College Excel General FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about College Excel. If you can't find the answers you're seeking here or elsewhere on our site, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Who should parents contact with concerns during the academic quarter?
- Do your students begin their academic journey with a lighter load?
- Is your staff trained to work with learning disabled students?
- What is the length of stay you recommend?
- What kind of tutoring is available, and who does it?
- How informed will I be of my child's academic status?
- Are the student residences monitored by staff personnel?
- What is a motivational life coach?
- What are the admission requirements?
- What does College Excel cost?
- Are there extra charges or fees separate from College Excel services?
- Are courses in study skills offered for credit?
- How much spending money do students need?
- If I live in CE student housing, do you supply the food?
- How will I fill my prescriptions?
- If I don't have a car, how will I get around?
Who should parents contact with concerns during the academic quarter?
Please contact Leslie Lim, our academic advisor and assistant: leslie@collegeexcel.com or 541-317-4177
Do your students begin their academic journey with a lighter load?
Yes, most students start-out attending college part-time. Success is the most important first quarter goal. Student capabilities differ, and we help them plan a schedule they can handle.
Is your staff trained to work with learning disabled students?
Sue Harless (sue@collegeexcel.com or 541-317-4177 is a learning styles specialist with a masters in education. We also have tutors and teachers trained to work with LD issues. All our staff are trained to recognize disabilities and work with students on a level they understand. Our goal is to fully educate LD students about their disability, how to self-advocate, and using the resources at the college.
What is the length of stay you recommend?
Students are only required to enroll for 3 months at a time. However, 90% of our students stay for 6 to 9 months, 80% stay for a year and 30% continue for a second year.
What kind of tutoring is available, and who does it?
Private tutors are available, and we can match students with local tutors or tutors at their college. College Excel also offers private tutoring in writing and math. Our Academic Center for Excellence offers all types of services to help students academically. We also familiarize students with the resources on their college campus. COCC/OSU has an excellent student support center which offers LD support, tutoring, advising, and counseling and health services.
How informed will I be of my child's academic status?
This is up to you and your child. You may chose to make it a condition of their enrollment that you receive regular updates and grade checks from our Academic department. Unless your son or daughter gives us permission, we can not legally release this information. Students are required to allow us to check their grades as often as needed.
Are the student residences monitored by staff personnel?
Yes and no. We do not provide 24-hour supervision. Students need to be mature enough to live on their own with unstructured, unsupervised time. However, we do require that students comply with our rules and policies, complete chores daily, plan menus, shop for food and household supplies weekly. Student's living in our on campus apartments are monitored by an residential assistant. RA's do not provide 24 hour supervision, but they do offer after hour support and mentoring.
What is a motivational life coach?
Each student is assigned a fulltime motivational life coach while enrolled at College Excel. Motivational coaching is about action and keeping the student positive, excited and moving forward. A coach also provides ongoing encouragement and guidance from a caring adult with a young adult's best interests in mind. We work closely with students to embrace new challenges as they develop healthy and fulfilling lives. The coaching relationship provides structure, accountability and a safe place for the young adult to be honest without fear of judgment.
What are the admission requirements?
1. Download the College Excel application, or fill it out online, and submit.
2. Submit the $400 application fee.
3. Submit the most recent psychological evaluation as well as an educational assessment containing IQ, and/or additional testing information.
4. Submit academic records and transcripts.
5. Schedule and complete an on-site interview.
What does College Excel cost? College Excel is offered in 90 day blocks. The cost includes on-going academic coaching, tutoring and advising, full use of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) and Community House, motivational life coaching, accredited and skill development courses, life skills education, supervised study groups, peer support and sponsored activities. Both residential and non-residential options are available.
Tuition does not include Central Oregon Community College or Oregon State University tuition fees, books or class supplies. Students are expected to provide their own spending money.
Residential Tuition $17,450.00
Are there extra charges or fees separate from College Excel services?
Yes. Students are responsible for their college tuition, books and supplies. This also applies to College Excel's private accredited college classes. For students living in CE Student Housing, room and board are taken care of, but they need to budget for other expenses. Those living on their own need to budget for rent, utilities, groceries and household supplies. All students must provide their own transportation. All of our basic activities are included in tuition, with the exception of some Outdoor Adventure Trips, movie tickets, ski tickets, and trips outside of Bend.
Are courses in study skills offered for credit?
College Excel offers a variety of privately taught college accredited courses including Study Strategies.
How much spending money do students need?
Each student has such varied needs, it's hard to estimate. We suggest students work with parents on a financial plan or budget. Where will the money come from? Who pays for what? How/when to ask for more? What constitutes an emergency? If you don't know where to start, bring some money, and after enrollment, we'll help the student develop and manage a budget.
If I live in CE student housing, do you supply the food?
Each student is supplied with a $45 grocery card per week (this amount will increase to $50 beginning in January 2008) to buy food and household supplies. We provide transportation to a grocery store once each week, and assist with healthy shopping. Students living together may choose to pool their grocery money.
How will I fill my prescriptions?
If you need prescriptions refilled within 30-45 days after arriving in Bend, please call our admissions office so we can help you schedule a doctor's appointment. Available appointment times are generally 3 to 6 weeks out from the time you call. Urgent care facilities will usually only prescribe a few pills to get you through until you see a regular doctor, and they require a copy of the prescription.
If I don't have a car, how will I get around?
There is plenty of housing near the college, and CE's student housing is also nearby. Both ACE and our Community House are just minutes from the college, and downtown is just a short walk. We do suggest bringing a bike and a helmet. Public transportation is also available throughout the city and on campus.
© Changing Directions, LLC 2006
