New Student - Three Rivers Community College

Your future is
our mission
New Student
Welcome to Three Rivers Community College

Welcome
to TRCC
to New Student Orientation. By attending this orientation you have taken
another step toward a promising future. At this event, you can start a new
network of friends, learn about services, resources and activities that are
available, and actively engage in your collegiate education. These are key
components of your success plan.
I am excited that you are here, and I look forward to supporting you along your educational
journey. Please feel free to contact me or any member of the Student Services
staff if you need assistance. We are committed to ensuring your success because
Dr. Karin Edwards
Dean of Student Development
Inside this booklet
Transfer information, career
counseling, student life, student
organizations, and more!
Three Rivers Community College • 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360 • 860.885.2301

Connecting to
Your Campus
Wondering what’s happening at TRCC this weekend? Want to know
if classes are cancelled because of that blizzard raging outside? It’s
easy to stay connected!
Follow us on Twitter: 3RiversCC
Start following 3RiversCC and get tweets from offices on campus like the library
and Student Programs. Tweets let you know about class cancellations, Blackboard
Vista and myCommNet notifications, campus events and other happenings.
TRCC on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversCC
Three Rivers hosts an official Facebook page where you can get academic information
from a variety of departments and offices on one page!
Student Programs on Facebook
The Student Programs Office has an event page on Facebook. Just become a
fan of the TRCC Student Programs Office to get info about upcoming campus
events, learn about important scholarship and registration deadlines, and contact
information for our 33 student organizations!
The Campus Link
Student Programs produces The Campus Link, a weekly newsletter that features the student organizations
schedule, upcoming events and important campus updates. Available in print around campus and in the Student
Programs Office or online at the school’s website.
myCommNet
TRCC’s student portal, myCommNet, accesses your academic and financial records and allows you to register
for courses, check schedules, accept Financial Aid, and access library databases from home. It’s also the only
access point for Blackboard Vista, our online course system used for online and on-ground classes alike.
On the Web: www.commnet.edu Visit our website for any and all Three Rivers information.
Live Advisor Chat
Have a question about advising? You can chat with a TRCC advisor via the website from any computer.
Library Chat
Talk to the TRCC Reference Librarian via chat on the library website to ask general questions about the library,
such as hours and resources or get help with research.
1

Open a TRCC
Simple
Steps
to Prepare
for Transfer
Begin to think
about your
career direction
or a college
major (this is
an ongoing
process)
• Participate in free
Career Advising at
the Three Rivers’
Counseling Center
• Your major may
change; many
courses will fit into
different program
majors to meet
general education
requirements or
electives
• Focusing on a
Liberal Arts &
Science degree is
helpful for transfer
if your major is not
offered here or you
are unsure of your
direction; a General
Studies major
is better for some
science majors
Investigate
three to five
potential
colleges for
transfer early
in your first
semester
• Review websites
or catalogs for
location, costs,
majors, clubs,
scholarships,
safety statistics,
etc.
• Check for
regional
accreditation
standards
Visit at
least two
prospective
transfer
colleges early
in your first
semester
• Meet with Admission
personnel to
tour the campus,
gather departmental
contacts,
visit residence
halls, speak with
current students,
etc.
• Secure a plan of
study or course
plan for majors
in which you are
interested - this
helps to guide
course selections
at TRCC
Consider
applying
for Dual
Admissions
or Guaranteed
Admission
programs
• Explore transfer
options to the
Connecticut State
Universities,
University of Connecticut
and many
private colleges
and universities
• Programs most
often require
you to apply
before earning
15 college-level
credits at TRCC,
usually within your
first two to three semesters
of college
Meet with
your TRCC
Assigned
Advisor
within 10
weeks of
your first
semester
• Check on www.
mycommnet.
edu for your assigned
advisor
• Develop your
plan of study
based on
your transfer
research and
select courses
for the next
semester
You are getting a great
start on your education
at Three Rivers
Community College!
2

