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www.rctc.eduGetting Started
Rochester
Community and Technical College?
Experience the Best. RCTC is
a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. RCTC
is the oldest and one of the most innovative community colleges in Minnesota.
Students rate our campus and facilities and technology as one of the college's
greatest strengths.
Learn from the Best. RCTC faculty
hold the academic credentials you'd expect -- they also have real life experience.
This sets us apart. Our faculty live what they teach.
Partnering with the Best. RCTC
is part of a unique partnership called the Learning Alliance. RCTC and Winona
State University Center Rochester partner to offer students more opportunities.
RCTC and Winona State University Rochester offer 12 two plus two programs.
Complete your first two years at RCTC and then finish your four-year or
graduate degree at WSU Rochester.
Be your Best. Whatever you
want to be. RCTC offers more than 70 programs and 100 credential options.
We offer convenience. RCTC is the fourth largest provider of online education
in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Eleven RCTC programs
are offered completely online.
Plan for the Best. An RCTC
education is a smart investment. An investment with a huge impact
on your earning potential. Whether completing a degree or even a few courses,
it adds up big over a lifetime. For every $1 you spend, the State
of Minnesota kicks in $1.07. Take advantage of Minnesota's investment
in you! For current cost information click
here.
Detailed Information on-line! Visit
our web site at www.rctc.edu
College Catalog
Programs of Study
Course
Descriptions
Department
Web Sites
Scholarship
Information
List
of Faculty Advisors
Intercollegiate Athletics
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Office of Financial Aid
A variety of financial aid programs are available to help make attendance
at RCTC even more affordable. To apply, complete the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using RCTC's federal school code 002373. For
more information or to receive an application, call 507-285-7271. The FAFSA
can also be completed on-line at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Rochester Community
and Technical College Foundation
Scholarships are available through the Rochester Community and Technical
College Foundation in a variety of areas. The Foundation awarded nearly
$200,000 in scholarships to 185 new, returning and graduating students.
Call 507-281-7771 for more information.
Steps to Getting
Started at RCTC
1) Submit Application and non-refundable $20 application
fee
2) Take the College Assessment
Your acceptance letter from the college will include information about the
Academic Skills Assessment Program (Accuplacer test). We will assess your skills in math,
reading, and writing. Scores will be used to determine appropriate first term
course selections. You must apply to the college before taking the assessment.
Call 507-285-7219 for further information about the assessment. Accommodations
for students with disabilities can be arranged through the Office of Disability
Services at 507-280-2968.
3) Attend a STAR
(Student Advising and Registration) Session. STAR includes large and small
group activities and course registration. The session will last approximately
two-and-a-half to three hours and is required for new students. The large
group session provides helpful information for new students about the college,
resources available and student activities. The small group provides an opportunity
for students to meet with a counselor or advisor for assistance with course
selection. During the small group, students will register for their courses.
Further information will be provided after you apply to the college. Call
507-285-7219 with questions about STAR.
4) Other Important Getting Started Items
a. All students – request that transcripts be sent to RCTC from high
school and previous colleges attended (if applicable).
b. Students applying for Financial Aid should complete and mail the FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or complete the FAFSA on-line at
www.fafsa.ed.gov.
c. PSEO Students - special admission processes and requirements apply. Contact
the Admissions and Records Office for more information.
d. Students with a Disability should send documentation to RCTC’s Disability
Coordinator, Travis Kromminga.
e. ESL students must complete the ESL test prior to registration. Contact
Enrollment Services for details.
f. Transfer Students must have all transcripts from previous schools attended
sent to RCTC.
g. Students with Children – contact Civic League Day Nursery (on campus)
at 507-285-7232 for more information.
Degree, Certificate and Diploma
Options
Options
RCTC offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Some of our programs
are designed for transfer to a four-year college or university. Others are
occupational and career focused and are primarily intended to prepare graduates
for immediate employment upon graduation. Some of the occupational programs
also transition smoothly to four-year institutions. Many degrees can be
completed in Rochester through agreements with our partners, Winona State
University and the University of Minnesota.
Following is a description of the degree, diploma and certificate options
available to RCTC students.
Career and Occupational Programs
The following options are designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment.
In some cases, either the entire program or portions of the program can
be transferred to four-year colleges and universities for acceptance toward
the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Please inquire with an RCTC
representative if you are interested in transferring credits toward a four-year
degree.
Option 1
The Associate in Science Degree (AS) is designed to meet both transfer and
career training goals. The AS is granted in a specific major. Half of the
course work is in the program area and half is from Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
(general education and liberal arts). See description on “Transfer
Programs” - below.
