Advising Tools
- Follow these 10 tips for college success.
- One of the keys to academic success is having a plan. When you start college, you
should draft a quarter-by-quarter educational plan that includes all the required
classes for your degree or program.
- We recommend you build your educational plan in your ctcLink account using the Planner tool. This tool will allow you to add classes to your plan directly from the Class Search and even enroll into classes directly from your Planner (for instructions, click here).
- Alternately, you can use this fillable pdf Educational Plan document and save it to reference each quarter when you sign up for classes.
- Each quarter, make sure you complete this to do list.
- If you are in your last quarter of classes needed to earn your degree or certificate, remember to apply for graduation (even if you are not participating in the ceremony in June).
Use the Degree Progress tool under Academics in the menu bar in ctcLink to view your degree and certificate requirements and to track your progress toward completion. Try out the What If tool if you are considering switching to a different degree or program.
If you have earned non-WVC credit, you need to request a Credit Evaluation through the Admissions/Registration Office to find out how many of your previous college credits can count toward your WVC degree.
Find additional transfer resources and career information at www.wvc.edu/careertools.
Use the Course Equivalency Guides below to get a general idea of which classes will likely transfer to your chosen university and meet prerequisites for your major.
Faculty Advisors and instructors set office hours each quarter when they are available to meet with students and advisees in person or via phone or Zoom. Find your Faculty Advisor's name and email in your ctcLink account under Academics in the menu bar. Use the online Faculty Directory to find out more about them including their office location.
WVC sets aside one day each quarter as Advising Day to encourage students to meet with their Faculty Advisor and stay on track with their degree.
To get the conversation started, see below for some questions to ask your Faculty Advisor.
If you would like to change your Faculty Advisor, fill out the Change of Advisor Form Online.
Students are in different places on their educational path; use these questions to generate your own questions to ask your Faculty Advisor on Advising Day.
- Can you help me choose classes for next quarter?
- Do I need any more English or math for my degree?
- Have I been taking the right classes for my degree?
- Am I on track to graduate?
- I still don't know what I want to study, how did you decide on your career?
- I'm almost done with my degree:
- Can you help me figure out what I need to do to transfer to another school?
- Can you give me advice on looking for a job?
- What kinds of grades do I need to get to pass English and math classes?
- What careers options are there in my field?
- How much education is needed for my career goal?
- What are the differences between associate degrees and bachelor degrees?
- What is the difference between a major and a minor?
- How does my GPA impact my transfer options?
- What are appropriate electives for my majors?
Things to do after you meet with your Faculty Advisor:
- Double-check your schedule for any conflicts.
- Ensure there are no time conflicts between the classes you have selected.
- Ensure there are no conflicts between your class schedule and work schedule.
- Ensure you have met all of the prerequisites for the classes.
- Figure out how you will pay tuition.
- If you are paying out-of-pocket, will you have the funds ready by the tuition deadline?
- If you are working with Financial Aid or some other funding source, have you checked to ensure your funding will cover your classes?
- Enroll in classes on your assigned day and time to get priority pick of classes.
- Get your books.
It is important to carefully ensure that you have met the enrollment requirements, also known as prerequisites for any classes you sign up for, therefore read the course description of each class before you sign up for it. Additionally, consider the following questions as you choose classes.
Are you working towards a transfer degree?
If so, you should refer to your degree requirement worksheet to find out what classes you can take to complete your degree. If you placed at the college-level on English, you can begin taking many college-level classes, such as communication, biology, history, etc.
Are you working towards a technical degree or certificate?
It is critical that you follow the order of classes required for your degree. Many technical classes are offered only once a year, and it is important that you take them during the correct quarter. Refer to the online catalog or online Program Guides for more details.
Did you place below college-level in writing and reading (ENGL 97)?
If you placed below the college-level in writing and reading, it is critical to begin ENGL 97 Composition: Paragraph (5 credits) your first quarter. Also, choose your other courses carefully because most classes are college-level and require college-level writing and reading skills to be successful.
Did you place into college-level writing and reading (ENGL 101 or 100)?
If possible, you should begin with ENGL 101 Composition: General (5 credits) your first quarter to build your writing skills and increase your chance of success in future classes.
Where did you place in math?
Although it is not critical that you start with math your first quarter, do not put it off for long. Depending on your math placement, you may need several math courses to meet the requirement for your degree and thus it is recommended to complete math classes early.
Are you looking for another good class to take your first quarter?
SDS 101 Study Skills (5 credits) is a class that we strongly recommend for any new college student. This class will teach you test-taking skills, note-taking skills, time-management skills, and how to read college-level textbooks. These skills will set you up for success in your future classes.
Do you think you would benefit from improving your computer skills?
Many classes will require you to complete homework and assignments on a computer. Consider taking BCT 101 Keyboarding (2 credits), BCT 104 Computer Fundamentals (3 credits), or BCT 105 Computer Applications (5 credits) to develop your skills in basic keyboarding, troubleshooting, computer hardware and software, including internet, word processing, spreadsheets, database applications, and more.
Are you unsure of your career or educational path?
SDS 106 Career and Life Planning (3 credits) provides you with an opportunity to explore career options that best fit your personality, interests, abilities, and values.
