Q & A to Help You Decide if CVTC is Right For You
Haley Bremer, a Chippewa Valley Technical College Admissions Advisor, helps students and families learn about all of the programs and opportunities at CVTC.
We sat down with Haley Bremer, an Admissions Advisor at Chippewa Valley Technical College, to ask her a few questions about how she helps people choose CVTC.
Q: How long have you been an Admissions Advisor at CVTC?
A: I want to say it is coming up on four years. I’ve been with the College for six years going on seven, but I’ve been in this role for four years this spring. It’s crazy how time flies when you’re having fun.
Q: Why is it important for people interested in CVTC to take a tour?
A: I think it helps to give them a perspective of the space so they can see themselves here. Do they feel comfortable on campus? It also gives them an opportunity to check out the labs because those are not like a traditional classroom. They can get their questions answered one-on-one. And we can show them the student resources we offer. I want to make sure I’m giving them enough information to make an informed decision.
Q: As someone who is advising potential CVTC students and helping them to determine a college, what do you need from them to best do your job?
A: Having them come in with a program interest is helpful because then we can really tailor the tour to them and show them everything that they would need to know about the program and the spaces. But if they are undecided, that’s totally understandable. We give them a general tour but talk about the things that interest them and their hobbies. It’s about getting to know them a little bit and showing them things that might interest them.
Q: What are the differences between a tour for someone coming right out of high school and someone who has maybe been in the workforce and is deciding to return to school?
A: The tour script definitely changes. For someone coming fresh out of high school, we try to highlight the student life aspect to get them excited about coming to college and being part of a community. Non-traditional students probably aren’t as interested in all of the events, but maybe they need more of the resources we offer on how to get back into the groove of school and studying. For them, I might touch on our free adult education, college prep, and refresher courses. I would also talk about credit for prior learning and set them up with a coordinator to see if any of their prior credits or work experience would go toward whatever program they’re interested in. But also, we have so many different types of students at CVTC. I like to make sure everyone knows that and encourage people that it’s never too late to start or go back to college.
Q: Why else should people consider taking a tour?
A: It’s a really good opportunity for them to explore everything that we have to offer. And if they want to apply, we can always sit down with them and walk them through the admissions process and help them get started in that way. We ask that they have their high school graduate date or year and their social security number. If they have questions about payment or financial aid, we can help set them up with a financial aid coordinator, and we always encourage them to check out the scholarships page. Basically, just don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Q: What are some of the typical questions you get during a tour?
A: Class size is always a big thing. If someone graduated from high school in a class of 17, they might not want to be one of 100 in a college course. Class sizes vary depending on the program, but CVTC classes typically have 24 or fewer students on average. Also, community is really important to students. We have a new mascot – Ollie the river otter. We have esports teams, and we’re working on starting some intramural sports. If students are struggling with their studies or finances, our team at Student Central is amazing. Taking a tour gives people the knowledge they need to make an informed college decision. It helps them look at all the different opportunities and see what’s out there. Sometimes, we walk past a lab, and they say, “Oh, what is that?” We can pique their curiosity and show them what we have to offer.
To schedule a tour of CVTC, get more information here.
Ready to Get Started at CVTC? Apply online or call 715-833-6300 with questions.
