Spring Orientation 2019

SPRING 2019

C

a COURIER publication

Student Clubs and Organizations p6 Campus Map p10-11

Choosing a Major p14 Applying for Scholarships

p17

2 codcourier.org — Spring 2019 Orientation Guide

ABOUT COD

INDEX In Numbers, Campus Safety 4

RESOURCES

Student Life, Services

5

6 Student Clubs and Organizations — A Transfer Student’s Story 8 10 13

CAMPUS MAP INFO

11

14 Choosing a Major — Applying for Scholarships 16

ORIENTATION SPRING 2019 Editor-in-Chief Tessa Morton Staff Writer Reanna Comiso & Kimberly Wilson Head Photo Editor Alison Pfaff

Newsroom 630-942-26893 Adviser Jim Fuller fullerj103@cod.edu

Want quick access to our website?

Using an Android or iOS device, visit www.codcourier.org on your mobile browser. Then, access your browser settings and add a shortcut to the home screen.

The Courier website. codcourier.org

ON THE COVER Post-NSO Fun, photograph by Alison Pfaff

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION Orientation Spring 2018 is a special publication produced by The Courier, College of DuPage’s student newspaper. Orientation prints at the start of each academic term, excluding the summer semester. Regular issues of The Courier print weekly starting January 23, 2019

Spring 2019 Orientation Guide — codcourier.org 3

WELCOME TO THE COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

CAMPUS WEATHER From snow to thunderstorms, fall can bring wild weather conditions.

Before you head out the door, visit the COD Meteorology Department’s campus weather website, weather.cod.edu/ campusweather.

You’ll find the current weather conditions near Main Campus, including air temperatures and even a live rooftop shot from the BIC. The website also features local forecast information so you know what weather to expect in advance.

Sources: Office of Research and Analytics, www.cod.edu

FALL LIBRARY HOURS

Campus Safety

Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

– Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

– Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

– Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit cod.edu/library for a full schedule.

4 codcourier.org — Spring 2019 Orientation Guide

COD’s police department ensures the safety and security of students, staff and visitors.

COD’s police headquarters is located in the Homeland Security Center at the corner of Fawell Blvd. and Lambert Rd. You can also reach police at the 24-hour dispatch center, located between the Learning Commons and Starbucks in the Student Resource Center.

COURIER ARCHIVES

To contact COD police, call 630-942-2000 or send a text message to 67283.

Using a cellphone, type in the phrase “CODTIP” along with details of your situation.

It’s highly recommended students sign up for emergency and weather closing alerts.

Register your email address and cellphone number on www.gerave.com/login/cod

STUDENT RESOURCES Student Life It’s not all studying and hard work at COD. The college’s Office of Student Life coordinates a variety of fun activities and engaging services for students.

Located in SSC 1217, the office also oversees more than 80 student organizations and clubs on campus.

Student Life Services

Student IDs: It’s highly recommended that all students have an ID. Your first ID is free. Replacement IDs are $5. IDs don’t expire for 3 years.

Movie Ticket Discounts: You can purchase discounted movie tickets from the Student Life desk. There are no purchase limits and tickets never expire.

Lounge: Need a place to relax and have fun? Try the Student Life Lounge located in SSC 1200. You can play billiards, ping pong and video games with your friends here.

Student Organizations A student organization is an established group with their own office space on

campus. Student activity fees help fund these organizations. Currently, there are six organizations. Student Leadership Council (SLC) represents the student body on campus. The award-winning Forensics Speech Team competes in oral communication events. COD’s local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honors society for two-year colleges, provides opportunities for academic scholars. Prairie Light Review, COD’s literary magazine, curates student expressions of poetry and art.

Alter Ego Productions coordinates entertainment events on campus. The Courier student newspaper, established in 1967, covers campus news and publishes weekly.

