Clermont College Enrollment / Admissions BLOG

LAST CALL!

2011-08-25T12:29:00.003-04:00

25 AUG 2011 - Thinking about going to college this fall? We don’t have a deadline at UC Clermont, but you are virtually out of time to ‘get in’ if you don’t move now.
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Bottom line = you can apply anytime to start and can start any term you want: autumn term on Sept 21, winter term on Jan 3 or spring term on March 26. Does it matter when you apply? Yes and no. If you are paying out-of-pocket, then you can sign-up virtually minutes before the next term begins … but that isn’t a good idea for a number of reasons, the biggest one being that your choice of classes available or ‘open’ with an available seat may not include anything you actually want or need to take in your major. Online class options are typically the first to fill up, so timing is everything in those cases. Evening classes are typically the last to fill up, but many of these will be ‘closed’ weeks if not months before each term begins.
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If you want or need financial aid to help pay your tuition bill, then you need to complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov at least 1 month before the term begins. What if you don’t? The biggest issue is that your $$$ may not ‘come in’ until after the term begins, which will result in late fees when your UC bill is not paid and you won’t have $$$ to buy the books needed for your classes …. so, be prepared to spend a lot of time in our library or just pay for the books out of your funds until your financial aid comes in. UC won’t kick you out of your classes if you bill isn’t paid, but again, you will incur late fees and that is a terrible waste of your money that should be avoided.
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Don’t have time to ‘get it together’ before September 21? Just take time NOW to apply now and get your transcripts turned in and we’ll get you started on January 3.
Application: http://www.ucclermont.edu/admissions/apply.html
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Want to know more about us first? Please come to campus weekly on either Wednesday @ 1 p.m. of Friday @ 10 a.m. for an information session and tour of campus. We’ll cover everything you need to know! No appointment is needed (closed on holidays: Veteran’s Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving). Here are directions to campus: http://www.ucclermont.edu/about/CampusInformation/Directions.html Please come to Student Services 100 for these weekly sessions.
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Need a 1-on-1 appointment? Call to schedule an appointment with me at 513 732 5319.
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Best regards,
Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu
www.ucclermont.edu

Choosing a school and the 3C's of UC Clermont

2011-07-14T13:18:00.003-04:00

Trying to choose the college to attend can be a difficult decision. With over 4,000 colleges and universities in the US alone, how do you decide which 1 is right? Experts suggest a number of ways to make this choice depending on a number of factors.

- Financial need: If you don’t have funds set aside to cover the cost of college, then you’ll want to visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to fill out the FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Even if you do have $$$ for college, filling out the FAFSA will result in financial aid funds being offered to you in the form of student loans and possibly grants (which is gift $$$). You fill out a FAFSA once per year to get money for the next school year. High school seniors should do this during tax season (Feb – April) of their senior year. Of course, most schools have scholarship $$$ available too, so do your homework and get in the required application(s) and the school(s) you apply to before their deadline to increase your chances of getting more free $$$!

- Cost to attend: Along with considering your financial need and the funds available to you in scholarships, loans and grants, you will want to determine how much each school you are considering will cost you each year. Private and public institutions will list a wide difference in tuition costs. Beyond tuition and general fees, there are known and hidden costs to consider. Does the school require you to be covered by health insurance, and if you don’t have coverage, how much will this increase your college bill? At UC, this would be an additional $1,587 per year. If living on campus, room and board will be the biggest costs outside of tuition. Different dorm arrangements (2, 3, 4 or more in 1 living space) and various food plan options can drastically change what you’ll pay. School activity fees, the cost of books, parking, computer support fees, rental fees for a room refrigerator + microwave oven and lab class fees can really add up, so know what you are responsible to pay before beginning classes. Depending on the school you choose and your major, you may be required to purchase a laptop computer with specific specifications and software packages too. Incidental costs (new shoes, school branded t-shirt, etc.) plus your pizza allowance are typically never considered, so make sure you have some extra cash set aside.

- Academic Program choices. I’ve seen a lot of different figures on this over the past few years, but all show that the average American student will change their major after they get to college. Some research shows this will happen up to an average of 4 times, which is why a 4-year bachelor’s degree typically takes 5-6 ½ years to complete. Obviously, things can change once you begin taking classes as to what career you desire to pursue. That is okay, and you should not let the choice paralyze you from beginning to attend college. The best suggestion is to visit the school’s career center while you are a freshman and take advantage of available assessment tools that will pick your brain and heart as to what careers would be best for you. This is not the kind of thing you want to do when you are a junior or senior or you’ll likely end up spending a lot more time and money in order to finish a degree. Making this decision may also mean that you’ll need to transfer to a different school since not every academic program is offered at every school. Up front, try to identify your top 3 career choices and apply to the school(s) that offer them. If totally undecided, more and more students choose to attend a close-by community college or regional campus (like UC Clermont or UC Blue Ash) of a major university to take general education classes before choosing the actual major. These classes will fit into virtually any bachelor’s degree later, so it gives the student time to take some college classes and visit career services to see what they really like without losing time, money or college credits.

- Those are the major items to consider before attending college. For those that have chosen to attend UC Clermont, there are 3 main factors that drive this decision-making process:-

1. Connection to UC. At UC Clermont, our students are UC students, with all rights and privileges of a UC student at the ‘main campus’. Want to experience Greek life and join a fraternity or sorority while taking classes at Clermont? No problem. You can do that. Love the UC Bearcats and want to go to football and basketball games? You can do that too and students can take advantage of free tickets and purchase additional tickets at a discounted price while supplies last before each event. While the NCAA restricts our students from participating in some ‘main campus = NCAA Division I’ athletics like football, soccer and volleyball, you can run track or be a UC cheerleader while attending classes at UC Clermont. Your Bearcat Student ID Card and your diploma at graduation are from UC.

- 2. Close to home. While some students come from around the country to participate in our aviation flight program (http://www.youtube.com/user/SportysVideos#p/u/1/OFn47qr8FG4), most students commute to UC Clermont from a nearby location in Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Adams, Clinton or Highland Counties in Ohio or from one of the Northern Counties in Kentucky. This means that you’ll save time and money to get to school and finding a great parking spot that is fairly close to where you need to go. Believe me, this is a big deal when the weather is bad!

- 3. Cost to attend. UC Clermont is priced at about ½ of the tuition cost of the main campus process at any public school in Ohio. OU, OSU, Kent, Akron, Miami, BGSU, wherever … we offer a ‘real deal’ when it comes to tuition. If you get the maximum Pell Grant of $5,550 and attend UC Clermont as a full-time student, your tuition and general fees will be completely covered and you’ll receive a refund of left-over $$$ that can be used to help buy your books!

Hope that is enough to get you thinking about how to will decide what is right for you … Got questions? Let me know.
Blaine
513.732.5301 or blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Summertime!

2011-06-14T11:43:00.006-04:00

14 JUNE 2011

The UC Orchestra has packed up the instruments and the echos of 'Pomp and Circumstance' have subsided after the twin commencement ceremonies at UC's Shoemaker Center at Fifth Third Arena last Saturday. Congratulations and thank you to the newest UC graduates!

Now summer begins on campus. Summer classes are available starting on June 20. Some students will attend summer classes to 'get ahead' while others want to 'catch up' or focus everything on that one tough class. Whatever the case, there are a lot fewer students on campus during this term, so you'd think that the employees finally get a chance to catch their breath or take the entire summer off and travel around Europe.

Not the case!

Summertime is the season of new student orientation! For those who plan to begin classes in the Autumn on September 21, now is the time to finalize plans, paperwork, and funds. Here is a quick overview or checklist to follow:

- Apply to UC (www.uccerlont.edu/admissions/apply.html).

- Forward official transcripts from high school and/or college (or provide a copy of GED scores).

- Take the UC Placement Test (513.732.5219).

- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/).

- relax. ;-)

- Receive your 'acceptance letter' and return the 'confirmation form' that comes with it.

- Receive your invitation to Orientation and confirm when you will attend Orientation.

- Attend the Orientation session, where you will register for the classes you desire to take.

- Visit http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ by mid-August and click on 'my financial aid'. Then click on 'check my aid'. Now you will see what $ funding is available and need to choose what you want to accept.

- relax.

Classes begin Wednesday, September 21, 2011. See you then!!!

If you have questions, let me know. I'm glad to help.

Best regards,

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Amelia Signing Day 2011

2011-05-02T11:09:00.006-04:00

1 MAY 2011

I am pleased to get to visit Amelia High School today to welcome 3 of their top 25 seniors to the UC Clermont family! Amelia holds a 'signing day' event where their top students will 'sign' letters showing which college they have selected to attend. College representatives from each of school will be on hand to 'welcome' the students to their new academic family. Family members will also be on hand to enjoy this special moment and to celebrate all of the participants.

UC Clermont offers the power of UC ... close to home. We welcome Tim, Alyssa and Natalia to the UC family and are thrilled to be a part of each life's success story here at Clermont College!

Way to go grads!

OPEN HOUSE @ UCC Thursday, April 28

2011-04-01T15:38:00.004-04:00

UC Clermont Open House will be Thursday, April 28 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Future students and their families are invited to this event where you'll talk to faculty, view program displays, and take a student-led tour of our main campus in Batavia.

Need directions? Get them here: http://www.ucclermont.edu/visitors/

If you APPLY to UC Clermont at this event, we will waive the $50 applcation fee!

One lucky applicant will win a free class worth $408!

Please plan on attending!

Questions? Let me know.

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

UC Clermont Cougars in National Tourney

2011-03-04T16:41:00.003-05:00

4 MAR 2011 - 4:30 p.m. - EST

The UC Clermont College men’s and women’s basketball teams each earned bids to the 2011 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Championship Tournament being held from March 1-5 on the campus of Penn State Fayette in Uniontown, Penn.

The UCC Women's Team won their first game but lost the next day to the #1 seeded Ave Maria Lady Gyrnes. The Lady Cougars are playing Southern Virginia Tech in the 5th-place bracket game as I write this blog. More on this later

UCC Men's Team dominated yesterday against the Southern Maine Seahawks: 109-76. The Cougars defeated #6 New Hampshire Tech earlier today in the Final 4 game: 90-86. The Cougars will be playing for the National Championship on Saturday for the 2nd time in 4 years. The Cougars were last National Champions in 2007, at that time giving Coach John Hurley his 700 win!

You can catch the stats and live vodcasts at: http://uscaa.prestosports.com/landing/index

Go Cougars!

Take the Money and Run!

2011-02-09T16:56:00.012-05:00

9 FEB 2011

green backs!

cold, hard, cash!

dead presidents!

serious coin ...

Okay, it is time to talk about Money! Want some? Me too. How do you get it ... legally?

If you are going to be a student at UC Clermont or are already attending, now is the time to fill out the UCC Scholarship Application. It just went live today online at: http://www.ucclermont.edu/Future_Students/default.html

- once @ that site, look under 'financing your education' and click on 'scholarship application'..

Over 30 scholarships and about $200K are available.

Deadline is 5 p.m. on March 28.

Now, get to work!

