obligation to provide for the educational
needs of all people in the county above
high school age, regardless of their
educational level.”
Dr. Don P. Pence, first CAC president
The words the Arizona Republic used to describe CAC
when it opened the Signal Peak Campus in the fall of
1969, “Resembling an Arizona guest ranch, the informal
atmosphere of Central Arizona College provides a unique
setting for the pursuit of knowledge.”
The college started with nine buildings. The dorms were
barely finished when the governing board approved
construction of additional housing. A flood of applicants
required students to bunk three in a room. For the
inconvenience, rent was dropped from $35 a month down
to $25. Additional dorm units were completed by
September 1970.
Central Arizona College Board approved a seal for the
college, designed by William Hudson, Dean of Student
Affairs for the college. The center of the gold seal contains
the seal of Pinal County which represents mining. Below
this a saguaro cactus and a cotton plant are depicted. The
entire design is surrounded by the Pima sun symbol. The
gold center rests on a green background, representative of
the school colors. The college seal was drawn and
produced by Don Ratz, CAC Art Instructor.
Approximately 1,000 full-time and part-time students
registered for classes at the new Signal Peak Campus.
It didn’t take long for CAC to expand into other service
areas. In September of 1970, CAC finished a $1 million
Career Center on the Gila River Indian Reservation.
Nearly 300 Pima and Maricopa Indians signed up for
classes. CAC turned over the career center to the Indian
Community during the 1991-92 fiscal year.
The Nursing Department celebrated another first on May
22, 1970 when 14 student nurses graduated at the Signal
Peak Campus. On May 31, 1970, the first class of 25
charter graduates received Associate Degrees.
Constructed in the early 1970's, the Aravaipa Campus is
located north of Tucson along Highway 77 in eastern
Pinal County at the entrance to the Aravaipa Canyon.
This campus serves communities such as Hayden,
Kearny, Mammoth, Saddlebrook, San Manuel, Oracle,
and Winkelman with comprehensive community college
programs and services.
The Superstition Mountain Campus was first established
as an education center, and has developed into a full-
fledged campus in Apache Junction. CAC is committed to
continued development in this major growth area, which
lies on the eastern edge of metro Phoenix.
Central Arizona College is now comprised of 10 campuses
and centers across Pinal County, serving over 7,000
students per semester. With new, comprehensive
campuses opened in Maricopa and San Tan Valley in
2013 and 2014, Central Arizona College is poised for
growth and is expanding opportunities for lifelong
learning throughout Pinal County.
Page 7
Central Arizona College: An Overview
Academic Calendar Central Arizona College is on the semester
system with Fall and Spring semesters.
Each semester has 16 weeks plus one week
for final examinations. Two summer
sessions are offered in June and July of
each year. Summer courses are five or
eight weeks in length.
Faculty CAC’s faculty consists of professors with
Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Many have
real world experience in addition to their
educational attainment. Every year, a
number of CAC professors receive honors
for their teaching excellence. The National
Institute for Staff and Organizational
Development at the University of Texas in
Austin celebrates the teaching excellence of
our faculty.
Faculty actively promote the educational
experience of students. In addition to
traditional lectures, faculty use technology
as a supplemental means of instruction.
Distance learning, multi-media
presentations, and the Internet provide
new ways of learning for students. The
faculty provide support in and out of the
classroom. All professors have office hours
during which students are encouraged to
sit and interact with their instructors.
Athletics Athletic teams include men’s and women’s
basketball, track, cross-country, rodeo,
baseball, softball and volleyball. Athletes
balance a schedule of coursework, practice,
competition, college life and more. Students
can contact the Athletic Department (520)
494-5300 for additional information
about participation in college athletics.
Residence Life Students can live on-campus at the Signal
Peak Campus. Residence halls provide a
unique living and learning environment.
Living on campus allows the student to
maintain a concentrated focus on academic
coursework and personal growth through
on-campus involvement. Students have
access to computer labs, lounges, laundry
facilities, and telephone/internet access and
free Wi-Fi in each room.