Student Club

Student clubs cater to a variety of groups. They are catagorized into eight sanctions: cultural and ethnic, honors, social activities, academic and pre-professional, faith-based, political and advocacy and service-oriented. Visit www.chaplife.cod. edu for a full list, or turn to page 13.

FEEDS TO FOLLOW @CollegeDuPage Official COD Twitter account – @CODStudentlife Office of Student Life

Departments & Services

Counseling and Advising

The Counseling and Advising Center will help construct a plan to accomplish any and all academic goals. Faculty counselors and program advisors will help with both career and degree related progress.

Schedule a session at the Main Campus by calling (630) 942-2259, going to cod.edu/counseling or by visiting the counseling center in SSC 3200.

Career Services

Get help writing a resume, develop interview techniques and learn a variety of skills to become more marketable and ensure career success. Career Services at the college will help with both short-term and long-term career goals.

They also maintain an electronic job board online with career information

for students at collegecentral.com/dupage. Career Services is located in SSC 3258 and can be reached at (630) 942-2230.

Access and Accommodations

Students with disabilities can contact Access and Accommodations for support in their college career. The center is both voluntary and confidential.

It is located in SSC 3249, or can be reached at (630) 942-2154.

Learning Commons

Get help navigating coursework at the Glen Ellyn Learning Commons.

Located in SRC 2102, the commons services include assistance in specific subject areas, one-on-one tutoring, test preparation resources and assistance with Blackboard and MyAccess. Call the Learning

Commons at (630) 9423941.

Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Assistance will help navigate the various ways to pay tuition at the college. They can help bridge the gap between the student’s need for, and the availability of, different methods of financial aid.

Visit them in SSC 2220 or call (630) 942-2251 for more information.

Chap Life

Find campus events and connect with student organizations and clubs with Chap Life, a one-stop station for COD Student Life.

Log on to www.chaplife.cod.edu.

Spring 2019 Orientation Guide — codcourier.org 5

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Student Life at College of DuPage offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations. No matter what your interests may be, rest assured that you can find something to amuse you during free time on campus.

For more information on clubs and organizations at COD, visit www.chaplife.cod.edu.

Academic / Pre-Professional Academy of Law and Criminal Justice The Advertising, Design and Illustration Club (AIGA) American Meteorological Association (AMS) Anatomy and Physiology Club Anthropology Club Architecture Club Association of Students in Construction Management Astronomy Club Biotech Club Chemistry Bonding Club COD Jewelry & Metals Guild Engineering Club Entrepreneurship Club Future Pharmacists Club Future Physicians Club Game Development Club German Club Historical Reenactment Club History Club Horticulture Club Human Services Network Library Technical Assistant Marketing Club National Kitchen and Bath Design (NKAB) Paralegal Club Philosophy Club Photo Ex Physics Club Pre-Physician Assistants Club (P-PAC) Pre-Dental Club Respiratory Therapy Club Society of Women Engineers Sociology Club Student Education Association Student Farmworker Alliance Student Nurses Association

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Cultural/Ethnic

Honor Societies

African American Student Alliance (AASA) Asia Club Casa de Amigos Chinese Student Club CIAO Italian Club Indian Student Association Japanese Culture Club La Connexion Francaise Latino Ethnic Awareness (LEAA) Seoul of Korea

Alpha Beta Gamma Alpha Delta Nu Alpha Mu Gamma Lambda Epsilon Chi Omega Lambda NU Phi Theta Kappa Psi Beta Tau Upsilon Alpha

Extracurricular CosPlay Page Turners Sci-Fi/Fantasy & Gaming Club

Faith-Based Campus Crusade for Christ Christians on Campus DuPage Christian Fellowship Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Muslim Student Association Newman Catholic Association Second City Campus Ministry Secular Student Alliance Third Watch

Organizations Alter Ego Productions Courier Student Newspaper Forensics Prairie Light Review Student Leadership Council

@CODCourier

6 codcourier.org — Spring 2019 Orientation Guide

COURIER ARCHIVES

Political/Advocacy Campus Libertarians COD Students for Life ENGAGE Feminist Alliance Mental Health Awareness Team (MHAT) Model United Nations Pride Alliance Student for a Democratic Society Students for Animal Welfare Students for Democratic Foreign

Service-Oriented Autismerica Endowment for Future Generations Environmental Club Event Planners Club Love Your Melons Veteran’s Association

Pro Tip!