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Creative Ways to Pay for College

2011-01-24T15:55:00.003-05:00

here's a list promoted by Jena Ellis that I thought I'd share:
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15 Creative Ways to Pay for College
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There's no doubt about it – college is expensive. From tuition, room and board, food and fun, the best two or four years of your life can really hurt your pocketbook. Rest assured, you aren't alone in your agony. Thankfully, there are several different ways to help lessen the burden of college tuition and living expenses. With a little patience and a lot of creativity, you too can start earning money to pay for college. Here are 15 creative ways to pay for college:
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Do Odd Jobs: If you want to work to pay for school, you should consider doing some odd jobs to bring in extra cash. Odd jobs vary in strangeness and pay. For example, you can donate your plasma, become a test subject at your school's health center, pose nude for a life drawing class or walk dogs for money every month and put it all toward school.
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Go to a Tuition-Free College: If taking out student loans or working three jobs to pay for college don't appeal to you, then why not consider going to a tuition-free college? Yes, you heard right, tuition-free! Tuition-free colleges, also known as full-scholarship colleges, are real four-year schools that pay for all students' tuition costs. There are only a handful of full-scholarship colleges in the country, but most are specialized institutions or have mandatory work-study programs.
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Apply to Scholarships: This may not be the most creative idea, but you'd be surprised how many students don't even try to apply for scholarships during their college career. Scholarships are still one of the best ways to get money for college. Not only are they free to apply for, but they can be used for tuition, room and board, food, textbooks or any college supplies you need.
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Get AP Credits: Before you enter college, consider taking college-level advanced placement courses and exams in high school that will help you earn college credit and save some dough. Depending on your exam scores, you may be able to enter college with enough credits to move into upper level courses because you've tested out of the basics. And fewer classes could be the difference between graduating early or paying for all four years.
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Enter Essay Contests: Entering essay contests is a great way to earn some extra cash for college. Each essay contest has a different set of writing prompts, eligibility requirements, rules and prizes. If you're a good writer, who's willing to put in the extra time to submit a bunch of essays, this may be your ticket to paying for college.
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Do Community Service: Donate your time to help others and get some of your student loan debt paid for through organizations like SponsorChange.org and CharityForDebt.org. These sites connect skilled college grads with volunteer organizations to complete service projects and get sponsors to help pay for their debt.
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Apply for Weird Scholarships: If you're not an athlete or straight-A student but desperately need financial help, you may have what it takes to get a weird scholarship. Weird scholarships award students who have unusual talents, qualities and interests. You can even win a weird scholarship by entering in several contests, such as the Duct Tape Prom Dress Competition or the National Beef Ambassador Program.
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Transfer Schools: Transferring schools can help students pay for college by lessening the cost of attending the same school for four years. Students often spend the first year or two at a community college to get their basic classes out of the way and save money, then transfer to a four-year college to get their degree. However, some students have to do it the opposite because they can no longer afford to attend a four-year university and have to transfer to a community college. Whichever way you do it, transferring is a huge money saver and may be your best option.
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Get Sponsored: You might have a rich aunt or generous family friend who's willing to throw some cash your way, but if you'd rather not beg them for money, try getting sponsored. One source for sponsorship is SponsorMyDegree.com, a free online service that links needy students with individuals and companies that want to sponsor them and help pay for their education. Each student gets to create his or her own profile page and can promote it as much as possible to get more money for college.
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Start a Blog: Blogging provides a therapeutic way to vent about your financial frustrations, but it can also help you fund your college education. Once you start your blog, determine your niche and start producing content, you can get businesses to sponsor you in exchange for featuring their ads on your blog. Sponsors pay you in hopes of getting more business with their ads.
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Find a Job in Public Service: If you don't want to fret about paying for college while you're in college, you can shift your sights on finding a job in public service after graduation. In addition to good job stability and favorable pay and benefits, public service jobs also have a loan forgiveness program that will pay any employee's remaining debt after 10 years of full-time employment.
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Sell Your Stuff Online: An easy way to make money and pay for college is to sell your belongings online. Online marketplaces, such as Craigslist, eBay and Amazon, let you list items that are for sale, post descriptions, pictures and an asking price. You can make a killing doing this, but make sure you aren't selling family heirlooms and keepsakes you'll want after college.
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Enter Random Contests and Competitions: Your campus and college town most likely have random contests and competitions going on every month that offer cash prizes for winners. From karaoke contests, talent shows to 5k races, you can put your talents to good use and get paid to be the best.
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Go to a College with Locked-In Tuitions: Avoid tuition spikes and paying out the wazoo for school by attending a college with locked-in tuition rates. A locked-in tuition program will keep the tuition rate you pay as a freshman the same until you graduate. There's a handful of four-year colleges that have a locked-in tuition program, but be aware that some offer this option for free and others charge fees.
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Recycle for Money: There are several ways to earn money for college by simply recycling your junk. You can sell back your old cell phone, electronics and get paid for recycling everyday items, such as plastic, glass and paper. You may not earn enough money to pay for tuition, but it can certainly help pay for groceries, clothes and other expenses from time to time.
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Original article from 'onlinecertifcateprograms.org'
Thanks, Jena!
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Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Final Things to Check On B4 School Starts

2010-12-20T13:14:00.002-05:00

For those about to begin attending college, there are a few things you need to check on to make sure everything is actually ready before classes begin on January 3, 2011.
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At this point, I assume you have already:
- applied
- forwarded transcripts
- received your 'acceptance letter' and returned the 'confirmation form'
- completed your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov and added UC's code # 003125
- taken our Placement Test
- attended Orientation and registered for classes
- contacted the VA if eligible for benefits
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Follow-Up basics are available via www.onestop.uc.edu:
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- click on 'my financial aid' and then 'check my aid'. Once you log in, you'll see which types of financial aid are being offered to you.
> Grants = BEST: this is free $$$, so take it!
> Sub Loans = BETTER: loans with no interest until you are out of school for 6 months.
> Unsub Loans = GOOD: loans with interest, so these will cost you more $$$ to payback than 'Sub Loans'
>Parent Plus Loans = FAIR: not desireable unless you have no other choice. Payback begins 60 days after school starts.
** If you haven't already done so, then select and submit what you want. If you just accept grants, you are done. If you accepted a Sub or Unsub Loan, then you still need to 'get loan counseling' and 'sign your loan note'. You will get no loan $$$ if you don't complete these 2 steps.
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- Click on 'my bill' to:
> View and pay your bill. If you've accepted financial aid (grants and/or loans), then check this to make sure you see CR (credits) on your bill. If it is a credit balance, then UC owes you $$$ back. If not, you owe UC $$$ that needs to be paid before the term begins to avoid late fees.
> Set up 'direct deposit' to your bank account to get refunded $$$ back quickly.
> Set up 'payment plan' if you owe UC funds but can't pay it all before the term begins.
>> Verify your bill is paid before the term begins!
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> Waive or Buy UC Health Insurance: if you are already covered by health insurance, you should click here before the 3rd Friday in the term to remove this charge. If you are not covered, you will automatically purchase covere from UC, so clcik here to learn more about the coverage and services.
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- Click on 'UC Tools' in the top right corner of the web page to access other items:
> Student Email: you are responsible for this account and the official UC messages sent to you, and UC doesn't use snail mail, so you need to look at this account ever day or two.
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> Blackboard: start looking at this about 1 week before school begins and return ever day or two to stay on top of your class assignments and special messages from your professors.
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Classes start on Monday, January 3 ... see you then!
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Got questions? Let me know.
Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

'The lights are back on'! - UC East opens at former Ford plant in Batavia, OH

2010-11-01T08:59:00.016-04:00

28 OCT 2010 - Batavia, OH / The University of Cincinnati and UC Clermont dedicated UC East on Thursday, October 28, 2010. The 2-story buidling, formerly the office complex at Ford's Batavia Transmission factory, will now house UC Clermont Allied Health labs for majors including Surgical Technology, Respiratory Care, Physical Therapy Assisting, Medical Assisting, Emergency Medical Technology, and Multi-Skilled Health Technicians, as well as bachelor completion programs in Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Early Childhood Education and Nursing.

UC President Gregory Williams addressed the crowd of dignitaries, business leaders, UC supporters, faculty, staff, and students by praised the accomplishments of the community leaders in working together to secure the location that is now UC East. “The opening of UC East is the result of true collaboration among UC, the State of Ohio, Clermont County and Batavia Township Trustees and the developer, IRG. Internally at UC as well, this is a result of collaboration, with UC East involving three UC colleges and deans, nine departments, 800 students and 40 faculty and staff members.”

UC Clermont Dean Greg Sojka drew a huge ovation from the crowd when he stated, “In the past this building was a place of opportunity and prosperity for families in this region. Then it became a symbol for failure and abandonment. The lights were off and the parking lot was empty. Today the lights are back on and the facility has been transformed into state of the art classrooms, labs and faculty staff offices.”
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UC East expands UC's ability to offer 'in-demand' academic programs to the residents in our community. Interested in learning more? Call 513.732.5300 to set up your visit to campus!

Best regards,
Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Early Childhood Education options at UC Clermont

2010-10-06T16:37:00.003-04:00

I've had a lot of folks ask about Early Childhood Education (ECE) lately, so here is a list of the basic info you need to know about this major:

UC Clermont offers a Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Once completed, you can:
1. Complete your Bachelor’s Degree at UC’s main campus at the UC College of Education
a. There is also a totally online option – link

shown below.

2. Complete your Bachelor’s Degree at UC East in Batavia in a cohort offered through UC’s College of Education

a. UC East is on SR 32 in Batavia – the former Ford plant that were have converted into a

college extension building.

3. Complete your Bachelor’s Degree at NKU in Alexandria, KY (in-state reciprocity/lower tuition for Ohio residents is not available in ECE)
Financial Aid is the same at UC as any other college or university. You must complete the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and include UC’s code of 003125 to receive aid at UC. The results of your FAFSA will determine whether you get grants, loans or both. If you have already completed the FAFSA for this school year, go back to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/, click on ‘add school code’ under the #3 section, log in, then add + submit the UC code.

- If you’d like help filling out a FAFSA, bring your 2009 tax forms (1040 and W2s) to Student Services 100 on most Fridays @ 11 a.m. and we’ll help you fill it out in about 30 minutes (call 513.732.5319 to verify we'll be offering a workshop the week you plan to come in).

Each credit hour at UC Clermont costs $136, so a typical 3 credit class would be $408 + the book. You must be a ½ time (6 credit hour minimum) to receive financial aid. Once at 12 credit hours you are full time. Any full-time course load from 12 to 18 credit hours is locked in at $1,621 / quarter. So, a year at UC Clermont while attending full-time would be $4,863 for Ohio residents. Once you continued at UC’s College of Education or NKU, the tuition and fees would be at different (higher) rates.

ECE at UC Clermont: http://www.uc.edu/degreeprograms/Program.aspx?program=34AS-ECE

ECE at UC: http://www.uc.edu/degreeprograms/Program.aspx?program=18BSED-ECE (at the main campus or cohort in Clermont County)

Application process: http://www.admissions.uc.edu/apply.html

· ECE online program: http://www.uc.edu/degreeprograms/Program.aspx?program=18BSED4-ECEB5-DL

We offer a weekly Open House each Friday @ 10 a.m. in Student Services 100 if you’d like to see the campus and learn more details. Our Winter Term begins January 3, so that would be the soonest you could start.

Questions? Let me know!

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Is it too late to start in the fall term?

