Cisco College New Student Guide

CISCO COLLEGE

NEW STUDENT GUIDE

COLLEGE LOCATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

CISCO CAMPUS

ABILENE CAMPUS

101 College Heights Cisco, TX, 76437 Phone: 254.442.5000 Fax: 254.442.5100

717 E. Industrial Blvd.

Abilene, TX, 79602 Phone: 325.794.4400 Fax: 325.692.2530

Fall/Spring Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m Summer Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fall/Spring Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m Summer Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Equal Opportunity: Cisco College is an equal opportunity institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status or disability.

For emergency situations call 911.

It is the policy of Cisco College that general administrative responsibility for security measures is under the supervision of the Director of Campus Safety. Aside from emergency situations requiring immediate attention, security problems are brought to the attention of the Director of Campus Safety for resolution. Emergency situations are handled as appropriate.

On the Cisco campus, Campus Safety may be reached at 254.442.5034. The Abilene Educational Center provides security through an off-duty APD officer and may be reached at 325.280.3588.

CISCO COLLEGE CATALOG: The Cisco College General Catalog provides information regarding policies, services, and programs. Questions about credit, admissions, withdrawals, academic progress, college policies, or courses are answered in the catalog.

The catalog shows the requirements for every program offered at Cisco, including entrance requirements, pre-requisites, and courses needed to complete the program. Look up the program you’re interested it to see what’s required and what courses to take.

The catalog can be viewed online at www.cisco.edu, by "selecting 'Catalog & Courses' under 'Degrees & Programs'.

STUDENT HANDBOOK The Student Handbook includes all of the policies and regulations that apply to students. If you have questions about who to contact for assistance, rules for campus living, services available to students, or anything else, check the Handbook!

To access the Cisco College Student Handbook which includes the complete Residence Hall Handbook, go to www.cisco.edu and click on 'Student Handbook' under the 'Student Life' tab at the top of the page, or click here.

2020-2021 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: See the Academic Calendar on the Cisco College homepage at www.cisco.edu for important dates including start dates, drop dates, payment deadlines, exam weeks, and holidays.

Download the full Academic Calendar here!

APPLYING TO CISCO MAKE SURE YOU COMPLETE ALL THE REQUIRED ADMISSION STEPS

HOW TO APPLY: Cisco College is an open enrollment institution, however there are some steps you will need to take before you can enroll in classes.

1.

Complete the application.

2.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

3.

Students under the age of 22 must submit proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination by email to admissions@cisco.edu or fax to 254.442.1449 (Exceptions: a student is not required to submit evidence of the vaccination or booster dose if student is over 22, or is enrolled online or another distance education courses. Students claiming exemption must submit an exemption form, as well as a licensed physician’s affidavit stating that the vaccination would be injurious OR the Texas Department of State Health Services conscience exemption form.)

4.

Meet with counselor about TSI placement testing and to select your career pathway, program, and degree plan.

(Please refer to the TSI webpage to find out if you are exempt.)

5.

Submit an official high school transcript or GED scores by mail to Cisco College, Office of Admissions, 101 College Heights, Cisco, TX 76437.

(See the admissions webpage for info on homeschool transcripts or foreign credentials.

Any questions about transcripts may be directed to 254.442.5132 or 325.794.4403)

6.

Print, complete, and return the residency questionnaire by mail to Cisco College, Office of Admissions, 101 College Heights, Cisco, TX 76437 or fax to 254.442.1449.

Any questions may be directed to 254.442.5134.

7.

Select classes from the course schedule.

8.

Register on Campus Connect when eligible.

9.

Make payment by deadline.

AM I IN A SPECIALIZED ADMISSIONS GROUP? If you are in one these groups, you will have specialized admission steps, documents, and deadlines. Visit the webpage linked below to make sure you get in contact with all the right people!

Dual Credit – taking courses while in high school for both high school and college credit.

Veteran – military veteran student or student using military benefits.

Health Sciences – seeking entrance into the Registered Nursing, LVN, Pharmacy Technology, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, or Respiratory Therapy programs.

Transfer Student – transferring credits from another college or university to Cisco College.

International Student – students planning to enter the U.S. on an F-1 visa to attend Cisco College.

FINANCIAL AID PROCESS APPLYING FOR AID

FINANCIAL AID: Cisco uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the estimated cost of attendance to determine financial aid need.

Students must complete the FAFSA and apply for aid every year! Changes in Federal regulations, educational costs, and your family circumstances make it necessary to evaluate your eligibility each year.

