Tips for Students
Where can I find information about careers I am interested in?
There are many great resources to help you find information on careers.
O*NET ~ Dictionary of Occupational Titles. This is a place to start searching occupations and finding out wages, etc. http://online.onetcenter.org/
ISEEK ~ Internet Source for Education and Employment Knowledge. This resource gives you an overview of occupations, wages, job outlook as well as schools. www.iseek.org
MnCIS ~ Minnesota Career Information System. This is the counseling departments favorite WEB resource. In order to access it you will need to stop in the Counseling Office or call to speak to someone and get the username and password to get in. With this system you can sort schools by major, do an interest assessment and search occupations! www.mncis.intocareers.org
Where can I find information on Central Lakes College majors and degrees?
Go to the following link: http://www.clcmn.edu/programs/programlistings.html
Where can I find information about other colleges I might transfer to?
Depending on the school, if it is:
Minnesota State University/Community or Technical Colleges ~ www.mnscu.edu
University of Minnesota Schools ~ www.umn.edu
Minnesota Private Colleges and Universities ~ www.mnprivatecolleges.org
Outside Minnesota: Google the college name and you will most likely find a link to the website. We also have many school resources in our career center, so feel free to stop in!
How do I find out what schools offer the major that I am interested in?
Our favorite site is www.mncis.intocareers.org but you will need to come in or talk with a counselor to get the username and password to access the site. Another option is: http://apps.collegeboard.com/search/adv_typeofschool.jsp
This site allows you to search schools based on criteria that you are looking for in a school such as public or private, sports and financial aid.
I have an idea of what major I'd like to do, but don't know what careers are related to that major.
Ok, now you have decided on a major, but don't know what you can do with that major? Check out 'What can I do with a major in . . .' www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/majors or http://stuser.mcdaniel.edu/Career/majors/page4.html
What can I do to help me make a career decision?
Central Lakes College Counseling Department offers interest tests, personality tests and workshops to assist you in making a career decision. We also offer a course entitled, 'Career Planning' each semester to assist you in making your career plan. We do also take individual appointments to help talk through your options, call 855-8019 to set up an appointment.
How do I find out which classes I should take to transfer to another college?
It is always best to talk with a counselor regarding your transfer plans to ensure a seamless transition to another institution. With that said, you can take a look at the Course Applicability System which will assist you in identifying how the courses you have taken at another college may transfer to us or vice versa. www.uselectmn.org
HELP ~ I need money for classes, where do I find financial aid?
See our Financial Aid Office ~ http://www.clcmn.edu/financialaid/
For CLC scholarship information ~ www.clcmn.edu/foundation/
What are the Career Center hours?
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p. m. Monday - Friday
Walk in Counseling (for quick questions)
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
How do I meet with someone to help me through my transfer process?
To meet with a counselor, call 855-8019 to set up an appointment time. Or you can contact us thru our 'Ask a Counselor' service for quick questions as well, askacounselor@clcmn.edu
Tips for Adult Learners
Congratulations! You have begun an exciting journey into your future!
As an Adult Learner, you may have additional challenges that you face which traditional students (18 years old, right out of high school) may not. We do know and appreciate that our adult learners are excellent at balancing; work, school and family. Some of you may also have additional commitments such as; aging parents, 2nd or 3rd jobs, medical concerns, and/or military commitments. In addition, as most people, your kids need a ride to school, the car needs an oil change and your daycare person is sick this week. Your needs and concerns are unique and now you are adding one more commitment to your schedule; school. We know and understand that although school is a priority, it often falls behind work and family. We are here to let you know that you are not alone in this venture, returning to school after possibly many years. Central Lakes College is comprised of many different types of students, adult learners make up a huge percentage of our student population, believe it or not! We have put together some of the following information to assist you in coming back to school and hopeful put your mind at ease a little. Good luck and we are here for you!!
~It's never too late and NO you are not too old!!
~ Set short term goals and give yourself permission to reevaluate at designated points, how things are going
~ Subdue the all or nothing attitude
~ Celebrate completion points with those immediate family/friends that are also making sacrifices to support you
~ Identify your most peaceful and most productive time and capitalize on it
~ Know and accept your limitations and work with them
~Don't let how long it takes to complete the degree to be your focus
~ Identify your top four priorities in life and try to align your time accordingly
~ It's ok to graduate without a 4.0 GPA
~ Cut back on the things which are less important
~ Let go of the things you don't have time for (does the house have to be spotless?)
~ Use a planner!
~ Do your homework when kids are doing their homework
Good luck and please don't hesitate to come and talk with one of your Central Lakes College, Counselors. We are here to help ensure that you are a successful student here at CLC!
Mary DeVahl, Suzanne Karsnia, Christina Kavanaugh 218-855-8019 or askacounselor@clcmn.edu
How Your Credits Impact You
Credits
A credit typically indicates how many class hours per week you spend in class. Some courses with labs or participation requirements (some science or art/drama classes) will meet for more than one hour per credit. If you take a 3-credit class during fall or spring semester, typically you would spend 3 hours in class each week. Summer sessions courses are shorter than the regular semester and daily class attendance time increases.
Typically a student needs to reserve 3 hours for each credit taken to attend class, read, write papers, study, etc. Plan to reserve this time as you balance school and workload. Remember, if you plan to take 12 credits, you should reserve 36 hours for attendance, study, etc. that week.
To be a full-time student at Central Lakes College you must carry at least 12 credits. Other schools vary in the number of credits required for full-time status.
In order to complete a 60-credit associate degree in exactly two academic years (fall and spring of 2 years) you would need to carry 15 credits each of those semesters. You may choose to complete your degree over more than a two-year period, or you may complete it in 2 years and reduce the credit load fall and spring semesters by attending summer sessions.
*EXAMPLES*
Areas where number of credits may determine qualification
Automobile or Medical Insurance
If you are covered under your family's policy you may need to satisfy requirements such as being a full time student. Please check with your insurance agency. Also inquire about what would qualify you for "Good Student Discounts," for auto insurance.
Dependent Student
Being declared as a dependent student by your parents on their federal tax returns requires that you be a full-time student for a portion of five months during your parent's tax year. Consult with the Internal Revenue Service, federal tax publications, and/or tax advisor for additional requirements and details.
Financial Aid Programs
Financial Aid grants can be given to students taking from 1 to 15+ credits based on the individual's eligibility. Your award may increase as you take more credits. For loan programs you must take 6 or more credits a semester in order to be eligible. For more information, please contact the Central Lakes College Financial Aid Office, 218-855-8025.
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