Pay attention to student life events on campus. You can find events almost every week, some with complete crafts, games, music and even free food. Check out the student life lounge or the atrium– it will be obvious when events are going on.

@codcourier

COD Courier Student Newspaper

STUDENT RESOURCES What I wish I had known my first semester at COD A transfer student’s story I transferred to College of DuPage second semester of my freshman year. This was spring of 2017. If there is one thing I learned that I can advise to a transfer student, is that while it may be difficult to find friends in the beginning, you WILL find them eventually.

You may think that the transfer to COD from a fouryear institution is a “downgrade,” but I can assure you that is far from the truth.

I went into COD thinking I wouldn’t be able to make friends and that my entire college experience would be going straight from classes

to my car. That first semester, that is exactly what it was. I was miserable.

While I did well in my classes, something was missing being active in the COD community.

Near the end of my first semester at COD, I approached a table behind Starbucks. It was a promotional table for a club on campus, Love Your Melon.

I learned the club promoted an apparel brand that donates half the proceeds to pediatric cancer research and charities.

This was the first club I joined, and I am still in it to this day.

After joining this club, I felt like I belonged somewhere.

Maybe COD was more than just a commuter school with awful parking. Looking back, I am so glad I took that step in asking questions about what is offered at COD. Opportunities to get involved may not fall into your lap; you may have to search.

While COD does not have the same community as a fouryear school with students living on campus, it has given me valuable experiences I wouldn’t have otherwise received so early in my college career, such as being the Head Photo Editor for the Courier. Without actively looking for ways to be involved, I

Make use of the Fuel Pantry To fight food insecurity, the College of DuPage and Phi Theta Kappa made it their mission to make sure no student or staff member goes hungry. To live up to this goal, COD offers an on-campus food pantry, available to all stu-

dents, staff and faculty.

The Fuel Pantry is a donation-based food pantry that offers non-perishable food items, such as cereal bars, canned soup and vegetables, pasta, trail mix and more. The pantry also includes personal

Alison Pfaff · Courier Staff

probably would not be writing this piece for the paper you hold in your hands right now. I wouldn’t be greeting students as an NSO leader, and my college experience would have been pretty boring, honestly.

If you want to enjoy your college experience, don’t think of COD as just a place to take classes and leave. Explore the campus, and see what COD can offer you as a student, as well as a community member.

For more information on clubs available at College of DuPage, check out page 6.

Reanna Comiso · Courier Staff

hygiene items, such as toothpaste, shampoo and soap. It is located in SRC 1000 and opens every day classes are in session. Anyone with a valid COD ID is welcome to utilize the fuel pantry. Student IDs are free and can be obtained at the Office of Student Life, located in SSC 1217.

For students who wish to give back to fighting hunger, the Fuel Pantry is always taking donations and looking for volunteers. Food and hygiene items can be delivered to the Fuel Pantry or to the Phi Theta Kappa office, located in SSC 2212 and the Office of Student Life.

Even if you do not need help from the Fuel Pantry, knowing

about it can help students in need. It is important students worry less about where their next meal will come from and more on their studies and bettering themselves and their future.

More information on the Fuel Pantry, and a full list of donatable items and hours, can be found at http://www. cod.edu/student_life/pantry. aspx or by emailing ptkfuelpantry@gmail.com.

Spring 2019 Orientation Guide — codcourier.org 7

North Central will be at College of DuPage on: January 23, 2018 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

February 6, 2018 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

January 31, 2018 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

February 19, 2018 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Transfer and

Be central

at North Central College.

