Getting started 101 - Columbus State Community College

Welcome to
Columbus State Community College
Getting Started
Orientation (GSO)
online

Your Guide to Enrolling at Columbus
State Community College
Why Columbus State Community College
Programs and Degrees offered at CSCC
Location and Scheduling options
Financing your education
Steps to enrollment

Why Columbus State Community College
Here’s what we have to offer:
Convenient Locations
Small Class Sizes
Helpful Support Services
Premier Athletics, Student
Activities, Clubs and
Organizations
Diverse Student Population
Exceptional Academic
Programs, Faculty and
Facilities
High Graduation and Job
Placement Rates
A Wide Variety of Majors and
Program Choices
Flexible Scheduling Options
Affordable Cost
Click Here to Experience Columbus State

‣ 2 year Associate Degrees
‣ Career and Technical degrees
‣ Customized Technical Studies degrees
‣ Arts and Sciences (transfer) degrees
‣ Credit and non-credit courses
(including GED Enrichment classes)
‣ Certificates

CAREER and TECHNICAL
‣ Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Business,
Engineering, Health, Human, and Public Services
Prepares graduates for immediate employment; transfer options are
available for many programs.
CUSTOMIZED ASSOCIATE of TECHNICAL STUDIES
‣ Associate of Technical Studies degree
Allows a student to design an individualized program of study to fulfill a
unique career goal that cannot be met through the completion of any
one of the College’s technical programs. This is accomplished by
selecting courses from up to four different technical disciplines
ARTS and SCIENCES (transfer)
‣ Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programs
General education courses to transfer toward a bachelor’s degree at a
4- year college or university
For an extensive look at the types of degrees offered at cscc
click here!

You can take
classes
at the location
that works best for
you
COLUMBUS CAMPUS – Located in Downtown Columbus on 80 plus acres
DELAWARE CAMPUS (Now Open!) located just north of the columbus
campus
off-campus CENTERS located throughout central ohio
DISTANCE LEARNING - a unique alternative to traditional on-campus
learning, allowing students the capability of learning with the latest
interactive technologies without the limits of time and place – there are
hundreds of courses, several degrees and certificates available.
If Distance Learning is right for you click here to learn how you can get
started!
Note: You may take any combination of courses you like. (online, on-campus,
off-campus, flex-term, full-term, etc.). Certain exceptions may apply for f-1
international students. Check with your international enrollment advisor
first.

We offer flexible scheduling options to fit your needs.
You can attend full-time (12 or more credit hours) or part-time
(11 or fewer credit hours)
Courses are offered days, evenings, and weekends
Courses are offered in traditional lecture or “distance
learning” formats
Courses are offered full-term, short-term, and flex-term
click here to view course offerings at columbus state

Check The FIVE: Steps To Enrollment
5 Easy steps – The following slides include links with detailed,
step-by-step instructions for navigating the enrollment process.
Our online guide and printable checklist give you a
quick look at the steps to enrolling.
Click Here to See our Get started guide.

Five steps to getting enrolled!
1
*You are here
Apply for Admissions & Financial Aid
2 Getting Started Orientation (GSO)
3
COMPASS/ESL Placement Testing
4 Post-COMPASS/CougarWeb Workshop
5
Register & Pay Fees

New Student Checklist
STEP 1- Apply
Admissions
You’ll want to:
‣ Review the academic calendar for important dates and
deadlines!
‣ Complete the online application for admission
‣ Submit required documentation if needed.
PSEO - http://www.cscc.edu/USE/index.html
Immigrant applicants -
https://secure.cscc.edu/application/PermanentResident.html
International Students - http://www2.cscc.edu/admissions/international-student/
Applicants with a criminal background -
https://secure.cscc.edu/application/CriminalBackground.html
…Details on these steps in the next slides…

Columbus State currently operates on a quarter system –
4 quarters per year – Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.
(**Semester system begins autumn 2012**…Click here to
learn more about switch to semesters)
Important dates for each quarter are published on the
Academic Calendar. To view Calendar dates, go to
http://cscc.edu/schedules
*Dates are subject to change.

Complete the online application to Columbus State at:
https://secure.cscc.edu/application/
Non-immigrant visa holders must complete a separate, paper
application. Click here for more information:
http://www2.cscc.edu/admissions/international-student/
Tips for completing the online application:
Before you click “submit” on the online application, be sure to
check the confirmation page to make sure the information you
entered is correct.
After you click submit, you will receive a verification message
that your application is being processed.
An email will be sent to your Columbus State student mail
account with additional information about your next steps in the
enrollment process - be sure to read this!!
You will be mailed an official acceptance letter within 3 to 5
days of submitting your application if you are accepted.