Door to Your Future
Career Counseling
Planning your future? Congratulations,
you’ve made the first important step!
TRCC’s programs give you the
education, skills, and experience
to meet your career goals.
Stop by the Counseling Center
in Room A-119 any time.
To take full advantage of your TRCC education
when looking for a job, you will need:
1. A powerful resume that reflects the best you have
to offer.
2. An understanding of the job market, how to find
the right companies and the right jobs.
3. The ability to communicate effectively in person
all the reasons you should be hired.
4. A clear sense of who you are, what you offer and
why employers need YOU and YOUR SKILLS.
The Counseling Center helps you overcome
these challenges. It also offers CAREER
COUNSELING to answer questions such as:
• What major is right for you?
• What job will meet your needs?
• What are all the different jobs out there?
• How will you connect with the people who can help
you get the right job?
TRCC counselors and staff help you with:
• Individualized and group support for: resume writing,
interviewing skills, job search strategies, networking
Free online career
resources
www.optimalresume.com
offers free online support with:
o Resume templates to customize for
your own resume
o Video interview practice and tips
o Personal website hosting
o Video resumes
o Electronic portfolios of your work, accomplishments,
or other experiences
www.collegecentral.com/
threerivers offers free
access to:
o Thousands of jobs throughout Conn.
for community college students
o Hundreds of jobs posted just for
TRCC students
o Online tips and techniques about all
facets of the job search
o Employers actively searching student
resumes to fill positions
o An online career advice video
library
o An online portfolio for you to post
certifications, work samples, links to
personal Websites, personal statements,
languages spoken and other
pertinent career-related documents.
You can also embed media from
YouTube.com and MySpace.com
www.online.onetcenter.org
• The Federal information site for
everything you want to know about
careers and more
3

Know Your
Advisor
Academic Advising
Your academic advisor is the first, second
and third step in the advising process!
New students are assigned an academic
advisor early in their first semester based
on their degree program. Students are to
make an appointment with their assigned
advisor before registering for the spring
semester. However, if you are unable to
reach your advisor or need a quick answer,
stop in and visit the advisors in the
Counseling Center.
Who is my Academic Advisor?
Academic advisors are members of the
professional staff, usually full-time faculty
members, whose backgrounds make them
especially suitable to help students make
academic choices.
Advisor assignments should be completed
by mid-September. Students can find the
name of their advisor by logging into their
myCommNet account.
Don’t Miss
These Dates!
FALL 2010
August 26
September 2
September 8
September 22
October
Semester begins
Instructor signature required to
add classes
Last day of Add/Drop & partial
tuition refund
Last day to select audit option
Schedule an appointment with
your Academic Advisor
November 1 Spring registration begins –
Academic Advisor signature must
be on registration card in order to
register
November 3
December 9
Last day to Select Pass/
Fail option
Last day to withdraw from classes
Your Academic Advisor
Your advisor can help you with decisions
that depend upon your personal college
path (i.e., curriculum requirements, course
substitutions, prerequisites, Plan of Study
(POS) details, transfer colleges, course
scheduling and long term academic goals)
The Counseling Center Advisors
The Counseling Center advisors provide
general advising information as well as
career and college transfer counseling
Need some advising help off campus? Visit Advisor Chat on the TRCC website
under “Quicklinks” and chat live with a TRCC advisor!
4

Important Terms
Add/Drop: The first two weeks of the semester when students can change their schedule
Corequisite: A course that must be taken in the same semester as another course
Satellite Locations: East Lyme (ELYME), Groton (GTEC), or Sub Base (BASE)
Course Withdrawal: Students can withdraw from courses after add/drop and receive a “W” on their
transcript
CRN (Course Reference Number): The five digit number that is unique to each course
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The form students (and parents/guardians
when applicable) must complete each year (prior to the start of the new academic year in the fall semester)
to determine eligibility for financial aid
FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act): Affords students certain rights with respect to
their educational records
FYE (First Year Experience): A course required for all new first time students entering college in
General Studies or Liberal Arts and Sciences degree programs
General Education Courses: Courses in a variety of academic disciplines that are required for
completion of a given degree
myCommNet: The online portal for accessing student records
POS (Plan of Study): The list of courses required to complete a particular degree or certificate at TRCC
Prerequisite: A course that must be completed before enrolling in a corresponding course
Semester: Each semester runs for approximately 15 weeks; there are 2 semesters in an academic year
Student ID: The unique eight digit identification number assigned to each student
Syllabus: A general outline of your course provided by each course instructor. The contents of course
syllabi are determined by the individual instructor and the information contained within is subject to change
throughout the semester
TASC: Tutoring and Academic Success Centers, located in C117
5

Student Life
Student Leadership
Students who participate in
student organizations and/or
Student Government at Three
Rivers have the opportunity to
attend leadership trainings,
conferences and seminars. Student
Leaders are also invited to attend
the state wide Annual Certified
Student Leader Program.
Student Programs
Room F211
860.885.2301
studentprograms@
trcc.commnet.edu
Students can enhance their experience at
Three Rivers by participating in student
activities and events that will foster an
exciting campus life, help them develop
leadership skills and create friendships.
Student Programs coordinates the STARS
program, as well as student outings, the
student lounge and game room, and also
sells tickets for college sponsored events.
Student Programs advertises upcoming
activities on their Facebook page (TRCC
Student Programs Office), with flyers
around campus and produces The Campus
Link, a weekly publication informing
students of upcoming activities.
Community Service
The college has community events
each semester and welcomes any
and all volunteers for these events.
Some examples of community service
opportunities on campus are:
blood drives, food drives for local
food pantries and Read Across
America. TRCC also has a student
volunteer group G.I.V.E. (Get Involved
with Volunteer Efforts) that is
always accepting new members.
studentprograms@trcc.commnet.edu
6

