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Information Sessions

Transitions Application And Admission Process

Thank you for your interest in the Transitions Program! We serve single parents, displaced homemakers and immigrant women with career development and college preparation classes during fall, winter and spring terms. Admission to the program is a competitive process, with preference given to individuals who have the highest need AND are most ready to succeed in college. More details are available in the application packet.

You will need to take the following four steps to complete your application. You must attend an information session first, so you can decide whether this is the right program for you, and to understand clearly the requirements for admission.

• Attend a two-hour information session. (Dates and times are listed below; instructions will be provided on how to apply for financial aid and take the placement test).
• Have written documentation that you have applied online for federal financial aid. (Apply at www.fafsa.gov - call Financial Aid at 503-491-7262 if you have questions.) If you apply to Transitions between January 1 and April 1, you must submit TWO financial aid applications, one to finish the current year and one for the next year. Application is not required if you know you are not eligible.
• Have written documentation that you have taken the MHCC college placement test (call 503-491-7678 for information, times and location for testing).
• Submit a written application. (Applications may be obtained at the Transitions office, downloaded from the college website or call 503-491-7680 ext. 0 to request that one be mailed to you.)

If you find it difficult to apply for financial aid or take the college placement test on your own, you may wait. We will provide you with extensive information and support to complete these tasks at the next information session.

Applications may be submitted after attending an information session and will be reviewed for the next scheduled class. You will be notified at least two weeks before the next term starts if you have been chosen as a finalist for a personal interview. If we receive your application when the class is full, you will need to apply again.

Mt. Hood Community College offers many services for single parents and homemakers! Find out what’s offered winter and spring terms. Although there will be no Transitions Program winter term, many other classes and services will be available. Applications for the spring Transitions program will be accepted beginning 2/1/08.

Information Session Topics:

1. how to apply for financial aid, take the college placement test, and start college
   tips for college success
2. winter term career planning and college success classes
3. spring Transitions program (who is eligible, how to apply, services offered)

Monday, April 21, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 5, 11:00- 1:00 p.m.
Monday, May 19, 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
Monday, June 2, 11:00- 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 4, 5:00 7:00 p.m. (This session will be in RM 1161)
Monday, June 9, 11:00- 1:00 p.m.

The information sessions listed above are located in Board Room next to the Presidents
office on the second floor of the Academic Center (room 2359). Enter through room 2360; room 2359 is on the right after entry.

IS TRANSITIONS RIGHT FOR ME?

Transitions is probably a good fit for you if:

• You are a single parent, displaced homemaker or a woman who speaks English as a second language
• You are a non-native English speaker with intermediate English skills.
• You haven’t been in school for some time and need a comprehensive career planning and college preparation program to help you be successful in school
• You don’t have a definite career goal
• You need and want friends on campus to take classes with and be a support to you
• You have the time and the schedule for Transitions classes (Wednesdays 10-1; Thursday 12-1, (plus one hour discussion group); Fridays 10-1; approximately 8-10 hours of homework per week)
• You have housing, transportation, income for basic necessities, and child care if needed

Transitions may not be a good fit for you if:

• You are in a serious personal crisis- this is a challenging college program and students must be ready to focus, attend class regularly, and do homework. If you are upset much of the time, in a violent relationship, new in recovery, homeless, or your family is in crisis, it may be better to wait until another time.
• You already have a clear, well-researched career goal (all 3 Transitions classes are mandatory; the Career Planning class may not be a good use of your time). Many students who have a goal have still found the class to be useful. It has helped students confirm their goal, change their goal, or develop a Plan B.
• You are a self-starter, confident, and don’t feel the need for a lot of emotional support.
• You are taking a lot of other classes. Transitions is a 7-credit college program with lots of homework and expectations. If you’ve been out of school awhile, we recommend keeping the load light. If you enroll in Transitions, we recommend that you take no other classes, or very few.
• You want to get started in college at a fast pace. Transitions is a slower paced program to give you a whole term to learn, reflect, and make plans. Most students don’t regret taking the time because of the long-term pay-off in your confidence, grades, retention and success – but this may not fit your current plans.

Questions:

• Can I take Transitions at a later time? Yes, you are free to apply at any time!
  
• I’m already in college. Would Transitions be good for me? Some students enroll in Transitions AFTER starting college because they are having difficulties being successful on their own. The program can help you improve your confidence, clarify your goals, and develop a support system.
  
• How much does Transitions cost? Transitions costs are currently under $150. These costs may be increasing due to college budget cuts. You can use financial aid funds to cover these costs. Limited funds are also available for childcare and bus tickets.