Episode 9: New Students

A discussion of best practices for incoming NCMC students.

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:06

Welcome to Pirates' Perspectives, the official podcast of North Central Missouri College. Each month, we'll share stories, insights, and conversations that highlight the people, traditions, and the future of the MCMC Pirate Community. Hello, welcome back to Pirates Perspectives. As always, I am your host, Nicole Schell, the Associate Director of Advising and Attention here at MCMC. So summer is a very exciting time here at MCMC as we have students preparing for their first semester, and today we're going to talk about what students need to know before classes begin so that our incoming students and their families can feel confident and prepared for their first semester here at MCMC. We're going to be walking through key steps and answering some common questions. So today I'm excited to welcome to the podcast Hannah Lovett, Marissa Buckaloo, and welcome back to the podcast, Sarah Williamson. Ladies, if you would all please introduce yourself and tell me your role here at MCMC and perhaps what your favorite part of helping our new students would be.

SPEAKER_01 1:08

I'm Hannah Lovett, I'm the student services coordinator, and I think my favorite part about helping students is especially on the phone at the end of the phone call when they're like, Oh my gosh, thank you so much. I'm feeling so much better about this. That was my favorite part.

SPEAKER_03 1:23

I like that too.

SPEAKER_00 1:26

Um, I'm Marissa Bakluo, I'm the assistant softball coach and resident coordinator. So when you move on campus, I'll be the first person you meet when it comes to housing. My favorite part of helping the new students is planning all the activities so you can find who your new friends are gonna be for the year.

SPEAKER_02 1:45

My name is Sarah Williamson, I'm the Associate Director of Financial Aid, and I just enjoy walking students and parents through the financial aid process and helping them to be successful in that so they can in turn be a successful student.

SPEAKER_03 2:03

And speaking of financial aid, I think financial aid is one of the biggest obstacles that students find when they start this college journey. It can be a very confusing and overwhelming process. So I think today we'll start by talking about financial aid and what students and families can expect. So let's just kind of start with the basics.

SPEAKER_02 2:32

Well, taking it back to you know, if if there's someone who's straight out of high school during their senior year, way back in October, they would have hopefully completed the FAFA and been filling out scholarships during that year. If they're not a recent graduate, then they still could be filling out the FAFA at that same time. But it's just very important that before the semester begins, that students have completed the FAFSA, and the FAFA is the free application for federal student aid. We also have the foundation scholarship application that is due back in April, but students can continue to apply for that because they do a second round of awarding, so that's going to be an important thing to make sure that they filled out any applicable scholarship applications.

SPEAKER_03 3:24

So for students who think that they're done, shall we say, after completing the FAFSA, what else should they be checking? It doesn't really just end with that, does it? No, it doesn't.

SPEAKER_02 3:35

Um we want to make sure that they're checking to see if they're selected for verification or if we had any conflicting information when their FAFA came in and that we're requesting additional documents. Um, they'll want to check for that and and just make sure there's nothing else that we're needing. Also, sometimes students will need to take out a student loan. Um, so they'll definitely want to take care of those steps ahead of a semester the semester starting and just so that they're they're ready to go, and maybe they'll need those loans for to help cover book charges or something like that. So it is good to do that ahead of time.

SPEAKER_03 4:11

What would you say are some common mistakes or delays, even that you can see regularly that can prevent aid from being processed on time?

SPEAKER_02 4:21

I would say the biggest issue is students not checking their MyCompass, not checking to see, not making sure that their FAFSA is done or thinking it is, but maybe they didn't add NCMC school code and so they've sent it to somewhere else and they think we have it, but we don't. So they really need to be checking in their My Compass under finances and financial aid where they can see that we have received their FAFA and that they have turned in all necessary documents. The other thing is just not checking their student email because that's the main way we're going to communicate with students if there's any kind of issue or anything additional they need to complete, and so not checking it can really put them behind the game.

SPEAKER_03 5:06

We preach that a lot around here. Check that student email. So, what advice would you give to a student who is nervous about paying for college? Obviously, college is a big investment, so what would you say to that student?