2010-08-04T10:47:00.004-04:00

4 AUG 2010

A lot of folks show up in the Student Services Building - Room 100, the home of UC Clermont's Enrollment Services Office, and ask, 'Is it too late to start in the fall at UC?' Or they ask, 'is it too late to get Financial Aid for the fall term?'
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In both cases, the answer is 'no, it isn't too late', but now is the time to get it together. The autumn term starts on Wednesday, September 22 at UC.
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The process of applying to UC, sending transcripts and completing the FAFSA = Financial Aid paperwork is described in detail in my last blog entry ... so go there to review the steps.
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The length of time it takes to enroll, get accepted, complete the Financial Aid process, and sign up for classes can not be completed in a 'drive-thru' fashion, so don't expect it that way. It is typical that the completion of all steps will take a few weeks, and it could take longer. Why would it take longer? Sometimes transcripts from other schools take time to look up, especially if from more than 10 years ago ... they are likely on microfilm or in an off-site storage location. Close to 4 out of every 10 students that complete the FAFSA will be selected for 'verification'. That means you'll need to fill out a special 2-page form and bring your 1040 and W2 tax forms to UC Clermont so we can forward copies to UC's Financial Aid Office. It isn't until after this is completed that the student will be 'offered' Financial Aid for school. That means that 'aid' funds may not be available until after the school term begins, and we all know that would be a problem. Next, you will want to take classes (of course) ... but the classes and/or times you want may not be available if you haven't already started the process.

Enough of the pitfalls ... if you want to start this fall, then do everything you can to apply and complete the FAFSA before September 1 and we'll do everything we can to help you get classes and help with the Financial Aid process. Feeling too much pressure? Just start the process now and we can move your start time to the Winter Term that starts in January.

What are you waiting for? Apply now! http://www.ucclermont.edu/Admissions/apply_admission.html

Blaine
513.732.5301
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

New Student Checklist 2010

2010-06-15T11:08:00.003-04:00

Whether you've already applied to attend UC Clermont in the fall or not, here are the steps needed to enroll, get classes, get money, and get into college:

1. Apply to UC at http://www.ucclermont.edu/Admissions/apply_admission.html or stop by Student Services 100 (or email me) for a paper version.

2. Call your past high school and have them send your transcripts directly to UC Clermont / 4200 Clermont College Drive / Batavia, OH 45103. If you’ve attended another college in the past, also have these transcripts sent to us … including military credits. If you have a GED, simply make a copy of your scores or drop by Student Services 100 so we can make a copy.

3. Get your ‘Acceptance Letter’ in the mail! Really, it is that easy! Then fill out and return the ‘confirmation form’ that came with it. This form completes the paperwork aspect of your admission to UC and places you in whichever degree program you selected. This is important because without this form you will get NO Financial Aid $.

4. Visit http://www.ucclermont.edu/placementtest/pt.html and click on ‘schedule now’ to schedule your Placement Test. This is not needed if you have already successfully completed AP or college-level English and math or scored a 21 or above on both ACT English and Reading elements (if you didn't take both of these ACT elements, you'll have to take our Placement Test) . Got questions about the test? Visit the same website shown or call 513.732.7219.

5. Need $$$ for school? Visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or stop by Student Services any Friday (except July 2 = closed for the holiday) at 11 with your W-2s and 1040 tax forms (students under 24 that aren’t married or veterans should also bring their parent’s tax forms: actual parent being present = optional). We’ll help you fill this form out for free. This form will determine what you get in grants (free $) &/or loans. You’ll want to do this A.S.A.P.

6. Get invited to Orientation. This letter will arrive after you’ve returned the ‘confirmation form’. Orientation is the event where you’ll meet your academic advisor and sign up for classes. The sooner you can attend, the better class options and times will be available to you. NOTE: you should have taken the Placement Test at least 2 weeks before attending Orientation.

7. June / July / early August: visit http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ and check the following:

a. Click on ‘check my aid’ in the ‘my financial aid’ section to see what $ is available to you. It is a good idea to click on the ‘term breakdown’ button to see how these funds will be applied to each quarter.i. Accept any grants = free money (just do it!) These funds will now be applied to your account.

b. Remember that full-time tuition for an Ohio resident will be $1,621 / quarter and that you’ll likely need around $500 for books (if you’re not covered by health insurance, then add $483 to be covered by UC). Decide if you want to accept any/all Federal Student Loans, then type in the amount and select ‘accept’ and click on the ‘submit’ button.

c. 2 more steps are needed if you’re accepting a loan: ‘get loan counseling’ and ‘signing your loan note’. Links are just below the ‘check my aid’ link already mentioned. You can stop by Student Services 100 for free assistance in doing these 2 steps. M&T 10-12 and 2-5:30, W 1-4, H 10-12 and 2-4, and F 11 and 2-4.

8. Mid August: visit http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ and check the following:

a. Click on ‘view my bill’ to see your balance at UC for the Autumn Quarter. If you’ve accepted loans and/or grants, they will appear with a ‘CR’ = credit. If the Balance Due has a ‘CR’ after it, then UC owes you $ and will send up to $1,500 before the term begins so that you can buy your books. If you have credit balance larger than that, you’ll still get $1,500 before the term and the remaining amount will be sent out around week 3 of the term. If you don’t have a credit balance, then you need to make arrangements to pay before the term begins. You can pay with cash or check in person on campus in the Student Services 1st floor hallway at our cashier, or mail a check, or pay online with a credit card or set up a ‘payment plan’ at http://www.onestop.uc.edu/

b. Click on ‘waive health insurance’ under the ‘my bill’ section if you are already covered by health insurance. You’ll have until Friday, October 8 to do this or you automatically will purchase UC Health Insurance. If you are not currently covered, you will be soon and can click on the ‘waive health insurance’ link to find another link that will describe all services and procedures to use UC Health Insurance.

c. Click on ‘view my schedule’ and log in. Then click on the ‘Get Books’ shown below your schedule. This will list what books and editions will be used in your classes as well as the cost or new and/or used books at our bookstore. You can buy them here or visit the bookstore on campus as well as use this list to find the right books via another source. NOTE: If you buy a new book and it is in plastic, DO NOT unwrap it until after you attend the 1st class and verify that you need the book or the bookstore will not allow you to ‘return’ it as ‘new’ if removed from plastic.

9. Classes begin Wednesday, September 22 – see you then!

If you have questions about any of this material or other stuff, just let me know.

Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

VA Process and VA Rep @ UC Clermont

2010-05-06T15:34:00.007-04:00

6 May 2010 - Revision of past Blog Post:

UC Clermont is pleased to introduce Jeffrey Bosworth as our Academic Director of Veteran Affairs. Contact Jeff at Jones Room 024 (across from the Cougar Cafe) or 513.558.5358 or jeffrey.bosworth@uc.edu

Here are the key items to know when seeking VA benefits:

1. Apply to UC: http://www.ucclermont.edu/Admissions/apply_admission.html (you must apply into a degree program*. certificates or the police academy outside of the criminal justice degree program are not covered by the VA)

2. Forward all high school and college transcripts to UC. Different branches of the military have college transcripts that you will need to request:a. AARTS (Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve: http://aarts.army.mil/)b. SMART (Navy & Marines: http://www.navy.mil/swf/index.asp)c. CCAF (Community College of the Air Force: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp)d. USCG ( Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cgi/downloads/forms/cg_form_1564.pdf)

3. Receive your UC ‘acceptance letter’ and return the ‘confirmation form’ with $50 fee to UC Clermont Student Services 100 or online at: https://www.admissions.uc.edu/acf/login.aspx

4. Only after you have confirmed your admission to UC you must call 513.556.6811, the VA Office @ UC. They will ask you questions, mail out a packet (expect delivery in 3-5 weeks), and set up a face-to-face meeting at their office on UC’s ‘uptown campus’. ** See Jeffrey Bosworth to request a map and free parking pass before you go to your meeting.

5. Take UC’s Placement Test if you haven’t already completed either/both college-level English and math. Set up your test at: https://www.securedata-trans10.com/ap/ucclermontcollege/index.php?page=10

6. Receive your invitation to Orientation. Follow the provided web link to schedule your orientation session or call 513.732.5319.

7. Attend Orientation and sign up for classes.

During each term you attend UC, the UC VA Office will send you a document that you’ll need to bring to Jeff Bosworth in Jones 024 or drop off in Student Services 100. No appointment is necessary, just drop in. Once processed, a copy will be placed in your student file and the signed original will be sent to the UC VA Office via our inter-office system.

Contact:

Jeffrey Bosworth / Academic Director - Veteran Affairs

UC Clermont College

Jones 024

jeffrey.bosworth@uc.edu

513.558.5358

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UC East - The Next Big Thing!

2010-04-23T11:13:00.004-04:00

If you hadn't already heard the news, the University of Cincinnati has signed a lease to occupy the 2-story office portion ofthe former Ford / Batavia Transmission / ZF Transmission facility on SR 32, just 8 minutes from the Eastgate Mall.

This site will be known as UC East and will be the home of UC Clermont's Allied Health programs: Surgical Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapist Assistant, Emergency Medical Services, Medical Assisting, and Multi-Skilled Health Technician. UC will also offer a number of Bachelor Degree completion programs at the site including the popular Bachelor of Science in Nursing. UC Clermont currently hosts additional Bachelor Degree completion programs in Criminal Justice, Paralegal and Early Childhood Education.

It is expected that additional Bachelor Degree options that will be available at UC East will soon be announced!

Here is a link to TV report from April:

http://www.wlwt.com/money/23238071/detail.html

I'm looking forward to sharing more news as it becomes available about this exciting new campus!