‣ If required for your program of study, scholarships, financial aid
verification or to meet prerequisites for programs or courses, have your
high school, or state GED office (if applicable), mail your official
transcript/GED score report to:
Records and Registration Office
Madison Hall 201
P,O. Box 1609
550 East Spring Street
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1609
Click here for a request form: High School Transcript Request
‣ Check the College Catalog for information on general acceptance or
specific criteria for your program of study
http://www2.cscc.edu/academics/catalog/

‣ Contact all colleges and universities you have attended and
request that they mail an official transcript to:
Hint: Most college websites provide detailed instructions on requesting
transcripts through the office of the registrar.
IMPORTANT!
Records and Registration Office
Madison Hall 201
P,O. Box 1609
550 East Spring Street
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1609
Transfer & transient students: bring a copy of your transcripts, degree
audit, advising report or grade reports from all institutions attended
when you meet with an academic advisor so they can recommend
appropriate courses and next steps for your first academic term at
Columbus State.
CSCC Advising services: call 614-287-5353 to schedule an appointment.

A copy of one of the following documents must be submitted
to the International Student Admissions Office in the lower
level of Madison Hall (Columbus Campus) or to Student
Services in moeller hall (Delaware campus):
Permanent Resident
‣ Permanent resident/green card (copy of both sides) or
‣ Passport stamp or
‣ I-94/Departure/Arrival Card (copy of both sides)
Refugee/Asylee
‣ Passport stamp or
‣ I-94/Departure/Arrival Card (copy of both sides) or
‣ Letter from the Immigration Office verifying your immigration
status
**Please contact Admissions –columbus campus (614-287-2669) or
Student services-delaware campus (740-203-8345) for more
information

Some applicants must provide additional documentation to
determine their admission status.
‣ PSEO --- Post Secondary Enrollment Options program and self-pay high
school students (applicants who are planning to attend Columbus State
while still in high school)
Click here for more information:
http://cscc.edu/USE/
‣ Applicants who are non-immigrant visa holders.
Click here for more information:
http://www2.cscc.edu/admissions/international-student/
‣ Applicants who have been convicted of a felony. Please contact the
Admissions Office in the lower level of Madison Hall (Columbus Campus),
614/287-2669, for more information.

Financing my education…
1) Apply for Financial Aid (see the next slide)
2) Explore scholarship options
‣ Learn more about CSCC Scholarships.
‣ Review opportunities available through the University
System of Ohio.
‣ If you attend Columbus City Schools, learn more
about I Know I Can.
‣ If you are still in high school, check with your
guidance office weekly for new scholarship
opportunities.
‣ If you have a job, ask your employer about
scholarships or tuition reimbursement for employees.
‣ Check scholarship search engines that match
students with scholarships. Fastweb is one popular
scholarship search engine.
Click here to read our High Finance Guide. This guide to
financing your education is available online and in print in the
Financial Aid Office in Rhodes Hall, lower level.

How do I apply for Financial Aid
Need Help with your FAFSA Financial Aid
Workshops are available. Click here for more
information on scheduled workshops:
‣ See important financial aid deadlines at:
http://www2.cscc.edu/services/financial-aid/importantdates.shtml
‣ It’s important that you complete the FAFSA (Free Application
for Federal Student Aid) visit the link below to get started!
https://fafsa.ed.gov/
(CSCC School Code – 006867)
for additional information about the financial aid process,
Click here!

New Student Checklist
Getting Started Orientation
(GSO)
Columbus State offers both on-line and on-campus orientation
options:
Online:
‣ Congratulations! by viewing this presentation online You will have
completed Step 2.
In-person:
‣ If you are a student who prefers an on-campus group orientation
experience led by an Admissions Advisor,
Click here to see dates and times for group orientations and to
make a reservation.
**Please Note**: The online and in-person versions of GSO provide the same
information.
Click here to see information about touring the
columbus and the delaware campuses.

New Student Checklist
STEP 3- Compass/ESL
Placement Testing
CSCC uses the COMPASS/ESL Placement Test to determine what
courses you should schedule your first quarter. Placement testing
typically covers areas of math, reading and writing. You should
allow a minimum of 2 hours for testing.
(click here to see more information about the compass/esl placement
test, practice questions, and other important information.)
note: If you are a Transfer student you may not need to complete all
sections of the placement test
(**see transfer student slide for more information)

‣ If English is not your native or first language, or if you learned
English in another country, you will complete the compass/esl
(english as a second language) placement test and a writing
sample.
‣ Your writing sample must be scored before you meet with an
advisor to discuss your test results. Usually, your test results
will be available 3 business days after you take your placement
test.
‣ It is possible to place into English 101- Beginning Composition
through the COMPASS/ESL Placement Test.