The director, assistant director, professional
residence life staff and Resident Student
Leaders (RSL’s) are available 24 hours a
day. RSL’s develop and provide residence
life programming and social activities for
students. RSL leadership opportunities are
available for interested students. For more
information please contact (520)494-5470.
Page 8
Central Arizona College: An Overview
Commuter Students Many students live at home and choose to
commute to campus from surrounding
areas. Campus services are open extended
hours in addition to being available online
for all students. Commuter students
should make an effort to attend events
and programs on campus or at the
campus centers to meet other students
and to feel a part of the college. The
Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART)
is accessible to students—for more
information please call (520) 723-7195 or
access the CART Bus routes and
Schedules at www.coolidgeaz.com.
Students and their Families Parents and families should encourage
students to use student resources and
academic support. These services help
students to succeed in college.
It is important for parents to discuss
changing roles and expectations. College is
very different from high school. Students
may have a more difficult academic
program and many other new
responsibilities to juggle.
As a supportive family member, you may
need to adjust to your student’s new
schedule and needs. Supporting your
student will help ease the transition to
college for the whole family.
First generation college students should be
proud of their accomplishments. However,
students may experience a great amount of
stress as well. The pressure to succeed can
be difficult at times. Encourage your
student to meet with their faculty and
staff mentors for tips on minimizing stress
and managing their time efficiently.
Students may experience increased
independence, many time commitments,
and need family support. Communicate
with your student about their college
experiences and individual needs. Your
support is vital to their success.
Page 9
How to Help a Family Member to be Successful in College
We were born to succeed, not to fail. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Success does not happen by accident. There are choices that students make to contribute to
the outcome. Survival in the first semester of college is a challenge. Students must prioritize
tasks, manage stress, learn to adapt to the college culture, and understand expectations.
Students need support and encouragement from family and friends as they start.
Family and friends give important support. You can help students to:
accept personal responsibility for the outcomes and quality of their
lives.
discover a motivating purpose with personally meaningful goals and
dreams.
consistently plan and take effective actions to pursue their goals and
dreams.
build mutually supportive relationships that assist them in pursuing
their goals and dreams.
gain heightened self-awareness by developing empowering beliefs,
attitudes, and behaviors that will keep them on course.
become lifelong learners by finding valuable lessons in nearly every
experience they have.
develop emotional maturity, characterized by optimism, happiness,
and peace of mind.
believe in themselves by feeling capable, lovable, and unconditionally
worthy as human beings.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated
day in and day out.” ~ Robert Collier
Reference Source "On course: Strategies for creating success in college and in life" by Skip Downing, Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston, 1998.
Page 10
An Academic Overview
Placement Testing Every new student must complete the
college placement tests in reading, writing,
and mathematics. Assessment scores will
assist mentors in helping students choose
courses that are appropriate. Depending on
test score results, students may be
required to take classes to help prepare
them for college level coursework. Reading Requirement All students must be able to read college
level textbooks. Students fulfill this
requirement if their score on the placement
tests suggests that they have met the
reading requirement, or by completing
College Reading (RDG094)* and earning a
“C” or better.
*Appropriate placement testing or
completion of RDG090 and RDG091with a
grade of C or better are required to register
for RDG094.
Academic Progress Satisfactory academic progress means
students must maintain a “C” average (2.0
Grade Point Average). Academic
probation/suspension is a system of
monitoring students who are not making
satisfactory progress in their courses.
Students with 12 or more semester credit
hours and a cumulative grade point average
of less than 2.0 are placed on academic
probation. Students must meet with an
academic advisor in order to register for
courses and will remain on probation until
their GPA rises above 2.0 and they are
making satisfactory academic progress. If a
student falls below 2.00 two consecutive
semesters in a row, they will go from
academic probation to academic suspension
and be required to sit out a semester.
Progress Reports TRIO Student Support Services
participants will receive progress reports
from each of their instructors three times
per semester. Mentors will contact each
student to update them on their progress in
each of their classes.
