RVCC 2019 NECHE Self-Study

Student Readiness for College
The Student Success Center (SSC) has many services for students who may require
additional support. Students are provided with information about these services at New
Student Orientation. Services provided in the SSC include disability services, tutoring
services, and workshops such as resume writing, study skills, test taking strategies, and
advice on how to prepare for the Accuplacer exam.
RVCC uses the Accuplacer Reading and Writing Sections to determine college readiness
and placements for College Composition, some science courses and some other programspecific
college courses.
Traditionally, the mathematics department had also used Accuplacer testing as a method
of evaluation of student readiness for college level math; however, over the past two
years, the math program at RVCC has been revamped as described in Standard Two. The
transition from the previously utilized developmental math pathway to a co-requisite
model of mathematics, required an update to the mathematics advising process. The
team worked to develop a standard classification of math readiness based on multiple
measures: SAT scores, previous math courses, and the students’ academic goals. The
team chose to switch from the Accuplacer to SAT scores for the co-requisite project as a
means of eliminating placement barriers. The SAT is part of the state assessment package
at high school; thus, a vast majority of NH high school students take the SAT and it is paid
for by the state. For those students who are non-traditional or do not have SAT scores, the
process utilizes a personal advising session which evaluates previous math courses as well
as the student’s comfort and understanding of necessary math concepts. The use of
multiple measures as a math advising tool came as a recommendation from both the Dana
Center Multiple Pathway Research and Complete College America resources.
Standards related to academic expectations, removal from the College related to academic
standing, and the appeal process are clearly explained in the Student Handbook (pgs. 22-
23). Students are directed to the online Student Handbook at New Student Orientation
each semester.
Student Financial Aid
Approximately 80% of students at RVCC qualify for Financial Aid, and all students are
encouraged to fill out the FAFSA as part of the admissions process. The CCSNH Financial
Aid Handbook spells out the process for students to follow and is located on the RVCC
website. New students are also sent Financial Aid packets that offer step-by-step
instructions. The Financial Aid Office staff is available to assist students in answering
questions and to assist students and families in the FAFSA filing process. The staff will sit
with the student either in the library computer lab or the Student Success Center and help
guide them through the FAFSA application.
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for reviewing a student’s financial aid records,
collecting required documentation and determining financial aid awards. RVCC aid is based
on the Standard Federal Methodology Need Analysis. Students must meet all federal
requirements including Satisfactory Academic Progress. The SAP policy is on the RVCC
website and in the Student Handbook.
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