Students transferring from another college or university in the united states to
CSCC may not need to complete the compass placement test.
‣ If you have transfer credit (grade of C or better) for college-level English
and math, you do not need to complete the writing and math placement tests.
(You will need to provide official copies of your transcripts from the
institutions you attended.)
‣ If you plan to pursue a health major, you may need to complete the reading
placement test.
‣ New students with transfer credit for both math and English Composition,
call 614-287-5353 to schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
Be sure to bring a copy of your transcripts or other documentation (advising
report, grade report, unofficial transcript) from all colleges or universities
previously attended. Click here for more helpful information for transfer
students.

‣ If you are:
‣ age18 or over
‣ did not graduate from high school
‣ do not have your G.E.D. (General Education Diploma),
‣ and plan to apply for financial aid,
you will complete the COMPASS- Ability to Benefit Placement Test (ATB)
This test is the same as the traditional COMPASS test, but has specific conditions that
must be met to determine eligibility for financial aid.
All 3 sections of the test (writing, math, and reading) must be completed in one testing
session, so be sure to allow sufficient time.
Specific scores must be obtained in all 3 subject areas if the test is used as and Ability to
Benefit test. If you don’t meet the score requirements, you can still take classes, but
you will not be eligible for financial aid.

About the
COMPASS
test
‣ Where: Testing Center, Aquinas Hall 002 (Columbus Campus)
614–287-2478
Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm
Friday and Saturday, 9am to 4:30pm
(last test begins 2 hours before closing)
moeller hall (delaware campus)
740-203-8345
Click here for testing times and days at the delaware campus
(last test begins 2 hours before closing)
Click here for Other off-campus locations for testing including dublin and
westerville
‣ Who: New Students without transfer credit for both college level English
and Math
‣ Details:
Need photo-ID
Know your Cougar Id Number
(Click here to discover your Cougar ID)
Walk-in only, appointments not needed
Reviewing is highly recommended!
(click here to see more on the compass/esl placement test, practice questions,
and other important information.)

New Student Checklist
STEP 4-Post-COMPASS/CougarWeb
Workshop STEP (Columbus 4- campus)
-student services advising (Delaware campus)
Note:
(columbus campus) Post COMPASS/CougarWeb Workshop location, times
and days will be given to you following your COMPASS Test. You can
preview the times/days for the workshops here (select new students). No
appointment necessary, Space is limited, so arrive 15 minutes early.
This workshop will provide:
– Review of COMPASS Placement test scores
– Advising Tools, Assistance with course selection
– Registration and fee payment instructions
– Tips for successful use of Blackboard, CougarWeb and CSCC student
e-mail
– For questions, please call the student assistance center at 614-287-
5538.
* Please allow 1 ½ - 2 hours to complete the Post COMPASS/CougarWeb
Workshop. Please bring your compass test scores, photo i.d. and your
cougar id number.

New Student Checklist
STEP 4-Post-COMPASS/CougarWeb
Workshop (Columbus campus)
-student services advising (Delaware campus)
Continued…
(Delaware campus) student services advising-no appointment necessary.
For times and days, click here.
You will meet with a student services advisor at the Delaware campus
individually and you will receive:
– A Review of COMPASS Placement test scores
– Advising Tools and Assistance with course selection
– Registration and fee payment instructions
– Tips for successful use of CougarWeb and CSCC student
e-mail
For questions, please call the delaware campus student services
advisors at 740—203-8345

New Student Checklist
STEP 5 – Register & Pay Fees
‣ Register for Classes. Sign up for classes online, by phone (614-287-5353) or in person
in Madison Hall on the Columbus campus. Register in moeller hall on the Delaware
campus during these hours and off campus locations during select hours. new
students, refer to your advising notes your received in step 4.
‣ Pay fees. Pay online, by phone (614-287-5353), or in person at our Dublin, Southeast, or
westerville locations during selected hours. You may also pay at Rhodes Hall
(Cashiers office) on the Columbus Campus. In addition, You may also use the drop box
located in Moeller hall at the Delaware campus. Read more about fees online at
http://www.cscc.edu/About/fees.htm.
‣ Buy Books. Find and purchase your books online here or in person at the Discovery
Exchange Bookstore (Columbus Campus). Columbus campus students, allow 24 hours
for pick up and If your order on the weekend, please wait until Monday afternoon for
pick-up. If you attend the delaware campus or the westerville, dublin, and southeast
sites, your books will be delivered free of charge to your attending location when you
order online. For more information about ordering your books, click here.
‣ Locate your classes. Use the “My Schedule” link under the academic profile in
CougarWeb to check your class locations about 5 days before the start of the
quarter. Use online maps to find buildings, parking and campus resources.
‣ Get your Student ID card. Go to the Public Safety Department about 10
days after your fees have been paid to have your photo taken for your ID card.

