High school students can take steps to enhance their opportunity to attend the college of their choice

For high school students, preparation for attending the college of their choice begins early during their high school careers, even for those who are uncertain about attending college. A rigorous academic schedule balanced with extracurricular activities is a good formula for high school students who are planning to attend college, according to Ohio University-Chillicothe Director of Student Services John Fisher.

“Good college preparation includes taking challenging courses n high school and making good grades in those courses,” Fisher said. “I strongly suggest that high school students who are considering college take the Ohio Core curriculum subjects.”

It adds up that math is a big factor in the equation. “Studies have shown that the No. 1 predictor of academic success in college is how students perform in high school math, particularly in advanced courses such as algebra,” Fisher said.

More than classroom stars, college admissions officials are looking for students who are engaged in other activities. “While grades are more important than outside activities, colleges are looking for well-rounded students. Being involved in activities outside of class can enhance your application and is something the student can mention in application letters. Extra-curricular activities such as school clubs, government, athletics, musical activities and community service can help to build a student’s portfolio. Or, if a student has a part-time job, that shows an ability to handle responsibility and manage the demands of a busy schedule.”

Further, showing up and following through with assignments and responsibilities cannot be underestimated. “Good attendance is important. Plus, you want to finish strongly. Showing a good upward trend of grades as you advance through school is important. Admissions counselors will take that into account if you struggle early but have better grades during your junior and senior years of high school. On the other hand, if you coast and take your senior year off, that can hurt your application."

If students are uncertain about their future plans but college is a possibility, Fisher suggests they take the ACT or SAT college board tests. To quality for financial aid, he advises that they fill out FAFSA forms after the parents’ tax returns are prepared during the student’s senior year in high school.

“If you have any interest at all in college, take the necessary steps to keep that option open. There is no reason to close the door on a college education. If finances are a challenge, there are several scholarship and other financial aid programs available to help with costs. Many can be found by doing a computer search,” Fisher said. “Getting a college degree can open a lot of doors for future success.” Students of all ages and parents who are seeking advice about the college admission process can contact Fisher at (740) 774-7750 or fisherj3@ohio.edu or OU-C Manager of Student Recruitment TJ Eveland, (740) 774-7721 or evelandt@ohio.edu

“Whether students attend OU-C or another campus, we are here to help connect area residents with higher education,” Fisher said.

Psychology fellows are available for counseling

Keely J. Hope, Ph.D., and Christopher Smith, Ph.D., will be available to offer counseling sessions for OU-C students during the 2009-10 academic year. Both are post-doctoral fellows at Ohio University. Hope will be on campus from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Monday, and Smith will be on campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Wednesday. Their office is 141 Bennett Hall. Based on availability, students can drop in and talk with a counselor or may schedule an appointment by calling (740) 774-7704 or by email at hope@ohio.edu or smithc21@ohio.edu. Faculty and staff members may also speak with the counselors regarding mental health-related outreach programming. “College can be overwhelming at times, and we are available to talk with students about test anxiety, daily problems, stress and other situations that might be bothering them. Often, talking with a professional can be of great benefit,” Smith said. In addition, self-help educational information and community mental health resources are available in the Counseling Services office. Those needing emergency, crisis or individual counseling outside of the counselors’ OU-C office hours should contact Scioto-Paint Valley Mental Health, (740) 775-1270, Crisis Line, (740) 687-8255 (TALK) or contact Dennis Bothel, who can arrange for non-emergency assistance, at (740) 774-7229.

Students can survey possible options during upcoming College Night event

Area high school students and their parents can explore the offerings of more than 50 colleges and universities during the annual College Night event from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 8 in the Shoemaker Center on the Ohio University-Chillicothe campus. Both the Chillicothe campus and Athens campus will be among those represented at the event.

“This event offers an opportunity for prospective students and their parents to investigate a number of potential colleges in one evening,” OU-C Manager of Student Recruitment TJ Eveland said. “At OU-C, we are focused on utilizing higher education to open the doors of opportunity and impact the quality of life for residents of the region, and this occasion emphasizes that commitment.” Those attending College Night will be able to explore various post-high school options and ways to fund those endeavors. Besides the various educational institutions, there will be representatives of some branches of the Armed Forces and various scholarship and loan programs. “We want to ensure that area students are aware of the advantages that OU-C offers, including the friendliness of a small campus and resources of a national university. More than that, it is important that that our area students realize the opportunities that are available to them,” Eveland said. “For some students, it will be their first contact with a college representative. For others, it will offer a chance to further investigate some schools and ask follow-up questions. The local Kiwanis Club chapter and OU-C are sponsoring the event. Those with further questions can contact OU-C Manager of Student Recruitment TJ Eveland at 740-774-7721 or evelandt@ohio.edu.

