Academic Advising
All degree seeking students are assigned academic advisor(s), after the student registers
for classes for the first time at Neosho County Community College. During or before
registration, new students will meet with advisors to learn about the requirements for
their area of emphasis.
Undecided and first time students in Ottawa are advised by entry advisors in The
Learning Center, (TLC). On the Chanute Campus undecided and first time students are
advised by the Director of Advising, and other qualified personnel in the Chapman
Learning Center. After the initial enrollment, undecided students may be assigned to
faculty advisors. Students with declared areas of emphasis are advised within their
academic departments after the initial advising/registration session.
Every degree-seeking student is encouraged to meet with their advisor on a regular
basis. Advisors and advisees should:
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Evaluate the student’s suitability to the discipline they have chosen;
Review the requirements for the degree, options and possible electives;
Identify deficiencies in the student’s record and ways to correct them; and
Discuss career and transfer options to an accredited 4 year institution.
Our Mission
The Mission of Neosho County Community College is to enrich our communities and
students’ lives.
Our Advising Purpose
The primary purpose of the Neosho County Community College academic advising
program is to assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans that
will be compatible with career aspirations and contribute to the process of preparing for
a life of change, challenge, and individual fulfillment. At Neosho County Community
College, academic advising is based on a system of shared responsibility between
student and advisor, and a process of continuous improvement, clarification, and
evaluation with the aim of furthering institutional advising goals and desired student
outcomes.
Academic and Career Advising Goals
NCCC Goal 1
To help students clarify individual values, career goals, and the challenges of life in the
21st century.
NCCC Goal 2
To develop suitable educational plans and programs of study for each student.
NCCC Goal 3
To help students select appropriate courses and other educational opportunities.
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NCCC Goal 4
To help students review and evaluate progress toward established educational goals and
completion of requirements within individual programs of study.
NCCC Goal 5
To develop student awareness and understanding that decision-making in the advising
process and life is based on a system of shared responsibility.
NCCC Goal 6
To encourage students to utilize college support services and related resources as
needed.
NCCC Goal 7
To clarify and improve the student's knowledge of career options and potential for career
change in the workplace of the 21st century.
NCCC Goal 8
To address the individualized academic advising needs of a diverse student population.
Advisor Responsibilities
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Be knowledgeable about college and departmental requirements, policies and
procedures;
Maintain adequate office hours throughout the semester;
Provide a respectful, supportive atmosphere;
Keep accurate records;
Ensure that students are provided access to services on a fair and equitable
basis;
Avoiding any personal conflict of interest as well as the appearance of conflict;
Discourage students from circumventing institutional policies and regulations;
and when confronting situations in which students have violated policies,
addressing the issues and referring students to the appropriate office;
Recognize the limitations of their positions and being familiar with college
resources in order to make appropriate referrals; and
Maintain confidentially according to established standards.
Remind students to talk with financial aid before add or dropping/withdrawing a
class.
The final responsibility for correct course selection lies with the student.
Advisors help students navigate the advising and registration process, choosing and/or
changing majors, working to achieve academic success and trying to maximize career
options.
Student Responsibilities
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Initiate and maintain contact with your advisor;
Keep scheduled appointments;
Tell your advisor what colleges/universities you have attended and where you are
thinking of attending in the future.
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Discuss information that affects your academic performance;
Follow through on advisor recommendations;
Learn requirements for your department, and the college;
Make use of resources available on campus;
Seek the assistance needed to achieve YOUR goals; Be responsible for planning a
course of study and fulfilling all necessary requirements by accepting ultimate
responsibility for decisions.
The final responsibility for correct course selection lies with the student.
The college catalog is the authoritative source of information on requirements and
regulations. All courses for which a student may claim credit must be recorded on the
official student schedule, which is on file in the Office of the Registrar in accordance with
enrollment and add/withdrawal policies prescribed by NCCC.
Things To Do Before You Meet with Your Advisor . . .
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Update your personal information. This can be done on Inside NC.
E-mail, call or stop by your advisor’s office to make an appointment.
Have a list of questions you want to ask or concerns you would like addressed.
Remind your advisor about what you have previously discussed.
Be open and honest. Tell your advisor about things that may be affecting your
ability to do your best.
If you are registering for classes for the next semester, be sure you have reviewed
the Schedule of Classes as outlined.