Withdrawal From College If the need arises to drop a course it is the
responsibility of the student to meet with a
TRIO advisor or mentor and discuss
options. Drop/Add and Withdrawal forms
are available in the testing and advising
area or at the Registrar’s Office. Students
who stop attending classes without
properly dropping may earn the grade of
(F). 100% refunds are made only if the
course is dropped before the first class
meeting. Once the class begins 90% refunds
are provided during the drop/add period
only (generally the first week of classes).
No refunds are available after the drop/add
period has ended.
The Grading System
A student’s final grade in a course is
based on the instructor’s evaluation of
his or her achievement. The following
scale is applied to all grades and are
reflected on the student transcript.
A (4 points) Excellent work
B (3 points) Good work
C (2 points) Average work
D (1 point) Below Average work
F (0 points) Failing work
I Incomplete
W Withdrawal
AU Audit
CR Credit
NC No Credit
S Satisfactory
U Unsatisfactory
Page 11
Degrees and Certificates
At Central Arizona College (CAC) students have
many choices to complete their education.
Degrees and certificates are offered in several
areas. An Associate’s Degree generally takes two
to three years to complete. The AA, AS, AAEE,
and AB degrees are designed to prepare students
to transfer to a university. CAC also has degree
and certificate programs to provide the skills
necessary to enter the workforce.
Degree and Program Requirements
General Education General Education includes written
communications, oral communications, art and
humanities, social and behavioral sciences and
biological or physical lab sciences. In each area
there are several courses in which to choose. Some
courses require the completion of prerequisites.
College Requirements The college requires certain courses for the various
degrees. All students must take an assessment to
evaluate reading, writing and mathematics skills.
Central may require students to take remedial
courses depending upon their assessment scores in
these three areas.
Program Courses The college catalog has a list of degrees and
certificates. Each program generally concentrates in
one area. For example, an AAS in Programming or
a Certificate in Programming will require a number
of courses surrounding computer programming.
Electives Electives are typically courses in the program of
study. Students select courses in consultation with
their academic advisor. For an elective to be used in
a transfer degree is must be transferable to all
three state public universities (ASU, UA, & NAU).
Associate Degrees (University transfer focused)
Students may take the first 60-64 units of a
bachelor’s degree at CAC. Generally, this will take
between two and four years-depending on if the
student attends full or part-time. There are a
number of transfer degree plans, including the
Associate of Arts, Associate of Business, Associate
of Science, Associate of Arts in Elementary
Education, and the Associate of Arts with an
emphasis in Administration of Justice Studies (AA-
AJS). With a transfer degree, credits will apply to
ASU, NAU, UA or any university of their choice to
continue toward their bachelor’s degree. Upon
completion of a degree, students will have
completed their lower division general education
courses. To comply with federal regulations, the
TRIO student participants must be enrolled
in one of CAC’s transfer degree programs.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) The AAS is designed to prepare students for direct
employment in a specific area of work. Office
occupations, nursing, and heavy equipment
operations are just a few. Students follow a
program of study in their particular field of interest.
Associate of General Studies (AGS) The AGS is a degree for students wanting more
flexibility in choosing courses and who do not plan
to transfer to a university. However, if students
complete an Arizona General Education Curriculum
(AGEC) as part of their AGS they can maintain the
option of transferring to one of the three state
public universities or to an out-of-state school.
Certificate Programs A certificate program consists of classes to build
skills in a specific occupational area. Students can
complete most certificates in one or two semesters.
The certificates help students prepare for entry-
level employment opportunities. Several certificate
programs are part of particular Associate of Applied
Science (AAS) degrees.
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) The AGEC certificate is designed to allow students
to be automatically accepted into any of the three
state public universities upon completion with at
least a 2.5 GPA. The AGEC fulfills lower division
general education requirements for students
planning to transfer to an Arizona public
community college or university.
Page 12
Support Services for Students
Disability Resource Services Disability Resource Services (DRS) is
dedicated to supporting and empowering
students with disabilities by providing self-
advocacy opportunities and independence.
