Advising / Assessment

Return to: Services for Students 

Location:

College Center

Telephone:

Greeley - 970.339.6251
Fort Lupton - 303.857.4022, ext. 5903
Loveland - 970.667.4611, ext. 3306

Director:

Paula Yanish

Assistant Director:

Michael Gulliksen

Email:

AskAnAdvisor@aims.edu

The Student Success Center is a community of learner-focused professionals who advocate the empowerment and growth of individuals. As such, the center provides services in a confidential setting to assist students in achieving academic and career success. These services include:

1. Academic Advising
2. Testing Center
3. Career Services
4. Crisis Response
5. STAR Center

Academic Advising

970.339.6251

We understand that the time and money spent on your education is one of the most important investments you will ever make. As such, our academic advisors are committed to helping you navigate through the educational system by clarifying the process and helping you select programs of study and classes to successfully meet your short- and long-term goals. Whether you want to complete a certificate such as nurse aid, obtain a career and technical degree, transfer to another institution, or take a course for personal interest, the knowledgeable advisors in the Advising Center will answer your questions and partner with you in your journey. All students are encouraged to visit with an advisor prior to registering for classes; however, new degree/certificate-seeking students are required to meet with an advisor. Specifically, the advisors will:

• Review assessment scores.
• Identify classes that will fulfill your educational and career goals.
• Explain graduation requirements and other policies/procedures of the college.
• Create an individual transfer plan.
• Monitor and discuss your academic progress.
• Assist you with the online registration process.
• Connect you to other campus resources and offices.

Since this is a collaborative partnership, you will be expected to:

• Make timely advising appointments each term and arrive at the appointment prepared to discuss academic/career goals and course selections.
• Utilize the college catalog to become familiar with degree/program requirements, college policies, etc.
• Consult with your advisor when making a schedule change, having academic difficulties, changing majors, or withdrawing from school.
• Retrieve and provide documentation such as ACT scores and college transcripts to allow your advisor to provide the best advice possible to you.
• Recognize that you are ultimately responsible for making decisions about your educational and career choices.

If you want more intensive advising services or find yourself on academic probation/ suspension, you can ask to be assigned to a Retention Advisor. The Retention Advisors will help you:

• Understand and adjust to the demands of college.
• Balance college course load with work and family.
• Locate workshops on study skills and how to be a successful college student.
• Learn how to prepare for tests, manage your time, and understand your learning style.
• Understand the Academic Standards Policy and work with you on developing a Student Success Plan if you are on academic probation.

After you have made sufficient academic progress and meet requirements determined by the academic division, you may be assigned to a faculty advisor in your chosen field of study.

Testing Center

970.339.6562

The Testing Center at Aims Community College believes that assessment plays an important part in helping you succeed in your educational endeavors. Keeping that in mind, it is the Center’s goal to provide you with a comfortable, quiet and secure testing environment.

Aims Community College is a multi-campus institution. Each campus offers a variety of assessment tests and services, including:

Placement Testing

According to the State of Colorado, all first time degree-seeking students, as well as students seeking select certificates must be assessed in Reading Comprehension, English and Mathematics.

At Aims Community College, you must complete the Accuplacer placement exam or meet State assessment requirements before registering for classes. You can meet State assessment requirements by:

1. Showing proof of successful completion of an Associates of Arts, Associates of Science, or baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution (excludes Associate of General Studies and Associate of Applied Science graduates), or
2. Showing proof of successful previous college experience at an accredited college. Students who have successfully completed (C- or higher) a college-level mathematics and writing course within the past ten years from a regionally accredited institution will be exempt from taking the Accuplacer Placement test.
3. Showing proof of minimum ACT scores of 18 in English, 19 in Math (for certain courses), and 17 in Reading, or
4. Showing proof of minimum SAT scores of 440 in the verbal area (for English), 430 in the verbal area (for Reading) and 460 in the math area, or
5. Taking the College Board’s Accuplacer Placement test. If you need to take the Accuplacer, please keep the following things in mind:
   • Prior to taking the Accuplacer, you must have an application on file.
   • On the test day, please bring a Student ID Number (you will not be allowed to test unless you have your Student ID Number) and a Photo ID.
   • Please note that calculators are not allowed on the Mathematics section of the Accuplacer.
   • The Accuplacer is an untimed test. As a result, we encourage you to take your time and do the best you can.

Academic Testing

Testing services for faculty include administering the following:  makeup exams for the classroom, exams for Hybrid and Internet courses, written FAA exams, secured Nursing exams, and secured EMS exams.  We also provide test accommodations for those with documented disabilities.

CLEP & DANTES

The Testing Center offers both the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). Both programs give you the opportunity to obtain college credit for learning obtained outside the conventional college/university classroom.

Other Tests and Services Offered Through the Testing Center

1. Proctored Exams – We proctor exams for other colleges and universities. Proctored tests are by appointment only.
2. Typing Tests
3. Spanish Placement Test
4. Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) exam
5. ACT Center – Through the ACT Center, we offer a variety of certification and licensure exams.

Please call 970.339.6562 to inquire about fees.

Career Services

www.aims.edu/student/career

970.339.6251

Career Services is available to assist you in discovering and moving toward your career goals. These services are designed as a resource to be used before, during, and after formal education at Aims.

Career Services resources:

• Career Counseling
• Resume/Cover Letter Reviews
• Mock Interview
• Career Advance
• Career Exploration Resources
• Annual Job/Career Fairs
• Job Search Skill Development Presentations
• Job Search Assistance

Career Counseling Services: If you would like individualized assistance in discovering how you are wired and how that connects to career options, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Career Services. Career Counseling is a 3-appointment series that provides you with knowledge about your personality and interests, connected career niches and exploration resources. For community members, the Career Counseling service costs $50.

Job Search Skill Development Resources: From helping to develop a stand-out resume to coaching on interviewing skills, Career Services can help you get your job search in gear! Don’t miss our annual Career Fairs held in partnership with UNC and Employment Services of Weld County. Check out our web site for the latest information about upcoming events.

Check out our on-line job board, Career Advance! This site is only available to Aims students/alumni and is free to use. Register on Career Advance to view current job postings including campus work-study positions, internships and volunteer positions, as well as part-time and full-time job opportunities! Access Career Advance at www.aims.edu/student/career. Go to the Student drop down menu and select “Career Advance Log-in.” Get connected!

Crisis Response

The goal of our crisis response services is to provide institutional interventions to foster your continued attendance and to protect your safety as well as the safety of the college community. Each campus has qualified Student Success Center staff members who can assist you with locating appropriate campus and community resources. For further assistance and information, contact the Student Success Office on your campus.

STAR Center

Located on the second floor of the College Center within the Learning Commons space, the STAR (STudent Achievement and Retention) Center houses the Emerging Scholars Program designed to support students in at least two levels of college prep areas.  Additionally, the retention advisors assist students who are on academic probation/suspension and financial aid suspension with identifying strategies to help them get back on track in their academic pursuits.