What An Advisor Does:
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Talks to you about your goals.
Helps you with your decision making process.
Helps you choose classes, makes suggestions for your academic plan.
Enrolls you from their office or reviews and signs your enrollment form.
Refers you to other offices for assistance you may need such as Financial Aid, the
Business Office, Housing Coordinator, etc.
What Students Do:
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Make sure you know who your advisor is and how to contact them. Your advisor
is listed on your Inside NC account. Click on the student tab and it should be
listed under Academic Information.
Contact your advisor when you need help, especially before registration.
Be prompt and well prepared for your advising sessions with information about
yourself and your academic plan (be familiar with the NCCC Schedule of Classes
and requirements).
To find out who your advisor is, contact:
Chanute Campus:
Jeff Almond
The Chapman Learning Venter
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620-431-2820 Ext. 280
jalmond@neosho.edu
Ottawa Campus:
Kyle Bures
The Learning Center
785-242-2067 Ext. 305
kbures@sneosho.edu
Legal and Ethical Issues in Academic Advising
Legal issues involved in academic advising generally fall under four categories (D.
Parker Young, “Legal Issues Regarding Academic Advising,” NACADA Journal,
November 1982):
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The contractual relationship between students and the institution.
Guidelines governing privacy of student records.
The concept of privileged communications.
Academic due process and the need for grievance procedures.
Advisor Checklist
General Info
 Catalog
o Always refer to the catalog! Remember, the online catalog is the official
catalog for NCCC.
o Refer to it when talking about student’s major.
 Explain the language of college
o Credits, hours, pre-requisites, transferability, advising, enrolling, etc.
o Semester, Fall and Spring (16 weeks), late start (8 weeks)
o Summer (varies), Intersession, ( 2 weeks)
o Register for each new semester
 Placement Testing
o See the Mandatory Placement Policy
 Test and Re-test
o Students can test on campus using the COMPASS.
o NCCC help guide www.testprepreview.com
o First time free, re-test $10.
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 Program of Study
o Verify with student their program of study.
o Changes made on a Change of Record Form.
 Degree Sheets
o Introduce the various degree possibilities, hours to graduate, GPA.
o Associate of Science – majors in sciences, business, education, health.
o Associate of Arts – majors in arts and humanities.
o Associate of Applied Science – majors with plans to go to specific career.
o Associate of General Studies.
 Full-time and part-time status
o Full-time 12-18 credit hours.
o Part-time 11 and under.
 International Students
o Always consult with the Director of International Students.
o When advising be sure to have the director double check for any specific
details relevant to their international student status.
Advising Information
 Advising
o The active verb of working with a student on a variety of subjects.
o The student is assigned an advisor based on the intended major.
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Students always ask for the ‘easy instructors.’ “NCCC instructors are all unique. Some are
meticulous, and others more laid back. It depends on the specific discipline and how you
like the subject. This is not high school where you can show up to class and not do
homework and expect to pass”. (Use some of your philosophy about good student
academic skills. Say it early and say it often – we have academic expectations!)
 Advisor Assignment
o Advisees assigned based on ‘area of emphasis’.
o Undecided students will be served by The Director of Advising or other
personnel in The Chapman learning Center. After the initial enrollment,
undecided students may be assigned to faculty. In Ottawa, The Learning
Center will serve students as entry advisors.
o Advisor change; the student completes Change of Record Form and turns
into Registration Desk.
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 Course Overload
o Student and advisor complete Course Overload Form.
o Approval must be sought from the Vice President of Student Learning.
o Make no promises!
o Students must have been enrolled at least one semester and have a 3.0 GPA.
 Registration
o Students complete appropriate schedule with advisor.
o Plans include transfer, career, and/or adherence to Degree Sheet.
o Advisors have the capability to enroll students from their office. Or;
o Student takes signed form to Registration
 Registration Desk
o Chanute – Sanders Hall
o Ottawa – Main office
 Schedule
o After registering/enrolling, a schedule is given to student.
o It has a list of courses, times, location, and booklist. If the books are not on
the schedule, you will need to get another schedule printed approximately 2
weeks before the semester starts. The books should be listed by that time.
