Group Meeting With Advisor

A new partnership is being formed to establish a dedicated school for Radiologic Technology (Rad Tech).
The purpose of the partnership is to expand capacity, with more seats available for students.

Students may wish to take transfer courses for various reasons.
Important points regarding the transfer courses include:
- There are courses that may be scheduled outside of the regular fall or spring semesters.
- It's noted that early completion of required courses can be beneficial.

The discussion includes specific courses:
- CNA Class: Recommended to be sought out during winter.
- Heavy credit load observed forecasted at eighteen credits each for multiple semesters.
- This can lead to a total of 54 credits over three semesters.
- Taking additional courses can reduce this load to as low as fourteen credits per semester.
Anatomy & Physiology I (A&P 130)
- Scheduled for the next spring semester.
- Chemistry: A course without a lab component, potentially manageable depending on workload.
- Alternative options exist such as taking easier classes in winter or summer.
For Physics, which is noted for its high difficulty at Carroll, it is advised:
- Students should aim for a grade of BC or better to successfully proceed in their studies.
- It's suggested that some students consider enrolling in a summer course instead.

Summer courses may be offered at Ocean County College (located in New Jersey):
- Courses are available online in five and ten-week formats.
- Past performance of students who attended shows grades predominantly being A's and B's.
- Costs are generally lower than Carroll, e.g., approximately $1,100 versus $2,500 for a summer course like A&P.

An email about Sofia Learning was circulated to students, explaining its benefits:
- Costs $99 per month for earning credits, with potential for three to six credits per winter term.
- This program is very flexible, allowing students to complete courses at their own pace.
- Courses taken through Sofia do not require the normal transfer approval process because they have already been preapproved by Carroll.
Grades for courses taken via Sofia are recorded as satisfactory (S) rather than a letter grade, which may positively impact GPA calculations depending on the course.

Students must ensure that any transfer course they want to take is officially recognized:
- Always double-check that the course will count towards their program before enrolling.
- For Sophia, since courses are preapproved, this process is straightforward.
- However, if considering other institutions, students must submit a transfer credit approval form.
- Forms can take up to four weeks for approval and should be submitted timely.

To maintain full-time status, students need a minimum of 12 credits, although many enroll in 16.
Planning should ensure that winter courses do not overload students, allowing for a manageable schedule.

Students need to resolve any holds in their service accounts before the registration period:
- Hold types could include past due accounts, emergency contact reviews, etc.
- Without clearing holds, students cannot add or drop classes or order transcripts.
Registration priority is given based on various criteria (e.g., seniority, roles like SI leaders or RAs).
Students with holds could potentially miss out on preferred classes due to timing issues related to registration.

Individual consultations are encouraged for tailored academic planning.
Faculty or advisors will assist with decisions about class drops and replacements, considering both the current semester and future scheduling.
Advisors stress the importance of not overloading oneself, encouraging balance between courses and personal commitments like work.
If a course proves too challenging, there is encouragement to reassess workloads and consider alternatives for future semesters.

Students are advised to seek help or utilize Supplemental Instruction (SI) resources:
- These have been shown to significantly improve student performance and course grades.
The importance of maintaining open communication with advisors regarding academic progress and any challenges faced is emphasized.
If necessary, pursuing career-related certifications or work opportunities (like CNA) alongside studies is encouraged, taking care to balance time effectively.

Future meetings will address any ongoing disputes regarding credit transfers and course selections, ensuring that academic paths are clear and achievable without compromising student well-being.
Thoroughness in planning and proactive communication will enhance success in the Rad Tech program.