Imperial Valley College

Unit 3

SUCCEEDING AS A STUDENT

In order to succeed at Imperial Valley College, we recommend that you consider the following:

#1 - ATTEND CLASS REGULARLY, ESPECIALLY THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS

Students are responsible for maintaining regular class attendance. Failure of a student to be present at the first scheduled meeting of a class and/or excessive absences may result in you being dropped from that class, especially if other eligible students are present and seeking admission to the class. It is the responsibility of the student, at the beginning of the semester, to become aware of the attendance policies of the instructor for each class in which they are enrolled.  Remember, it is also the student’s responsibility to drop the classes, not the instructors, failure to do so will result in a failing grade.

#2 - PREPARE FOR THE PARKING SITUATION

Parking during the first few weeks of school can be challenging. We recommend that you arrive on campus at least 30-45 minutes before your first scheduled class. In addition to regular student parking lots, overflow parking areas can be made available.

#3 - MAINTAIN COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR INSTRUCTORS

We encourage you to become familiar with your instructor’s expectations, which are usually presented by your instructor in class and/or through the course syllabus. Your full-time instructors are required to schedule office hours to meet with students. We encourage you to utilize these hours as well as maintain continued communication with your instructor.

#4 - UTILIZE SUPPORT SERVICES

As you have read so far, Imperial Valley College offers a wide range of student support services. We encourage you to seek as many services as possible. We are here to assist you!

#5 - FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH COLLEGE POLICIES AND ACADEMIC DEADLINES

Information is always accessible to students through the college website, college catalog  or schedule of classes.

#6 - SCHEDULE A COUNSELING APPOINTMENT TO DEVELOP A STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN

Orientation is a great resource to assist you in your first semester. It is in your best interest to schedule a counseling appointment to plan your courses and develop an educational plan (or one suited to your situation). Requirements are also subject to change without notice, so we recommend that you meet with a Counselor at least once a semester.

#7 - GET INVOLVED!

Studies show that students who are more connected to the campus achieve more academically. We encourage you to participate in the different student activities and opportunities listed on the Student Affairs pages on our website.

#8 - DEVELOP A REALISTIC EDUCATIONAL WORKLOAD

Although many students graduate, obtain a certificate, and/or transfer within 2 years, not everyone can or may want to. Since we all have different circumstances, including work and personal responsibilities, we encourage you to plan an educational workload that fits your current lifestyle. We will provide you with sample unit/workloads comparisons in a module.

#9 - TAKE ACADEMIC HONESTY SERIOUSLY

Instructors may dismiss a student involved in dishonest behavior, such as cheating and plagiarism, from a class for the day with a grade of “F” and may direct the matter for further disciplinary action to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs.  However, the student will not be dropped from the class.

#10 - COURSE LOAD AND STUDY HOURS

It is recommended that a student studies for a minimum of 2 hours outside of class for every unit (or credit hour) s/he is enrolled in to be successful in a course. For example, this student has the following schedule:

The above student’s total time commitment per week for school is 14 hours in class and 28 hours outside of the classroom. That adds up to 42 hours, which is equivalent to a full-time job! Remember, that does not include eating, sleeping, or attending to other personal commitments.