 Books
o Emphasize the importance of the use of books in courses. They are needed.
o The Bookstore on both campuses stock the books needed for your
coursework.
 $$ Bills & Financial Aid $$
o Once registered for classes, student must pay the bill.
o How does the bill get paid? Payment plan available at Business office
o Financial Aid forms (FAFSA) need to be completed every year.
o Scholarships available – student should ask in Financial Aid.
o You must have 12 hours certify before you receive your refund from
Financial Aid.
Academic Logistics
 Drop/Add
o Explain the process of Add/Drop process and get it filed in appropriate
office.
o Students have one week at the beginning of the term to drop or add a
course(s) and receive a refund.
o Class can be dropped up until certification.
o Short-term (Mini) classes have one class meeting to add a class. The student
has 13% of business days within the start to end of the course to drop a
short-term course. For specific dates, contact the registrar.
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 Withdrawal
o Students can withdraw from a class after certification date until 75% of class
completed.
o Receive a W on their transcript.
 Academic Withdrawal
o Faculty can withdraw a student from a class based on a wide range of
reasons.
o Student receives a “WA” on their transcript.
 Tutoring
o Available on both campuses, in the CAVE on the Chanute campus and in The
Learning Center in Ottawa.
o Encourage students to ask their Instructor for help.
Graduation
 Intent to Graduate
o Complete Intent to Graduate Form.
o Perform degree audit, submit any Curriculum Variance.
o Student should check with Registrar for final decision (make no promises).
 Curriculum Variance
o Used to modify graduation requirements.
o Submission of completed form with syllabi and course description.
o Make NO assumptions about approval or denial.
o Consult with Registrar or your division chair.
 Transfer information
o In Kansas: http://www.kansasregents.org/institutions/transfer.html
o Help student navigate the website of the transfer institution.
 Career Information
o The NCCC Career Resources website has good information.
o Career interest inventory Kansas Career Pipeline is available.
o www.neosho.edu/careers
o Job search logistics – resume, cover letter, interviewing information.
Course Specific Info
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Pre-requisites
 Please refer to the Catalog for clarification.
 Math sequence is governed by Compass Scores/Grades.
 General Psychology - PSYC 155 is a required pre-requisite for
Developmental Psychology - PSYC 263.
Sociology – SOSC 100 is a required pre-requisite for Social Problems.
Developmental Courses
Placement into the Math, Reading and English sequence is governed by scores.
Students cannot take Reading Proficiency concurrently with English Composition.
Please remember students in two or more Developmental courses must take
Study and Test Taking Skills (CURR 101).
HPER Activity Courses
HPER 100, 112, 113 & Varsity sport classes:
 These classes are not repeatable; make sure that they have not already
taken one before you enroll them.
 Athletes can take a total of four (1 of each) over 2 years.
 Can enroll in three of these classes at one time, but cannot enroll in
both weight classes (Conditioning Weights & Weight Training).
 Only two of these HPER courses are transferable.
Honors Program
Student or advisor must seek approval of Honors Coordinator, before enrollment.
Contact Mindy Ayers (620-431-2820 ext. 239)
Honors course offerings by semester:
Fall:
First Year Seminar
Leadership
Spring:
English Composition II
Honors
Humanities seminar
General education courses for honors credit are done on a case by case basis by
contract.
Scholarship Enrollment Requirements
 Art
Enroll in 3 art courses per year. Start with ART 100 - Design
 Honors
GPA
Must enroll in Honors course each semester and maintain 3.3
 Music
Each semester enroll in MUSI 187 – Concert Choir.
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 Theatre
Must enroll in 2 theatre classes each semester.
Pre-Nursing
Go to www.neosho.edu/nursing website.
Early Academic Warnings
Warnings are used to help student ‘course correct’ and get back on track. If they
need help, this is a time where we can reach out to them. We do that through a
campus wide email, conversations with advisors, instructors and coaches. We
want all students to take charge of their academics.
During each semester, ideally the 3rd, 7th and 11th week of the semester, a query in
EX pulls down grade information (D and F only) from the INSIDE NC grade books.
Advisors, Coaches and other interested parties receive notification of their
students’ status.
It is at this time that you encourage, share resources, help them get back on track!
GPA computation
1.
Multiply hours of credit in each course by the appropriate numerical value to
find the quality points.
A=4
B=3
C=2
D=1
F=0
P & NP do not figure into GPA
2.
