Something Different

I had a great time with the Pellissippi State Community College nontrad group, STARS, today. We ate lunch at Mellow Mushroom on the strip, then took a tour of campus. I was excited to see how Chris and Courtney were progressing and jazzed to meet some new nontrads. Their stories were all very different and very exciting. I wish you all the best as you accomplish your goals!

A couple of things came up that I'd like to address.
1. Transferring from a small campus to a large one.
This can be very intimidating, especially if you are someone who thrives on the smaller campus. Keep it all in perspective. Chances are your "world will shrink" (thank you, Betsy!). Your sphere will only be those areas of campus close to your college (Business, Arts and Sciences, etc.). Don't panic!
2. How do I find my way around? Get a map of your campus and explore on a day when it's not so busy - like during the summer. Grab a cold drink and your map and just meander through campus. You can do this more than once to make sure you feel "solid" and not lost when you get onto campus for your classes.
3. "Bi-schooling". You can take classes at both the community college and the university at the same time. Just make sure your schedule allows for enough time to get from one campus to the other and find parking, etc. Also make sure the classes you take at the community college will transfer to the university. Most will, but check with your advisor at the community college.
4. Questions, questions, questions. The following are the places you need to go to find out what you need to know. Admissions office - the beginning (admission) and questions about housing,etc. Financial aid office - how to get money for school. Registrar's office - your student records. Bursar's office - pay fees, disbursement of excess financial aid. Your college of choice - advising and how do I get there (a degree) from here (where I am currently in my academic journey).

Check out the university website as well. Learning to navigate in academic cyberspace is a great benefit. Follow up on applications, etc. And above all, ask lots of questions! That's the only way you'll learn what you need to know.

Good luck to the Pellissippi STARS as they look forward to reaching their goals! Stay tuned . . .