Running Start Information Session
November 24, 2014
Agenda:
• Welcome
• Running Start Overview
• Timeline
• Program Eligibility – Pre selection Criteria
• Admission Steps: Application, Testing & Test Preparation, Scheduling, Studying Tips
• Programs
• Transferring
• Fast Facts & Where are Running Start Students Today
• Questions
Overview
Running Start is a program for qualified students from participating high schools to attend Rock Valley College full time for their junior and/or senior years of high school.
The courses taken in the 2 year program will be for Dual Credit, meeting the requirements for both a high school diploma and an Associate degree
simultaneously. Students participating in the 1year program earn one year of college credits (non-degree completion).
Each H.S. has agreed to offer different programs – please make note of your specific High School program.
Running Start is administered out of the High School Connections office at RVC, in conjunction with the approved high schools.
We…
• Schedule classes
• Monitor attendance and grades (mid-term & final)
• Communicate with RVC faculty and high schools
regarding academic progress
• Oversee all Dual Credit students
• HSC=RVC Guidance Office to high school students
on campus
• Individual meetings with Running Start students
• Assist students with transfer
• Serve as advisor to Running Start Club
Timeline
December 12th Application and HS transcript due to High School Connections (HSC)
January 30th Last Day for Placement Testing
February 6th Acceptance packets mailed to students
February 25th Last Day for Acceptance Packets to be returned to HSC March 20th Last Day to set-up RVC technology
May Required Orientation 5:30pm – 7:30pm
May/June/July STU 100- Planning for Success required (2 week course) MTH 120- College Algebra required for Engineering and Science (8 week course)
Program Eligibility – Pre-selection Criteria
Meet with your high school counselor regarding the
Pre-selection process. Students must:
1) Have a minimum 3.0 GPA cumulative in high school at
time of application
2) Have completed 1 year of Algebra, 1 year of Geometry,
and 2 years of English with a grade of “B” or higher
before starting summer courses
3) Have completed high school chemistry with a “B” or
better *for students applying for the 2-year Engineering
program
Admission Steps
After you and your high school counselor have determined
that you meet the Pre-Selection Criteria…
1. Complete and submit a Rock Valley College High School Programs Application for Admission.
Applications due to HSC by December 12th
2. Submit your HS transcript
Must be received by December 12th
3. Complete all 3 ACCUPLACER Placement tests Testing completed by January 30th
4. Return the Acceptance packet information to the High School Connections office.
Packets must be received by February 26th
Testing Information
Take the Reading, English & Math ACCUPLACER tests in the Testing Center at RVC. (Or submit ACT or SAT scores)
Testing completed by January 30th.
ACCUPLACER Tests are computerized and untimed.
Approximately 20 questions for each subject area.
Prepare with practice tests.
Be well rested and alert.
Be nourished so your brain is well fed!
Bring photo ID!! (High School ID is perfect)
Testing may be arranged by your HS as a group or completed individually – check with your HS Counselor
Running Start Programs Available by District Beginning Summer 2014
To participate in the Running Start Program, students having met the Pre-Selection criteria in their high school will complete the High School Connections Program Application. Please indicate on the Application which Running Start program the student is applying for based on the programs offered by their school district.
District Running Start AA & AS Running Start Engineering Running Start
2-Yr program 2-Yr program 1-Yr program
1 Belvidere X X X
2 North Boone X X X
3 Pecatonica X X X
4 Rockford X AS only X
5 South Beloit X X X
6 Winnebago X X X
Two Year Program –
Degree Completion
Degree Completion Programs:
• Regular (Associate of Arts or Associate in Science)
• Engineering (Associate in Science)
(Running Start Engineering have pre-determined course sequences)
All high school requirements must be met by the end of the sophomore year
Students applying for the Engineering program must have completed high school chemistry with a “B” or better
One Year Program
Offers seniors the opportunity to earn 1 year of college credit (1-year program is non-degree completion)
All high school requirements must be met by the end of the junior year
Who Pays?
Tuition – School District
RVC fees – School District
Books – Student Supplies – Student
Transportation – Student
Class Schedule
Your summer and fall classes will be scheduled by the HSC office.
Summer schedules will include:
• STU 100: Planning for Success for all students (must be completed in the summer).
• MTH 120: College Algebra (Running Start Engineering students).
• Students must earn a “B” or better in these summer courses to remain in the program; no repeats allowed.
Classes may be scheduled Monday through Friday. Classes may be as early as 7:30 am and end as late as 10:15 pm based on course availability.
Students may be scheduled for a Physical Education class depending on high school policy.
High School to College Transition
Studying for college level courses is different than high school –
• To succeed, you must make the time
*The general “rule” is to study 2 hours for every 1 hour you have in class.
• Ask for help. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help! People around you can help – even other Running Start students
• Responsibility is on you! No one reminds you of deadlines - consult your syllabus/calendars
You will…
• Be treated as an adult - advocate for self
• Have campus freedom - take responsibility for your actions
• Need to practice Time Management
Campus Resources
Take advantage of all campus resources and facilities!
• Educational Resource Center- ERC (Library)
Computer Lab, Books & Periodicals, Meg’s Daily Grind
• Student Center- SC
High School Connections Office, Tutoring, Writing Center, Testing Center, Bookstore, Computer Lab, Atrium, Papa John’s & Subway
• Jacob Center for Science and Math- JCSM
Math Lab and Science Lab – often staffed by RVC faculty
• Clubs and Organizations
Over 30 clubs on campus– Running Start Club and more!
• Tutoring Resources are all FREE! Take advantage of them.
Transferring to complete a bachelor’s degree
• Begin planning as soon as possible for your transfer. Work backwards from the college/university you plan to transfer to by speaking to that college Admissions Office.
• Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI)- a statewide effort to help Illinois college students transfer credit more easily between more than 100 participating Illinois colleges and universities.
• itransfer.org
• Attend Transfer Sessions, College Night, etc.
Fast Facts
Running Start started in Fall 2009 with the Class of 2011.
Graduates:
2011 – 43 graduates 2012 – 42 graduates 2013 – 45 graduates 2014 – 58 graduates
How many total Presidents List & How many total Dean’s List?
Last fall…
Presidents List (4.0) – 28 individual students Deans List (3.5) – 72 individual students
Currently there are 143 students participating in a Running Start Program.
Where are Running Start students today?
Augustana College Bradley University Butler University BYU- Idaho BYU-Utah
Carthage College
Columbia College-Chicago Duke University
Elmhurst College Illinois College
Illinois State University Iowa State University Loyola University Marquette University
North Central College
Northern Illinois University Rockford University
Rock Valley College
Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville Southern Illinois University- Carbondale University of Dubuque
University of Illinois University of St. Francis
University Wisconsin- Madison University Wisconsin- Whitewater Western Illinois University
Western Michigan
Running Start
Questions?
Linda Auman
Coordinator, Running Start & Dual Credit Advisor
[email protected] 8 1 5 – 9 2 1 – 4 0 8 6
High School Connections
Jennifer Dyer
Administrative Assistant
[email protected] 8 1 5 – 9 2 1 – 4 0 80
Cara Patterson
Dual Credit Specialist & Transition Advisor [email protected]
8 1 5 – 9 2 1 – 4 0 87