@ Three Rivers
Student Activities
Rewards System
STARS is a point system that rewards you for attending events on campus! Earn points
by attending college sponsored events and having the event coordinator sign your
STARS form; turn in your completed form to Student Programs at the end of the semester
and shop for TRCC items with your points.
The game room in F217 has a pool table & Wii available for student use
during Student Programs’ business hours. Students can check out Wii remotes
and games, or billiard balls and cues from the Student Programs Office with
a valid photo ID. The Lounge in F201 is a free space for all student use that is
open during normal building hours.
www.trcc.commnet.edu
7

Student Life
Student Organizations
Room F209 • 860.823.2845
All 33 of our organizations share an open office space with six computer workstations,
mailboxes and club storage. As a member of a student club, you’re welcome to drop in to
do some homework, make flyers, or any other club business. It’s also an ideal place to stop
in if you want more information about one of our clubs. From architects to vets, skiing to
ska music, there is something for everyone.
Student Government Room F207 • 860.892.5733
The Student Government (SGA) is a governing body of elected and non-elected students
who represent the interests of the student body & work to improve the College community.
Student Government also chairs CAB, an organization for students who are interested in
planning campus events. Students interested in joining can attend a SGA weekly meeting,
contact a Student Government representative in Room F207 or Student Programs.
American Institute of
Architectural Students (AIAS)
American Nuclear Society
(ANS)
Amnesty International
Anime Club
Art Club
Baseball Club
Bicycle Club
Business Club
The Cultural Society
The Current
Diversity Club
Early Childhood
Education Club
Gay – Straight Alliance
Get Involved in Volunteer
Efforts (GIVE)
Golf Club
Lone Juliet
One1World
Paintball Club
Phi Theta Kappa
Philosophy Club
Psychology Club
Quill and Brush Literary
Magazine
SCHOLAR (a local history,
action and research
organization)
Senior Student Ambassadors
Ska Club
Ski Club
Society of Manufacturing
Engineers (SME)
SPIE (International Society for
Optics and Photonics)
Student Government
Student Nurses Association
(SNA)
Student Performing Arts
Group (SPAG)
Trailblazers
Three Rivers United
Environmentalists (TRUE)
Veterans’ Organization
Don’t see an organization you’re interested in? Start one! Find a faculty or staff advisor, get together
a group of ten currently enrolled students, and write a Constitution with a list of proposed
activities. Once this is completed, the Student Government will consider the application and determine
to charter the organization. Only recognized student clubs may use the college’s name and
facilities and request funds.
8

Student Publications
The Current
The Current is TRCC’s student-run newspaper, working with both journalism students and students
interested in newsprint media to provide opportunities to design, write and publish a newspaper.
Quill and Brush
Quill and Brush is another student publication; it is an annual literary and arts magazine featuring
art, fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Students interested in being a part of Quill & Brush’s editorial
process should contact faculty advisor Janet Hagen at jhagen@trcc.commnet.edu. Submissions
are accepted in the Student Publication Office (F203) year round.
3ft & Rising
3ft & Rising is TRCC’s independent web journalism project designed to showcase on-campus
happenings and events. Students plan, film, and edit footage into 3-5 minute webisodes that air
on the college’s YouTube channel & iTunes University page. To see an episode, go to youtube.
com/3ftrising.
New Student Social
Come mix and mingle with other new students
and get to know the advisors, faculty and key
staff members on campus!
When: Wednesday, September 22 @ 12:00 pm
Where: The multipurpose room (F117-1 &
F117-3)
RSVP for this event to Student Programs
at 860.885.2301 or studentprograms@
trcc.commnet.edu
You + Your professors + Your peers
9

Get the Scoop!
Join us in the cafeteria where club
members will be scooping out
FREE ice cream along with
information on their organizations!
Brought to you by Student Programs!
For more information, contact us at 860.885.2301
or STUDENTPROGRAMS@TRCC.COMMNET.EDU
10

Words of Wisdom
Current and past TRCC students
share words of advice...
“Don’t
procrastinate!”
Alicia D
“Difficulty endured
now will save you
greater difficulty
later.”
Alan T
“Get academic help
early if you need
it. Don’t put it off.”
Brett L
“There’s a large amount of
information for you available
in the library that quite a
large percentage of students
don’t utilize.”
Kurt P
“The more activities and clubs you
attend and join the more you’ll
understand our sense of community.
You can never have enough friends.”
Liz W
“Don’t skip steps. That’s a good way
to trip and fall.”
Diane V
“Get to know
as many faculty
members as
possible.”
Darren F
“Do ALL your
homework. It makes a
huge difference.”
Sarah
“Get involved
early.”
Dan S
“Ask questions, look
for the answers.”
Colleen
“Talk to your
instructors. They can be
more helpful than you
may realize—and that’s
what they’re here for.”
Kristen
11

