ADVISING THE DEVELOPMENTAL STUDENT

According to research, the majority of BCCC students will place in one or more developmental classes. While this may be a bit disheartening for a new student, the following tips my help you frame the information so students understand how they will increase their chances of success by taking developmental courses.

• Students who place into developmental coursework should understand that although the developmental courses don't apply toward graduation the courses build a foundation for them to succeed in college-level coursework.
• The courses do apply toward a student's financial aid status.
• The advisor should take care not to place judgment on the placement test scores
• The placement test scores are used in conjunction with the student's high school record as a predictor of success in a particular level of coursework.
• Most students are fairly anxious about their scores and want to know what those scores "mean about them". If you notice a low score, you might ask the student how he or she feels about that particular subject before discussing the placement. Generally, a student will know his or her academic weakness. It may help the student to let him/her know the percentage of BCCC students who begin in developmental courses.
• It is important to be honest with the student about how developmental courses may affect the time frame for acquiring a degree. This is particularly important for students with an imposed deadline (athletes).
• This may be time for students to take a good look at their strengths and determine if they need to re-evaluate their career choice. While an advisor should never "talk a student out of a major", that advisor may help the student be more realistic with his or her options.
• Students in two or more developmental courses must take Student Success Seminar.
• Remind students of the campus resources available to them (i.e. tutoring)

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