Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audits. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).

Technology Requirement

The one-stop spot for all academic help! Free academic help, including drop-in tutoring, test preperation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.

Minimum System Requirements:
Run AutoCAD and Revit products efficiently
RAM 16 GB
Hard Drive 256 GB
Processor 3.3 GHz

If you already have a laptop that meets or exceeds the specs, you do not have to purchase another device. You will also need a reliable internet connection. Mac computer not recommended. 

Library & Academic Support

Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Pre-Core Students

Students who have pre-core status have been accepted into the college but not into the program. pre-core status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, admission requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. By completing these courses ahead of time, students can decrease their credit load when they reach the highly demanding core program courses.

These courses are typically taken by pre-core students:

• 606-161 CAD, Basic (may substitute for 614-164 CAD Architecture)
• 801-136 English Composition 1
• 801-197 Technical Reporting (prereq: 801-136)
• 804-113 College Technical Math 1A
• 806-154 General Physics 1 or 806-276 Principles of General Physics 1
• 809-199 Psychology of Human Relations
• 809-195 Economics or one of the following courses
  • 809-166 Intro to Ethics: Theory & Application
  • 809-172 Intro to Diversity Studies
  • 809-196 Intro to Sociology

First Semester Students

We require taking 614-100 Drafting Fundamentals/Wood Frame Construction and 614-164 CAD Architecture before or concurrent with 614-125 Mechanical Systems because drafting ability is needed in Mechanical Systems. This requirement is particularly important for part-time students!

Part-Time Students

Note that software and other technical changes are to be expected. Part-time students may be required to repeat/update coursework that does not meet current program requirements. Check with the academic advisor for sequencing and availability of courses.

Transfer Credit

Students planning to transfer to a university have the option to take 200-level courses that will count toward general education requirements in the four-year degree being pursued. While some of the 100-level general education courses listed on the program sheet may meet approval for transfer, the 200-level courses are more widely accepted for transfer. To determine what courses may transfer, utilize Transferology.com. Students should also contact the college or university they are pursuing to determine exactly what the school will accept and when to seek admission. Students should maintain contact with the other institution, given that program requirements are subject to change.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to CVTC's educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible. 

Last Updated: February 26, 2026 @ 2:41 p.m.