VISIT OPPORTUNITIES

Saturday, January 5 - Transfer Information Session Monday, January 21 - Campus Visit Day Friday, February 15 - High-Achieving Transfer Students Visit Program northcentralcollege.edu/transfer-visit-registration

Transferring into North Central College means helpful planning with knowledgeable counselors, generous academic scholarships and financial aid, and customized campus visits.

Join the conversation and use #BeCentral and #WeAreNC

8 codcourier.org —2018-2019.indd Spring 2019 Orientation Guide Half Page Ad_visit day_winter 1

CALL

EMAIL

LEARN

630-637-5800

admission@noctrl.edu

northcentralcollege.edu/transfer

12/14/2018 4:14:34 PM

COURIER ARCHIVES

College of DuPage Locations MAIN CAMPUS 425 Fawell Blvd.

Glen Ellyn, IL, 60137

CAROL STREAM CENTER 500 N. Kuhn Rd. Carol Stream, IL, 60188

WESTMONT CENTER 650 Pasquinelli Drive Westmont, IL, 60559

ADDISON CENTER 301 S. Swift Road Addison, IL, 60101

NAPERVILLE CENTER 1223 Rickert Drive Naperville, IL, 60540

LISLE CENTER 2525 Cabot Drive Suite 201 Lisle, IL, 60532

Spring 2019 Orientation Guide — codcourier.org 9

MAIN CAMPUS SCC

PE Center

Sports fields

Get physical at the PE Center! This recently renovated building hosts Chaparral Fitness, physical education classes and a swimming pool.

From tennis to track and field, COD provides great sports fields for anyone interested in joining a team.

Do you play a sport? Get involved!

The Seaton Computing Center serves students with technologically advanced classrooms. Study space in the SCC is fully loaded with charging stations in every open seating area. Look on the wall near the building’s main entrance and you will find a little inspiration from Steve Jobs.

Map courtesy of College of DuPage

HSC

The Health and Science Center provides a combination of laboratory, classroom, office and instructional space. Highlights include the nursing wing, a full dental lab and a fully functioning “Sim Hospital,” which allows students pursuing a medical degree to apply what they have learned.

HTC

The Homeland Security Training Center, located behind the Homeland Security Education Center, is the newly built phase II of College of DuPage’s Homeland Security Training Institute. The building includes a firing range for live action simulations, an electronic scenario simulator and a call center training room.

MAC

The McAninch Arts Center was first built in 1986 but has dramatically changed ever since. You can watch a variety of performances, from student concerts to famous acts, in the Belushi Performance Hall. You'll also find art and music classes in this building.

TEC

Completed in 2009, the Technical Education Center is home to many programs including architecture, horticulture, automotive technology, manufacturing technology and more.

CHC Campus Shuttle This service provides free transportation between east and west campus Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, and makes stops at lot 6.

For more info: www.cod.edu/shuttle

10 codcourier.org — Spring 2019 Orientation Guide

The Culinary and Hospitality Center, located next to the MAC, offers culinary classes as well as hospitality courses like hotel management training. The building also houses the student-run Wheat Café, a boutique hotel, Inn at Water’s Edge, and a full restaurant kitchen lab space.

BIC

The Berg Instructional Center was completed in 1974 and renovated in 2011. The center houses labs, workshops, faculty and departmental offices, conference areas and classrooms. It is named after the first president of College of DuPage.

SSC + SRC The Student Services Center and Student Resource Center are two interconnected buildings that act as the campus “living room.” In the SSC, you’ll find student departments, student life activities and, of course, Starbucks. The SRC houses the library, learning commons, cafeteria and the Turner Conference Center.

HEC

The Homeland Security Education Center serves as a state-of-the-art facility for students of the criminal justice program and the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. The COD police headquarters are also housed here.

Spring 2019 Orientation Guide — codcourier.org 11

SAVE THE DATE!

