Planning ahead is a big part of my DNA as a faculty member at College of DuPage. I am constantly thinking of the next book order, prioritizing goals for a class activity, sequencing curriculum, forecasting projects and making goal lists. Planning gives me a boost of energy and opens feelings of progress and accomplishment. I consider myself organized, prepared and productive. Do I have an extra pencil in my backpack? Did I remember to bring extra Kleenex? Did I pack lunch the night before? Check, check, check. Admittedly, sometimes my uber planning drives my family crazy. Spontaneity is a difficult concept for me. I thrive on to-do lists, sticky notes and electronic reminders.
My students are also planners to an extent, but one of their biggest hurdles is thinking a semester or two semesters ahead. “Designing their life” is difficult as they are peppered with questions like, “What is your major? What are you good at? What certificate or degree are you planning to pursue? What is your dream job?” Sometimes our students are undecided, undeclared and uninterested right now. They need time. They need guidance.
I introduce them to our College of DuPage Student Planning Worksheet, a planning tool for students who are interested in finding out about specific general education degree requirements for the Associate of Art, Associate of Science, Associate in Engineering Science, Associate of Applied Science and Associate of General Studies degrees. I work with an adviser from Counseling Services, Michael Duggan, who volunteers to come into my classes each semester to talk with students about their future course schedules, internship opportunities and financial aid packages. We work together to help students plan an academic pathway at College of DuPage and beyond.
This formal planning process takes place right after midterm in preparation for the next semester’s course registration. Again, students are thrown into choosing classes for the following semester when they aren’t yet finished with the current semester. It can be confusing and daunting, but we’re here to help.
The College of DuPage website, http://www.cod.edu is a great resource to aid in the course registration process:
Summer 2016
Returning Student Registration begins on March 22 at 8 a.m.
- 60+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Tuesday, March 22 or later
- 50+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Wednesday, March 23 or later
- 40+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Thursday, March 24 or later
- 20+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Monday, March 28 or later
- 10+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Tuesday, March 29 or later
- .5+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Wednesday, March 30 or later
- New and Returning Students with Zero Earned Credits: Friday, April 1 or later
Priority registration does not include transfer credit or demonstrated competency credit.
To check the number of completed College of DuPage credit hours:
- Go to myACCESS.cod.edu
- Log in to your account
- Under “Academic Profile” click on “My Profile”.
- See Institutional Completed Credits
Fall 2016
Returning Student Registration begins on April 7 at 8 a.m.
- 60+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Thursday April 7 or later
- 50+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Friday, April 8 or later
- 40+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Monday, April 11 or later
- 20+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Wednesday, April 13 or later
- 10+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Thursday, April 14 or later
- .5+ College of DuPage Earned Credits: Friday, April 15 or later
- New and Returning Students with Zero Earned Credits: Friday, April 22 or later
After I register, when is my payment due date?
All students not receiving financial assistance are required to pay their tuition bill at the time of registration. Students who receive employer reimbursements must pay their tuition first to the College, then obtain repayment from their employer. Students may pay by cash, check or credit card. Students unable to pay in full may take advantage of our convenient “Payment Plans”. Students receiving financial assistance will be able to enroll in a deferred-payment plan.
teachingwritingonline 