To receive accommodations, students must
provide written documentation of their
disability to the DRS Coordinator, Cheryl
Hernandez. Once documentation has been
provided the student may make an
appointment. For additional information
please call (520) 494-5409 or send an email: [email protected].
Academic Advising The Advisement Center has qualified and
experienced professional staff to assist
students in their decision making process
while at Central Arizona College.
Advisors provide advisement and
support with academic and career
planning.
Students have the opportunity to meet with
advisors that are Student Services
Generalist. For more information please
email: [email protected] or call
(520) 494-5410.
Learning Center The Learning Center is a place for students
to obtain free tutoring and academic
support in most subject areas. Professional
staff assist students face to face and online
in the areas of writing, reading, science,
mathematics, accounting, ELL, and in
computer literacy.
Computers are available free of charge for
Blackboard, research, word processing,
tutorials, and Internet usage. Other
services provided include computer
mediated tutorials, online class
assistance, tutoring, videotapes,
test reviews, workshops, study groups,
word-processing, and PLATO. The
Learning Center is in the “O” building,
Room 200.
Computer Labs A computer lab is located at the ground
level of the Learning Center. Students may
complete homework assignments, do online
research, use Microsoft applications, check
e-mail or search the Internet. The lab is in
the “O” building, Room 100. Additional
computers are available for student use
throughout campus. Library Services Library Services staff help students with
research for papers and homework. They
can be reached via text message, chat,
phone, email, or in person. The library has
literally millions of online magazine and
journal articles that you can access from
home or on-campus, in addition to online
books and streaming video. They also have
computers, wireless access, and study
areas at all of our library locations. Of
course, the library also has thousands of
print books. Come in to the library for
research assistance, to study, or to check
out a DVD or book.
Page 13
Support Services for Students
English Language Learner Assistance ELL tutoring services are available in the
Learning Center. Walk-ins are welcome
but individual appointments are
preferred. Interactive software is
available to all students. The ELL tutor
can also be reached by email at
[email protected]. (O200)
Bookstore The bookstore has textbooks available for
courses offered at CAC. They carry
reference books, NY Times Best Selling
fiction and non-fiction books, school
supplies, gift items, candy and snacks,
stamps, as well as a wide variety of
imprinted clothing items.
Tuition and Fees Students may pay tuition and fees to the
cashier in the Student Services Building
(M building). Tuition payments are due
before the first day of classes. Any refunds
and/or deposits due to a student will first
be applied to any outstanding debts owed
to the college. The tuition and fees schedule
is in the appendix of this guide.
Financial Aid Many students attend college with the
assistance of Financial Aid. Types of aid
include grants, scholarships, and student
loans. Students may apply for federal
assistance by completing the FAFSA (Free
Application for Federal Student Aid).
Scholarship information is located on the
financial aid website www.centralaz.edu/
finaid.
Applying for Financial Aid Students should apply for financial aid as
early as possible as the process can take as
long as three months. The FAFSA may be
completed online at www.fafsa.gov.
Financial Aid staff is available in the
Student Services Building (M building) to
assist in the application process.
Career & Student Employment Career & Student Employment Services
provides several services that assist the
student while enrolled at Central Arizona
College and even when they are no longer a
student. They are available to assist with
the following: career research, internships,
resume writing, interview skills and
finding on and off-campus employment. All
available positions are posted on the online
job board. Students interested in finding
employment must register with the online
job board. To register go to the website at:
www.centralaz.edu and the information is
located under the “student resources” tab.
For more information or assistance call
(520) 494-5424 or send an email to
Page 14
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Mission TRIO Student Support Services at Central
Arizona College seeks to empower students
to persist, graduate, and transfer to a
university while overcoming class, social,
and cultural barriers to higher education.
