Hello! My name is Taylor Ireland, and I’m a sophomore at SFCC! I’m heavily involved around campus as a residential assistant for the Student Life apartments, TRiO President for the Fall 2020 Semester, an active participant in our school’s theatre, and a work study for Student Success! I’m around campus a lot; unfortunately, I don’t often have time to chat with everyone, so hopefully blogs about my experiences at SFCC will help to aid you into either getting back into the groove of things, or help you start a groove if you’re new!
As I walk into classrooms yet again, I cannot help but be reminded of my first week of classes at State Fair Community College. I had attended orientation, applied and received a work study position, successfully became a member of TRiO, spoke with a navigator and scheduled classes; basically, I’d done everything my mom had called and asked about. I bought tons of supplies for my classes, loaded my backpack, and drove an hour from home to start classes as a freshman roadrunner. What I hadn’t anticipated is probably what would have helped me most.
I thought I had covered all the bases; however, I quickly discovered I had so many more questions that I didn’t quite know how to ask, or even who to ask. Some of these questions extended far beyond the first week, so for that reason, I’ll answer a few of the questions I had that some of the incoming freshmen may be faced with as they navigate this unique semester!
Where do I find my Navigator? Do I always have to schedule classes with them, and how do I even do that?
You can actually schedule a meeting with your navigator via starfish, which can be found on the homepage of your mySFCC. Find and click on their name, click on “Schedule” and find the time slot in which you are available. Once you sign up, they’ll help you schedule classes by phone or zoom. After you complete 12 credit hours, you can actually sign up for your classes by yourself through mySFCC under the enroll tab. Just click on the link under enrollment tools that says “add or drop classes!”
Where do I go to speak with Financial Aid, or the Business Office? And who do I need to go to for what?
You can locate both of those offices in the Hopkins building! It’s one of the first buildings you’ll see when you pull into the main parking lot, and it’s labeled! When you have questions regarding scholarships or your FAFSA, you’ll need to speak with Financial Aid; however, when you have any sort of bill or fine to pay, the Business Office is where you’ll need to go. You can also find Student Services in the Hopkins building which houses Admissions, the Registrar, and Student Success!
How often should I really be checking my email? Is it really that big of a deal?
When I first got to SFCC, people were constantly telling me it was important to check my SFCC email. I heard it from every instructor at least twice, and I shrugged it off because at highschool it hadn’t really been a necessary daily activity, so why would it be now? I quickly learned that it’s super important to be checking that email. Instructors will send announcements about class being canceled, the school will send updates on happenings around the campus- good and bad, the bookstore will send out information, and now we get important timely warnings! I definitely suggest downloading the app to your phone if you have a phone so you don’t have to constantly log in to check it, but still receive notifications and needed information!
As you’re navigating your way through college, I’m sure you may have more questions! If that happens, I suggest giving Student Services a call at (660) 530-5830. They’ll likely be able to help get you an answer, or get you to the people who will be able to answer those questions for you!
Written by Taylor Ireland.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Taylor! I’m a sophomore at State Fair Community College. I’m heavily involved around campus as a residential assistant for the Student Life apartments, TRiO President for the Fall 2020 Semester, an active participant in our school’s theatre, and a work study for Student Success! I’m around campus a lot; unfortunately, I don’t often have time to chat with everyone, so hopefully blogs about my experiences at SFCC will help to aid you into either getting back into the groove of things, or help you start a groove if you’re new!
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