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 Requirements

Students should have access to a computer/device with reliable Wi-Fi at home/off campus. The program has a laptop cart available, however, if you would like to purchase your own device, a windows based laptop with the minimum specifics below is recommended:

Windows/PC:

Windows 10 64-bit (preferred)
Windows 8.1 (32 or 64-bit)

RAM: 8GB
Hard Drive: 256GB SSD
Processor: 2.4+ GHz

Commercial Driver's License Training (CDL)

An Unrestricted Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), including air brakes, is required for graduation. Students who already have an Unrestricted Class A 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. Student receives a Medical Examiner's Certificate which is needed on the first day of class. 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.

ASE Certification

This program is an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) program, certified by ASE Education Foundation which enhances the student's employment potential. All students will be required to complete the ASE student exams each year.

Tools

Tools will be provided for student's use as part of the program, other than the supplemental tool and equipment items, specific tool set is NOT required to start the program.  Due to space concerns, students will NOT be allowed to bring in their own tools or tool boxes.  Students will be assigned a tool box set and will be responsible for repair or replacement of any missing or damaged tools.  Students will have the opportunity to meet with tool vendors during the program to make tool purchases to use in the workforce.

Diesel Internship

Students complete a 64-hour internship during the summer between their second and third semester of the program which is designed to provide the student with an individualized occupational experience in a workplace setting in the medium/heavy truck field. A training plan is created for each student in conjunction with the training site and the program to provide experience related to the skills and knowledge acquired in the program.

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.

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.