Services Available: Competitive scholarships available
Cultural events
Academic and career advising
Peer mentors
Staff/faculty mentors
University transfer assistance,
including application fee waivers for
ASU, NAU and UA
Opportunity for leadership experience
Free printing/faxing/scanning in office
For more information please contact:
Sherrie Soria, TRIO Coordinator
(520) 494-5010
Dianna Davis, Academic Advisor
(520) 494-5114
Summer Bridge Program TRIO Summer Bridge is an exciting five-day
orientation to college for new students
provided by TRIO Student Support Services.
Students enter CAC better academically and
socially prepared to face the challenges of
their first year at college. They learn success
skills and are paired with a peer mentor as
well as a faculty/staff mentor.
All Summer Bridge students are qualified as
participants in the TRIO program. Students
continue with the program by completing a
CPD101 Summer Bridge extension course in
the fall semester following the program.
Students expand on concepts introduced
during Summer Bridge and earn one
transferable credit upon completion. For
additional information, please contact
Dianna Davis, TRIO Advisor at (520) 494-
5114 or Gail Nettles, TRIO Coordinator at
(520) 494-5010.
Page 15
TRIO Peer Mentors
TRIO Peer Mentors
TRIO Peer Mentors is a student leadership group on campus designed to help establish a sense of
community and belonging for new students. Mentors guide students throughout orientation as
well as their first semester at Central Arizona College. Information and support is provided in an
effort to bridge the gap between students and existing college resources. Most importantly,
mentors provide assistance in coping with academic, emotional, and social aspects of adjustment
to college life. Prior to being assigned mentees, mentors participate in the Central Emerging
Leaders semester-long training experience, extensive TRIO mentor training, and have completed
one year at Central Arizona College.
TRIO Peer Mentor Requirements and Responsibilities
Full-time student (enrolled in 12 credit hours or more).
Minimum 2.5 GPA.
Participate in Central Emerging Leaders leadership training class.
Attend all Summer Bridge Peer Mentor training sessions.
Mentor five or more students during fall semester.
Participate in bi-weekly peer mentor group meetings throughout the fall semester.
Complete monthly contact logs documenting activities with mentees.
For additional information on the Peer Mentor Program, please call Dianna Davis, TRIO Advisor at
(520) 494-5114 or Gail Nettles, TRIO Coordinator at (520-494-5010.
Page 16
TRIO Student Support Services Staff
Joa
par
Ad
ly a
TRIO Mentors
Diana Abanto
Stephanie Carbajal
Kendrick Coker
Victoria Iniguez
Francisco Medina
Cherise Robinson
TRIO Faculty/Staff Mentors
Mary Kieser
Vickie Higgs
TRIO Summer Bridge Technical Assistants
Enos Jordan
Celisa Martinez
CAC Disability Resource Services
Cheryl Hernandez
Page 17
Student Support Services Staff
Gail Nettles, TRIO Coordinator
Gail Nettles has worked in higher education for 20 years at colleges and
universities in Arizona, New York, Kentucky, Texas, and California. Prior to
her current position at Central Arizona College, she most recently was the
Coordinator of Student Activities at Santa Ana Community College in Santa
Ana, CA.
Gail earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Grambling State
University in Louisiana and she obtained her Master of Science Degree in
Counseling, Psychology from State University of New York College at
Albany. Gail continues to engage students through Leadership development,
Multicultural/ Diversity training, and she is a certified Motivational
Interviewing (MI) Facilitator. She is a first generation college graduate.
Dianna Davis, TRIO Academic Advisor/ Student Services Generalist
Dianna Davis moved to Casa Grande, Arizona with her family in 2006 from
Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has worked in academic advising here at
Central Arizona College for the last eight years and prior to that, 12 years at
other universities in the southwest. Dianna earned her degrees in Spanish and
Psychology from the University of New Mexico. Nicole Franklin, TRIO Secretary
Nicole Franklin earned her Associate of Science degree right here at Central
Arizona College, and has worked for the TRIO program as a part time employee
since May, 2014. She is pursuing a career as an entrepreneur as she seeks to
expand her business and professional interests.
Nikki Arias, TRIO Tutor, Reading and Writing
Nikki Arias is a graduate of Central Arizona College and holds an
Associate of Arts degree. She has worked for TRIO since May 2016.
