Steps to Success

Sometimes that means we will reach out to students we think might need some support or academic assistance. It could also mean you need to take additional classes to get ready for college. We can provide support through four specific ways, all of which are part of the Steps to Success program:

• Inventory of Student Success (ISS)
• Prepared Learner Classes
• Early Alert Referral Process
• First Semester Experience

Inventory of Student Success (ISS)

Since July 2008, most incoming CVTC students have completed a survey called the Inventory of Student Success. The survey tells us how confident you are in your career goals and academic skills, and it also lets us know how much financial and family support you have.

There are nine categories on the ISS. CVTC will contact all students who indicate low confidence on three or more survey categories by sending a letter and e-mail. Our own studies show that students who score low are more likely to earn lower grades, lose confidence in their direction, and withdraw from classes. If you score low in one of these areas, you will receive a letter asking you to set up an appointment with a CVTC counselor or the Student Success Coordinator. Together we will create a plan of interventions for addressing some of your concerns.

Interventions will be make to improve your chances of being successful. Depending on your personal needs, the interventions you take could include any combination of the following: counseling, career planning workshops, student success seminars, academic services.

Prepared Learner Courses

Prepared Learner courses are designed to get you ready for a variety of college-level academics, including reading, writing, math, and science. The scores on the COMPASS™ or ACT™ assessments will tell us if you need to take one or more classes in these areas.

Prepared Learner classes may be required, depending on the particular class you want to take. Students must successfully complete each required Prepared Learner class with a C grade or better before registering for some general education courses. Program students may receive financial aid for these classes.

Early Alert Referral Process

CVTC uses an Early Alert system to bring help to you quickly. When instructors have concerns about a student’s attendance, academic performance, or behavior, they can send an Early Alert referral to CVTC’s Counselors. In it they’ll identify what they have observed of their student and why they are concerned. Once an instructor sends a referral, someone from the Counseling Department will invite you in for a discussion. The goal is to review what’s happening in your life and in your classes so we can figure out how we can help you get back on track—and find the success you deserve.

First Semester Experience

Adjusting to college takes planning, support, and preparation. To help our incoming students succeed, we’re developing the First Semester Experience. Beginning in the fall of 2009, new CVTC students will experience an updated orientation process that focuses on delivering important information in a way that suits your needs. In addition, we’re creating new ways to get our support services to you. Watch for more information about this exciting new project.