SPEAKER_02 5:21

I think it's just really important to look at the breakdown, look at what their cost is, you know, their tuition fees, um, book cost, those kind of things if they're staying on campus to look at that housing cost and really get a picture of okay, how much financial aid do I have? How much is covered? Um, what's my remaining balance? Do I need to set up a payment plan? Um, just to get those kind of things figured out. Um, a couple of things that I forgot to mention before is a lot of times students have outside scholarships that are coming in. It's good to follow up with those scholarship providers and make sure that they know where to send the outside scholarships, so that's applied to their account as well. Another thing is we have a lot of A plus students here, and you know, once they graduate, they need to send their official final transcript with the A plus seal. That's our our way of knowing that a student is an A plus student, so that is a very important thing that they need to do before the semester starts.

SPEAKER_03 6:22

So for those of you who are out there listening that might be an A plus student, check with that high school counselor. If you don't know if we have your transcript, check with that high school counselor and they will be able to let you know if that is on its way or not.

SPEAKER_02 6:34

And another thing I would guess I would say about students who are nervous is about paying for college costs. Um, you know, make an appointment, sit down with someone in our financial aid office because we're happy to help you walk through exactly what maybe your remaining balance might be, and just to brainstorm some different ways that you know they could pay for college. It could be a federal work study job on campus that's going to help pay that remaining balance. And so we're you know very willing to sit down and discuss those things and kind of relieve some nerves.

SPEAKER_03 7:09

We do have an excellent financial aid department here on campus, so Sarah isn't kidding. Make those appointments, ask those questions, and that way you know exactly what to expect. So let's transition into another very big part of the student experience, which would be housing. So, for a lot of students, moving into a residence hall is going to be their first experience even living away from home, especially for those traditional students coming right out of high school. And this process can obviously raise a lot of questions. So, to start, Hannah, I'm gonna start with you. Um, how does the roommate selection process work?

SPEAKER_01 7:46

So we use a roommate matching questionnaire, and that will ask about their preferences and interests, like their favorite music, their study routines, and whether they're an early bird or a night owl. So this helps us pair students with roommates who have similar lifestyles and interests. Um, so that creates a more comfortable living experience, and then students can also request a roommate, and as long as you request each other, we will put you together.

SPEAKER_03 8:15

So, no, no, you need to be scared, you're not gonna be put in with a total stranger that you have nothing in common with. So, what can students do if they don't get their first choice of residence hall? Which I guess we should mention that we have a traditional style residence hall, one for men, one for women, and then we have our apartment style Pirates Plaza, which is more like I said, apartment style, and it is roommates are indeed um of the same gender, but yes, it's a mixed haul.

SPEAKER_01 8:46

Yes. Um, so a lot of students do prefer Pirate Plaza, that's usually the first choice.

SPEAKER_03 8:52

For Pirates Plaza, is that usually reserved for sophomores?

SPEAKER_01 8:56

No. If they are okay, so our returners they do have priority over incoming freshmen. Um, and we do have a wait list, and you can choose to stay on that wait list until the next academic year that'll give you a more better opportunity to get into the plaza, but it's not just sophomores, so it's not impossible for the freshmen to get in there.

SPEAKER_03 9:20

Nice to know. So, why would you say it is important for students to complete their housing application on time?

SPEAKER_01 9:26

So, submitting the housing application by the deadline is important because it helps ensure you have a spot and you are receiving a room assignment that allows us to accommodate for your housing preferences.

SPEAKER_03 9:41

When would you say is the best time to have that housing application in by?

SPEAKER_01 9:45

The best time to have the housing application in would be I would say by June 1st. June 1st? Okay.

SPEAKER_03 9:52

You heard it here, folks, June 1st. So, um, Marissa, let's move on to you. Uh, what should students expect during their move-in day?

SPEAKER_00 10:02

Okay, so during the summer, Hannah is the one that gives me all your guys' files, and I look through to see the preferences that I think match you the best with your roommate. So during the summer, you'll receive an email including who your roommate is and then their phone number so you guys can communicate, and that is pretty well liked so you guys can get your rooms together, decorate the same. In the girl housing side, you see that a lot, the decorating with colors. Yes. So the day you move in though, you will have received a message from your RA. So your RA is the resident assistant who is in charge of your hallway, will include your room number in your mailbox. Uh, when you come into the lobby, you'll meet them and you'll be meet me. We'll take you to your room and you'll do your um, you'll check your room out, see if for any damages, if you like the way the room is, and then that is immediately the baseball team carries all your stuff to your room and you start decorating your room.