Nikki is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at
Arizona State University as an aspiring English professor.
Page 18
Frequently Asked Questions
Academics:
How do most students decide on their
first semester schedule?
New students receive assistance from
academic advisors. Students choose their
classes according to personal interests,
course descriptions, General Education,
and college requirements. Each semester
students may see a professional or faculty
advisor in the Advising Center. Students
who attend Summer Bridge will be
assigned a TRIO advisor who will remain
with them throughout their academic
career at CAC.
What are the average sizes of classes?
Most classes tend to be 25 to 30 students.
This small size allows for students and
faculty to make personal connections. For
advanced courses in a certain major, class
size may be even smaller.
How many times should students meet
with their instructors?
All instructors have office hours at least
eight hours per week. This time can be
used to ask questions about a lecture, an
assignment, or even something outside of
class. Office hours are the best way to get
to know an instructor on a one-on-one
basis.
How many hours do students spend
studying daily?
Students should study 2 to 3 hours for
every hour in class. Students may have
classes, work, activities, and family
obligations, making time management
essential. Students need to balance their
life to stay organized and on task.
Do students usually confide in their
parents about their academic records?
We encourage you to talk with your
student about your expectations on grades
before the student begins college.
Central Arizona College complies with the
Family Educational Rights and the Privacy
Act of 1974, which was designed to protect
the privacy of educational records, to
establish the rights of the student to
inspect and review their educational
records, and to provide guidelines for the
corrections of inaccurate or misleading
data through informal and formal
hearings.
Page 19
Frequently Asked Questions
How important are grades to the
average student?
Each student values grades differently.
Some students place great value in their
GPA because they want to graduate with
honors or obtain transfer scholarships.
Social Life:
How often do residence life students
call or see their families?
This varies from student to student. Some
may call home once a week, but others call
daily. Again, you may want to discuss this
before the student leaves home.
Do students make friends in their
classes?
It is very important to make friends in
classes. The advantages include sharing
notes, forming study groups, and feeling
comfortable in the learning environment.
Do students often keep in touch with
their friends from the past?
It is very possible to keep in touch with old
friends. Old friends remain, but new
friends are made every day.
How often do students socialize?
Most student like to set some time aside in
the day to spend with friends and get away
from their busy schedules. Student eat
together and go to social or sports activities
on a regular basis.
In what activities do students
participate?
There are many student groups and
organizations on campus. Groups can be
social, cultural, academic, or religious.
Students receive a list of college clubs and
organizations in their binder.
How much time do students spend
participating in activities?
It is important for students to be involved
in many parts of campus life. A good way to
do this is by joining some organizations.
Student groups have opportunities outside
the classroom. Many students spend a few
hours a week to attend group meetings or
events.
Page 20
Frequently Asked Questions
Career Goals:
Do most students know their major
when starting CAC?
Many students come to CAC without a
declared major. Students often begin by
taking general education courses. They
take elective courses to explore possible
majors.
How do most students decide and
prepare for their career?
Students are encouraged to do research,
get internships, and speak with others in
different professions in order to get a
realistic view of several professions.
Financial:
Do students have jobs during the
academic year? Is it on-campus or off-
campus?
There are many jobs available on campus.
Campus jobs are convenient and flexible.
Students who work off-campus may make
more money but face the challenge of
balancing school and work responsibilities.
How many hours per week do students
work?
The number of hours for on-campus jobs
depends on the number of credit hours the
student is taking. The maximum a student
can work on campus during the school year
is 19 hours per week. A reasonable work
schedule is 10 to 15 hours per week.
What are the major expenses for a
student?
Every student has tuition, fees, and
textbook expenses. Many can expect to pay
$600 to $700 per semester for textbooks. If
a student is living on-campus, room and
board is an additional expense. Commuter
students need to account for transportation
costs when budgeting their college-related
expenses.
Page 21
College Vocabulary and Terms
Academic Advisor—A Professional or Faculty member who helps students in selecting
appropriate courses and academic programs.