OU-C Day on Nov. 12 to celebrate campus’ heritage

The Chillicothe Campus will host OU-C Day on Nov. 12. An eventful schedule of events is on tap, and members of the campus and local community are invited to participate. “This daylong event builds upon last year’s Heritage Day and offers an opportunity to reflect on the qualities that make OU-C such a great place to learn and work,” OU-C Dean Richard Bebee said. The day’s highlight will be the ribbon-cutting for the Parkway Project at 3:30 p.m. in front of Bennett Hall. Among other activities are a scholarship breakfast, by invitation, which will allow Chillicothe Campus students to meet with those who have contributed to their college education; the annual fall mixer cookout from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; an art show in the Patricia Scott Gallery in Bennett Hall, a possible performance by a local high school band and a book display in the Stevenson Center Library. Details will be released as the schedule is set. “The Parkway Project changes the exterior of campus to reflect the dynamic quality of the OU-C learning community and is truly a transformational event in the life of the campus,” Bebee said. “As the first regional campus in the state, the Chillicothe Campus has a legacy as being a leader in higher education. As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of best serving our students and serving our region. It seems appropriate to take time to reflect on the campus’ core values that have sustained us for more than 60 years and to consider how we can achieve even greater success in the future

Open house sessions explore application process and other aspects of college life

Beginning Oct. 2, Ohio University-Chillicothe will host weekly “Open House Fridays” to help area residents become more familiar with the college application, admission and financial aid processes, college expectations and resources that are available to help students succeed. The open-house events are especially valuable for prospective students (both high school and non-traditional students), students’ parents and education professionals such as guidance counselors and others in the field of helping individuals pursue their educational goals. The schedule includes: • 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. College Information Session • 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Campus Tour • 11 a.m. to Noon. Financial Aid Workshop • Noon to 2 p.m. Open Advising Center “People can attend as much of each program as they wish. The sessions are designed with the prospective students in mind so that interested individuals can explore areas that are of particular interest to them,” OU-C Manager of Student Recruitment TJ Eveland said. “This offers an opportunity for students, their parents and education professionals to better understand the OU-C admission and registration process and for prospective students to get a first-hand look at college. This effort continues OU-C’s focus on helping make higher education accessible to area residents, whether they attend the Chillicothe Campus or elsewhere.” For more information, contact Eveland at (740) 774-7721 or evelandt@ohio.edu

OU-C softball team tryouts slated for Sept. 26

The OU-C softball team will hold tryouts for the 2010 team at 10 a.m. on Sept. 26 at VA Memorial Stadium, located north of Chillicothe off of State Route 104 at the north entrance to the VA Medical Center. Prospective players should arrive early to complete player profile forms. Those with questions can contact head coach George Beck at (office) 740-779-9260 or (cell) 740-649-8804.

Construction update

The project to extend air conditioning to Shoemaker Center is complete, and the air conditioning unit is operational in offices and the gymnasium. The Parkway Project continues, with Phase II work of constructing curbs and sidewalks in front of Bennett Hall. The next step will be paving that area, which will probably take place next week.

Upcoming Campus Events

• Title IX Training at 3 p.m. on Sept. 23 in Bennett Hall auditorium • Administrative Council at 9 a.m. on Sept. 24 and Oct. 15 in Bennett Hall room 105 • “World Laughter Tour” brown bag lunch at noon on Sept. 25 in Bennett Hall room 134. Open to entire campus community • OU-C softball tryouts at 10 a.m. on Sept. 26 at VA Medical Center Stadium • Academic Council at noon on Sept. 29, Oct. 13 and Oct. 27 in Bennett Hall room 105 • College Night at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 in Shoemaker Center • Classified Group at 9 a.m. on Oct. 13 in Bennett Hall room 105 • “Pure Prairie League” in concert on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17 in the Shoemaker Center • Ohio University Human Resources meeting at 3 p.m. on Oct. 20 in Bennett Hall room 134 • OU-C Day on Nov. 12. Will include scholarship/donor breakfast, Parkway Project ribbon-cutting and other activities. Details to be announced