No degree/no diploma means no college? Say it isn't so.

[Reptorian]

Daily Dunklin Democrat Wrote:POPLAR BLUFF, MO - Following a 41 percent summer enrollment increase, Three Rivers Community College is preparing for its busiest fall semester yet. Due to recent changes at the college, new and returning students are encouraged to sign up for classes and financial aid as soon as possible.

Three Rivers no longer requires a high school diploma or a GED as part of its admission criteria. Incoming students, regardless of whether or not they hold a diploma or GED, are instead required to take the COMPASS placement exam, which will determine the level of classes best suited for the individual. Students who can transfer in adequate college algebra and writing credit, and students who have taken the ACT or ASSET test within the last two years do not have to take the COMPASS test.

"We believe that a high school diploma or a GED doesn't always guarantee that a student is college-ready," said Jason Hoseney, Vice President for Student Success at Three Rivers. "The COMPASS exam is a much more accurate representation of skill level." To register to take the COMPASS test, call the Three Rivers Testing Center at (573) 840-9667 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (573) 840-9667      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

As in past semesters, returning students will be able to register for classes online using the myTRCC system. However, for Fall 2010, both new and returning students are strongly encouraged to visit with academic advisors in person to start working out class schedules and long-term goals.

"We're moving toward a more advisement-based registration process," Hoseney said. "Rather than focus on the shotgun registration period we host for a few days right before the start of semester, we've stretched registration back into the summer so that students can have more of a one-on-one experience with an advisor. These advisors can help students determine a degree or certification path that's best for them. This way, we can serve the students more individually and increase their chances of staying in school because they've received that personalized attention."

To schedule an advisement session, call (573) 840-9675 or visit the Bess Student Center on the main TRCC campus in Poplar Bluff. At TRCC's off-campus centers in Sikeston, Malden, Kennett and Portageville, campus facilitators serve as academic advisors.

Registering early in the summer not only gives students the best chances of getting into the classes they need for the fall, it also better ensures they will get their financial aid awards before the start of classes. Applying for financial aid at Three Rivers starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Help with completing the form and computers for going online are available in the Financial Aid office. More information on completing the FAFSA, as well as an application for Three Rivers scholarships, can be found at http://www.trcc.edu/forms.php.

Although financial aid applications are accepted year-round, Hoseney advises that if students wait until after July 5, they are at risk of having to pay costs themselves and wait to be reimbursed when the aid money comes in, which could take several months.

"It's so important to submit your application and FAFSA well before the start of school," said Hoseney. "Otherwise, you run the risk of not getting the financial aid or the classes you need until the next semester."

Original source date: Friday, June 18, 2010
Source: http://www.dddnews.com/story/1643578.html

[HeartofShadows]

Seems like they are wiping their asses with the diplomas now.

The economy needs to fall already.