Academic Counseling Services

Whether you are going through the admissions process, registering for classes, or attending class there are many opportunities to receive assistance from counselors, support staff, and instructors. During the admission process counselors will assist students to determine their readiness for starting technical college, encourage them in making the transition to WITC, and clarify with them the variety of flexible offerings, times and locations. Students will be assigned an academic advisor who is available to assist students throughout their academic career. WITC also has many resources available to assist with academic, health, disabilities, and personal concerns.

Links to Academic Resources:

WITC Academic Services http://www.witc.edu/academics/acadsrvcs/index.htm
Study Guides and Strategies http://www.studygs.net/
The ABC’s of Success for Students with Disabilities www.uwec.edu/counsel/pubs/abcs.htm
Study Skills: Sweet Briar's Academic Resource Center http://www.arc.sbc.edu/study.html
Learning Strategies: Sites to Promote Academic Success http://www.uni.edu/walsh/linda7.html
College is Possible: American Council on Education http://www.acenet.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

What occurs during the admissions interview?

To complete the admission process requires a counselor interview. During this interview a counselor will review your admissions testing, discuss your interests in pursuing this program, refer you to financial aid and scholarships, inquire about individual circumstances which impact student ability to succeed including child care, work schedules, transportation, etc. and development of a program plan.

Are there any assessment options for admissions?

Students can complete the WITC admissions process including the placement assessment (TABE) and counselor interview. Students who provide ACT scores, transcripts from a post secondary school, placement scores from a post secondary school, or documentation of an associate degree or higher, may waive the admission placement assessment.

Do I need to declare a program?

Students who wish to take classes unassigned (student who has not applied or completed college admission requirements for a program) may take credit courses without declaring a program. However, students who wish to receive financial aid must be admitted to a financial aid eligible program.

Do I need to make an appointment to meet with a counselor for an admission’s interview?

Yes, you should schedule an appointment with a counselor on the campus you plan to attend.

How much is tuition and other expenses for my program?

A counselor will go over your tuition, books, and other fees during your admission interview. Check WITC web page (www.witc.edu) for tool lists and other expenses unique to individual programs. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Admissions www.witc.edu/getstarted/index.htm

When and how do I register for classes?

New students will register for classes at the student’s home campus. Students will be notified of registration times and location by mail. Returning students will meet with their Academic Advisor prior to registering for class through their MyWITC.

What options are there for taking classes?

Classes are delivered through many options including in-person classroom, on-line, flex lab (semi-structured independent study offered in a computer lab setting), and interactive television.

What is a co-requisite and prerequisite?

Some courses require a student to be enrolled in another course at the same time (co-requisite) or to have taken another course before they can enroll the course (prerequisite). Some course offerings may be blocked from registration if there is a co-requisite or prerequisite that has not been fulfilled.

When do I need to pay my tuition?

Payment of tuition not covered by financial aid should be paid one week prior to the start of classes. Students may sign a Contract for Payment form through their MyWITC by providing credit card or debit card information. Please check your financial aid awards on MyWITC to verify your tuition is covered by financial aid.

When a contract is signed, you will be responsible for a $35 non-refundable processing fee (this fee is waived with an on-line payment contract) and you may be responsible for a down payment of your fees. Whenever a company or agency is sponsoring your education, you will need to arrange payment with them and bring this written documentation with you when you register.

Students must pay full tuition and fees or have a Contract for Payment in place 7 days prior to the start of the term. Your class space is subject to cancellation if fees are not paid.

What is the procedure for withdrawing from courses and campus refund policy?

Students may withdraw from classes through their MyWITC at any time. Students are warned that withdrawing from classes may impact their academic and financial aid standing. It is recommended students meet with their advisor, a counselor, or financial aid advisors prior to dropping a course. Students who withdraw prior to the start of the course receive 100% refund. For all courses, regardless of length, if the student drops the course after the first class meeting, the following refunds apply:

1. An 80 percent refund shall be granted when less than 11 percent of the course’s total potential hours of instruction have been completed.

2. A 60 percent refund shall be granted if 11 percent through 20 percent of the course’s total potential hours of instruction have been completed.

3. No (zero) refund shall be granted after more than 20 percent of the course’s total hours of instruction have been completed.

What happens if I withdraw from all of my classes?

Students who withdraw from all of their classes need to meet with a counselor. Counselors will investigate financial aid implications and explore possible options.

What will I learn at orientation?

Beginning your college experience can be filled with many questions and concerns; orientation is a critical opportunity to become aware of many factors that will help you achieve your goals at WITC. During orientation information regarding campus policies and procedures, parking, lockers, student code of conduct, student right to know, services available, and student activities will be provided.

What tips are there for new students?

Attend New Student Orientation
Get involved on campus
Take advantage of campus resources and realize that if you ever have a problem there is often a campus service that can help
Get to know your instructors and utilize their office hours
Make your academic advisor your best friend
Go to class!!!
Study!
Use the Learning Resource Center
Manage your time wisely
Always ask questions

What is good academic standing?

To maintain good academic standing a minimum of 2.0 semester GPA and completion of 67% completion of credits attempted (example twelve credits enrolled requires completion of eight credits).

If I get a D or F, can I repeat it?

You may repeat any course you receive a D or F as a grade. Upon successful completion, students should complete a repeat course form which replaces the D or F with an R (repeat of class, repeats do not affect grade point average). Financial aid will pay for a course to be repeated once.

How can I change my program?

Students wishing to change their program are required to meet with a counselor. Wisconsin Indiandhead Technical College Handbook www.witc.edu/catalogs/handbook

What is academic advising?

Academic advising is a process that assists students with developing a plan for completion of their program. Academic advisors will also check on the progress of courses during the current term and address any needs. The advisor is often informed about local career opportunities in the student’s field.

Are there services available if I have special needs?

Students who self-identify special needs are referred to the WITC Disabilities Specialist on their local campus. Documentation of the disability(s) is required. Disabilities Specialist will assist students to coordinate reasonable accommodations.

Is there anyone I can talk to concerning health issues?

The College Health Service provides free confidential health services for all students. These services include over-the-counter medications, treatment of minor injuries and illness, sick room, health fair, blood pressure monitoring, diet/weight counseling, blood sugar testing, wellness activities, flu immunizations, physical and mental health resources, etc.

How can I get extra help with my courses?

The Student Success Center is available to provide assistance with students on specific course(s) needs as well as working with improving math, language, and writing skills. The Student Success Center can assist with developing test taking strategies, effective study techniques, and other resources to improve student’s academic performance. Students are also eligible for WITC peer tutor program. Student Services will connect you to a student peer tutor who will assist you in mastering the specific course material.

What resources are available if I’m struggling with transitioning to college, experiencing difficulty with time management, suffering with test anxiety?

Students who are experiencing difficulties are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a counselor as soon as possible. (See counselor section on personal counseling)

What if I am uncertain about my major?

If students are unsure of a college major, it is recommended that they discuss this with a counselor. Counselors can provide career assessments, program/job shadows, informational interview resources, and access to faculty that may assist students in gathering information beneficial in determining a major.

Academics