SPEAKER_03 11:07

And the RAs, those are actually other students here at MCMC, correct? Yep. So they kind of know what is going on, what to expect, so they're a great resource for our new incoming students. Uh, what are some things that you think students often forget to bring with them?

SPEAKER_00 11:21

Okay, um, one of the biggest ones is extension cords. So on each side of the wall is about one plug-in, and then you share one next to the door, so that gets used up very quickly, and you also don't want to be pulling too much power from one side of the room, or the breaker could break. So I would definitely say extension cords, and then um to bunk your beds, if you want to loft it, you can easily get those off Amazon, and that will raise your bed just a few inches, and you can store a lot more stuff under your bed.

SPEAKER_03 11:54

On the flip side of that, what do you think are some things that students bring that they probably don't need?

SPEAKER_00 11:58

If you're able to go home, um too many clothes. Everybody will bring clothes that like you would wear during winter time. If you know you're gonna go home before winter, I would keep those clothes at your house and then bring them later on. Because you only have a closet and a dresser here, and you will you'll notice once you get here that you probably brought a lot more than what you meant to.

SPEAKER_03 12:24

What advice would you have for students who are nervous about living with a roommate?

SPEAKER_00 12:28

Um, that's why it's so important to put the preferences on your application and to do that on a timely manner because I'm the one that's going through early putting you with your roommate. Um, but we do offer um if you get here with your roommate and you decide that that pick was not great, you have to be with them for at least two weeks, and then if we decide that you need a different roommate after the two weeks, we can change that roommate for you. So there is a way to get out of it if you feel like it isn't the best fit for you, but it's also getting out of your comfort zone and seeing if you guys have any similarities.

SPEAKER_03 13:09

So I would bet that every once in a while you're gonna come across a student who is struggling to adjust to live on campus. What resources would be available for those students?

SPEAKER_00 13:18

So um if you come to campus and you're really nervous, we always say the first four weeks is great because there's something going on every single day. So we always say try and find a new group of friends, go out there, meet people. But if it's still really rough, we do have a counselor on campus, and so we always make sure the kids know where her office is and how to communicate with her.

SPEAKER_03 13:41

And Marissa mentioned first four weeks. That is a great event that we have the first four weeks of our semester where there's all kinds of events. A lot of them have free food, games, special guests on campus, all kinds of fun stuff. So it's a great opportunity for both our residential and non-residential students to get a feel for campus. Uh, here's a good one. What's the most unusual item you ever see a student bring to the resident halls?

SPEAKER_00 14:09

A kid last year tried to bring a hamster. And so that was just interesting, but that did not last very long.