DO I NEED A STUDENT ID
ID cards are required to check out materials from the Educational
Resource Center, to use recreation equipment and facilities, to obtain a
transcript, and for many other campus activities and services. New
students pay for the student ID as part of the Matriculation fee.
Replacement ID cards can be purchased in the Cashiers Office. Pictures
for your photo ID are taken in the Public Safety Office, Delaware Hall
(Columbus Campus) and in moeller hall (delaware campus).
WHERE DO I PARK AND HOW MUCH IS IT
Students with a valid parking permit may park in any student lot. Review
your parking options using the campus map, Click Here to find out more.
The parking fee for one vehicle is $25.00 per quarter. You must
purchase parking each quarter if you attend the columbus or delaware
campuses. All motor vehicles including motorcycles, parked on campus
must be registered with the Public Safety Department. The fee for the
parking permit can be paid online, by phone (614-287-5353) or in person in
the Cashiers Office on the Columbus Campus.

WHERE DO I FIND MY CLASSES
All classrooms will be assigned and posted about 5 days
before the beginning of each quarter. Students who schedule classes
before this date will have room assignments listed as TBA (to be
announced). Check your schedule online about 5 days before classes
begin to learn class locations. Click here to Find the building codes on
a campus map,
Many students find it helpful to find their classes before
beginning of the term. You may use your own schedule for a self
directed tour or join one of the weekday tours offered through the
Admissions Office, Click here to schedule your campus tour.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT BOOKS I NEED AND WHERE TO BUY THEM
Required books and materials can be purchased through the Columbus
State Bookstore, Click here to order books online or to plan your
purchases.

Does Columbus State have a library
Yes, the CSCC library is located in the center of CSCC’s Columbus campus. It is also
referred to as Columbus Hall and the Educational Resource Center (ERC). Click
Here to find out more. The delaware campus has the learning center. Click here
for more information.
What if I am undecided about my major
Advising and Counseling Services offers many resources online, click here to find out
more. You may also wish to make an appointment for career counseling by calling 614-
287-5353.
Do you offer sports or recreational activities
Yes, CSCC offers intercollegiate sports in addition to intramural and wellness
activities. Click Here to Find Out More
Do you have “traditional” campus activities
What kinds of things can I get involved with on campus
Yes, dozens of clubs and organizations give students opportunities for wide-ranging
leadership, recreational and social opportunities.
Click Here to find out more

Is the campus safe
Columbus State Community College places a high priority on the safety of its students
and staff members. The Department of Public Safety strives to maintain our excellent
safety record.
Although uniformed Police officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it
is crucial that the campus community take responsibility for its safety. 90% of campus
crimes are crimes of opportunity. Campus community members reduce the risk of
becoming a crime victim by reducing the opportunity.
Click here to read more about Campus Safety.
Do you have payphones and Emergency phones on campus
Emergency phones are located in parking lots and throughout the campus. Use
these phones to report emergencies or reach a safety official.
Fourteen new “courtesy” phones have been installed across campus and at Offcampus
sites to provide students with the ability to make free local calls.
Courtesy phones are available on the Columbus Campus in Nestor Hall, Madison
Hall, Workforce Development Center, Columbus Hall, Delaware Hall, Franklin
Hall, Center for Technology and Learning and Eibling Hall. Courtesy phones
are also available at the Dublin Center, Westerville Center and Delaware Center
I’m worried about how well I’ll do as a college student.
What resources are available to help me become a successful student
The Advising Services website offers links to a variety of resources to help
new students, http://www2.cscc.edu/services/advising/workshops.shtml

If you need additional information or would like to speak with an Admissions Advisor,
we encourage you to contact an advisor or visit the admissions office during
regular office hours.
Contact the Admissions Office
‣ In-person: Admissions Office, lower level of Madison Hall
‣ Phone: (614) 287-2669 or 1-800-621-6407, extension 2669
‣ Email -to view the list of Admissions Advisors, click Here.
Student services advisors (Delaware campus)
‣ In-person: student services, Moeller hall
‣ Phone: (740) 203-8345
Campus Tours
‣ Click on the link below to reserve your tour date and time.
http://www.cscc.edu/Admissions/Tour/
Campus Tours (Delaware campus)
Please call 740-203-8348 for a reservation

What does that mean I Need To understand the college “language”
You’ll find a Frequently Used Terms on the last few pages of the
CSCC catalog, http://www2.cscc.edu/academics/catalog/
What are some common student concerns and some resources to help
Find links to many campus resources through the current student
page,
http://cscc.edu/Students/Current/index.htm
For additional information, use
Or
with admissions staff members.