Academic Suspension/Probation—A warning of severe academic danger: cumulative
grade point average at the end of the first semester is below 2.00.
Award Letter—Financial Aid Notification Agreement: The letter from the Financial Aid
Office with the amount and type of aid that you qualify for and are eligible to receive. You
must sign the letter and return it to the Financial Aid Office before you can receive any aid.
Dean’s List—A 3.50 grade point average (GPA) or better attained at the end of a
semester, completion of 12 or more credits and in good standing.
Honors List—A 3.00—3.49 grade point average (GPA) or better attained at the end of a
semester, completion of 12 or more credits and in good standing.
FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students apply to the federal processor
and receive a notification of eligibility. Returning students receive a renewal form at their
home address in January.
Financial Need/Eligibility—The amount of financial aid a student receives is based on
educational cost and family contribution as determined by the federal government and
institution.
GPA—Grade Point Average is obtained by dividing the total number of quality grade points
by the total number of credit hours attempted.
Grade Reports—The final semester grades at the end of each semester or summer session.
Majors/Program of Study—Clusters of thematically related courses from one or more
departments; usually 15 to 18 credits.
Pre-requisite—A requirement that must be met before enrolling in a particular course,
usually an assessment test score or the completion of a prior course.
Student Aid Report (SAR) —The document that you receive after you send in your
application for financial aid. The SAR will contain the information that you gave on your
application plus numbers that tell you about your eligibility for aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)—To remain in satisfactory progress you must (1)
keep a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or better, or (2) finish your program of study in a
specific time period, (contact the Financial Aid Office to check for your specific program) or,
(3) complete or pass 67% of attempted credit hours each academic year or semester, as
applicable.
Page 22
Academic Calendar 2016-2017
Fall 2016 Faculty on Campus ...................................................................... August 15-18
All College Day (College closed 8:00am-1:00pm)............................... August 15
Weekend College Begins……………………………………………….August 19
Semester Begins (Friday after 4:30 p.m.) ................................ August 19
Last Day of Fall Walk-In Registration.............................................. August 20
Last Day of Fall Online Registration……………………………………. August 20
Weekday & Online Classes Begin……………………………………. August 22
Class Changes/Add-Drop .............................................................. August 22-29
Labor Day - College Closed ..................................................... September 5
45 Day Census........................................................................................ October 5
Spring Registration Begins (Continues through January 14)…….... October 10
Mid Term Week ...............................................................................October 7-15
Last Day to Apply for December Graduation ................................... October 17
Last Day to Withdraw from Semester-Length Classes……………...October 27
Veteran's Day - College Closed ............................................. November 11
Thanksgiving Break ......................................................... November 24-25
(No evening classes or college services after 6 pm on Nov. 23rd)
Final Exams ............................................................................... December 9-15
Semester Ends............................................................................... December 15
Grades due in Registrar's Office………….. ................................... December 19
Winter Break - College Closed ......................... December 21—January 3
Spring 2017 Faculty on Campus .................................................................... January 10-12
Weekend College Begins ............................................................ January 13
Last Day of Walk-In Spring Registration ........................................ January 14
Last Day of Online Spring Registration……………………………….. January 16
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - College Closed ................................. January 16
Weekend and Online Semester Begins ..………………………. January 17
Class Changes /Add-Drop ..………………………………………… January 17-24
President’s Day—College Closed………………………………..February 20
Development Day (No classes prior to 6:00 p.m.)………….. February 21
Last Day to Apply for May Graduation ...........................................February 27
45 Day Census ........................................................................................ March 2
Mid-Term Week................................................................................. March 3-11
Spring Break - College Closed................................................ March 13-18
Last Day to Withdraw from Semester Length Classes....................... March 23
Summer/Fall Registration Begins (Continues through August 12)... March 27
Final Exams ........................................................................................ May 5-11
Semester Ends........................................................................................ May 11
Grades due in Registrar's Office by 4 p.m. . .......................................... May 15
Graduation - Signal Peak Campus 7 p.m. ............................................ May 12
Page 23
Tuition and Fee Schedule
Number of Credit Hours
Arizona Resident
Out of State/ International
Western Under- graduate
Education Program
1 $84 $168 Must be a full-time student with classes in Arizona to
qualify 2 $168 $336
3 $252 $504
4 $336 $672
5 $420 $840
6 $504 $1008
7 $588 $2562
8 $672 $2928
9 $756 $3294
10 $840 $3660
11 $924 $4026
12 $1008 $4392 $1512
13 $1092 $4758 $1638
14 $1176 $5124 $1764
15 $1260 $5490 $1890
16 $1344 $5856 $2016
17 $1428 $6222 $2142
18 $1512 $6768 $2268
19 $1596 $6954 $2394
20 $1680 $7320 $2420
21 & up $84 per/hr $366 per/hr $126 per/hr
Other special fees may apply.