GET ANSWERS at the Library

“No more randomly googling and hoping for the best. The databases available in the Library have all the sources you need, right at your fingertips in one place.”

—COD student Diana Sokolov

COD librarians are the link between you and the information you need. They will help you explore a topic, find data, pinpoint a source, and so much more. Ask them anything!

College of DuPage Library Student Resource Center (SRC)

(630) 942-2350 cod.edu/library

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TRANSFER TO ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS

AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED FULL-TIME STUDENTS

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MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CREDITS ACCEPTED FROM 2-YEAR INSTITUTIONS

MAKE YOUR MOVE Our generous transfer policy allows students to transfer college-level credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities.

Roosevelt’s agreements with several area community colleges help you transfer with ease, finish your bachelor’s degree, and gain the knowledge and experience needed to kick your career into gear.

LEARN MORE ROOSEVELT.EDU/COURIER

STUDENT INFO

Transitioning from high school to college Entering college can be a complete culture shock for many. All of the structure provided throughout the education system seems to disappear in an instant when walking through those college doors for the first time. At this point, teenagers and young adults are expected to be responsible, independent and autonomous learners.

Transitioning from high school to college does not have to be a nightmare. But for those who are unprepared for what to expect from college life, the first few weeks of college can come as a wake-up call.

In several ways, college and high school are two different atmospheres that serve the same purpose. New students must keep in mind the differences between the two. High school was a place for students to learn structure, organization and responsibility.

College is the time for students to apply their newthe student. It is important for students to understand that they have all the choice in their schedule now.

One aspect of college that is drastically different from high school, though, is the fact that

academic success is fully in the hands of the student.

While professors never like to see their students fail, there is nothing that they can do to help out a student who does not come to class or do his homework. If a student is enrolled in college voluntarily, it is expected the student will do the work that is needed to succeed.

Most professors have strict policies on late work and missed exams - and for good reason. In all cases, professors are required to inform students of their late work and absentee policies during the first week of class. From there, students must adhere to those policies.

There will be professors who are more or less lenient, but that is completely up to the discretion of the teacher. If a professor decides make-up exams are not allowed unless in cases of emergencies, then the responsibility is now on the student to show up to class well prepared. It is all about learning responsibility and accountability - something crucial to carry out into the working world.

The most obvious difference between high school and college, though? The cost.

Reanna Comiso ¡ Courier Staff

Attending a public high school has several fees, but it is ultimately funded by U.S. tax dollars. College, on the other hand, can cost thousands of dollars out of your own pocket, for both public and private institutions.

Attending the College of DuPage (COD) is a smart enough decision when it comes to finances.

Tuition, books and other fees still add up quickly. It is important to be smart about finances in and out of the classroom.

Students must be well aware of the financial situation they are about to enter when attending college. They must understand all they can about financial aid, payment plans and loans, which will make handling the cost of college much easier.

It is also important to keep in mind this is an investment in personal growth, but students can only grow if they put in the effort and maintain a sense of motivation to learn and apply themselves. College is a choice, not a binding obligation.

Take some time to enroll in classes you enjoy or classes that spark your interest. Now more than ever,

students have the opportunity to explore their passions. This will not only make college more fun, but it may lead you down a path you never expected to take. and other fees still add up quickly. It is important to be smart about finances in and situation they are about to enter when attending college. They must understand all they can about financial aid, payment plans and loans, which will make handling the cost of college much easier.

It is also important to keep in mind this is an investment in personal growth, but students can only grow if they put in the effort and maintain a sense of motivation to learn and apply themselves. College is a choice, not a binding obligation.

Take some time to enroll in classes you enjoy or classes that spark your interest. Now more than ever, students have the opportunity to explore their passions. This will not only make college more fun, but it may lead you down a path you never expected to take.

Spring 2019 Orientation Guide — codcourier.org 13

STUDENT INFO CHOOSING A MAJOR The dreaded question. I’ve changed my major at least six times over these past two and a half years of attendance at the College of DuPage.

