Beehive Blog -May 4, 2022

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Check out the following links for important RCTC information:

Apply for Scholarships
Studying for Finals
Graduation 2022
The Summer School You Want
Summer Healthcare
Register for Fall Semester Today and Breathe Easy Tomorrow
Equipment Return Reminder
Release of Your Information



APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

You have until June 6, 2022 to apply for  Rochester Community and Technical College Foundation scholarships. These scholarships, funded through generous contributions from our donors, can help pay for tuition, textbooks, and class fees. Applicants for RCTC Foundation scholarships must be incoming students who have never attended RCTC (even if you attended as a PSEO student) and are enrolling in RCTC in Fall 2022 OR returning RCTC students who have attended for at least one semester and are enrolled in RCTC in Fall 2022. Criteria for these scholarships can include GPA, demographics, area of study, number of credits, financial need, extra-curricular, and essays. The RCTC Foundation uses AwardSpring scholarship application portal. Applicants fill out a general application and then the system applies them to the scholarships they are eligible for based on their answers.

Incoming – New RCTC Student
Visit https://rctcfoundation.awardspring.com/prospective/signin

  • Click on ‘Register’
  • After creating an account, applicants will then be re-directed to their AwardSpring scholarship application dashboard.
  • Prospective students who have previously registered, and are returning to the portal, will login at the SAME link and with the SAME email and password with which they registered.
  • If you are experiencing login issues, please do NOT create multiple accounts. Please contact the RCTC Foundation office for assistance by email at foundation@rctc.edu with details.
  • AwardSpring works best with Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

Returning – Current RCTC Student
Visit https://rctcfoundation.awardspring.com

  • Students will log in with StarID@go.minnstate.edu
  • Students will then be re-directed to their AwardSpring scholarship application dashboard.
  • If you are experiencing login issues, please email Tech.Help@rctc.edu with details.
  • AwardSpring works best with Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

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STUDYING FOR FINALS

Ideally, you should have been reviewing your notes every night after classes throughout the entire semester, in preparation for finals. BUT LET’S FACE IT… not everyone has been preparing over the past several months for these last few weeks.

Here are some tips offered which are fairly simple to follow and easy to understand.

  1. Time management and scheduling is important during this time crunch. Use a time calendar or planner. It’s a good idea to write down the finals schedule on a calendar along with the times that you will study.
  2. Don’t confuse reviewing with cramming. The results of cramming are usually what one expects – failure.
  3. Get a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast. Get at least seven hours of sleep. Try to stay away from acidic or greasy foods.
  4. Remember that it is OK and natural to feel some concern and anxiety over tests. This will help you focus on the task that lies ahead.
  5. To help prepare for the test, make sure you have an attitude of confidence as you go into the test. Visualization is a good strategy before the testing date. Imagining doing well on the test is a very effective way to boost self-esteem and confidence before the test.
  6. Arrive at the classroom about five minutes prior to the testing time. Be sure not to arrive too early because this could cause test anxiety.
  7. When beginning the test, be sure to look over the entire test and answer the easier questions first. Also, weigh the questions. Do the ones that are worth more points first to help boost your grade. If doing an essay, try to make an outline.
  8. Look for keywords throughout the test.
  9. Change the answers only if you are sure they are wrong.

 

Immediate Preparation:

Step One: At least three days before the exam, take about an hour (no more!) simply to read over your notes from the class sessions. At this point, do not try to study “intensely” (e.g., by trying to memorize things); JUST READ THEM THROUGH. Then do a read-through of the notes you have taken on your readings or of the sections you have highlighted. If you find yourself very confused, consult with your instructor–that’s what office hours are for!

Step Two: At least two full days before the exam, go back over your lecture notes. This time, go through them slowly, taking a few hours if necessary. Use a highlighter to mark important points (definitions, key events, etc.) and use a separate sheet of paper to jot down (1) central themes/ideas; and (2) areas where you are weak and will need extra “drilling.” Then go over the summaries (or highlighted sections) of your readings again, marking central themes and weak points on that separate sheet, which has become your “master outline.” If your instructor has given you specific study questions or the exact exam questions, focus your review on these questions, and end the session by writing an outline of answers you’d give to them.

Step Three: On the night before the exam (or the morning of, if the exam isn’t too early in the day and you have a block of time available), review the “master outline” sheet with central ideas and weak points. Spend extra time on the weak areas if you need to. If you have specific study questions or the exact exam questions, write out your answers as a kind of “dry run.” Then compare your answers with your notes. Spend extra time on the weak areas if you need to.  This method of studying (or any similar multi-step method) is much more effective than “pulling an all-nighter” before the exam. It doesn’t take more time; it may even take less. It is also healthier because a good night’s sleep before an exam is important.

Ultimately, every student must find his or her own way of preparing for different types of examinations.

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GRADUATION 2022

Plan to Celebrate with the 2021-22 Graduation Candidates on May 12! The RCTC Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 12 at 6pm in the Field House at the Regional Sports Center. The Commencement Program is a fitting conclusion to a successful academic career and the earning of a degree or certificate. Based on hundreds of years of academic tradition handed down from European universities, this ceremony is a colorful, dignified, and festive recognition of the successes of the College and the students who merit degrees. Fall 2018 graduates will be recognized, along with Spring and Summer 2019 candidates.

 Tickets for family and friends are not required. Seating is available on a first-come basis. Plan to arrive before 5:30pm for optimal seating. Guests must remain seated throughout the ceremony and may not block the view of others to take pictures or videos.

Guest information, as well as, candidate instructions regarding check-in, line up, and more can be found on our website.

Congratulations Class of 2021-22!

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THE SUMMER SCHOOL YOU WANT

Classes are filling fast for RCTC’s summer term. Catch up or get ahead by taking your general education and prerequisite classes this summer. Find out more at www.rctc.edu/summer.

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SUMMER HEALTHCARE

RCTC Student Health Services will close on Friday, May 13, 2022 for summer break. If you are in need of medical care after this date, please contact your regular healthcare provider. For information on services provided please visit the Health Services website.

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REGISTER FOR YOUR FALL SEMESTER CLASSES

Current RCTC students can register for their 2022 Fall Semester classes online. Set yourself up for success and plan ahead!

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EQUIPMENT RETURN REMINDER

As the end of the semester nears the conclusion, remember to return any equipment checked out from the Technology Support Center.  The due date for cameras, video recording gear, and other equipment is Wednesday, May 13, 2020.  Equipment not returned by this date and time will be declared lost, your student account will be charged for replacement costs, and a hold will be placed on your academic records.

You will be allowed to use the gear in the upcoming semester as long as you are enrolled in a specific program that requires you to use such equipment or if it is general media gear for classroom usage.

If you have any questions, please contact the Technology Support Center at 507-536-5555 or by email at tech.help@rctc.edu

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