Best regards,

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

College 101 - an overview

2010-03-26T17:10:00.002-04:00

Deciding to attend college is a big decision. Figuring out which school is right for you can be complicated. Some people will travel across the country just to be in a specific program or to attend a certain big name school. Others just want to get signed up at the closest place to home. Either way is cool, but both options involve the same basic steps and obstacles. This article is designed to help you know what to expect and navigate your way through ‘the system’.
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1. Application: apply online at the schools website or using a paper application. You can typically call the school, email them, or stop by to pick up the paper application. In most cases there is an application fee that is due when you turn in the completed application. If you do this online and don’t pay, your application will never be processed. If you don’t have the funds or it is a real hardship to pay, ask the school how the application fee can be waived. If you are still in high school, ask your guidance counselor to sign a fee waiver = this is available through NACAC: http://www.nacacnet.org/CareerDevelopment/Resources/Documents/AppFeeWaiver09.pdf
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2. Transcripts: contact your high school guidance office and the Registrar at any colleges you’ve attended and request that they send an official copy of your transcripts directly to the school(s) where you have turned in an Application. Copies or web print-outs will not work at most colleges … they want the real thing. They typically require that the transcripts are in a sealed envelope.
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3. Acceptance and Confirmation: When a school receives your Application and all Transcripts, you’ll get a response letter. It could be a rejection or an acceptance. If you are accepted and desire to attend that college, you’ll need to respond by completing what is known as either the ‘confirmation’ or ‘matriculation’ form. Many schools also require a fee be paid when this form is turned in. There is typically no waiver available for this but it is important you ‘confirm’ your acceptance and pay the fee as soon as possible because it is connected to your Financial Aid.
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4. Financial Aid: This process has been discussed multiple times in my past blogs, so look at them to review the process. Bottom line: once you have completed your taxes, do the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov for the next school year. If you are starting at college during the winter, spring or summer terms, make sure you do this MONTHS before you’ll be starting school or you may be very frustrated to learn that $$$ isn’t available when you want to start classes. Another very important part of Financial Aid is that you know what you are eligible to receive and that you have accepted the desired funds weeks before you start school. Most schools have websites where you will be able to review your results. If you are getting grants like a Pell Grant, this is free money that you’ll want to accept = nothing else to do. If you accept loans like a Stafford Student Loan, then you’ll still need to 1. get loan counseling (a number of multiple choice questions that must be answered) and 2. sign a MPN = Master Promissory Note (picking a bank that will send the loans you accept to your college to pay your bill). If you have more loans and/or grants than your bill, then you’ll get money back to help buy your books.
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** NOTE** Many schools don’t mail these results to you, so check your email account often or contact the school at least a month before classes start to see if your financial aid package is available and to make sure you have not been chosen to be ‘verified’. Close to 4 out of every 10 students are selected to be verified. When this occurs, the student typically has to fill out a special form and send copies of tax forms, like your 1040 and W2s, before you’ll be able to either see or accept your financial aid. If selected, you will not receive any $$$ until you have responded to what is being required by the financial aid department at your school … the bigger issue is that this slows down when your financial aid funds come through, so it can totally mess up your bill or result in late fees if this isn’t resolved weeks before school begins.
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5. Placement Testing: Before attending orientation, most schools require that you take a Placement Test. Some schools offer this online while others require that you schedule a test at the school. The results will be used at Orientation by your Academic Advisor to determine which classes you can take. English and math are the typical subjects covered by this test, but some schools also do this in foreign languages or other subjects. If you test below a certain level in either English or math it may restrict you from taking other subjects like Chemistry or Engineering. This is different at every school. You’ll want to take any required Placement Test weeks if not months before you attend Orientation to avoid additional restrictions when you are trying to register for classes when you attend Orientation.
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6. Orientation: The big day! This is the day you’ll meet an Academic Advisor and sign up for classes. You typically don’t have to pay any bill at orientation, but you’ll have one soon after this event. Ever school does this differently, but most include elements that cover technology used at the school, student support services available at the school like the library, tutoring center, disability services and more. You might also get your ID card, parking pass, and a campus tour during this event. Some schools will cover all you need in a few hours while other schools will take up to 2 days, including meals and staying in the campus dorms.
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The days of paper registration are history, so you’ll learn how to look up your classes, see what days and times they are available, and then select classes. Some schools and programs have a set schedule that you order your life for the next series of years while you work toward your degree while other schools will show you what classes are required and allow you to set up a schedule that fits your life and desires. You’ll leave Orientation with your class schedule, so you are responsible to pay your bill after this day, whether you actually attend classes or not. If you change your mind about attending before the term begins, you better ‘drop’ your classes or you will still owe the fees. A phone call or email will not ‘drop’ your classes. You will need to officially drop them online or by visiting the Registration office at the school
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7. Before classes begin: Preparation is the key to success in most aspects of life and attending college isn’t any different. Get your books and school supplies ready before classes start to avoid frustrations. It is very hard to keep up in a class if you don’t order your books until after the term begins and it takes days/weeks for them to arrive. If your Financial Aid wasn’t completed, accepted or verified before school starts, you’ll probably get late fees or could even be kicked out of classes (and still have to pay the bill) if your bill isn’t paid on time.
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Word of caution: The process of applying to college and getting Financial Aid takes time. Please don’t wake up on the 1st day of classes and show up expecting to:
1. Apply to start college the same day.
2. Apply for Financial Aid to pay for classes starting the same day.
3. Register for classes that start the same day.
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Schools that are ‘open access’ or without absolute ‘deadlines’ will still allow you to sign up at the last minute … but you won’t be doing yourself any favors by trying to get into college by signing up without a window of many weeks to a month before the next term. Planning in advance and taking care of ALL of the items listed above will help you eliminate the stress and frustration experienced by some college students.
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Bottom line: getting into college is not like going through the drive-thru window at a fast food restaurant. It takes time to navigate the process and there is simply no short cut available.

UC Clermont Open House on April 15, 2010

2010-02-19T11:58:00.006-05:00

UC Clermont will host an Open House for future students and their families on Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 - 7:30.
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Talk to faculty, view program displays, and take a student-led tour.
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Apply that evening and we'll waive the $50 application fee!
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One lucky applicant will win a free 3-credit hour class (valued at $381)!
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For more information call 513.732.5200 or 866.446.2822
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For directions visit our website at http://www.ucclermont.edu/

I look forward to seeing you there!

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Winter Quarter & Winter Weather

2010-02-11T16:45:00.003-05:00

As the Winter Quarter hits mid-term week, we have also been hit by the first real winter weather of the year. UC Clermont closed on Tuesday, February 9 at noon and didn’t reopen until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 10. More snow is forecast for early next week, so many students are trying to figure out the best way to check if UC Clermont will be on a delay or close when the next storm hits.
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Keep in mind:
1. If the University of Cincinnati is closed or on a delay, then so is Clermont College.
2. Clermont College can be closed or on a delay when UC is not.
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When checking local TV and radio, look for ‘Clermont College’.
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We will not be listed as ‘UC Clermont’ so there is no confusion for the student’s at UC’s ‘uptown’ campus. Also look for ‘University of Cincinnati’.
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Alert Tools from local media:
WLWT-TV 5: http://www.wlwt.com/closingssignup/index.html
WCPO-TV 9: http://www.wcpo.com/schoolclosings/default.aspx
WKRC-TV 12: http://www.local12.com/schoolclosings/default.aspx
At these websites you can look at the current listing of closings and delays, or sign up to receive email or text messaging notifications.
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Text notification from UC: http://www.uc.edu/ucit/txtmessaging/home.html. When weather is a concern, you should always log in to your Blackboard account to see if any of your professors have posted a class message that could save you an unnecessary trip to campus.
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Web notification: A weather alert box will appear on www.ucclermont.edu. Once at the website, if you see a box related to the weather, click on it to read all details.
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Check by Phone: UC Clermont Weather Emergency number is: 513.732.5289
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Please don’t call Student Services or the Information Desk for closing status or to contact your professor(s). You were given a syllabus in each and every class you are attending, so use that contact information to phone or email your instructor(s). We will not pass on a note that you won’t be attending class if you are 1. afraid to travel, 2. need to stay home since your kids are off school, 3. can’t attend for whatever reason. You need to contact your professor(s) directly when the college is ‘open’ but you won’t be in class … good weather or bad. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but you can’t imagine the number of calls that we receive about the weather when the forecast even mentions a ‘chance’ of snow, much less when the snow is falling and 3” are already on the ground. We also understand frustration when the campus remains open during poor weather. But the UC personnel that you’ll reach at the Information Desk don’t know any more concerning closing or delays than what you’ll find using one or more of the tools mentioned above. The UC employees are looking for the same information before driving in on a snowy morning or wondering if campus will close in the middle of the day. Again, if you feel it is a risk to travel, you should let your professor(s) know that you won’t be in class that day and then you can discuss what options will be available to 1. get class notes, 2. turn in assignments, or 3. make-up the time missed.
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Be careful out there and stay warm!
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Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

VA Benefits @ UC

2010-01-06T11:56:00.007-05:00

Before getting into the details on this topic, I first want to extend a heart-felt ‘thank you’ to our US military veterans and active duty members for your service.

So, you want to know how to get your VA benefits at UC? It isn’t a hard process, but it will take some time. Here are the key items to know:

1. Apply to UC: http://www.ucclermont.edu/Admissions/apply_admission.html

(you must apply into a degree program*. certificates or the police academy outside of the criminal justice degree program are not covered by the VA)

2. Forward all high school and college transcripts to UC. Different branches of the military have college transcripts that you will need to request:
a. AARTS (Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserve: http://aarts.army.mil/)
b. SMART (Navy & Marines: http://www.navy.mil/swf/index.asp)
c. CCAF (Community College of the Air Force: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp)
d. USCG ( Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cgi/downloads/forms/cg_form_1564.pdf)

3. Receive your UC ‘acceptance letter’ and return the ‘confirmation form’ with $50 fee to UC Clermont Student Services 100 or online at: https://www.admissions.uc.edu/acf/login.aspx

4. Only after you have confirmed your admission to UC you must call 513.556.6811, the VA Office @ UC. They will ask you questions, mail out a packet (expect delivery in 3-5 weeks), and set up a face-to-face meeting at their office on UC’s ‘uptown campus’. ** At UC Clermont’s Student Services 100, please request a map and free parking pass before you go to your meeting.

6. Receive your invitation to Orientation. Follow the provided web link to schedule your orientation session or call 513.732.5319.

7. Attend Orientation and sign up for classes.

Establishing your VA Benefits and the Post 9/11 GI Bill will take some time, so please remain patient, knowing that we will process your paperwork as quickly as possible.

I also suggest that you work with our local VA Office to discuss FAQs and learn more about your package: http://www.clermontcountyveterans.com/

During each term you attend UC, the UC VA Office will send you a document that you’ll need to bring to UC Clermont Student Services 100. No appointment is necessary, just drop in. I’ll either sign off on the form while you’re here or you can leave at the main desk so it can be completed the next day. In either case, I’ll place a copy in your student file and return the original to the UC VA Office via our inter-office system.

I’ve been pleased to help with this process for over a year now, and will soon be replaced by a new part-time VA processing representative on our campus because the number of students requiring these services has increased beyond what I can handle in addition to my regular job duties. If you have questions, please let me know, as I’ll still be glad to help or to direct you to the proper person.

Best regards,
Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Transferring to UC Clermont

2010-01-04T17:04:00.004-05:00

Here is the road map, aka checklist, for those interested in transferring to UC from another college:

1. Apply to UC http://www.ucclermont.edu/Admissions/apply_admission.html

2a. Send your official transcripts from high school (or GED) and any/all past and/or present school(s). Please note the 60/90 rule: - those with a college degree or at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours only need to submit college transcripts. High school or GED transcripts are not needed in these cases.

2b. Please know that classes 'in progress' at another college/university will slow down your application process. Why? Because we will hold your application until all transcripts arrive showing all of your grades. So you won't receive your UC 'acceptance 'letter' until we get your final (all classes completed) transcripts. Does this matter? You can't receive financial aid at 2 different schools at the same time, so until we receive all transcripts you won't be accepted. Once you are accepted to UC, you need to return the 'confirmation form' with the $50 fee to complete this process, and only then will your financial aid be available at UC.

3. Moving your financial aid is a simple process. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and click under #3 to 'add a school code'. Once you log in, add '003125', click on 'next', select 'with parents' or 'off campus' (whichever is correct) and click on 'next', finally click on 'submit' and UC's Financial Aid office will be notified. It takes about 1 week from this point before you'll be able to see what $$$ will be offered to you at UC.

4. Get 'acceptance letter' in mail. Return 'confirmation form' or do it online at http://www.admission.uc.edu/confirm/default.html. There is a $50 fee, as mentioned above in 2b. that will need to be paid IF you will attend full-time. Otherwise, just return the form.

5. Visit http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ and click on 'check my aid' under 'my financial aid' to see if loans and/or grants are being offered to you. You'll need to 'accept' what you want to get the $$$. If it is a grant, just click on 'accept' and 'submit' and you're done. If you want a loan, enter the amount you want to accept (a maximum will be given and you can take any amount up to the max) and then click on 'submit'. Follow the prompts through 1. 'loan counseling' and 2. 'signing your loan note' to get the $$$. If you accept a loan but do not complete the process, you will get $0. Really. Need help or confused by the options? Stop by Student Services 100 and we'll be glad to help.