Total the quality points earned.
3.
Divide the total quality points earned by the total number of semester hours
taken Exclude the following:
“W”, “I”, “P”, or “NP”
4.
Example:
English Composition
Credit hrs.
3
x
Grade
B (3) =
Quality Points
9
Fundamentals of Speech
3
x
A (4) =
12
College Algebra w/Review
5
x
C (2) =
10
Computer Literacy
1
x
D (1) =
1
12
Divide 32 points by 12 hours = 2.67 GPA
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DO NOT INCLUDE ANY DEVELOPMENTAL COURSE CREDITS INTO TOTAL CREDITS.
MANDATORY PLACEMENT TEST
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All degree-seeking students enrolled in 6 or more hours, or students enrolling in a
math or English course at NCCC must provide placement test scores before
enrolling in classes. Acceptable placement tests are the ACT, SAT, ASSET, and
COMPASS. If a student has not taken one of these tests, he/she must make
arrangements to take the COMPASS test in the CAVE. All personnel in the CAVE
have been trained to administer the test.
It is important to inform the student that COMPASS is not a pass/fail test. It is
simply an instrument that measures the student’s skill level in three areas – Math,
Reading & Writing.
After completing COMPASS, a score report will print. The report details exactly
what courses the student should enroll (English, Reading and Math).
Math Sequence
Math sequence must be rigidly administered. No advisor can place a student in a math
class based on their judgment. This is governed by Compass. If a student has a grade
of Incomplete in the lower level course, they cannot be moved to a higher level until they
have resolved the incomplete. Placement based on scores on the Mandatory Placement
Policy.
MATH 011
Beginning Algebra
MATH 112
Intermediate Algebra
MATH 110
College Algebra with Review
MATH 113
College Algebra
English Sequence
English sequence must be rigidly administered. No advisor can place a student in an
English class based on their judgment. The decision is governed by Compass. If a
student has a grade of Incomplete in the lower level course, they cannot be moved to a
higher level until they have resolved the incomplete. Student may NOT take English
Composition I until successfully completing Developmental Reading, and Fundamentals
of Written Communication and Pre-Comp. Refer to the Mandatory Placement list.
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ENGL013
Fundamentals of Written Communication
ENGL 100
Pre- Comp
ENGL 018
Reading Proficiency II
ENGL 121
Reading in the Disciplines
English Composition I & II
Student can take Reading in the Disciplines (ENGL 121) in conjunction with College Level
English Composition. Student must pass ENGL 101 to progress to ENGL 289
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who gives the placement tests? At what times?
Students planning to attend classes on the Chanute Campus may take the COMPASS in
the CAVE or may use their ACT/SAT scores. Since the COMPASS is a computerized test,
it can be administered at any time the CAVE is open. However, students are encouraged
to schedule an appointment ahead of time to make sure there are not conflicts with the
CAVE schedule. It generally takes approximately 1½ hours to take the exam.
Students planning to attend classes on the Ottawa Campus should check with the
Academic Advisor in The Learning Center for testing information.
Preparation? EXCELLENT website for students to prepare for the test is:
www.testprepreview.com Students can prep for the Compass and TEAS tests.
At what cost? There is no cost for the testing at either campus. Re-test costs
$10.
What is meant by mandatory assessment and placement?
Mandatory assessment means that all students interested in taking English
Comp. I and/or College Algebra must be tested (ACT or Compass) prior to
enrollment. The results of the testing determine the student’s placement in the
appropriate starting point, such as Developmental Reading, Fundamental Writing
course and Beginning or Intermediate Algebra. Students will be required to enroll
in those courses before Comp1 or College Algebra.
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If I don’t do well on my placement test, is there any way out of taking remedial courses?
A student’s placement in remedial courses is for their own benefit. However, remedial
courses have assessments that are given in the first week of classes to verify the
placement course results. In the event that the course assessments indicate that the
student has been improperly placed, he/she may drop the remedial course and be
allowed to enroll in other courses. In addition, there is a waiver form that the student
may read and sign, with the approval of the Director of Basic Skills in The Chapman
Learning Center on the Chanute campus for the Chanute students and the Dean of the
Ottawa campus for Ottawa students.
Waivers for Developmental Coursework?
