Ways Students Can Prepare for Winter Quarter
Jan. 3 is just around the corner, first day of Winter Quarter, according to the Important Dates bulletin posted on spokanefalls.edu.
New students need to submit college applications into the Admissions Department by December 13. Students should get an early start on placement testing, parking passes, student I.D.’s, buying books, etc., advises Jedidiah Lara, Credentials Evaluator at SFCC.
“Students should proactively view their student center,” said Lara. “A lot of things don’t have to wait till the last day, like paying tuition or books. Book-lines can be hours. If you don’t have to wait till the last day, don’t.”
Students can buy a Parking pass a month in advance, or submit the FAFSA form early.
Once students have their student I.D., they can ride the bus. Students just hop on the bus and slide their student I.D. Vehicle parking permits are available for purchase at the Cashier’s Office, located in the Student Union Building 17, lower level. License plate numbers are required in order to get a parking pass.
“Just take a picture of [your license plate] with your phone,” Lara said.
A lot of departments communicate through the Student Center. Financial aid, advising holds, testing
enrollment dates, and wait list status, all communicate through the Student Center.
“Running Start students need to submit their EVF (Enrollment Verification Form) from their high school,”
said Barb Hahto, Running Start Advisor. Make sure to get fees paid [in Student Center].”
Any student going to SFCC had to either attend a running start seminar or the new students’ orientation. Running Start students need to meet eligibility, which would be 3.0 cumulative GPA or score 3 or higher in Smarter Balance.
“For regular students, financial aid is really important,” said Hahto. “The FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] opened up Oct. 1st. So, for next Fall, whatever you plan on doing next year, you need to do right now.”
The priority deadline to submit the FAFSA for winter quarter was Oct. 20.
Students should start looking ahead.
“During this time of year, we talk a lot about what they’re doing next year,” said Hahto.
She talks to students about taking ACT/SAT, language requirements if they’re going to a four-year college, which would be two years of high school language, or one year of language with SFCC.
“What I tell students now is to have your best christmas ever, and get your application for Fall Quarter next year done before Christmas,” said Hahto.
Fall Quarter is coming to an end, with planning, students can finish on a high note.
“I wouldn’t say winter quarter is different from any other quarter, to be ready the first day, and stay on top of everything,” said Hahto. “My big thing I tell students now with finals is to really pay attention, know final schedules, and keep grades up, to have a good finish to Fall Quarter.”