Family Support Welcome
The support and encouragement of family members is a major factor in student success. We encourage you to get and stay involved in your student’s college life from the admissions process through graduation. Parents are welcome at new student orientation and other activities on campus that showcase our students’ talents and achievements.

getting ready for college

Q: Can I attend orientation with my student?
A: Parents are encouraged and welcome to attend the orientation program (ROARS).  A separate parent and family orientation program is offered during the ROARS program. Learn more.

Q: What are the biggest academic adjustments during the freshman year?
A: Learning to discipline oneself and manage time are critical adjustments. College classes may meet only every other day, or once a week, but the workload does not diminish. It is suggested that your student spend two hours of studying for every one hour in class, balanced with study breaks. Encourage your child to seek help for academic difficulties.

Q: What is the RVCC Placement Test?
A:  All first-time college students at RVCC must complete a placement test to assess their readiness to succeed in college-level coursework, specifically English and/or mathematics. The placement test measures reading, language, and math literacy. Students identified as needing additional English and/or math skills will be placed in developmental courses to improve their skills. Students may be exempt from the placement test if their SAT or ACT scores are high enough or they have taken college courses that can be used to place them in English and math. 

Q: What are developmental courses and who has to take them?
A: Developmental courses provide an opportunity for students to strengthen their skills in math, English, and reading. RVCC understands that students come with many strengths and skill sets. Developmental courses are designed to help build and strengthen the basic foundation skills so students can succeed in all of their classes.  

Q: Are summer classes necessary? 
A: Summer classes can be a good option for students who place in developmental classes or want to reduce their credit load during the spring and fall semesters. Students who place into developmental math are encouraged to take these courses during the summer before their first semester at RVCC. Students may also take summer classes if they place into developmental courses in order to stay on track for graduation.

Q: How many credits do students need to take to be considered full-time?
A: A student must take at least 12 credit hours to be considered full-time. Most classes meet for three hours a week, but some meet for one, two, four, or five hours. Any combination that totals 12 or more semester hours is considered full time.

Q: Where do students park on campus?
A: Students may park in the following lots on campus: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. RVCC does not currently charge a separate fee for parking, nor are parking decals required.

Q: What documents are necessary to complete my application for admission? 
A: First-time college students are required to submit required immunization forms and a final high school transcript confirming their graduation by the third week of classes of their first semester. Students who not submit these documents will have a Document Submission hold placed on their account, which will prevent them from registering for the future semesters. 

academics

Q: Do professors take attendance in class? 
A: Some professors take attendance while others do not. A professor’s attendance policy is outlined in his or her syllabus so students are encouraged to review all syllabi.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my student’s grades? 
A: The College is prohibited from releasing certain information to parents without the permission of the student, grades included. By federal law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA), students 18 and older are considered responsible adults and are allowed to determine who will receive information about them.

Q: What is FERPA?
A: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 protects the privacy of education records, establishes the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and provides guidelines for contesting information in these records that is believed to be inaccurate or misleading. College students are considered responsible adults who may determine who will receive information about them. That means that student academic information including grades and academic standing and warnings will be given to the student and not to the parents. College representatives are prohibited from discussing information about a student’s academic record with parents unless the student signs a waiver.

Q: My student did well in high school. Why are they struggling in college?
A: Even students who have done exceptionally well in high school find college work challenging. Students spend less time in class and more time in preparation. College professors demand much more, and course material is covered at a faster pace. Good note-taking and study habits are essential.

Q: How can a student get help if they're struggling with academics or a certain class?
A: If a student is struggling in a class, they should schedule an office meeting with the professor. They can discuss challenges, note-taking and test-preparation methods, and tutoring possibilities. The professor can help the student decide if they should continue or drop the class. If the student continues, he/she should attend every class session. If the student drops the class, he/she must withdraw in the Enrollment Services Office by the drop deadline to receive a grade of "W."

Be sure your student meets with a first-year advisor before making any changes to a class schedule. First-year students who place into developmental courses will have a hold on their account requiring them to meet with a first-year advisor before they can make changes to their class schedule.

Q: What is the difference between a degree and a certificate?
A: An associate degree is awarded at the completion of a two-year program. A certificate is awarded at the completion of a series of courses that prepare students for employment in a selected vocation.

Q: What kind of academic support do you offer? 
A: All professors hold office hours when students can go see them for help. Free tutoring is also available on campus or online through the Academic Support Center.

paying for college

Q: How do students apply for financial aid? 
A: The first step in the financial aid process is to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Q: When is tuition due and can tuition payments be spread out over several months?
A: Tuition and fees are generally due around 30 days before the start of the semester. Click here for specific due dates. You can pay by debit card, credit card, check or cash. If you are unable to pay your balance in full, the College offers an interest-free tuition payment plan. The Higher One Tuition Payment plan enables you to spread out tuition payments over the semester.

student services

Q: What activities are available for students on campus? 
A: RVCC has over 50 active student organizations on campus. The first three weeks of each semester are designated "Weeks of Welcome" and they offer events designed to get new students acclimated to life as a college student. Your student can participate in multiple activities including clubs and organizations, student government, and service to the community. Students are encouraged to start a new club or organization if one does not exist that matches a student's academic or other interests!

Q: What services does RVCC offer for students with learning and other types of disabilities?
A: RVCC's Office of Disability Services offers students with diagnosed learning disabilities access to accommodations and support that will improve their college experience. Students with learning disabilities should visit the Disability Services staff to determine the appropriate resources needed.

Q: Are emergency telephones placed throughout the campus for students to call for help?
A: Yes. Red emergency phones are located in every building on campus, and they are clearly marked. The system is designed so that no dialing is needed; as soon as a person picks up the phone, he or she is connected with Campus Security. Blue emergency call boxes are provided in campus parking lots.