See the Financial Aid webpage for info about aid programs and scholarships, summer aid, student loans, and contact information for financial aid counselors.

APPLYING FOR AID: Step 1: Before you start the FAFSA, create an FSA ID Create an FSA ID for you as a student and an ID for a parent if the student is a dependent.

How to create a FSA ID: The FSA ID has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log into certain US Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents.

If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can create on when logging into fafsa.gov, the National Student Loan Data System at www.nslds.ed.gov, studentaid.gov, and Agreement to Serve (ATS) at www.studentaid.gov.

How to create a FSA ID: 1.

When logging into one of the websites listed above, click the link to create a FSA ID.

2.

Create a username and password, and enter your email address.

3.

Enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, contact information, and challenge questions and answers.

4.

If you have a Federal Student Aid PIN, you will be able to enter it and link it to your FSA ID. You can still create an FSA ID if you have forgotten or do not have a PIN.

5.

Review your information, and read and accept the terms and conditions.

6.

Confirm your email address using the secure code, which will be sent to the email address you entered when you created your FSA ID. Once you verify your email address, you can use it instead of your username to log into the website.

Step 2: Submit the FAFSA to the Department of Education: www.fafsa.gov.

Gather all the info you’ll need for the FAFSA: - Social security numbers and birthdays for you and your parents.

- Your 1040 income tax form and/or your parents 1040 form(s) for the appropriate year.

Students are encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA. - This tool lets you and your parents transfer tax return data directly to the FAFSA.

If you need a copy of your tax return, call 1-800-829-1040 and request an IRS tax transcript.

Or visit go www.irs.gov.

Students are encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA. This tool lets you and your parents transfer tax return data directly to the FAFSA.

Step 3: Cisco College will send an email to the email address you listed on the FAFSA requesting additional documents.

Cisco downloads your FAFSA from the Department of Ed., opens a file on you, and sends an email to the email address you listed on the FAFSA. Check the email address you listed on the FAFSA regularly and reply quickly!

- If your FAFSA requires verification, the email will include login instructions for ‘Verify My FAFSA.’ - If your financial aid will cover the full cost of attendance, the email will include 2 documents to sign and bring to campus: FERPA and Satisfactory Academic Progress Agreement.

- If your financial aid will not cover the full cost of attendance, the email will include loan information and documents.

- The amount of your Pell Grant will be based on your expected family contribution (EFC) calculated from your tax & FAFSA information.

Pell Grants are awarded on a full-time basis – students enrolled less than full-time will receive a prorated amount based on hours enrolled.

- Detailed information regarding your Pell Grant will be visible on Campus Connect once you have been awarded. If you don’t see award info on Campus Connect, then your steps & documents are not completed yet!

ALL email correspondence will be sent to the email you listed on your FAFSA! Check that email address often and reply quickly!

REGISTERING FOR COURSES

REGISTERING FOR COURSES ONLINE: · Students cannot register for classes until admissions and TSI testing steps are complete! · Selecting your courses is an important step before you register online. You are encouraged to be advised before you go online to register for classes. New students are required to visit a counselor to register the first time. · If you are in need of advising, contact one of the counselors:

Cisco Campus Counselors

Abilene Campus Counselors

Advising for Football, Soccer, Rodeo, Cosmetology & Welding Students Lori.Grubbs@cisco.edu | 254.442.5022

Advising for General Education Students Randy.Leath@cisco.edu | 325.794.4407

Leigh Dycus

Lori Grubbs

Advising for Belles, Cheer, Softball, Volleyball, Football, and General Students Last Name A-L Leigh.Dycus@cisco.edu | 254.442.5023

Advising for General Education Students Lori.Grubbs@cisco.edu | 254.442.5022

Lori Grubbs

Sarah Orsini Advising for Baseball, Band, Basketball, Athletic Training, and General Students Last Name M-Z Sarah.Orsini@cisco.edu | 254.442.5024

https://www.cisco.edu/student-life/academic-support/counseling

Randy Leath

Christina Mendenhall Advising for Auto Tech, Criminal Justice, Fire Tech, HVAC, Industrial Tech, Management, Real Estate, Welding, and students previously in foster care Christina.Mendenhall@cisco.edu | 325.794.4406

Amy Callan Advising for Nursing, Health Science Programs, & Child Development / Early Childhood Amy.Callan@cisco.edu | 325.794.4409

HOW TO ACCESS CAMPUS CONNECT: - Campus Connect is the student information and registration system where students can view their demographic information, account information, grades, and unofficial transcripts. Students can view the course schedule and register for classes by adding or dropping courses during registration periods. New students must complete the admissions process and meet with a counselor before they can register themselves in Campus Connect.