If a student’s placement test indicates a need for developmental coursework, we strongly
encourage the student to enroll in the suggested developmental courses. Some
students are very insistent that they can handle regular coursework. Be sure to discuss
the following with the student:
 Developmental courses are skill-building courses.
 Research shows that students who test into developmental courses but opt to
take regular courses do not succeed at a high rate.
 Students who take developmental courses first generally succeed at regular
courses.
If after presenting this information the student still insists on signing a waiver, send the
student to the Director of Basic Skills in the CAVE, the Dean of Ottawa campus, or to the
Vice President for Student Learning.
Will developmental courses count toward NCCC graduation and will they transfer?
100 level NCCC developmental courses will count towards graduation but may
not transfer to a 4-year institution. It is the student’s responsibility to check this
out by contacting the institution in which they plan to attend.
Will developmental courses count toward activity/athletic scholarship/financial aid
eligibility?
YES. Developmental courses count toward the per semester requirements for these
areas.
If I lose my copy of the scores, where can I get another?
The student services office at Chanute and Ottawa will have copies of your scores.
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I’ve already taken the ACT. Do I still need to take the COMPASS?
If ACT or COMPASS is older than three years, the student must retest.
If you have taken the ACT/SAT and have a copy of your scores on file at NCCC,
you may use those scores for placement. However, if you choose to take the
COMPASS to see if they can place in a higher level, they may do so.
I’m in two or more Developmental courses; do I have to take anything else?
When a student is in two or more developmental courses, they must take Study
Skills and Test Taking (CURR 101). After the first semester, if the student is still
in developmental 2 courses, a Goal Setting course is required
I took an assessment test at another college. Do I still need to test here?
Probably not. You may request a copy of your test scores from your previous
institution and if they are applicable, you will be placed according to your
previous scores. If you are unsatisfied with your previous scores, you may retest
at NCCC.
Mandatory Placement Policy
Revised April 15, 2009
In accordance with Neosho County Community College’s commitment to student
success, the mandatory placement scores are as follows:
Pre-Algebra General
Course Placement
Compass
ACT
SAT
MATH 010:Contemporary Math
0-21
Math 0-13
0-290
Concepts (2 Credits; cannot be used for
degree requirements)
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MATH 011: Beginning Algebra
22-100 Math 14-17
300-470
(4 Credits; cannot be used for degree
requirements)
Algebra General
MATH 011: Beginning Algebra
1-30
Math 14-17
300-470
31-41
Math 18-19
500-520
MATH 110: College Algebra with Review 42-50
Math 20-21
530-550
(4 Credits; cannot be used for degree
requirements)
MATH 112: Intermediate Algebra
(4 Credits; counts as degree requirement
for AAS and AGS degree; counts as
elective credit for AA/AS degree)
Intended for those who have a chance of
successfully completing College Algebra at
a slower pace than is done in MATH 113
(5 Credits; counts for all degrees)
MATH 113: College Algebra
51-100 Math 22 or above
(3 Credits; counts for all degrees)
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560 up
College Algebra General
MATH 113: College Algebra
0-43
Math 22 or above
560 up
(3 Credits; counts for all degrees)
MATH 125: College Algebra and
44-100
Trigonometry (5 Credits; counts for all degrees)
Reading General
Course Placement
Compass
ACT
ENGL 018: Reading Proficiency II
0-64
Reading 0-13
65-75
Reading 14-16
SAT
0-350
(4 Credits; cannot be used for degree
requirements) Do not enroll in ENGL
101: English Composition
ENGL 121: Reading in the Disciplines
440
Can enroll in ENGL 101 English Comp I
No requirement
76-100 Reading 17 or above 450 up
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360 -
Writing General
ENGL 013: Fundamentals of Written
0-50
English 0-14
0-360
ENGL 100: Pre Composition
51-69
English 15-17 370-420
ENGL 101: English Composition
70-99
English 18-36 430 up
91
English 23
Communications (5 Credits; cannot be
used for degree requirements)
(3 Credits; counts for all degrees)
ENGL 101: English Composition
530 up
HONORS
Exceptions:
Chanute
Only the Director of basic skills or the Vice President of Student Learning can authorize
enrollment in math or writing courses without appropriate test scores.
Ottawa
Only the Dean of the Ottawa Campus can authorize enrollment in any math or writing
courses without the appropriate test scores.
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