OJC opens Spring Semester registration

Registration for Spring Semester at Otero Junior College has begun and is open through Jan 8, 2007. Spring classes will begin the week of Jan 8, 2007.

According to Brad Smith, Director of Advising, Guidance and Recruitment, returning students have recently received letters from OJC with information about the pre-registration process. “We recommend that returning students register early to ensure they receive the classes needed for their degree programs,” said Smith. For those who did not attend Fall Semester at OJC, Smith stressed the ease with which new students can begin classes in the spring and get started with their degree or certificate plans.

“We encourage anyone who would like to learn more about the college and what we have to offer to call us or stop by our office. Once students visit or give us a call, we will schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. Advisors can provide career counseling and assist students with class placement and scheduling. We have an excellent variety of courses that should fit any schedule, from day and evening classes to hybrid online and short courses,” explained Smith.

Financial Aid information is also available at the Student Services Center. “Financial aid is still available for Spring Semester,” said Jennifer Carrica, Financial Aid director at OJC. “About 80 percent of the students who currently attend OJC receive some type of financial assistance, so students should not let financial hardships prevent them from attending college. I encourage students to contact me so that I can help facilitate the financial aid process,” she said.

In addition to concerns about financing a college education, some students also have questions about their ability to transfer to a 4-year college after completing two years at a community college. According to Jeff Paolucci, Vice President of Student Services, completion of the Associate of Arts degree with a grade of “C” or better in core courses, guarantees that a student can transfer to any Colorado public 4-year institution, and complete a liberal arts baccalaureate degree with only an additional 60 credits in selected courses of study.

“The State Guaranteed General Education Transfer Courses, coupled with the 60+60 transfer degree agreement, ensures that community college transfer students are able to obtain their bachelor’s degree with just an additional 60 credits in most disciplines.

For many students that amounts to about two years if they attend full-time,” explained Paolucci.

There are four associate degrees available at OJC. Students can earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of General Studies or an Associate of Applied Science degree. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are utilized by students who plan to transfer to a 4-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Otero Junior College also offers over a dozen occupational and career and technical education certificates that prepare students to enter the workforce with a specific skill.

Over 97 percent of OJC students are employed upon graduation or choose to continue their education at a 4-year colleges or university after graduating from OJC.

Spring Semester begins the week of Jan 8, 2007. To accommodate students registering for spring semester, the OJC Student Services Center will be open for the next two months from 7:30 am to 7 pm Mon - Thu and 7:30 am - 5 pm on Friday.

For more information or to register, stop by the OJC Student Services Center at 20th and south San Juan Avenue or call (719) 384-6831.

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