· ·

· ·

Go to www.cisco.edu Click on the “Campus Connect” button at the top of the page, and then select “For Students.”

Your Student ID will be your social security number with no dashes or spaces, & your password will be your 8-digit birthday (MMDDYYYY).

Follow instructions on the first screen after logging in to identify a refund choice.

·

Review payment deadlines and click the red acknowledgement statement at the bottom of the screen.

·

Your student dashboard includes information about holds, balances, financial aid, and your schedule. From the dashboard, you can view an unofficial transcript or view your degree audit, which shows requirements completed toward your degree.

·

Under the “Registration Options” tab, click on “Course Availability” to view the classes available by term, campus, and department.

If instructors have posted notes about their courses, you’ll see a yellow note icon. See an image of this on the next slide.

·

Under the “Registration Options” tab, click on “Add/Drop” to begin selecting classes for your schedule.

·

Select the semester and location you want to enroll in then click “Display Schedule & Available Courses.”

·

When you find the course you want to enroll in, click the “Add” button to the right.

·

Once you are finished, select “Schedule” under the “Registration Options” tab to print your schedule.

Campus Connect Schedule: The schedule screen has lots of important course information on it. Pay close attention to the days, times, start dates, and course location or campus!

If there is a yellow note shown for a course, click it to view important information from the course instructor.

These notes will not be visible under “Add/Drop” however. So be sure to look at the schedule under the “Course Availability” tab.

COURSE INFORMATION: Course Cancellations: A minimum number of students are required in each class before a course can be taught. Courses may be cancelled due to lack of enrollment or if an instructor is unavailable. Students enrolled in the cancelled course will be notified as soon as possible.

Course Locations & Instructor Changes: It is sometimes necessary to change a room location or course instructor prior to the first day of the semester. A day or two before the semester begins, return to Campus Connect and print a copy of your class schedule to ensure you have the most current course information.

Course Abbreviations: ONL - Denotes an online course HYB - Denotes a hybrid course. A hybrid course combines online and in-person delivery methods.

REMOTE - Denotes a class delivered live via Zoom).

Dual credit classes taught on high school campuses will list the high school as the campus location.

Course Notes: If a course has a yellow post-it note icon on the schedule, click the yellow note to see important information from the course instructor about the course format or requirements.

Class locations on the Campus Connect schedule will include building abbreviations. Check the campus maps to locate the buildings.

Building Abbreviations (Abilene Campus): AEC - Abilene Educational Center HVAC - HVAC classes are taught in the metal building south of the main building, behind the automotive area.

MB1/MB2 - Metal Building 1 & 2 (located south of the main building, behind the automotive area) PRT Bowl - PrimeTime Bowling Lanes. The bowling class is taught at PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center, which is located at 4541 Loop 322.

Building Abbreviations (Cisco Campus): AGRI - Ag. Building FITCFIT - Fitness Center FLDHFH - Fieldhouse GYM - Gymnasium HFAR - Harrell Fine Arts Building LART - Language Arts Building MEMH - Memorial Hall

MML ITV - Manor Memorial Library ITV Room RODEOARE - Rodeo Arena SCHH - Schaeffer Hall STAH - Stamey Hall VT1 - Vocational-Technical Building 1 VT2 - Vocational-Technical Building 2

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

CISCO STUDENT GMAIL ACCOUNT: This is your personal Gmail account that you need to check often. Important college information is sent to this account. It is automatically created for each student; all you have to do to activate it is log-in with the following information.

· · ·

Go to www.gmail.com and login by entering the following information: firstname.lastname+lastfour#ofyourstudentid@students.cisco.edu Your password is your full student ID number. (Example: jane.doe1234@students.cisco.edu) If you are unable to access your Gmail account, or for any other problems regarding your account, please contact helpdesk@students.cisco.edu.

How to Access Your Courses on Canvas: Canvas is a tool that Cisco College uses for digital learning. It is how online and hybrid students will access course content, interact with instructors and other students, submit assignments, and receive feedback. Some face-to-face instructors also use Canvas for supplemental learning. Along with access to courses, Canvas includes helpful links to support services, such as the library and tutoring.

Student Login Instructions: 1.

