We are delighted that you have entrusted JSRCC with assisting your student in reaching their academic goals! Below you will find more information below concerning student success, access to student records, and resources so that you can best support your JSRCC student! Visit the Student Success Center for more information.
Learn more about 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?
Learn more about Student Records:
• Why is JSRCC unable to tell me anything about my student?
• How can I get a copy of my student’s grades?
• Since I’m paying for my child’s education, why can’t I get a copy of their records?
• How can I get verification of my student’s enrollment and grade point average for my insurance company?
Learn more about Family Orientation
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 or the Academic Support Center. 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? [back to 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
FAQ Student Records
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 Success Center. The
form requires the student’s signature, and then it may be mailed
to the college or dropped off at one of the Success Centers to be processed.
Student Success Center Resources:
The Student Success Center provides services to students in the following
areas:
• Admissions
• Academic Advising
• Financial Aid
• Veterans Affairs
The Student Success Centers create an intentional, educational partnership
between staff and students. Grounded in teaching and learning, the Student
Success Center provides Academic Advising and retention services to students
with fewer than 30 credits. In addition, all J. Sargeant Reynolds students
are advised and receive services in the areas of Admissions, Financial Aid,
Veterans Affairs, and Registration.
The staff of the Student Success Centers are committed to assisting students
exceed their academic expectation and we understand that family support is
important to their success. The following are ways that you can support and
encourage your student to achieve his/her academic goals.
Encourage your student to visit the Student Success Center early in
their academic career at JSRCC.
We have developed the First Year Advising Model which includes:
• Group Advising
• Individual Advising
These advising sessions provide information to meet the specific needs of
students new to college, further we have Academic
Advisors trained to work specifically with new students.
• Encourage them to seek advising during Early
Bird Registration, before In
Person Registration in order to avoid waiting in lines and to get an
optimal schedule.
• Encourage them to respond to all correspondence sent to them from
the school.
• Encourage them to participate in Study
Skills workshops that have been designed to assist students in areas where
they may need assistance, they include:
Time Management | Critical
Thinking | Financial Aid | Note Taking | Test Taking | Stress Management
• Remind them of the free
tutoring available through the Academic Support Center.
• Support them in visiting the Career,
Employment and Transfer Center to investigate career and transfer opportunities.
Be patient. Students are usually more successful when they have selected an
academic program based on their interests and ability.
• Encourage them to participate in Campus Activities and Clubs Office
of Student Life to develop their leadership skills. Transfer institutions
and employers are impressed by students who have expressed and leadership skills.
• Remind them of deadlines, Financial
Aid, tuition
payment, scholarships, add/drop
and withdraw.
• Encourage your son/daughter to contact the Office
of Student Accommodations if they have a documented disability
and would like to know more about the services we provide.