Transfer process woes preventable
Advisers at both MCC, ASU suggest planning
well ahead
BY EMILY TICE
MESA LEGEND
Submitted December 12, 2000
MCC students planning to transfer need to plan ahead and stay informed
in order to ensure a smooth transition to a four-year university, according
to MCC Director of Advising Judy Taussig.
With so many options available to students, it is important that students
know what choices they have in deciding their educational path, she said.
"Students planning to transfer will take different courses than
those who plan to graduate from MCC. It used to be that student could
try out a few different areas before committing to a major," Taussig
said. "But now the requirements have become so extensive that students
are having to make those decisions sooner."
Boots Hunt, MCC’s transfer center coordinator, said students should
get in contact with an adviser as soon as possible so they can know about
all the requirements they need.
"I think that every student should meet with an adviser their first
semester so they can start making decisions about a major and plan out
their course-work for the next two years," Hunt said. "That
way if they don’t want to see an adviser every semester, they at
least have something they can refer back to instead of just picking classes."
Taussig said the problem with not taking the time to see an adviser is
that students can often misadvise themselves.
"Some students are not aware of specific requirements that they
need or which courses will transfer, and they end up taking classes that
aren’t applicable to their major," Taussig said. "Picking
classes that ‘sound’ like a requirement can often put a student
farther behind because they will have to make those credits up elsewhere.
"Also, every university has a different set of requirements. So,
if students are planning to go out-of-state, they should find out what
specific classes they are going to need. If they aren’t sure, then
come in and we can help them find out."
Megan Mansker, an ASU senior academic adviser, said these problems are
especially relevant to students wishing to enter ASU’s College of
Business.
"Some students are not aware that they have to apply to the College
of Business on top of applying to ASU," Mansker said. "Many
times I will talk with students in November who plan to transfer in the
spring, but they are missing a core class or they have taken a lot of
classes that won’t apply to their degree.
"All of which could have been avoided had they taken the time to
talk with an adviser and have their courses checked prior to taking them."
Hunt said there are many resources available to students and she wishes
more students would take advantage of them.
"Students may research on the Internet or come to us with any problems
they might have. It doesn’t take long to pick up the phone and call
an adviser," Hunt said, "and in the end, they might prevent
taking classes they don’t need."
Hunt added students who take an active role in planning for their education
could stay on top of all requirements and avoid making common mistakes.
"The advisers are here to guide students along and help them with
any problems, yet ultimately the student needs to take responsibility
for themselves."
Students who wish to see an MCC transfer adviser can call (480) 461-7452.
General counselors at ASU may be reached at (480) 965-4464.
Back to Top
| Previous Page | Home
|