2.

3.

Visit ciscocollege.instructure.com to access Canvas.

The Username is your Cisco College Email, which follows this format: Firstname.LastnameLast4ofStudentID@students.cisco.edu The Password is your Student ID, without the dash. If you do not know your Student ID, you can log in to Campus Connect.

Sample: Jane Doe, with Student ID (1234-56789) Canvas Email/ Username: Jane.Doe6789@students.cisco.edu Canvas Password: 123456789

GO CISCO CARD: Cisco College and Herring Bank have teamed up to offer you a convenient, one-card solution with the Go Cisco Card. The Go Cisco Card is a multi-functional card which allows you to open an optional checking account that offers free access to Herring Bank ATMs and to make no-fee purchases at merchant locations that accept MasterCard signature or PIN-based transactions. It’s the easy way to access cash and make purchases on and off campus.

Check out the Herring Bank Student Account Holder cost disclosure and contract on the website under “Student Life.”

You’ll use your Go Cisco Card often, so make sure to carry it with you at all times.

You will be able to use it to: · Receive financial aid disbursements (unless student designates another financial institution) · Receive book buyback credits · Purchase food through your meal plan · Check out books from the library · Attend athletic events · Receive student discounts from participating merchants

For information on how to obtain your Go Cisco Card on the Cisco campus, call the ID card office in Cisco at 254.442.5178 or visit the office in the Student Life Building. In Abilene, you may inquire about the ID card at the front desk or call 325.794.4400.

FREE BALANCE INQUIRY

Call: 866-348-3435

BOOKSTORE: Check out the Cisco College bookstore for textbooks, clothing, general reference books, gifts, greeting cards, sundries, and supplies.

CISCO BOOKSTORE:

ABILENE BOOKSTORE:

Manager: Misty Gilson Phone: 254.442.5138 Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Manager: Misty Gilson Phone: 325.794.4451 Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Click to access the Cisco College Bookstore Online Catalog.

Textbook buyback typically takes place the week of finals, or the week after finals, depending on the semester. Check with the bookstore for exact dates and times.

Cisco College Emergency Notification System: The Cisco College Emergency Notification System is used to alert students in the event of unscheduled campus closings or emergencies. The alerts may be sent to your cell phone, email, home and/or office phone.

To enroll, or to edit your information, please go to the following website: www.e2campus.net/my/cisco Then select “Create a New Account” and enter your information to begin receiving alerts.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES Cisco College academic support services are available in a variety of formats on both campuses in order to assist students.

Math Center: The Abilene Math Center offers tutoring for all levels of Math. These include:

· · · · · ·

Contemporary Math College Algebra Statistics Precal Calculus 1, 2, 3 Business Math

The Cisco Math Center offers faculty and student tutors for College Algebra, Contemporary Math, Statistics, Precal, and Calculus 1. Students may email mathcenter@cisco.edu to set up an appointment by ZOOM. See information, locations, and schedules for the Math Center on the Tutoring webpage.

Writing Centers: Full and part-time experienced English faculty members are available to assist students with writing and research for any class. Visit the Writing Center in Canvas for schedules and appointment options, as well as a variety of writing resources.

Questions about the Writing Center? Contact Kimberly Torres: kimberly.torres@cisco.edu, 325-794-4426

Online Tutoring:

LIVE 24/7 & Free! Need help studying but can’t make it to campus? Try our online tutoring available through Upswing. It is free for all students currently enrolled at Cisco College and available 24/7.

With Upswing, you can get help from professional tutors in subjects such as Algebra, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Economics, History, Literature, and more. See login instructions on at www.cisco.edu/onlinetutoring.

Cisco College Libraries: You can access the Library resources from the Cisco website. Check out their webpage for access to the library catalog, library hours, and more: https://www.cisco.edu/about/offices/library The Library is also in Canvas! Use the Library link in any course menu in Canvas to access library resources, including databases. Use the Wrangler Researcher search bar right on the Library homepage to search all library holdings and databases at once.

Need Research Help? Have Library Questions? Text us at 66746!

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Phi Theta Kappa: Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society of junior, technical and community colleges. At Cisco, the Alpha Gamma Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa promotes scholarship, the development of leadership and service, and the cultivation of fellowship among qualified students.

Phi Theta Kappa was founded in 1918 to give prestigious recognition to two year college students with excellent scholarship and character. It was founded on a commitment to provide enrichment in four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship. Since its inception, the society has grown from a handful of chapters in Missouri to almost 1,200 chapters and 120 alumni chapters in all 50 states and abroad. Texas has approximately eighty chapters in its region.

