Reynolds, The Opportunity College

Destination Success

new student orientation and advising

Welcome to JSRCC!  Orientation is an important step in your success
as a college student.
Sessions are offered at the beginning of every semester on a first come, first serve basis. Sign up early!

new student orientation checklist

check Why attend Orientation?
check When are the next sessions?
check View the first week survival video
check Find an academic advisor
check Review degree programs & class schedules
check Check the calendar for important dates & deadlines
check Pay tuition and check due dates
check Obtain information on financial aid, FAFSA & Scholarships
check Information for Parents, families & friends (link this to website under first year?)

Why come to Orientation and Registration Programs? [top]
JSRCC offers three ways for first-time students to receive academic advising
and register for classes:


1. New first-time college students for the Fall semester are invited to participate in SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising & Registration), an orientation program, or a Group Advising session.

2. Students entering for the Fall semester who miss out on SOAR or Group Advising sessions may complete Online SOAR.

3. Students entering for the Spring and Summer semesters may participate in a Group Advising session.  They are also encouraged to attend an on-campus orientation session or complete online orientation.

SOAR and Group Advising sessions are designed to assist students with the following:
• Learning about student success resources at the College
• Having placement test score results interpreted for accurate placement in courses
• Answering any questions related to academic programs or course requirements
• Establishing a sound class schedule for the upcoming term
• Becoming familiar with Blackboard and the JSRCC Student Information System
• Learning the location of campus resources (for SOAR participants only)
• Gaining a better understanding of JSRCC, college policies, and attendance


When and where are the next sessions? [top]




Session registration is now closed! Please visit your Campus Success Center to be advised.

Date Location Time
Dec 1 Room 382; Downtown Campus 5:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Dec 3 Room 117 Library Technology Center; Parham Road 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Dec 8 Room 117 Library Technology Center; Parham Road 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Dec 9 Room 117 Library Technology Center; Parham Road 5:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Dec 10 Room  382; Downtown Campus 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

Information for Parents, Friends & Families [top]


This site is designed to provide information for your support network so that they can best assist you as you assume the role of student.  We encourage you to share this information with your parents, friends, families and loved ones.  Below you will find more information below concerning student success, and student records.

FAQ Student Success | FAQ Student Records

FAQ Student Success

What is the difference between a high school and college environment?
What does JSRCC do to help students adjust to the first few weeks of classes?
What if my student is struggling academically? How can I help?
When your student asks how to succeed, how can you offer encouragement?
If my student is having problems with the teacher, how can I set up a teacher conference?

What is the difference between a high school and college environment? [back to top]

The college environment requires students to function independently, be self-directed, and be mature enough to handle adult subject matter and a diverse population. College students are expected to contribute to the learning environment and behave in a manner that will not disrupt instruction, the classroom, events, or other campus settings. The college workload averages two hours of homework for every hour of class time.

What does JSRCC do to help students adjust to the first few weeks of classes? [back to top]

All new students are required to attend an orientation program prior to the start of the semester. During this orientation students will learn about programs at JSRCC that will provide support and assistance. In addition, students should view the First-Year Survival Tips slide show. First year students are also encouraged to take SDV 100 in their first semester, which is designed to facilitate self-discovery, as well as develop helpful skills such as note-taking, time management, and career exploration.

What if my student is struggling academically? How can I help? [back to top]

Students, particularly new students, can encounter academic difficulties. The adjustment to a college environment can be challenging. If you find signs of declining interest in a subject or increased frustration you should refer your student to contact a faculty member, the Success Center (www.reynolds.edu/jsr_ac) or the Academic Support Center (www.reynolds.edu/jsr_asc). JSRCC’s Academic Support Centers provide free tutoring to students and can assist with challenges your student may be facing in math, writing, or a number of other subjects.

If my student is having problems with the teacher, how can I set up a teacher conference? [back to top]

Trying to arrange teacher conferences or making personal phone calls to the instructor to discuss your student’s performance is not encouraged at the college and university level. Students (regardless of age) are expected to take the initiative to address academic or personal problems that may interfere with their ability to succeed in a course. The college provides advisors and counselors to assist students in overcoming academic difficulties, up to and including a grievance process if students feel they have been treated unjustly. However, it is not encouraged for parents to contact faculty or academic administrators about their student’s performance – that is the responsibility the student assumes when registering for college level classes.

When your student asks how to succeed, how can you offer encouragement? [ top]


Be Present in Class: Some classes do not take attendance, but it is important to be present. The information your students may miss will affect the success of their learning process.
Keep and Review the Course Syllabus: Your students' syllabus is their contract with their instructor. It includes instructor contact information, required course texts, class objectives, assignment deadlines, and grade computation.
Be Prepared for the Class: Have the necessary supplies and textbooks needed for the class, and also be prepared for engaging in class discussions.
Take Notes in Class
Meet With Instructors

Why is JSRCC unable to tell me anything about my student? [back to top]

According to federal law, college students have the right to the privacy of all their education records including grades, financial information, and disciplinary records.  Under this law, parents or family members who want to gain access to a student’s records can do so only if the student provides written permission.
Unless a student makes other arrangements with us, we do not contact parents or family members about their progress at college.  It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with their families and loved ones and tell how things are going. The student may talk to a staff member in JSRCC’s Admissions and Records Office about options available for release of information.

How can I get a copy of my student’s grades?[back to top]

The easiest and fastest way to obtain information about your student’s grades or records is for the student to provide it for you.  Students can look up information by logging online to their Student Information System account and either print it off or email a copy to you. 

Since I’m paying for my child’s education, why can’t I get a copy of their records?[back to top]

FERPA requires that access to a college student’s records must be released by approval of the student.  However, parents can receive information about their student if they show proof that the student is financially dependent for IRS purposes.  To do so, submit a copy of your tax records that show dependent status to Central Admissions and Records.  Please know that our staff may not be able to grant your request immediately as they are required to have the Registrar’s permission prior to releasing  

How can I get verification of my student’s enrollment and grade point average for my insurance company?[back to top]

A verification form may be obtained through the Access Center.  The form requires the student’s signature, and then it may be mailed to the college or dropped off at one of the Access Centers to be processed.