More Helpful Resources
Free Tutoring!
For Columbus Campus, Click Here
For Delaware Campus, Click Here, or call
740-203-8183 for more information.
Need a job on campus Click here to see
what ‘s available in Student jobs.
Assistance in Career Preparation
Click here to learn more about the
Acloche Career Assistance Center.
Looking for housing Click Here to learn
about resources around the CSCC
community.
Want to know how CSCC is doing
Click here to view the systems portfolio
and data handbook.
Interested in the Creative or
Performing Arts Click Here to
learn about our arts programs.
Love to write Click here to learn
about our creative writing
For information on the university
system of ohio, Click here to learn
more.
Earn income while networking and
working with other college
Students. To learn how to become a
student ambassador, Click here
Support services for persons with
disabilities, click here to learn
more.

Delaware Campus
now open!
Open Now! Columbus State's
Delaware Campus represents
our commitment to our service
area. The campus is offering
four great degrees right off
the bat.There's the Associate of
Arts and Associate of Science
degrees, which represent the
first two years of a bachelor's
degree. We're also offering
standalone two-year degrees in
Business and Computer
Information Technology.Look
for more great programs as the
campus grows.
To learn more about our new
Delaware Campus,
click here!

Before you proceed
What you need to know about the family
educational rights and privacy act (FERPA)…
Under the terms of ferpa, columbus state
community college has established
the following as directory
information that may be released to
those requesting it unless the
student specifically requests
otherwise by submitting written
notification to records and
registration:
• Name
• Address (home/present)
• Telephone number (home)
• Program of study/technology
• Participation in officially recognized
activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of
athletic teams
• Enrollment status (less than half
time, half-time, part-time, full-time,
over full-time, inclusive dates and
quarters/semesters of enrollment)
• Degrees, certificates, transfer
module and awards received
(including deans’s list and academic
honors list)
• Most recent previous educational
agency or institution attended
The following information may not
be released to anyone without
written consent of the student:
• Grades
• Schedules
• Ethnicity
• Social Security Numbers
• Cougar ID Numbers
• Student Identification Numbers
• E-mail Addresses
For additional information about
FERPA, refer to the College
catelog, contact Records and
Registration, or view the
following website:
www.aacroa.org

This may depend on where you are on the checklist…Let’s see.
Step #1:
Step #2:
Step #3:
Step #4:
Have you applied and been accepted to Columbus State (and Financial Aid if you are interested)
– Yes Proceed to Step 2
– No Click here to complete your application to the college or
Click here for more Financial Aid information.
You have reviewed Getting Started Orientation (GSO).
Are you familiar with the enrollment process and the resources that are available to you
– Yes Proceed to Step 3 if you are a brand new student without transfer credit for
college composition and math. Transfer students with credit for math and English,
proceed to Step 5.
– No Review the online version again or click here to make a reservation for an In-
Person Getting Started Orientation – we’ll go over the same information – some
people just prefer an in-person, group orientation experience.
Take your COMPASS/ESL Placement Test. Have you Already done this
– Yes Proceed to Step 4.
– No You are on the right track! Click here to learn more about COMPASS/ESL.
Attend a Post-COMPASS/CougarWeb Workshop. Have You attended this Workshop
– Yes You are ready for Step 5!
– No You’ll learn more about available times after completing COMPASS or call 614-
287-5538 if you misplaced this information after completing your placement test.
Step #5: Register and Pay Fees! Have You done everything in Steps 1-4
--- Check the academic calendar online for important dates.
– Get links to more information about this step online,
http://www2.cscc.edu/admissions/stepbystep/step5.shtml

Congratulations! You have just
completed the
Getting Started Orientation (GSO)
Online!
Apply
Getting Started Orientation
COMPASS/ESL Placement Testing
Post COMPASS/CougarWeb Workshop
Register and Pay Fees
Click here to confirm completion of your GSO!