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Information for Parents
Having a son or daughter “go to college” can be a significant milestone in the life of a family! Whether your student is living at home or on campus, he or she is on the road to adulthood and will experience the need for emotional as well as physical distance from parents. College is a time of self-discovery, even if it takes an uneven road that may include some unexpected detours. Students attending a community college have the added advantage of moving towards independence while still having the safety net of home and parents. This is also a time when parents need to take a step back and allow their son or daughter to take responsibility for their own decisions - something that may not be easy to do especially for parents whose child is still living at home. As parents, you are sure to have questions about your son or daughter’s education so we have compiled the list below for your information.
FAQs for Parents of Students at Raritan Valley Community College
| Q: | What is the average credit load for a full time student? |
| A: | In order to be considered “full time” a student needs to register for a minimum of 12 credits. Developmental courses (any course whose number begins with a zero, such as MATH 023), count towards the credit load, even though they do not count towards the degree. |
| Q: | Why does my son or daughter have to take a developmental course? |
| A: | All new students are required to take the placement test (unless they are exempt because of SAT scores) to determine their readiness to do college level work. We allow students to re-test twice prior to beginning the course. In order to be successful, we require those students who place into developmental courses to take those their first semester. |
| Q: | How will my son or daughter register for classes? |
| A: | All new students who are attending full time need to sign up for College Advisement 101 (CA101). This is a small group orientation that provides information about college and the registration process. A professional advisor and two – three faculty members will be present to assist with registration. |
| Q: | Are there clubs and other activities available on campus? |
| A: | RVCC has more than a dozen different clubs and if students are interested in a club that we do not have they are welcome to start an additional club. The Student Activities page provides a list of clubs and campus events.http://www.raritanval.edu/studentactivities/index.html |
| Q: | Is tutoring available? |
| A: | The Academic Support Center, located on the lower level of Somerset Hall, is staffed with professional and peer tutors who can work with students in any academic discipline. The hours are available at the link below. http://www.raritanval.edu/ResourcesStudent/TutoringServices.htm |
| Q: | Will my son or daughter be able to transfer? |
| A: | Generally, all of our degrees will transfer well with the exception of the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. Even the AAS degrees will transfer to certain colleges but all students are encouraged to meet with a transfer counselor in their first or second semester to be sure that they are on the right track. Representatives from other colleges come to RVCC frequently and each fall we host a large Transfer Fair. All of these events are advertised in the Lions Den and in the Advising & Counseling Center in addition to the Transfer & Career web site. |
| Q: | How does my child apply for a scholarship? |
| A: | Although some scholarships do not require that students demonstrate financial need, it is advisable that students complete the FASFA (free application for subsidized aid) http://www.raritanval.edu/FinancialAid/index.html |
| Q: | How can I get in touch with my son or daughter’s professors? |
| A: | Once your child enrolls in college, he or she is considered an adult regardless of their age, and their academic record is covered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Of course, your child may discuss their academics with you, but the college shares such information with the student only. http://www.raritanval.edu/admissions/info.html |
| Q: | My son or daughter had a guidance counselor in high school. Who is his or her counselor at RVCC? |
| A: | Students are not assigned to one particular counselor or advisor but instead are free to see whomever they choose. The Advising & Counseling Services Office, located on the main floor of the College Center, is part of the Enrollment Services Office. Students may come during drop-in hours or schedule an appointment.http://www.raritanval.edu/Counseling/index.html |