6. Attend Orientation to sign up for classes. You'll receive an invitation in the mail or can call 513.732.5319 if the next term is about the begin. We understand that you know what you're doing (to a point), but we require orientation so that you'll be aware of all UC services and eTools that every student will be required to use. You'll also meet an academic advisor, who will make sure you're taking the right class(es).

7. Check your bill online at https://ixpress-server2.uc.edu/Login.asp?SIS=19702080&APPName=Bill before the term begins to make sure your financial aid has been applied properly and to verify that you have no balance due. Your bill is due by Day 1 of each term at UC. Late fees are $200, so make it a point to check this before each term begins.

8. Attend classes & get your degree!

Enjoy your time at UC.

Best regards,
Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Happy New Year - Happy New Quarter!

2010-01-04T16:28:00.005-05:00

Welcome to 2010! Today marks the beginning of UC's Winter Quarter, so let the classes begin! After hearing many questions concerning 'certificates', 'applications', 'confirmation fees', and 'transcripts', I thought this would be a good time to shed some light on the sometimes confusing world of admissions.

- Transcripts must be 'official'. That means they need to arrive at UC Clermont in a sealed envelope from the admissions office, registration office, or guidance office of your high school and/or other college. Copies, faxes, online print-outs, and those written in crayon are not acceptable. A copy of your diploma is not acceptable ... sorry. BTW - GED transcripts can be faxed or copied to us. We don't need or want the diploma, just the scores showing you 'passed'.

- 60/90 rule: those with a college degree or at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours only need to submit college transcripts when they apply to a degree program at UC. High school or GED transcripts are not needed in these cases.

- Some Certificates are not covered by financial aid, so the applicant may want to apply for a degree to receive aid but only take classes required in the certificate = use the system to their advantage, if $$$ is needed. I'm not saying to do this, but it is a fairly common practice.

- UC Clermont does not require any transcripts from those applying for a Certificate with the exception being in Paralegal. The Paralegal Certificate is 'post-baccalaureate, meaning you have to already have a bachelor's degree to enter this program. All others, just fill out the application.

- A 'Confirmation Form' will be sent out with your acceptance letter after you apply to UC Clermont. You must return this form, no matter what degree or certificate you are pursuing and it doesn't matter whether you'll attend UC part-time of full-time. There is a $50 matriculation fee required with the Confirmation Form when the student will attend UC full-time. So part-time folks only need to return the form ... no cash needed. BTW - don't think you can state you'll be part-time to avoid this fee and then register as a full-time student. We will find you and we will add the $50 to your bill. The big change here is that we once could 'waive' this fee and allow your financial aid to pay it. Those days are gone now. Don't have the $? Sign up for part-time. Trying to get Financial Aid? You must be a 'confirmed student' in order to receive Financial Aid.

Got a question? Let me know and I'll address here.

Cheers for the new year!
Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Senior Signing Day at Whiteoak High School!

2009-11-20T12:56:00.004-05:00

20 NOV 2009

I was pleased to get to participate at Whiteoak High School this morning in 'senior signing day'! 11 seniors turned in their UC Clermont applications and guidance counselor Allison Bach provided the official high school transcripts for these students who will soon be getting their 'acceptance letter' in the mail from UC! Special thanks to Brenda Martin from the Southern Ohio Center of Excellence for inviting me to attend.

After the formal pictures were taking we had a little fun lining up to do the 'UC' cheer!

Attention all seniors: now is the best time to apply if you'd like to be considered for all UC Scholarships ... so do it today!

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

What happens now?

2009-06-24T12:39:00.004-04:00

As Summer begins, a lot of calls start coming into Enrollment Services from those who have already applied to start attending here in the Fall, but haven’t heard from us since applying or simply want to know what will happen and when. I’ll try to clear things up here with a checklist:

1. Apply to UC at http://www.ucclermont.edu/Admissions/apply_admission.html

2. Call your past high school and have them send your transcripts directly to UC Clermont / 4200 Clermont College Drive / Batavia, OH 45103. If you’ve attended another college in the past, also have these transcripts sent to us … including military credits. If you have a GED, simply make a copy of your scores or drop by Student Services 100 so we can make a copy.

3. Get your ‘Acceptance Letter’ in the mail! Woohoo! Congratulations … please fill out and return the ‘confirmation form’ that came with it. This form completes the paperwork aspect of your admission to UC and places you in whichever degree program you selected. This is important because without this form you will get NO Financial Aid $. BTW – currently, we do not need you to return the $50 fee mentioned with this form, just get the form in or drop it off in Student Services 100.

4. Visit http://www.ucclermont.edu/placementtest/pt.html and click on ‘schedule now’ to schedule your Placement Test. This is not needed if you have already successfully completed AP or college-level English and math. Got questions about the test? Visit the same website shown or call 513.732.7219.

5. Need $$$ for school? Visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ or stop by Student Services any Friday (except July 3 = closed for the holiday) at 11 with your W-2s and 1040 tax forms (students under 24 that aren’t married or veterans should also bring their parent’s tax forms: actual parent being present = optional). We’ll help you fill this form out for free. This form will determine what you get in grants (free $) &/or loans. You’ll want to do this A.S.A.P.

6. Get invited to Orientation. This letter will arrive after you’ve returned the ‘confirmation form’. Orientation is the event where you’ll meet your academic advisor and sign up for classes. The sooner you can attend, the better class options and times will be available to you. NOTE: you should have taken the Placement Test at least 2 weeks before attending Orientation.

7. June / July / early August: visit http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ and check the following:

a. Click on ‘check my aid’ in the ‘my financial aid’ section to see what $ is available to you. It is a good idea to click on the ‘term breakdown’ button to see how these funds will be applied to each quarter.

i. Accept any grants = free money (just do it!) These funds will now be applied to your account.
ii. Remember that full-time tuition for an Ohio resident will be $1,514 / quarter and that you’ll likely need around $500 for books (if you’re not covered by health insurance, then add $447 to be covered by UC). Decide if you want to accept any/all Stafford Student Loans, then type in the amount and select ‘accept’ and click on the ‘submit’ button.
iii. 2 more steps are needed if you’re accepting a loan: ‘get loan counseling’ and ‘signing your loan note’. Links are just below the ‘check my aid’ link already mentioned. You can stop by Student Services 100 for free assistance in doing these 2 steps. M&T 10-12 and 2-5:30, W 1-4, H 10-12 and 2-4, and F 11 and 2-4

8. Mid August: visit http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ and check the following:

a. Click on ‘view my bill’ to see your balance at UC for the Autumn Quarter. If you’ve accepted loans and/or grants, they will appear with a ‘CR’ = credit. If the Balance Due has a ‘CR’ after it, then UC owes you $ and will send up to $1,500 before the term begins so that you can buy your books. If you have credit balance larger than that, you’ll still get $1,500 before the term and the remaining amount will be sent out around week 3 of the term. If you don’t have a credit balance, then you need to make arrangements to pay before the term begins. You can pay with cash or check in person on campus in the Student Services 1st floor hallway at our cashier, or mail a check, or pay online with a credit card or set up a ‘payment plan’ at http://www.onestop.uc.edu/

b. Click on ‘waive health insurance’ under the ‘my bill’ section if you are already covered by health insurance. You’ll have until Friday, October 9 to do this or you automatically will purchase UC Health Insurance. If you are not currently covered, you will be soon and can click on the ‘waive health insurance’ link to find another link that will describe all services and procedures to use UC Health Insurance.

c. Click on ‘view my schedule’ and log in. Then click on the ‘Get Books’ shown below your schedule. This will list what books and editions will be used in your classes as well as the cost or new and/or used books at our bookstore. You can buy them here or visit the bookstore on campus as well as use this list to find the right books via another source. NOTE: If you buy a new book and it is in plastic, DO NOT unwrap it until after you attend the 1st class and verify that you need the book or the bookstore will not allow you to ‘return’ it as ‘new’ if removed from plastic.

9. Classes begin Wednesday, September 23 – see you then!

If you have questions about any of this material or other stuff, just let me know.

Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Real Money, Real World @ UC Clermont

2009-05-08T10:09:00.012-04:00

Participants at UC Clermont (top). Lab Manager Daryl Klein discusses cool science stuff like how many spoonfulls of sugar are in a Mt. Dew as well as how many gallons of sap it takes to make 1 gallon of maple syrup (bottom)

Real Money, Real World, a program supported by Clermont 20/20, Inc. and the OSU Extension, was held on May 5, 2009. For the third year in a row, students who are enrolled in Clermont 20/20’s High School Mentoring Program which is offered under the Clermont Educational Opportunities college access program traveled to UC Clermont College to take part in this simulation. The purpose was to promote postsecondary education by getting the students onto a college campus and provide an interactive financial simulation of a life scenario. Several students commented that this was a real eye opener and they definitely learned the value of a dollar. It also solidified their ideas of graduating from high school and pursuing higher education after graduation.

The participants also got to take a campus tour, taste real maple syrup made on campus, enjoy lunch in the student lounge, and interact during the ‘why college?’ presentation in our media room. The day was a smashing success for all involved!

Do you want to check out campus and see if college is right for you? Stop by any Friday @ 10 a.m. to Student Services 100.
-

Best regards,
Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Open House at UC Clermont on April 16

2009-02-12T10:33:00.002-05:00

UC Clermont will host an Open House for future students and their families on Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 - 7:30.

Talk to faculty, view program displays, and take a student-led tour.

Apply that evening and we'll waive the $40 application fee!

One lucky applicant will win a free 3-credit hour class (valued at $381)!

For more information call 513.732.5200 or 866.446.2822

For directions visit our website at www.ucclermont.edu-

The power of UC ... close to home

2009-02-12T10:23:00.008-05:00

pictures from the UC Clermont Open House '08

learn about academic programs, tuition and more

meet professors & discuss what is right 4 you!

options include business, computers, criminal justice, social work, medical, sciences, education, aviation, psychology, and many others!

I hope to see you at the 2009 Open House on April 16!
Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Winter Dance @ UCC

2009-02-11T11:48:00.004-05:00

by Cory Becknell - UC Clermont student

Friday Feb. 6th 2009 - Clermont College had a dinner and dance at Receptions in Eastgate. As a student it was very fun. I would say that we had a good turn out about 60 or so students. We started the night off by walking in to a wonderful set up. Students were given planners and rope candy as a giveaway. The Director of Student Life, Kimberly Ellison, also raffled off UC Clermont apparel and the big thing was the giveaway of a Wii system. Each student got a raffle ticket as we entered the event. Dinner was amazing with salad, veggies, pasta, chicken, and beef. After dinner we could partake in swing dance lessons, which was also very fun to watch. In my opinion the best part of the dance was to see the UC Clermont professors bust their moves and the best ones were the Fankhausers! The evening ended with student Chris Heald winning the Wii. As a student it was great to dress up and see friends and faculty outside of school in a fun environment.

pictured above are UCC students: Graham, Cory, Misty & Chris

You're Invited...

2008-12-05T09:23:00.001-05:00

How do you pick which school is 'right for you'? There are 4,140 different colleges and universities in the United States alone, so you have a lot of options!

To me, the 2 most important things to consider when choosing a school are 1.) do they offer the program major I want? and 2.) does the campus 'fit' me?

Now it is possible to go to a school for a term or two or three to pick up your general education classes before transferring into the school you really want. But make sure that whichever school you pick has what you want and need or you need to pick another school. Next, take the time to visit each and every school that is on your radar screen of possibility to see which ones you like the best and to make sure they 'fit' you. If you like a lot of energy and activity around you, then you'll probably want to attend a larger campus. You'll also find available activities and events 24/7 and Freshman classes with hundreds of students. Others will prefer a campus with a more personal touch. If this is you, then UC Clermont or a community college setting would 'feel right'. You would still have the energy of 3,200 students around you and plenty of available activities on campus, but classes would be closer to 18-20 students each and your professors would actually know your name!