For more information, visit the official website of Phi Theta Kappa at www.ptk.org.

To contact the Cisco College chapter, please email ptk@cisco.edu

Global Leadership Club: The mission of the Global Leadership Club is to develop leadership skills for global change, build cultural awareness, and support the success of Cisco College students with international interests. The Global Leadership Club holds monthly meetings which include speakers, games, and food. For more information, contact Kathie Wright at kathie.wright@cisco.edu.

Cisco College Food Pantry: The Food Pantry of Cisco College offers food and basic cleaning and hygiene supplies to assist current students and their families who may be struggling economically. For a current Food Pantry schedule or to make an appointment, please call 325.794.4400. A student ID is the only requirement for obtaining services. The pantry is located beside the front stairwell at Abilene Educational Center.

Science Club: The Cisco College Science Club is for any student interested in any science – botany, zoology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, etc. The Science Club has monthly meetings including free pizza and visiting speakers. Each April, the Science Club holds its annual Cisco College Camp Out at Hords Creek Lake. The Science Club is chaired by Janie Brixey. She may be reached at janie.brixey@cisco.edu.

Student Government Association: The purpose of the Student Government Association (SGA) is to “…represent the student body at Cisco College, to initiate and sponsor campus activities, and to promote school spirit.” SGA is the students’ organization, and membership is open to any student of Cisco College. SGA offers an opportunity for students to learn leadership skills, as members serve on various decision making committees. It offers the means for the students to plan and implement various student activities; and, through its elected officers, SGA is the official voice through which students bring their concerns to the attention of the proper college personnel, and, therefore, affect institutional decision-making.

Wrangler Express: Sponsored by the Media Club, the Wrangler Express is Cisco College’s student newspaper. The mission of the Wrangler Express is to inform students, faculty, and the general public about people and events at the college. If you are interested in being part of the team, or for more information, email john.caraway@cisco.edu or linda.spetter@cisco.edu.

Abilene Campus 325.794.4406 (lori.grubbs@cisco.edu) Academic Advising

325.794.4409 (amy.cohen@cisco.edu) 325.794.4407 (randy.leath@cisco.edu) 325.794.4406 (christina.mendenhall@cisco.edu)

254.442.5023 (leigh.dycus@cisco.edu) 254.442.5024 (sarah.orsini@cisco.edu) 254.442.5022 (lori.grubbs@cisco.edu)

325.794.4412 (natalie.nickerson@cisco.edu)

254.442.5155 (linda.sellers@cisco.edu)

325.794.4413 (christina.torres@cisco.edu)

254.442.5150 (katie.thompson@cisco.edu)

Admissions

325.794.4403

254.442.5134 (shirley.dove@cisco.edu)

Business Office

325.794.4404

254.442.5051

Disability Services Coordinator

325.794.4406 (christina.mendenhall@cisco.edu)

254.442.5023 (leigh.dycus@cisco.edu)

VA Office

325.794.4465 (rick.lopez@cisco.edu)

325.794.4465 (rick.lopez@cisco.edu)

Enrollment Services

254.442.5134 (shirley.dove@cisco.edu)

254.442.5134 (shirley.dove@cisco.edu)

Transcript Questions

325.794.4403 (joy.raines@cisco.edu)

254.442.5132 (tammi.wilson@cisco.edu)

Writing Center

writingcenter@cisco.edu

writingcenter@cisco.edu

Financial Aid

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES

Cisco Campus

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES Abilene Campus

Cisco Campus

Library

325.794.4481

254.442.5182

Bookstore

325.794.4451

254.442.5138

IT Help Desk

254.442.5010 (helpdesk@students.cisco.edu)

254.442.5010 (helpdesk@students.cisco.edu)

International Student Liaison

(admissions@cisco.edu)

(admissions@cisco.edu)

Career Services

325.794.4464 (sherry.burchell@cisco.edu)

325.794.4464 (sherry.burchell@cisco.edu)

Dual Credit Office

325.794.4503 (tianay.bralley@cisco.edu)

325.794.4503 (tianay.bralley@cisco.edu)

Testing Services

325.794.4458 (testing@cisco.edu)

254.442.5020 (testing@cisco.edu)

Math Center

Room 111 & 114

Schafer Hall Room 2

Online Tutoring

Online Tutoring Webpage

Online Tutoring Webpage