The Division of Student Affairs - J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

New Student Orientation, Advising and Registration Centers

Check back to this site for more information about SOAR. Students will be able to register for an orientation date beginning June 1.

>> Information Handout for SOAR

Summer Orientation

Welcome to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College! SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration)is a half-day program required for new students.

SOAR includes:

A welcome program forstudents and their guests
The opportunity to meet other students, staff, and faculty members
A campus tour
Learning about campus policies and programs
Discovering ways to get involved in campus life
Understanding faculty expectations of students
Learning how to navigate the Student Information System (SIS)
Registering for fall classes
A family & friends program while students are with advisors.

Your responsibilities prior to SOAR are:

Take the placement tests at one of the campus Testing Centers. Information about Testing Center hours can be found at www.reynolds.edu/testing. If you do not take the placement tests one week prior to your SOAR session, you will not be able to be advised properly for your fall classes.
Set up your username and password in SIS (please see www.reynolds.edu/computing/MyJSRAccounts/MyJSRUsername.htm.
Bring your username and password with you to SOAR.
Make sure you have followed up with Financial Aid if you have any questions about your financial aid package. More information about financial aid can be found online at www.reynolds.edu/studentaffairs/faid.htm.

Summer 2013 dates will be posted at a later date

Orientation checklist:

Why attend orientation?
When and where are the next sessions?
Prepare yourself for your orientation
Learn more about academic advising
See degree programs & class schedules
Check the calendar for important dates
Pay tuition and check due dates
Obtain information on Financial Aid, FAFSA & Scholarships
Information for parents, families & friends
View video tutorials:
First week survival video- how to get a parking pass, student ID, and other information.
Step-by-step video tutorials on how to use the basic features of the college's Student Information System.

Need Help? email soar@reynolds.edu

Why attend Orientation and Registration programs? [back to top]

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? [back to top]

Orientation sessions are held at the Parham Road, in the Library Technology Center Auditorium and at the Downtown Campus in the auditorium. The schedule of dates and times is below. Choose a session to attend.

Dates for spring Orientation are Friday, January 4, 10 a.m - noon, at the Parham Road Campus and Saturday, January 5, 10 a.m. - noon at the Downtown Campus

Are you thinking about attending J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in the future? Please attend one of our regular information sessions and tours. If you have questions, contact Christine Joseph at cjoseph@reynolds.edu

Parham Road Campus Information Session and Tour – Every first Friday in the Massey Auditorium at 9 a.m.

Downtown Campus Information Session and Tour – Every third Friday in the first floor auditorium at 9 a.m.

Information for parents, friends & families [back to top]

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.