If you'd like to visit UC Clermont to 'check it out' for yourself, please stop by any Friday @ 10 a.m. in the Student Services Building - Room 100 (here's are directions: http://www.ucclermont.edu/Maps/directions.html) and I'd be happy to tell you about our connection to the University of Cincinnati, available academic programs, how to apply, financial aid as well as walk you around campus to see all we have to offer from outstanding faculty to current technology and free student support services.

If you want to see which academic programs we offer, go here for degrees: http://www.ucclermont.edu/Academics/associate_degrees.html
and here for a list of certificates offered: http://www.ucclermont.edu/Academics/professional_cert.html

You're invited ... so I hope to see you on campus soon!

Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu
513.732.5301

Senior Moments

2008-10-30T10:53:00.007-04:00

Felicity-Franklin

Bethel-Tate

New Richmond

I enjoyed visiting a few area high schools over the past week including Bethel-Tate, Fayetteville, New Richmond and Amelia as well as the Health Tech Expo at XU attended by over 900 students! My vocal cords are trashed! But I did enjoy getting to speak to so many seniors preparing to go to college. The shocking part was that ALMOST every senior I spoke to had not yet turned in a single college application! Really?! How do you think you’ll get in to the school of your choice if you don’t apply? What are you waiting for, seniors? If you wait much longer, you will miss many of the admission deadlines at the 4,140 colleges/universities available in the US. No problem, you think, as ‘it will all work out okay’. Don’t try to justify your lack of action; it will only hurt you in the long run. Take some action steps now and you can enjoy the rest of your senior year without worry.

Applications Steps:

1. Apply = fill out the application(s) for the school(s) you are considering. If you haven’t identified them yet, first decide what is on the top of your list concerning a major or career. Next, which schools in your area offer that major? Apply to a few – not just 1. Applications typically cost between $25 - $75, depending on the school, so be prepared to pay online with a credit card or see if a paper form is available. Here is a link to our application: http://www.ucclermont.edu/Admissions/apply_admission.html

2. Ask your Guidance Counselor or the Guidance Office staff to send your transcripts to the schools where you have (or soon will) apply.

3. Receive a response letter from each school where you applied. In the case of UC Clermont, I guarantee that you’ll receive an acceptance letter … but it isn’t a ‘sure thing’ at every school. Then you’ll know which schools are really options for you to attend. Each school that ‘accepts you’ will also ask you to return a special form called a ‘confirmation’ or ‘matriculation’. This completes the needed paperwork, but doesn’t commit you to any school.

4. Attend Orientation. After you graduate and have decided which school that accepted you is where you want to go, you will want to attend their orientation. This is where you’ll sign up for classes and learn about all of the technology and student services offered to help you be successful at school. This is your true commitment, as you’ll have a bill after this event. BTW – most schools will require you to take a ‘placement test’ before attending orientation. It typically covers English and math. Your test scores won’t hurt your ‘acceptance’ at the school, this just determines which classes, not too easy or hard, you’ll start in.

Alright seniors … now you know what to do. Time to get in gear. Do it today!

Questions? Let me know.
Blaine

The Buzz

2008-10-22T12:35:00.001-04:00

Here we go again! The Autumn Quarter is in full swing as we celebrate the 36th anniversary of UC Clermont. Additional parking was added to make room for the extra cars as our student count grew to more than 3,200! As the term began, campus was at ‘full buzz’ with new students, returning students, students buying books, students seeking last minute academic advising, students checking on financial aid, students paying fees, students looking for classrooms, students pleading with professors to get into ‘full’ classes, professors passing out course documents and beginning lectures, students catching up with classmates, students playing volleyball in ‘the oval’, and aviation students flying overhead.

Thanks to everyone who decided to take advantage of ‘the power of UC … close to home’.

As always, we are thankful for all of the community support from high school guidance counselors, administrators, teachers, and business partners.

So now that school is back in session, let’s get to work!

Best wishes for a great school year,
Blaine

Summertime and Orientation

2008-07-02T16:19:00.002-04:00

Summertime. The season of fun, sun, and college orientation! Sure, there are still classes going on during the summer, but less than a third of the ‘regular’ number of students are attending courses over the summer. Many of these summer students are new to UC and simply here to take a class or two before heading to another college/university for the fall term. Some are getting a jump on ‘next year’, or taking pre-requisites that will allow them to begin a regular class sequence in the autumn, while others are required to attend to stay on-track in their major. Whatever the reason, it is always good to see students on campus. So welcome, one and all!

Next stop: Orientation! Every new student to UC, whether a GED or high school graduate, or even a transfer from another college/university, will be invited to attend. The word ‘invited’ sounds so optional, but that really isn’t in this case. All new students must attend Orientation before they will be allowed to register for classes. Don’t be bummed that you ‘have to’ do this. You will benefit from what you hear at orientation and you will become aware of all of the technology and student services offered to help you succeed at UC. Don’t fight it. Let the giant orientation current take you to a safe & beautiful college place.

So, when do you attend Orientation? We started sessions last week and will continue through July, August and into early September before the term begins on 9/24. The closer we get to classes starting, the harder it is to schedule classes because other students have already selected the best classes & times, so don't drag your feet or you may be sorry. How do you get invited? You must first:
1. Apply to UC at http://www.ucclermont.edu/Admissions/apply_admission.html
2. Submit your transcripts (GED or high school and/or other college).
3. Receive your ‘acceptance letter’ and RETURN the ‘Confirmation Form’ ASAP.
4. Take the Placement Test (513.732.5219) = do this before attending orientation. Do this before attending orientation. Do this before attending orientation (did you get that?).
5. Receive your invitation to Orientation and return the form or call 513.732.5319 to RSVP.
6. Attend Orientation, meet your academic advisor, sign up for classes.
7. Go to http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ to see your bill – will be posted in August.

Financial Aid has been covered before in this blog, but you should do the FAFSA before mid-August or your funds will not arrive before the term begins and you will get hit with a $200 late fee.

Questions? Let me know. Otherwise, follow the list above and I’ll see you at Orientation!

Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Job Fair connects student, alumni, community members and employers

2008-05-19T13:28:00.004-04:00

Job Fair 2008 was held at UC Clermont on Wednesday, May 14 from 11:30 – 2:30. Sponsored by UC Clermont College, the Clermont Chamber of Commerce and Workforce One – Southwest Ohio’s One-Stop Job Resource, the fair featured the following employers: A & A Safety, Inc., Better Business Bureau, Burke, Inc., Cincinnati Bell, Cincinnati Police Department, Clermont Family YMCA, Clermont Senior Services, CTC, Dan Beard Council, Deb Shops, Ellis & Watts International, Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Health Source of Ohio, Mark Andy, Mercy Health Partners, National Bank & Trust, Park National Bank, River Hills Bank, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Spirit of America, Total Quality Logistics, and the US Army.
Over 200 students, soon-to-be-graduates, alumni and community members attended Job Fair 2008. Follow up surveys will show how many were actually hired as a result of the Job Fair and will be posted on this blog at a future date.

*
The overall feeling was very positive by both the employers and the attending job seekers. As a part of the team assigned to host this event, I was very pleased and thankful for the help of the Chamber of Commerce, Workforce One, as well as my team members Kimberly Ellison, Jenn Radt, with special assistance from Nikki Vargas, Mae Hanna, Terry Moore, Karen Jones, UCC Maintenance and Facilities personnel Howard Holder, Richard Johnson, Ron Vandermolen and Tina and the entire Cougar Café staff.
*

Need help with your job search? Contact Career Services at the link below.
Blaine

UC Clermont http://www.ucclermont.edu/
Clermont Chamber of Commerce http://www.clermontchamber.com/
Workforce One http://www.clermontbwrc.com/
University of Cincinnati http://www.uc.edu/
UC Clermont Career Services www.ucclermont.edu/career
UC Career Services http://www.uc.edu/

Financial Aid Fridays

2008-04-04T16:37:00.000-04:00

Attention current UC Clermont students and prospective students:
UC Clermont will offer a Financial Aid workshop at 11 a.m. each Friday in April and May. With the help of our enrollment services staff, you will fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) paperwork required to receive financial aid in the form of grants and/or loans for the school year beginning September 2008.
*
What you will need to do before your session:
- FAFSA pin number (students must go to www.pin.ed.gov to get a pin PRIOR to workshop)
*
What you need to bring to your session:
- 1040’s and W2’s from 2007 (for student and parent)
- Addresses for two references
*
Want to attend?
Contact Jessica at 513.732.5202 or Email jessica.max@uc.edu to reserve your seat

Big Money Now Available!

2008-01-24T17:54:00.000-05:00

Time for my annual reminder that now is the best time to sign up for financial aid for NEXT school year.

Do you want money for college? YES

(I thought I'd answer that one for you)

Can you wait & do it later? YES.

Will it hurt you if you wait? YES!

Really? How can it hurt you? By waiting, you can reduce the amount of $$$ that you will receive. UC has extra cash we give out on a first come, first serve basis. What does that mean? If you do the FAFSA now, you will have the greatest chance of getting the most money possible for next school year.

BTW: NOW means now. Do the FAFSA in January or February. Wait until March and your chances to get extra cash are gone. Did you get that? Good.

The rule of thumb is, ‘when it’s tax time, it is FAFSA time’. FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This one form determine how much financial aid you get for the school year. Aid = GRANTS and LOANS (scholarships are not awarded from the FAFSA, so you have to fill out a separate application to be considered for that money). GRANTS = a money gift given to you to attend college. You don’t pay this back. Not everyone qualifies for these, but they sure are great to get! LOANS = a money loan given to you to attend college. You DO pay this back. Everyone is eligible to get a Stafford Student Loan. You don’t start paying a Stafford Loan back until you are out of school (hopefully with your degree) for 6 months. Payments get spread out over 10 years, so the monthly charge is fairly low.

How do you apply?
1. Go to http://www.pin.ed.gov/ and get a Personal Identification Number.
2. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and complete the FAFSA online. UC’s school code = 0031253. Submit your application (you’ll get a confirmation number which shows you have successfully submitted your application)
4. Follow Up: you’ll receive an Email to your SAR = Student Aid Report. If you don’t have Email, this will be sent to you via snail mail.* If you don’t hear or see anything after 3 weeks, go back to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and select ‘check the status of submitted FAFSA’.
5. Go to http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ and clicking on ‘check my aid’ to see what you get. At this site you will then 'accept' or 'decline' what is being offered to you. NOTE: don't ever decline a grant. Remember it is a gift. Use it and enjoy! If you have funds for school and don't want a loan, then don't accept it. No harm - no foul.

TOP PRIORITY: Fill out the FAFSA to see what you get and quit throwing away extra money!

Best regards,
Blaine

Want to know more about it? Write me at: blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Q&A 101

2007-10-05T16:48:00.000-04:00

Question #1: What are you going to do ___
(fill in the blank with 'when you grow up', or 'with your life', or 'after high school', or 'when you go to college', or something else.) It sends chills down my spine as I think back to when I was facing that question from my family and from myself. It isn't always easy to figure out.