From computer science to communications to biology to journalism to political science and back to journalism, I’m a smorgasbord of too many interests; as are a lot of people here at COD. This institution is in place for people to find out which path is the one they truly want to pursuit.

Although many guides online as to how to pick a major are somewhat helpful, most lack the community college perspective. With that in mind, here are some ideas to keep in mind while attending COD

– COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

ONLINE GUIDE –

Take your time and explore er rather than later. Many of the There should be little to no urgency for you to pick a major while starting out at COD. The tuition is extremely cheap for the caliber of education that’s provided here, with more actual professors than in many four-year institutions. Take your time and explore the different subjects the college provides.

Explore the honors catalog as well, which has many classes that aren’t available for any student who has below a 3.2 GPA. They make your transcript look a lot more appetizing to four-year institutions across the country.

I’ve taken the entire first year of introductory biology classes, a python class and even Japanese while growing out of high school anime phase in my first semester. Every class I’ve taken here has shaped me into the person I am today.

From my snarky biology professor showing us a statistical correlation between how much homework former students completed and their success in his class to my coding professor’s relentless ambition to not only teach but understand the needs of his students, COD is a place for growth and exploration of ambitions.

Get an associate’s degree or transfer out?

This is a decision to make soon-

students I’ve talked to have an urgency to escape COD as if it’s a prison and want to start life at the four year college of their dreams.

Others believe the two-year degree will boost their resume a little further and make their candidacy more appetizing to employers.

Most people don’t know of the third option quietly rolling out from the college’s new administration. The college now holds more advanced transfer agreements with four-year institutions across Illinois since the Ann Rondeau became COD’s President in July of last year.

One kind of transfer agreement is a reverse transfer agreement, which allows you to earn a COD associates degree while attending a four-year institution. Once you earn all the necessary credits for an associate’s degree at a select university, the institution will transfer your credits back to COD to reward you with the two-year degree.

Although this may seem counterintuitive to many people due to how you’re paying more money for the same degree, this gives students who’ve completed at least a semester at COD the opportunity to earn more certification rather than only a bachelor’s degree even if they feel the need to sprint from community college life.­

14 codcourier.org — Spring 2019 Orientation Guide

How to Access Blackboard: Blackboard is the course management resource used at the college. You may not love it, but you will depend on it. Instructors usually post assignments, readings, test dates and grades here.

> Navigate to www.bb.cod.edu. > Type in your MyAccess ID and Password.

Voilà. You’re in. You’ll see a clickable list of courses you’ve registered for in the home page. On the top right of the screen, you’ll see your name, and next to it will appear a Facebook-esque notification when items require your attention.

How to Access Your Student E-mail: Most of your instructors will prefer to communicate by your student e-mail. A common gripe around campus is that students don’t check their e-mail regularly. Solution: Check your e-mail, stay on your teacher’s good side.

> Navigate to outlook.com/dupage.edu. > Type in your MyAccess ID and Password.

How to Log-in to MyAccess: MyAccess is the place where you will register for and drop classes, manage financial aid, order transcripts and handle most of the boring meta-college stuff.

> Navigate to myaccess.cod.edu. > Click “Log-in” on the top right of the screen. > Type in your MyAccess ID and Password. > Click “MyAccess for Students.”

Remember, your MyAccess ID is extremely important, so once you get it you should write it down somewhere safe. It is typically your last name followed by the first letter of your first name. Under the “Registration” heading, you will find “Register & Drop Classes,” under which you will find options to organize your course load.

STUDENT INFO

COD Newsroom Flickr

Your Professors don’t determine your grades, You Do Registering for classes is often a stressful undertaking. The weeks leading up to a new semester often see many students, myself included, scrambling to pick the classes we need to graduate.

Another top priority is to find the “right” professor. Many of us often find different ways to vet a professor before we sign up for her class, like asking our friends what their experiences were like with a particular instructor.

