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).

Technology Requirement

Students will need to provide their own device for the online cohort.

Minimum System Requirements:
Run SolidWorks and AutoDesk products efficiently
RAM 16 GB
Hard Drive 256 GB
Processor 3.3 GHZ

If you already have a laptop that meets or exceeds the specs, you do not have to purchase another device. You will also need a reliable internet connection. Mac computer not recommended. 

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).

Computer Literacy

To be successful in this program, you must be comfortable using Windows based programs including opening and closing programs, file location, and standard commands. If you need computer training, consider 103-102 Microsoft Office Suite.

Testing Your Interest in Mechanical Design

We recommend 606-161 CAD, Basic or 606-130 Solid Modeling I to help you explore your interest in Mechanical Design.

Pre-Program Status Students

Pre-program status students have been accepted into the college and are taking courses before actual entry into the major core courses because the major core courses are filled to capacity, students hasn't met entrance requirements, students wish to begin with General Studies before entry into the major core courses.

• 801-136 English Composition
• 801-197 Technical Reporting (801-136 pre-req)
• 804-115 College Technical Math 1
• 806-154 General Physics 1 (804-115 pre-req)
• 809-195 Economics
• 809-199 Psychology of Human Relations (or can take 809-198 Intro to Psychology)

Math Readiness

804-115 College Technical Math 1 (or equivalent) must be successfully completed by the end of the first semester. Students who require additional math readiness will take more than four semesters to complete the program. You can brush up on your math in the Study Skills Center or through Adult Education at CVTC.

Part-Time Students

You may run into difficulty with normal progression through your program if you attend on a part-time basis. See your advisor for guidance on part-time enrollment.

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 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.

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: February 22, 2024 @ 8:19 a.m.