SPEAKER_03 14:16

Oh, poor hamster. So the next thing I'd like to touch on is our orientation and advising. Um, and this is a big milestone for students before classes begin. Attending OR is very, very important. We offer both an on-campus and an online option, although, as an advisor, I always recommend if you are able to attend on campus, that is the way we would like you to go. So I'm going to explain a little bit about orientation and why it's so important. So, our orientations are called OR, and that it stands for Orientation Advising Registration, and it is a very pivotal part for new student experience. Students that come to an on-campus orientation will have the opportunity to take a campus tour if they would like. They're going to get an overview of life at MCMC, they're going to have a chance to meet with advising staff, discuss their schedule in depth, and become familiar with life on the MCMC campus. At an orientation session, students can expect to hear what's expected of them as a student. They can learn about campus resources, financial aid, you receive your first semester schedule, and we also have a time where we go to the computer lab. Students can actually log in to the computers, we teach you how to use your My Compass, find that student email that you can be checking for your financial aid information, among other things. So it's just a really great chance for students to come and get that orientation process and kind of take away all those final questions that they might have before orientation. We have a separate presentation for guests. So if you have parents that would like to come with you and find more out about what they can do to support you as a student, we absolutely welcome them. And the only thing that you really need to bring for an orientation, people are always asking, you know, what should we bring? You just need an idea. I just need to make sure you are who you say you are. So bring a picture ID, like a driver's license for check-in. And it's very, very valuable to attend an OR because honestly, attending OR, I feel like, and you guys can back me up here, attending saves students a lot of stress later on. Absolutely. It's an opportunity to make sure that your schedule makes sense, talk through any concerns you may have, learn about resources that can help you succeed. And students who tend to connect with an advisor early, I think feel more confident and know exactly where they need to go if they need help. To the best of our ability, we have your advisor there that day, and if not, they have your information, so they will be reaching out to you. That line of communication we always want to have open. And obviously, coming into college is a lot, and sometimes not everybody knows what they want to do. So if you're a student who happens to be unsure about their major, that's very, very common. And part of a job as an advisor is helping students explore those options. So if you're someone who doesn't quite know what you want to do, you can sit down with an advisor and talk through your interests, your career goals, classes that you might be interested in and help narrow those things down. I personally feel that college is a time for discovery, and students who don't have their entire future mapped up on day one are absolutely fine. In fact, I would say most people don't, and that is not necessary. So we're here to help. And that advising relationship that's going to continue after orientation. Or is really just a first step in that relationship. And after that, us advisors here are to help students every semester with things like choosing your classes, understanding degree requirements, exploring your career transfer options, and navigating any challenges that come up. We want students to know that we that you don't have to figure college out all on your own. We're here to support you along the way and always will be. I think that there are some misconceptions about advising that we're just here because you need to register for class. Far beyond it. We are here to support students throughout their entire college experience, whether it's just figuring out your major, overcoming an academic challenge, planning for a transfer, or just letting you know where to go for the help that you need. So we're a very valuable resource, so get to know who your advisor is and don't be afraid to reach out and ask those questions. So uh some first semester success tips. I think this one will be one for all of us. Um, could you each tell me perhaps what's one thing every new student should do their first week on campus? What do you think? I would say go visit the library and I would agree with that. Yeah, oh yeah. I think that'd be a good thing. Those ladies in the library love the first week of school, uh, they are very helpful, and you can go in there and ask any question you need to, and they're gonna tell you exactly where you need to go. If it's not there, they're gonna know where.

SPEAKER_02 19:16

Tutoring center is probably also a good place to stop by.

SPEAKER_01 19:20

Absolutely. Knowing where your classes are, make sure that you know the room number and which building they're in.

SPEAKER_03 19:29

And you can find that information on your My Compass on your schedule.

SPEAKER_00 19:35

Mom, I would say actually introducing yourself to the teacher too. That goes a long way.

SPEAKER_03 19:41

I wouldn't have thought of that, but that makes sense. It does absolutely. Uh, what do you guys think is one campus resource students don't use enough? The tutoring center.

SPEAKER_01 19:49

That's what I was gonna say.

SPEAKER_03 19:50

Highly agree. Yeah. And if anybody wants more information on the tutoring center, we actually have a Pirates Perspective episode all about the Tutoring Center. I would encourage you to look that up. It is way more than just getting help with your homework. Check it out. What advice would you give students who might be feeling overwhelmed during their first semester?

SPEAKER_00 20:11

Breathe. It's okay. Everybody, a lot more people are feeling this way than just you. And find the things that make you the most comfortable. Get into that routine. It's you're away from home.

SPEAKER_03 20:24

Yeah, no one expects you to get it right off the bat. It's gonna be an adjustment. Um, Marissa mentioned earlier we have a counselor here on campus, and she is available even if you just need to, you know, blow some steam off. So don't be alone. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 20:38

And take, you know, to kind of step out of your comfort zone or maybe set some small goals for yourself of, you know, I'm gonna meet one person, you know, this week or you know, during you know, today or something, just so that you because that helps when you start getting to know people and make those connections.

SPEAKER_03 20:56

So, what do you think are some ways students can get connected and make friends here on campus?

SPEAKER_00 21:01

Going to all the events, that's the biggest way that you can meet people. So, when you move in that afternoon, we've been having like a water slide, and we do these like mocktails, and then there's usually a hypnotist right there that first weekend when you're on campus. So just going to the hypnotist and going to the big activity where a lot of the kids are, that is going to be the first way to just find people.