Option 2
The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) is primarily intended for
students who plan to use the competence gained through their degree for
immediate employment. The AAS degree is granted in a specific major. Typically
at least one-half of the course work is in the program area, approximately
one-third is from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (general education and
liberal arts – see description below under Transfer Programs), and
the balance of credits are either in the program area or general education
depending on the program.
Option 3
The occupational Diplomas and Certificates are intended for students who
want to focus on specific occupational skills for immediate employment or
career advancement. The Certificates are the shortest duration programs
at RCTC followed by Diplomas.
Transfer Programs
Smooth transfer of students to four-year colleges and universities for the
completion of a four-year degree is one of RCTC’s primary goals. Our
students transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Rochester,
as well as throughout Minnesota and the United States. RCTC’s partnership
with the University of Minnesota Rochester and Winona State University Rochester
offers students career pathways in health sciences, education, technology,
and business. Best of all, you can complete your educational goals from
start to finish at RCTC. Students interested in transferring from RCTC to
a four-year college typically follow one of the following three options:
Option 1
Associate in Arts (AA) Degree
RCTC offers a two-year Associate in Arts (AA)
Degree that is designed to provide a student
with the first half of a four-year degree. This 64
credit degree is composed of two parts:
- 40 general education credits from the
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (see option 3 below)
- 24 elective credits – electives are typically taken to satisfy pre-major
requirements of the four-year major you plan to complete
Option 2
Associate in Science (AS) Degree
See “Career and Occupational Programs”.
Option 3
The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
This curriculum is offered at all Minnesota public colleges and universities.
While specific courses may vary, students are required to complete credits
in each of the following areas to earn a degree at any Minnesota public
college or university:
(1) Communication
(2) Humanities and Fine Arts
(3) Critical Thinking
(4) Human Diversity
(5) Natural Science
(6) Global Perspectives
(7) Mathematical or Logical Reasoning
(8) Ethical and Civic
Responsibility
(9) History and Social/Behavioral Science
(10) People and the Environment
Option 4
Other Transfer Options
Some students may elect to transfer prior to receiving the AA degree or
completing the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. In some cases, the major may
require transfer prior to completing the AA or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.
In other cases the student may elect to transfer earlier. Prior to transferring,
the student is encouraged to consult a counselor for input on the transfer
process.
When
should I? A Timeline for New Students.
Apply
to Rochester Community and Technical College - Apply as early as possible.
We take applications on a first-come, first-served basis. By applying early
you increase your chances of securing the classes or program of your choice.
Apply for Financial Aid - While the Office of Financial Aid processes
applications for financial aid on an ongoing basis, it is recommended that
you apply as early as possible. To be sure you have completed the appropriate
application forms, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 507-285-7271 or
e-mail us at financialaid@roch.edu.
Take the Assessment - After receiving your application, we will send you information
about the college assessment. Select a day and time convenient for you. No
reservation is necessary, so complete the assessment as early as possible.
Register for Courses - registration for new students takes place during
the STAR program.
Send Transcripts from previous college(s) attended - to have transcripts
evaluated prior to the start of the semester you intend to start at RCTC we
must receive official copies by: two weeks prior to the beginning of each
semester.
Buy Books - purchase your books as soon as possible after registering.
Important Phone Numbers
Academic Advising 285-7119
Admissions & Records 285-7265
Athletic Department 285-7273
Bookstore 285-7202
Counseling 285-7260
Enrollment Services 285-7219
Financial Aid 285-7271
Office of Disability Services 280-2968
TTY 800-627-3529
Counseling and Advising Services
Professional counselors and advisors are available by appointment or on a
walk-in basis to provide academic, career and personal counseling. Counselors
also teach courses designed to enhance academic success, personal success,
career development and decision-making. The Counseling and Advising
Center provides up-to-date information on careers and educational planning
through a fully computerized guidance system as well as printed materials
and videotapes.
Our Admissions Policy
If you are a high school graduate or hold a GED, or if you are not a high
school graduate but your class has graduated, you are generally eligible for
admission. Rochester Community and Technical College is an Equal Opportunity
College with an approved affirmative action plan. Admission to Rochester Community
and Technical College is based upon stated academic requirements regardless
of race, creed, color, national origin or sex. For more information, call
507-285-7219.
Campus Visits
To schedule a visit to RCTC contact our Enrollment Services Office at:
(507) 285-7219.
Getting to RCTC
Rochester Community and Technical College is located at 851 30th Avenue Southeast,
Rochester MN, just north of Highway 14 on the east edge of Rochester. The
RCTC Enrollment Services Office is located on the UCR Main Campus just inside
the Atrium. 30 minute and two-hour parking is available outside of the Atrium.