If you are in the middle of this now, visit www.ucclermont.edu/career and click on 'choose a career'. You'll find a free assessment tool that will pick your brain and your heart to create a list of options that fit you. Very nice and very easy if you take the time to go to the website and do it.

Question #2: Which college is right for me?
That is also a tough one for many. It is important to spend time figuring out the answer to question #1 before answering question #2 or you could waste a lot of time an money at the wrong institution of higher learning. But once you have an idea or two about what you want to do you can then look to see which school(s) have the program that fits you.

FLASH: On Thursday, October 25 from 6 - 8 PM you can meet with representatives from 100 area colleges at the Clermont County Counselor Association College Fair. Even better, it is hosted at the Eastgate Mall, so you can shop for more than a college at the same time!

For more info and directions: www.ucclermont.edu/collegefair

Got a question you'd like answered on this blog? Send me a note.

Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Trippin in Adams County

2007-10-04T15:06:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed a day full of college visits in Adams County, Ohio yesterday. The day started at North Adams High School, continued at Peebles High School and ended at West Union High School. I'll be back in Adams County at Manchester High School in a few weeks.

From a recruiting point of view, it is really nice how the schedule is set up to allow 3 visits in the same day. The other thing that I really like about going to Adams County is that each school holds a 'Senior Seminar' class where I get to make my presentation to the entire Senior class. That isn't the way most schools handle college visits, but it seems to me to be a very effective way to promote continuing education WHILE coaching high school students on everything from the application process to financial aid and specific college info. Personally, I wish ever school did it this way. Not just because I would see every student, though that would be nice, but because every student needs this information.

The hardest part about visiting the 4 Adams County high schools is that each building has the same exact design. I may be wrong, but I thinjk that the roof color is the only way to tell them apart. Each school has a large round general purpose room and each school uses this room for their Senior Seminar class. Why is this an issue? Because I sometimes forget which school I am addressing... and I don't want to reference the wrong mascot. Okay. it isn't a big issue, but it is funny like watching the movie 'Groundhog Day'. You just feel like you've already 'been there'.

Hats off to all our friends in Adams County. Thanks for making me feel welcome and for allowing me to tell you why UC Clermont is worth serious consideration.

Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu

BIG TIME Birthday Celebration!

2007-09-28T16:37:00.000-04:00

Preparations for the party, I mean year, began last fall as prospects turned in applications and transcripts to get signed up to attend classes this year. The summer flew by in warp drive, full of orientation sessions, appointments, and seemingly countless phone calls. A giant crescendo of last minute activity led to the start of the school year.

When the dust had cleared, we were very pleased to see our beautiful campus full of students! The start of the 35th anniversary of UC Clermont was highlighted by the largest attendance in our history. 3,000 students in all!

Thanks to everyone who decided this was the right place to attend college. We are pleased to have your support and look forward to the day when you walk across the stage at UC’s Fifth Third Arena to claim your diploma.

We’re also thankful for all of the supporting family members, high school guidance counselors, administrators, teachers, business partners, and community members that were a part of making this a record breaking year. I’d like to pass on a special thanks to the Southwest Ohio Educational Opportunities Center http://www.clc.uc.edu/sweoc for helping so many apply for the financial aid to make school a reality, and to the staff at both Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound http://www.clc.uc.edu/Trio/default.html for being such a great encouragement to our community.

So now that school is back in session, le’s get to work!

Best wishes for a fabulous school year,
Blaine

The Beautiful Walk

2007-06-06T14:46:00.000-04:00

It all happens this Saturday, June 9, 2007. The stuff of dreams. The result of years of work. The beautiful walk.

It is the day that the student becomes a graduate as they proudly stroll across a wide stage to receive congratulatory handshakes and the coveted diploma. The PA will call their name. Families will cheer. Flash bulbs will light the path. All will applaud in respect of the acheivement. The graduate's face will hurt from smiling. The story seems to end. But it is really the beginning.

The next chapter: More education or a new career position? New challenges and complex decisions. No one ever said it would be easy. But the graduate is ready.

Warmest wishes to all UCC graduates. Enjoy your beautiful walk.

Blaine

Post Mid-Term Stress

2007-05-04T14:04:00.000-04:00

You can feel it in the air and see it on the faces of students. Pressure is building and many are starting to get worried about their grades. More than a few are thinking, "should I drop?"

This isn't spring fever. The week after mid-term exams always brings a change in the campus climate. Things are getting serious. Your test results weren't good. Stay or drop? Pass or fail? Which will it be?

I assume you're attending every class and actually doing the work - otherwise, you have more than a few barriers in your path...

Bad grades are never good, but withdrawing can also be a bad thing in certain circumstances which could effect your financial aid. If you have a question about your aid, call 556-1000 to discuss your academic progress and see if your aid will be altered by dropping or by receiving an 'F'. You need to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to receive financial aid.

Before bailing out it is always a good idea to visit the UC Clermont Learning Center in Educational Services - room 100: http://www.ucclermont.edu/TLC/default.html The Learning Center has student 'peer' tutors and a professional staff that can help you with any and every class offered at UC Clermont. They can review and 'proof read' your papers or help you understand a complex math concept. Whatever the case, they are a great resource that can help you survive and actually thrive in the classroom!

Another great resource: your professors! Don't drop until you've spoken with your prof to see what suggestions they have concerning your work, potential extra projects, and your specific situation. You might be surprised how willing many will be to help if you show some interest in and initiative. Really!

Don't bail until you try, with help, to complete your classes with passing grades.

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

Ohio College Tech Prep Scholarships awarded

2007-05-03T09:52:00.000-04:00

The first round of UCC scholarship winners were announced this Tuesday at the annual College Tech Prep Senior Salute Dinner held at the Sharonville Convention Center. The SW Ohio Tech Prep Consortium dinner is always a fun event as we celebrate the graduates and see them prepare for the next steps in life = college! Here are the big winners from this exciting evening:

College Tech Prep Scholarship ($1,000)
Diedra Thacker
US Grant Career Center / New Richmond High School
3.02 GPA / Surgical Technology major @ UCC

College Tech Prep Scholarship ($1,000)
Heather Dianne Baker
US Grant Career Center / Bethel-Tate High School
3.11 GPA / Surgical Technology major @ UCC

College Tech Prep Scholarship ($1,000)
Mark Loveless
Live Oaks Career Center / Goshen High School
Business Management major @ UCC

Advantage CEO Leadership Scholarship ($500)
Romer Foundation Scholarship ($500)
Kellie Durbin
US Grant Career Center / New Richmond High School
3.29 GPA / Nursing major @ UCC

Sauls Family Scholarship ($1,500)
Sara Lepa
US Grant Career Center / New Richmond High School
3.26 GPA / Nursing major @ UCC
______________

Other UC Clermont scholarship awards will be announced very soon...

Well done, graduates!

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

SW Ohio College Tech Prep Showcase @ UC Clermont

2007-04-20T14:36:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, April 19, 2007, close to 200 area high school students came to our campus to participate in a competition know as the Southwest Ohio College Tech Prep Showcase. The day started early with the arrival of the teams via bus, van, truck and car. Each vehicle was stuffed with display boards, projection screens, computers, projectors and of course, students! Each team was assigned to a table area in the Student Activity Center where they set up their projects.

Judges were members of local industry and professors from College Tech Prep partner schools. After each team presented their project, the scores were totalled and awards were given. The 1st and 2nd place teams will now move to the final round of competition before heading to the State of Ohio championships.

You can see the results at: http://www.techprepswohio.org/programs_showcase_regional.shtml

I was really impressed by the teams and their projects. I'm confident that a few of these projects would be very profitable if made available for sale.

Congratulations to all of the participants and especially to the winning teams from our closest school partners at US Grant Career Center, Southern Hills Career Center, Western Brown High School & Loveland High School:

Automotive Technologies
Grant Career Center
Hybrid Safety
Ben Sandker, Tyler Rose, Clayton Wright
Lyle Taylor, instructor

Biotechnologies
Loveland Hurst High School
Inherited Diseases and DNA Fingerprinting
Demetra Stamatakos
Jamie Allison, instructor

Loveland Hurst High School
Investigations into Prionic Mutations
Jacquelyn Pohl
Jamie Allison, instructor

Digital Design/Interactive Media
Western Brown High School
Student Tutoring
Matt Uhl
Missy Kirkpatrick, instructor

Western Brown High School
Pinnacle Chiropractic
Christina Hall & Jennifer Easley
Missy Kirkpatrick, instructor

Engineering Technologies
Grant Career Center
Electro-Chemical Discharge (ECDM)
Nick Ingram. Russell (Andy) Hayden, Christopher Haun
Tobin Huebner, instructor

Health Technologies
Grant Career Center
Dangers Lurking in Your Medicine Cabinet
Heather Watson, Heather Rose, Holly Tatman, Kayla Scott
Myrna Little, instructor
Information Technologies/Networking

Information Technologies/Networking
Western Brown High School
Student Tutoring
Matt Uhl
Missy Kirkpatrick, instructor

Western Brown High School
Pinnacle Chiropractic
Christina Hall & Jennifer Easley
Missy Kirkpatrick, instructor

Information Technologies/Programming
Southern Hills Career Center
Big Dog Real Estate
Coty Washington, Josh Lay, Chris Brownlee, Chris Kasarcik
Gar Seigla, instructor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well done! I'll post a video on youtube soon.

Blaine

High School Visit

2007-04-18T09:20:00.000-04:00

Morning....

Ever mutter that word because it would take too much energy to say, 'good morning'? I felt that way today after getting up at 5:45 AM to get to my first high school presentation of the day. The question that kept going through my mind was a simple one: 'why do teachers do this every day?' Maybe the real question is 'how' do they do it? I don't like getting up this early and I'm very glad that this is not a normal occurrence in my world.

I need some coffee.... really! Right now!!

Today I got to meet juniors and seniors at Amelia High School in the Business & Technology School. Becky Landen, their instructor, had invited me to speak to her classes about college. I really love doing this, and I feel like I was amped up about it, but many of those students looked like I felt. But you can't go by what you think things look like. I've learned that they are listening and I hope that I gave them a few things to think about that will help each one to have a better life.

Bottom line: you really need to get a college degree to open doors in life.

Blaine

Back to work!

2007-03-30T16:41:00.000-04:00

Spring Break 2007 has come and gone, so now it's time to get back to work!

We've just come to the end of Spring Quarter Week 1 and everyone seems to be back in the groove of school. The nice weather has certianly been a positive factor as 'the oval' (no relation to the famous OSU area) has been packed with students kickin' back between classes enjoying laughs and stories from Spring Break and their first days back in the classroom.

Back to work ... and then off to work.

For many, this is the home stretch, as they head toward graduation at the end of the quarter. Some will transition to Bachelor programs at other UC Colleges, NKU or Wilmigton College (Eastgate), while others will head into the workforce.

This is a great time of the year to head to UC Clermont's Career Services: www.ucclermont.edu/career - Career Services can assist with resume prep, interview prep, as well hooking you up with employers wanting to hire soon-to-be graduates. Give Ann Appleton, Director of Career Services, a call at 513.732.5277 or write her at ann.appleton@uc.edu

Now get to work!

Blaine

Southern Hills Career Center Tech Students @ UCC

2007-03-07T15:24:00.000-05:00

On Friday, March 2, thirty Information Technology 11th & 12th graders from Southern Hills Career Center in Georgetown, Ohio visited UC Clermont with their teacher, Gar Seigla.