SPEAKER_03 21:28

Yeah, don't be afraid to get out there and go to those events, and you'll see other students out there, you'll see staff and faculty. It's a great way to kind of get orientated to everything. And again, I say free food. How important do you all think it is for students to ask for help when they need it? Very. Yeah. We're not gonna be able to help you if you don't tell us. And if you come to an orientation, we talk about that a lot. Ask questions, whether it be I don't know how to navigate my bright space. Or I don't quite know where to find this particular thing. We expect those questions. So don't ever feel stupid. Don't ever think that you're asking a silly question. I was told one time there's no such thing as a stupid question, and I believe that. So here's we're gonna do a rapid fire round, okay? I want from each of you one word or one word to describe in the CMC. Sarah. Community. Family. Personalized. Those are all great. Um what's your favorite campus event?

SPEAKER_02 22:40

I help with the BSU barbecue, the night the hypnotists is there, and I I really enjoyed that because then I get to see all the new faces, you know, and everyone coming to campus and get to introduce myself and let them know I'm in financial aid and come see me if they need anything.

SPEAKER_01 22:58

I like the org fair because I love seeing all the new students on campus. And um, last year was very, very popular. It was outside of its most beautiful day, so I'm excited to say that again this year.

SPEAKER_00 23:09

Um, I would say the bingo nights, just because you think it's so small and nobody's gonna go, and then all the kids on campus and even people who just live off campus just a little ways, show up and it gets so competitive, and that's where some of the best uh prizes are. So, like you might get lottery detergent or snacks, stuff you don't want to spend money on. So, those are the best activities.

SPEAKER_03 23:30

As you can see, there are a lot of things to do. So, what would your one piece of advice, your most important piece of advice for an incoming student be?

SPEAKER_00 23:40

Um, I would say just get out of your comfort zone. Um, you know, you're going into a whole new spot in life, and you're the one that creates your own story, so lead it the way you want it.

SPEAKER_01 23:53

Check your email.

SPEAKER_00 23:55

Good one.

SPEAKER_02 23:56

And I actually was gonna say the exact same thing because it's so important that that I just yeah, I think it's okay to say it twice.

SPEAKER_01 24:04

Yeah, that's where all of your information, all of our communication is going to the email.

SPEAKER_03 24:10

And then I would reiterate one more time. Ask questions. Yes. So if students remember only one thing we talked about today, what do you want it to be?

SPEAKER_02 24:25

The fact that they can look in their My Compass and see what financial aid they're scheduled to receive, see what their balance is, um, they can see that information on their own. And sorry, you said one piece, but and that the financial aid office is always happy to help with any questions.

SPEAKER_00 24:43

If I had to say something, I would um how many of us have offered so many different pieces of advice from the campus and just shows that you can go to anybody on the campus. So uh just come to campus and be willing to ask the questions.

SPEAKER_01 24:59

I think that um knowing that your advisor is there for more than just authorizing you for your classes. Appreciate that. Very important. Go to them for support if you need to.

SPEAKER_03 25:11

I would uh agree with Hannah. Um, I would also add that I want students to remember that there are so many resources for you. So you are never alone. So to wrap up, um for those of you who are new students who may be listening who are coming in, remember to complete that financial aid, fill out that FAFO. If you haven't, check up on your on your um aid, contact that financial aid department. If you haven't attended an orientation, I would encourage you to register for an org. There are still a few dates available. If you are unable to attend an on-campus orientation, give us a call and we can set you up with an online. Uh for those of you who will be residential, check your housing information, your move-in details, uh, wait for that email letting you know and follow Mercer's advice on reaching out to your roommate. And again, we encourage you to reach out with any questions that you may have. So, college can indeed seem overwhelming at the beginning, but remember from things we have said today, you do not have to figure it out alone. All of us here at MCMC are here to help every step of the way, and we can't wait to welcome you to the Pirate Nation. So, welcome to the Pirate Crew. Woo! Thank you, ladies, for joining me today, and we'll see you next time. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Pirates' Perspectives. We'll be back each month with more stories and conversations from around the pirate community. So be sure to subscribe and share this podcast with your fellow pirates, both past and present. That's it for this voyage. Join us next month for more Pirates' Perspectives.