An even more popular method of scoping out an instructor is the infamous website “Rate My Professor.” Many students won’t dare sign up for a class without checking this site to ensure a professor’s competence. But, perhaps more often than not, the reviews on the site are very misleading.

Many of the students who leave reviews are either indifferent towards the class and/or instructor, or they were unhappy with their

grade and used the site to vent their frustration.

Every professor here at College of Dupage is qualified to do his or her job. The site may offer some useful insight into how a professor teaches his or her class. But basing your entire decision on whether or not to take a class on a website filled with bitter ex-students would be a mistake.

That’s not to say every single professor will adhere to your learning style. You could have several legitimate reasons to not feel comfortable in a class. In that case, it’s perfectly acceptable and even recommended that you drop it as soon as possible. Dropping a class by the end of the first week in the semester will ensure it does not appear on your transcript.

With that being said, a few people having a negative experience in a class doesn’t mean you’ll have the same negative experience.

The same can also be said in the reverse. For whatever reason, you could end up finding someone with glowing reviews on the site to be completely exasperating.

In any case, it’s not a professor’s responsibility to ensure their students do well in a class. Many students feel picking the wrong professor could make or break an entire class experience. The truth is that getting the grade you want is largely dependent on the work you put in, not how “chill” the professor is.

Most, if not all, professors want to see their students do well. But in college, you can’t rely on or even expect a professor to make your life easy. A professor is supposed to challenge her students. It’s up the learner to either make excuses or rise up to that challenge.

Last semester I took the most demanding course I’d ever taken here at COD. Near the beginning

Kimberly Wilson · Courier Staff

of the semester, while meeting with my professor, I asked him if there was anything I could do to ensure my success in the class. As this was an important semester for me, I “needed to get an A.” In response, my professor said that was all going to hang on how hard I worked throughout the semester.

This response upset me at first.

I, like many other students, was expecting him to pave the way for me to get my A. Looking back, I realize he was completely right. Regardless of the professor, in college, you don’t get the grade you wish for. You get the grade you work for.

For more information on registration, visit the Registration office in the Student Services Center (SSC), Room 2221 at the main campus or call the Registration office at (630) 942-2377.

Spring 2019 Orientation Guide — codcourier.org 15

STUDENT INFO COD is more affordable when you apply for scholarships

How to apply for scholarships at COD How do I qualify for merit-based scholarships?

Vandy Manyeh · Courier Staff After high school, Jessica Halder wanted to go to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to study engineering, but she just couldn’t afford the tuition.

With a $136 per credit hour tuition rate, many high school graduates like Halder enroll at College of DuPage (COD) to explore interests in various disciplines and save money.

“I came here to pursue a degree in science, engineering and technology, but didn’t know which route to take,” said Halder. “I came to COD and learned about biological engineering, and that’s what I’m majoring in.”

Her time at COD wasn’t just a journey to decide a college major. She got involved with several activities on campus. She did well in her classes and became the president of the Bio-Tech Club.

Fortunately for her, she received the Naperville Rotary and Charities Scholarship, Ruth Walbeck Memorial Scholarship, the Carol Stream Community College Scholarship, the Ellen Ward Textbook Scholarship and the Lillian Neale Campbell Scholarship - all through the COD Foundation.

“Every little bit helps you out,” said Halder. “I didn’t receive the presidential scholarship, which takes care of the lump sum amount, but the scholarships I

received took care of my tuition.”

This fall, Halder is headed to Urbana-Champaign and credits COD for making this possible.

“Right now, I’m able to pay for UIUC because most of my tuition at COD was covered,” added Halder. “I’m able to plan for my future more responsibly.”

Scholarship opportunities at COD only require a simple application, an unofficial transcript and an essay. These are all made available through the efforts of generous donors, which include individuals, business partners in the community and corporations.

The COD Foundation has been the custodian of all scholarships available to students from the college over the years.