Are you planning on taking online classes now or in the future?
After you signed up for classes, we would encourage you to access this free Online Learning Readiness Orientation Canvas course to help prepare you for online and remote classes. This 4-8 hour online class will teach you how online courses work and how you can be a successful online learner.
Are you trying to decide how many credits to take?
As a new student, it is important to start off on the right foot. Do not choose a course load that is too heavy. If you want to finish your two-year degree in two years, you must take an average of 15 college-level credits per quarter. Since many WVC classes are five credits each, this equals three classes. However, 12 credits is the minimum required to be a full-time student; therefore, you could take two five-credit classes and a two-credit class. Very few departments offer one-, two-, and three-credit classes, but some that do include the departments of music (MUSC), student development skills (SDS), and physical education (PEH).
Are you working towards an Allied Health program?
Make sure you are following the Prerequisite Checklist for your program. It is critical that you check for individual class prerequisites, especially in math and science.
More things to consider before signing up for classes:
- Some students report that taking math and English the same quarter can be overwhelming. Consider taking them different quarters.
- Have a backup plan. What will you take if your first choice for a class is full? What could you take instead if you go to the first day and decide it’s not for you?
- Ask current and former students which classes they enjoyed and why.
- Consider your responsibilities and commitments. Be realistic about how much time you have to spend in class, doing homework, family commitments, and work responsibilities. Don’t set yourself up to fail by taking on more than you can realistically manage.
- As you look for classes to fulfill requirements, keep your eyes open for classes that inspire interest and may relate to what you’re interested in as a career. You’ll do better and find the class easier if the subject is something you’re interested in.
- Explore new subjects. The AAS-DTA degree requires that you take a broad range of classes to expand your knowledge base and help you develop as a well-rounded learner.
- Speak with your Faculty Advisor about your career interests and get help selecting relevant courses.
Student Success Resources
WVC Knight's Kupboard food pantry is available to students on both campuses. www.wvc.edu/counseling
Consider applying for federal and/or state financial aid by submitting a FAFSA or WASFA form. www.wvc.edu/financialaid
Research scholarship opportunities. www.wvc.edu/scholarships
WVC offers a range of grant and student support programs. Check with the programs below for eligibility requirements:
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) helps students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds during their first year of college. The program provides academic and financial support services to empower students, so they have a strong foundation to build upon as they work toward a bachelor's degree. www.wvc.edu/camp
The TRIO Student Support Services program includes financial literacy, tutoring, academic advising, transfer assistance, career planning, and more. Nearly half of WVC students are eligible to participate in TRIO SSS. www.wvc.edu/trio
The Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program offers a unique combination of enrichment activities, academic support, industry involvement, and an encouraging community environment for STEM students. www.wvc.edu/mesa
The Student Grant Center runs five different grant programs to help eligible individuals pay for their education and can provide additional student support services as well. www.wvc.edu/studentgrantscenter
Find these Student Development Skills (SDS) classes on the ctcLink Class Search by using the “Subject” filter for Student Development Skills.
Classes for extra help in Math, English and Study Skills:
- SDS 101 Study Skills (5 credits) – This course covers college-level study skills, including time management, goal setting, classroom etiquette, math study skills, note-taking, textbook reading and comprehension, exam preparation and test taking, basic research skills, and basic presentation skills.
- SDS 103 Study Skills for Mathematics (3 credits) – A support course in basic math principles and math-specific study skills to improve student performance in developmental math. This course is designed to be taken along with one of the following classes: MATH 90, 92, 93, 98, or 99.
- SDS 114 Accelerated English Support Class (3 credits) – A support course in writing and reading, relevant study skills, and college-navigation skills to improve student performance in ENGL 97 and ultimately in ENGL 101. Uses a workshop approach to give assistance with writing assignments from other courses. This course is designed to be taken along with ENGL 97.
- SDS 104 Stress Management – Understanding of the nature of stress, principles of stress management and strategies for 'creating, rejuvenating, and sustaining' a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Through lectures and experiential learning, learn to reduce anxiety around tests, homework, relationships and more.
Also, look for this class on the ctcLink Class Search with the math classes:
- Math 101 (2 credits) – This class is a for students preparing for or enrolled in a math class at WVC. Topics from Algebra through Precalculus are individually selected by the instructor based on the student's need and goals. At course completion, instructor will determine next steps for student in math at WVC.
NOTE: Student Development Skills classes are counted as Restricted Electives toward the Associates of Arts and Science (AAS-DTA) transfer degree.
The WVC Counseling Department provides many online tools for career exploration including career assessments.
WVC also offers a Student Development Skills class:
SDS 106 Career and Life Planning (3 credits) – An opportunity to explore career options that best fit with a student's personality, interests, abilities, and values. Includes an emphasis on personal assessment.
WVC provides links to course equivalency guides for Washington state universities and other online transfer resources.
Also, student should reach out to their Faculty Advisor for advice and guidance on transferring.
WVC has a diverse assortment of student clubs, both on the Omak and Wenatchee campus. Clubs and organizations provide excellent opportunities for social and civic involvement, networking, stress relief, skill building, and so much more.
Also, consider joining the Student Senate on either the Wenatchee or Omak campus.