Students are responsible for making payment arrangements for tuition & fees at the time of
registration.
The Western Undergraduate Education Program (WUE) is open to full-time students from
14 other states who are studying in Arizona. States include Alaska, California, Colorado,
Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,
Washington, and Wyoming.
Page 24
Estimated Cost of Attendance for Arizona Resident
Estimated Annual Budget for Arizona Resident
On-Campus Off-Campus Living with
Parents
Tuition and Fees $2,460 $2,460 $2,460
Books and Supplies $1,350 $1,350 $1,350
Room and Board $6,800 $6,800 $1,632
Transportation $1,985 $1,985 $1,985
Miscellaneous
$750
$750
$750
Total $13,345 $13,345 $8,177
Residence Life Fees
Deposit $150.00
Room and Board includes the meal plan (per semester)
Suites and Quads $3,150.00
Tower Building $3,450.00
Cleaning Fee $100.00
Trash Removal Fee (Per Item) $50.00
Room Lock Replacement Fee $75.00/$100.00
Proof of measles, mumps and rubella immunization must
accompany the residence hall application.
Page 25
Estimated Cost of Attendance for Non-resident
Estimated Annual Budget for Non-resident of Arizona
Tuition and Fees
On-Campus
$8,592
Off-Campus
$8,592
WUI
$2,952
Books $1,350 $1,350 $1,350
Room and Board
$6,800
$6,800
$6,800
Transportation $1,985 $1,985 $1,985
Miscellaneous
$750
$750
$750
Total $19,477 $19,477 $13,837
Residence Life Fees
Deposit $100-150
Room and Board includes the meal plan (per semester)
Suites and Quads $3,150.00
Tower Building $3,450.00
Cleaning Fee $100.00
Trash Removal Fee (Per Item) $50.00
Room Lock Replacement Fee $75.00/$100.00
Proof of measles, mumps and rubella immunization must
accompany the residence hall application.
Page 26
Campus Directory
Departments Telephone Number
TRIO Student Support Services (520) 494-5007
Customer Service & Technical Support (CSTS) (Help Desk) (520) 494-5111
Academic Advising
Gail Nettles
Dianna Davis
(520) 494-5010
(520) 494-5114
Admissions and Records (520) 494-5260
Bookstore (520) 494-5440
Business Office (520) 494-5240
CACtus Newspaper (520) 494-5049
Campus Safety Office
Campus Police (Emergency-24 hour)
(520) 494-5445
(520) 836-9655
Financial Aid (520) 494-5425
Learning Center (520) 494-5570
Food Services (520) 494-5561/ 5452
Library (520) 494-5286
Residence Life (520) 494-5470
Disability Resource Services (520) 494-5409
Student Advisement Center (520) 494-5410
Student Employment (520) 494-5424
Student Leadership (520) 494-5993/ 5599
Page 27
Signal Peak Campus T-204
8470 North Overfield Road Coolidge, AZ 85128
Phone: (520) 494-5007 Fax: (520) 494-5295
www.centralaz.edu/trio www.centralaz.edu/SummerBridge