Service Learning
Interested in helping your community, networking, and getting some
valuable “real world” experience? Consider Service Learning!
What is Service Learning?
Service Learning connects the classroom to the community. It is community service done in
conjunction with an academic course. Service Learning can be an individual or a group project
and can range from a onetime activity to a semester long project or an internship with a nonprofit,
etc., depending on the class and the professor.
How to Get Involved
Community Research, SOC 278, is offered in the spring semester and includes a week-long Service Learning trip
to New Orleans at the end of the semester to rebuild devastated neighborhoods. The first informational session
will be held in September, so keep an eye out for announcements. Students who want to take the course but
cannot go to New Orleans have the option of doing local service work instead.
In addition to the trip, a number of classes offer opportunities for Service Learning within Business, Criminal
Justice, Early Childhood Education, English, Human Services, Nursing and Sociology, with the possibility of even
more fields of study in the future.
If you are uncertain whether your
major offers Service Learning, want
help seeking out Service Learning
opportunities, or want to learn
more about the New Orleans trip,
contact Amelia Keller, Service
Learning Coordinator, at akeller@
trcc.commnet.edu.
new orleans, la
What a great trip! My classmates
and I helped rebuild houses that were
devastated by Hurricane Katrina. This
trip was a life-changing event. I met so
many people, and I feel so good about
making a difference.
12

Applying for
Scholarships
S cholarships are a way for students
to help pay for college. Awards range
from a few hundred dollars to covering
the full amount of tuition. Scholarships
are offered by many organizations
including federal, state and private
sources such as employers, professional
organizations, individuals and colleges.
Here are a few helpful tips to begin:
Start researching early: The more you search for scholarship opportunities,
the more options you will find. Request information in a
timely fashion. Complete the application process early.
Read the eligibility requirements carefully: Before you apply
for a scholarship, be sure you meet the eligibility requirements. If you
have a question about your eligibility, contact the scholarship sponsor.
Organize your application materials: Create a scholarship file
with a calendar of application deadlines. Many scholarships require
that you have a well organized essay, a copy of your most recent transcript,
a list of your extracurricular activities, a copy of your financial
aid forms, proof of eligibility and letters of recommendation.
When obtaining a letter of recommendation, be sure to ask someone
who knows you well and has observed your abilities and can speak to
your strengths. Approach them early in the scholarship process. Make
sure they have time to write your letter well before the deadline.
Proofread your application: Have someone else read your application
and check for spelling and grammar. This will allow you to get
feedback on your essays and to make them as strong as possible. Be
sure that you follow all instructions and don’t leave any items blank.
Three Rivers competitive
scholarships are awarded
to currently enrolled students
whose academic achievement
and/or service at the
college merit special recognition.
Students are encouraged
to apply for more than one
scholarship if they meet the
criteria.Only credits earned
through traditional courses
completed at TRCC are considered
for eligibility.
To review the current list
of scholarships, visit
www.trcc.commnet.
edu/stu_programs/
scholarship.htm.
Applications are due
April 14, 2011 and
awarded in May 2011.
13

574 New London Turnpike 574 New London Turnpike
Three Rivers
Community College
Map
Clocktower entrance
Financial Aid
Cashier
Registration
Academic &
Career
Counseling
Testing Center
Disabilities
Services
Admissions/
Welcome Center
Bottom floor:
Veteran’s Affairs
STuDEnT SERviCES
A Wing
Student, Visitor &
Handicapped Parking
Student Lounge &
Game Room
Top floor:
Art Gallery
Student Programs
& Activities
F Wing
Top floor:
C Wing
Bottom & top floors: Library/
Tutoring Center
Faculty & Administrative
Offices
Elevator
Cyber
Cafe
Bookstore
C Wing
Bottom floor: Continuing
Education
Main
stairs
Security Desk
EnTRAnCE
Elevator
Courtyard
Courtyard
D Wing
Liberal Arts, Technology and Science Classrooms
Purchasing &
Receiving
F Wing
Multi-purpose
Room
Courtyard
B Wing
Classrooms &
Technology Labs
Staff & Faculty Parking
Health &
Wellness/
Fitness Center
Elevator
Cafeteria
Childcare
entrance
Childcare
Center
F Wing
Bottom floor:
E Wing
Computer Labs