The criteria for each scholarship varies.

They range from need-based and merit-based to a preferred major.

The COD Foundation on average awards over $450,000 in academic scholarships to more than 800 students each year.

Students finding it difficult to complete an application can find help at the financial assistance window right around the Student Services Center (SSC) atrium, or email scholarship@cod.edu.

Like Halder, students can apply for and receive multiple scholarships.

The Courier is looking for a new...

16 codcourier.org — Spring 2019 Orientation Guide

All scholarships have a unique set of criteria. The merit requirements vary. We encourage students to complete the scholarship application, including answering a set of qualifying questions, to discover the scholarships for which s/ he is eligible, based on his/her academic performance.

How do I qualify for need-based scholarships?

All scholarships have a unique set of criteria. Student need varies with each student. Need-based scholarships require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The college defaults to the federal government’s determination of need, based on the FAFSA. If a student elects not to complete the FAFSA, s/he may limit the number of scholarships for which s/he is qualified. We strongly encourage students to complete the FAFSA to in-

What are the deadlines for scholarships?

Applications for Fall semester are accepted, generally, mid-January through mid-March. Applications for Spring semester are accepted, generally, early-September through November 1st.

What are tips for finding scholarships at COD?

Students may read more about scholarship opportunities at College of DuPage by going to the scholarships’ webpage: http://www.cod.edu/scholarships.

Where do I start?

Students may start at the http://www.cod.edu/ scholarships webpage, then follow the prompt to “Apply for Scholarships.”

Sports Editor Features Editor News Correspondent & Social Media Manager For the Spring 2019 Semester.

Email editor@cod.edu for information.

STUDENT INFO Do yourself a favor and take the math placement test No one wants to take a math placement test. But unfortunately, to register for math classes at the College of DuPage, it is now a requirement.

Previously, the college allowed adequate ACT scores to place students into their designated math course. But as of last year, all students must take a math placement test before they can register for any accredited math course and various science courses.

The best way to get placed into the class you need for your degree is to take the placement test as soon

as possible. If you are coming to COD straight out of high school, don’t make the mistake of waiting.

Take the test while the mathematics material is still in your head. If you wait, it may hurt you in the long run. There is the possibility you won’t place into the class you need, or you have to take a non-credit prerequisite class before taking college-level math courses.

Before taking the official placement test, students must complete a pre-test. Students can find the pre-test at inside.cod.edu by logging in with their COD username

and password. Upon completion, the pre-test will give students a detailed summary of what they know and what they need to work on.

Students will also receive a study plan and module to prepare for the official test.

Students have three attempts at the official math placement test to increase their chances of placing into their desired course. After each test, students must complete three to five hours in the study module before retaking the test. Students do not need to take all three tests to place into their desired class.

Reanna Comiso · Courier Staff

Testing centers are located at the Glen Ellyn, Addison, Carol Stream, Naperville and Westmont campuses. Hours per campus may vary.

Once the tests are completed, students can register into the classes they placed in. The placement tests are composed of math concepts that should have been taught in high school. By taking the test sooner than later, the odds of placing into the class you want are more likely. Don’t wait to take the test, you may regret it later.

BE CAREER READY

Your job search begins the moment you arrive on campus.

Career Services is here to help.

• • • •

Resume and cover letter writing Mock interviews Career preparation workshops Internship and job search assistance

Don’t wait … #BeCareerReady @CODCareerCenter Career Services Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3258 (630) 942-2230 | csc@cod.edu | cod.edu/careerservices

Spring 2019 Orientation Guide — codcourier.org 17

! k c a b e m Welco ' a y d e s We mis

SPRING EVENT CALENDAR JAN 24

Sweet Start

FEB 12

Valentine's day

FEB 21

Movie day

MAR 7

Casino Day

MAR 19

Bumper Car

APR 1-5

Spring It On!

Events from 11am to 1pm Student Life Lounge, SSC 1200