Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing academic plans based on their degree evaluations. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Academic Support

Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Tool Kit

You will be required to purchase an approved tool set that costs approximately $900 through CVTC. These tools will be used throughout the program.

Technology Requirements

Technology required in the program is supplied in the tool kit.  It is recommended student have reliable internet access.

Winter Term Requirement

• 093-122 Nutrient Management (First year)
• 458-308 CDL License Training - Pre-trip (First year)
• 006-138 Agriculture Marketing 2 credits (Second year)

Summer Requirements

Courses required to be taken in the summer:

• 093-130 Crop Scouting, 2 credits
• 006-190 Agronomy Internship, 1 credit

Commercial Driver's License Training (CDL)

A Class A Unrestricted Commercial Driver's License (CDL), including air brakes, is required for graduation. Students who already have an  Class A Unrestricted CDL must show proof of their license, including air brakes, and current DOT physical to receive credit for 458 numbered CDL License Training classes.

Additional requirements: 

• Controlled Substance Test – A controlled substance test is required for the CDL courses and a negative drug test result is required for class entry. This test is included in the cost of the class and will occur on the first day of class. Students are subject to random controlled substance testing while enrolled in the program. Testing positive during the program may jeopardize continuation and graduation in the program.
• Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical Examination – A physical examination by a DOT certified/licensed medical examiner is required to determine if person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. This exam is at the student's expense.
• Commercial Driver's License Instructional Permit (CDLI) – Students will need to pass the following tests at the DMV:
  • General Knowledge
  • Air Brakes
  • Combination Vehicle

Study Resources: Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Manual, CDL Driver's License practice application, CristCDL.com.

804-134 Mathematical Reasoning

Students may be eligible to earn credit for the Mathematical Reasoning course if they have taken the WorkKeys assessment or scored a 25 or higher on the Math section of the ACT.  If students have met the ACT score or taken the WorkKeys test or would like to take the WorkKeys test in lieu of the Mathematical Reasoning course, please contact the Credit for Prior Learning office CPL@cvtc.edu for more details.  Students are advised to contact CPL prior to the semester starting or within the first week of class to ensure that if they pursue CPL, they are eligible for a tuition refund.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Transfer Credit

Students planning to transfer to a university have the option to take 200-level courses that will count toward general education requirements in the four-year degree being pursued. While some of the 100-level general education courses listed on the program sheet may meet approval for transfer, the 200-level courses are more widely accepted for transfer. To determine what courses may transfer, utilize www.Transferology.com. Students should also contact the college or university they are pursuing to determine exactly what the school will accept and when to seek admission. Students should maintain contact with the other institution, given that program requirements are subject to change.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Pre-Program Students

Students who have pre-program status have been accepted into the college but not into the program. Pre-program status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, admission requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. By completing these courses ahead of time, students can decrease their credit load when they reach the highly demanding core program courses and increase their success rate in the program. Students who complete these courses as pre-program students will NOT be able to finish the program early; core program courses must be taken sequentially.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Postpartum

CVTC does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy and maternity leave will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's medical provider, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students are encouraged to contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to set up an appointment as soon as the pregnancy is known.

Last Updated: April 5, 2024 @ 3:04 p.m.