UC Clermont faculty members Andy Curran (Interactive Multimedia), Suguna Chundur (CIS Programming), Cindi Scibelli (CISCO Networking) and Cherie Zieleniewski (Simulation & Game Development) in addition to the entire UC Clermont Technology Support Staff headed by Mel Sweet worked with the students in various technology-based activities. Everyone seemed to have a great time! Here's to technology!

If you and/or your high school want to visit UC Clermont, let me know and we'll see what we can do to schedule a special event for you!

Blaine
blaine.kelley@uc.edu
513.732.5301

Money. Money, Money

2007-03-07T15:10:00.000-05:00

It's Scholarship Time at UC Clermont!

Interested in some extra cash for college or hoping for a 'full ride'? Now is the time to get it ... or at least apply to get it. The 2007-2008 Academic Year, that is next September through June 2008, Scholarship Application is now available and needs to be turned in by March 30.

There are over 30 different scholarships available and many have multiple awards, but you need to apply to be considered. So, how do you apply? Good question. Call 513.732.5319 and ask for a Scholarship Application Booklet to be mailed to you. We'll get it out to you right away. Good luck! May the cash be with you!
Blaine

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! UC CLERMONT IS #1!

2007-03-07T14:26:00.000-05:00

March 3, 2007

UC Clermont Wins the USCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship in Portland, Maine. Stefan Dunn (Columbus, OH) scored 24 points as University of Cincinnati Clermont beat Penn State DuBois, 81-72. Dunn was named MVP of the Tournament. Allen Robinson (Cincinnati, OH) was named to the All-Tournamnet team who finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds.

The win was the 800th career win (200 high school and 600 college) for UC Clermont Coach John Hurley. Hurley was inducted into the National Junior College Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004.

The 2006-07 UC Clermont College Men's Basketball Team included BJ Pleasant, John Stone, Don Porter, Stefan Dunn, Seth Steele, Todd Davis, Jeff Kinney; Willie Boyce, Harvey Eubanks, Brad Hosler, Maurice Brown, Allen Robinson, Head Coach John Hurley and Assistant Coach Anthony Robertson.

UC Clermont finished the regular season as ORCC Conference Champions with a Conference record of 17-1. Overall season record was 28-10.

UC Clermont web link: http://www.uc.edu/news/NR.asp?id=5363

United States Collegiate Athletic Association website: http://www.theuscaa.com/index.html

If you are interested in playing basketball while working toward your educational goals, let me know. Now that the season is over it is time to look forward to next year. Be a part of the championship action at UC Clermont!

Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu

513.732.5301

Show Me The Money!

2007-01-12T15:14:00.000-05:00

It is the New Year, which means you can now sign up for financial aid for the next academic year (from September 2007 – June 2008). The rule of thumb is, ‘when it’s tax time, it is FAFSA time’. Okay, so I know a few readers are now thinking, ‘what is a FAFSA?’ Here is what you need to know:

FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid

This 1 form will be used to determine how much financial aid you get for the school year.

Aid = GRANTS and LOANS (scholarships are not awarded from the FAFSA, so you have to fill out a separate application to be considered for that money).

GRANTS = a money gift given to you to attend college. You don’t pay this back. Not everyone qualifies for these, but they sure are great to get!

LOANS = a money loan given to you to attend college. You DO pay this back. Everyone is eligible to get a Stafford Student Loan. I won’t cover all of the costs of college, but it can help you pay for about ½ of the annual tuition cost to attend UC Clermont. You don’t start paying this loan back until you are out of school (hopefully with your degree) for 6 months. Payments get spread out over 10 years, so the monthly charge is fairly low.

Do you qualify? I don’t know, and you won’t either until you apply.

How do you apply?
1. Go to http://www.pin.ed.gov/ and get a Personal Identification Number.

2. Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and complete the FAFSA online
UC’s school code = 003125

3. Submit your application (you’ll get a confirmation number which shows you have successfully submitted your application)

4. Follow Up: you’ll receive an Email to your SAR = Student Aid Report. If you don’t have Email, this will be sent to you via snail mail.
* If you don’t hear or see anything after 3 weeks, go back to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and select ‘check the status of submitted FAFSA’.

5. UC will also send you an award letter showing what aid you are eligible to receive. You will then select what aid you want. You can check your aid status at UC by going to http://www.onestop.uc.edu/ and clicking on ‘check my aid’.

I know it sounds like a lot of details, but it really isn’t hard to do.

So why are you still reading? You should be applying for MONEY!

Blaine

PS – Available next week on campus: the 2007-2008 Scholarship Application.

BLAINE ALERT! Be aware that there are many professional financial aid people out there that call the financial aid form a FASFA. It is a FAFSA! Now get it right!

Career Center Connection

2006-11-17T14:35:00.000-05:00

On the road again...

Within the last week, I've been at Live Oaks Career Center in Milford, Ohio for 2 special events. First was the student College Fair. Then I participated in the Senior Parent Information Session. Both were nice events where I got to speak with students about their future and options available at UC Clermont. Thanks to everyone that stopped by our table.

Besides Live Oaks, we work closely with other Great Oaks Career Centers including Laurel Oaks in Wilmington and Scarlet Oaks in Sharonville. We also see a lot of students from US Grant Career Center in Bethel and Southern Hills Career Center in Georgetown. It is a pleasure working with these students because they already have advanced technical skills that often fit well within our technical degree programs.

UC Clermont is also a College Tech Prep partner, offering a number of career pathways to students from local career centers. If you are a College Tech Prep student, you should check with me to see how Advanced Standing through College Tech Prep can save you time and money toward your college degree. We also offer special scholarships to those participating in College Tech Prep. BTW - the UC Clermont Scholarship Booklet for the 2007-2008 academic year will be available near the end of January. Ask your guidance counselor to let you know when it comes in.

Future road trip: I'll be back at US Grant Career Center on Thursday, December 7 to speak to the Teacher Acadamy.

Questions? Let me know.
Blaine

blaine.kelley@uc.edu
513.732.5301

CAMPUS VISIT DAY: Fridays @ 10 AM

2006-10-27T15:14:00.000-04:00

Three Milford High School Seniors stopped by with their parents today for our weekly College Visit Session. UC Clermont is able to help all 3 in the majors of their choice: Nursing, Early Childhood Education, & Pre-Law. Besides our smaller, friendly campus, the big advantage is our cost!

Nursing: UC Clermont offers the 1st year of the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) on our campus. Students can then transition to UC's College of Nursing to complete the Sophomore, Junior & Senior years of this program. The BIG Option: 170 seats were available this year for students to continue classes at our 'uptown' Clifton campus while 24 seats were available right here on our Batavia campus. Next year, the number of seats offered at Clermont will rise to 36! If you live on the East side of town, you could get the entire BSN completed without leaving the county!

Early Childhood Education: Complete your Freshman & Sophomore years at UC Clermont. Get an Associate Degree. The NEXT STEP: Transition to UC's College of Education (classes available either 'uptown' in Clifton or here in Clermont County) and finish your Junior & Senior years. or Transfer to either Wilmington College's Eastgate Branch (behind Eastgate Bigg's) or NKU. We have agreements with both that allow your transfer without a hitch!

Pre-Law: Complete your Freshman & Sophomore years at UC Clermont. Get an Associate's Degree. Transition to UC's McMicken College of Arts & Sciences to complete your Junior & Senior years.

BOTTOM LINE:
Start at UC Clermont. Save a lot of money while getting a quality education. Transition or transfer on to complete your Bachelor's degree!

FRIDAY CAMPUS VISIT: Friday @ 10 AM - meet in the Student Services Building - Room 100

Note: UC is closed on Friday, November 10 for Veterans Day and Friday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Our Friday College Visit sessions will be held on all other Friday's this fall.

NEW PROGRAM: Simulation & Game Development

2006-10-27T15:04:00.000-04:00

UC Clermont is pleased to announce a new program offering: Simulation & Game Development. This Associate Degree program provides a broad background in this rapidly growing and exciting industry. This technology is used for entertainment, education, aircraft simulation, crime scene reconstruction, as well as medical, corporate or military training. Completion of this degree will expose students to core simulation and game development skills and theory, technology applications, CAD, 3D modeiling, multimedia, computer graphics technology, and programming. Graduates of this program would be able to work as entry-level simulation/game modelers, designers, and programmers.

Want to know more? Put down your game controller long enough to contact us!

What did I choose Clermont?

2006-08-09T16:10:00.000-04:00

I asked a few students to write down why they decided to attend UC Clermont.

M.B. / Education major lives in Batavia and graduated from Amelia High School
"I love the small classes."

"Cost is a big reason, as well as resources available. Since the college is smaller there is more help available for the individual student."

"Clermont is affordable even without financial assistance."

M.H. / Business major lives in Milford

"UC Clermont is conveniently located close to my house which makes it easy to commute to.”

“UC Clermont has a small, caring atmosphere.”

K.P. / Education major lives in Mt Orab and graduated from Western Brown High School

"I choose Clermont because I could get the 4-year degree I wanted without driving far from home."

"I I like the size of the campus, availability of free computer labs, full-time tutors, and the reputation of UC."

Discover life's possibilities at UC Clermont

Questions? Let me know:

Blaine

Clermont.Information@UC.Edu

About us

2006-08-09T15:09:00.000-04:00

UC Clermont College is a regional campus of the University of Cincinnati. We are located in Batavia, Ohio, just 5 miles East of the I-275 and SR 32 interchange.

Maps & Directions: http://www.ucclermont.edu/maps_fs.asp

* UC Clermont offers over 50 academic programs.

* You're a UC student with all the rights, privileges and access to UC events, organizations, and resources offered at our Uptown campus.

* Many of our academic programs are designed to transition into Bachelor degree programs at UC's Uptown campus and other higher learning institutions close to our community.

* Complete your UC Bachelor degree: options within Clermont County are available in Business, Early Childhood & Middle Grades Education, Criminal Justice, Paralegal & Nursing.

Majors & Programs: http://www.ucclermont.edu/majors_programs.asp

Tuition & Fees: http://ucclermont.edu/tuition_fees_admissions.asp

If you have the desire to attend college, there are many ways to get the money including scholarships, grants, loans and more!

Number of students: 2,815 (2005-2006 academic year)

Full-Time Students: 1,708 Full-Time Faculty: 58

Part-Time Students: 1,107 Part-Time Faculty: 213

Female: 1,763 Average Class Size = 18:1

Male: 1,052

25 Years or Older: 1,038

* Our high-tech facilities include campus-wide Internet access

* Over 30 clubs and student organizations are available on our campus, as well as athletics.

CONTACT INFO:

www.ucclermont.edu

513.732.5319

Clermont.Information@UC.Edu

Got a question? Let me know.

Blaine

Choosing your program at college

2006-08-08T18:07:00.000-04:00

Thanks for stopping by.

Step One is the step you've already taken ... you were proactive enough to come here.

2 questions:
- do you know what you want to do?
- do you know what major will get you there?

2 answers:
- try www.ucclermont.edu/career and click on 'choose a career' if you want some free help.
- you can start by taking classes at UC Clermont that will fit into most majors, and in some cases you can finish your entire degree with us.

2 thoughts:
- want to know more? Stop by our campus on any Friday @ 10 AM to see if we're right for you. Come to the Student Services Building - Room 100.
- want to talk? Email clermont.information@uc.edu or call 513.732.5301

I hope you decide to take the next step.

Blaine

UC Clermont: www.ucclermont.edu