Student Success at OCC

Student Success at OCC

Get to Your Goal

Every student at OCC has a goal. Whether you’re here to transfer to a four-year college or university, jump into the workforce or learn new skills, your path to success requires that you stay focused and keep moving forward. 

You’re not alone on this journey – every one of us at OCC is here to help you succeed. We’ve put together a list of tips and resources to help you reach your goal:

Achieve Your Dreams Faster

Select from OCC's multiple course options and take 30 credits or more per year as a full-time student, and 20 credits or more per year if you attend part-time.

This pace will help you to jump start your career, increase your earning potential, get on track to your next degree or certificate and set yourself up for success.

There are several ways to do this: 

  • Full-time students: take 30 credits every year.
    • Fall: 12 credits; Winter: 12 credits; Summer: 6 credits
    • Fall: 15 credits; Winter: 12 credits; Summer: 3 credits
    • Fall: 15 credits; Winter: 8 credits; Summer: 7 credits 

  • Part-time students: take at least 20 credits every year.
    • Fall: 9 credits; Winter: 9 credits; Summer: 3 credits 
    • Fall: 12 credits; Winter: 6 credits; Summer: 3 credits 
    • Fall: 9 credits; Winter: 7 credits; Summer: 4 credits

  • Add summer classes each year to get ahead. The good news is this can be FREE. If you take at least 16 credits at OCC between Fall and Winter, you’ll likely qualify for the Summer Momentum Scholarship.
  • Take a course option that fits within your busy schedule. OCC offers many online, later-start and shorter class options.

Start Off Strong – Take Math and English Early 

Successful completion of Math and English will set you up for success for other courses. Studies show that students who take Math and English their first year of college are more likely to graduate. Source: Community College Research Center

Starting off with Math and English helps you to get used to the pace and workload of college courses. By the time you get to the more specialized courses in your program, you’ll be a seasoned pro. 

How to do it:

  1. Take a placement test or see if you qualify for any exemptions including high school GPA or Credit for Prior Learning for what you’ve already learned in the workplace or community.
  2. Place yourself in the appropriate Math or English course. Your OCC counselor can help you build the schedule that’s best for you!

See the Results of Your Hard Work – Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress is key to reaching your goal. Make sure you check in regularly to keep moving in the right direction. 

How to do it:

  • OCC offers an effective tool for visualizing your entire academic journey. It’s located in your Student Planner in MyOCC!
  • Register early to get into the classes you need/want 
  • Meet with your counselor regularly to make sure you're staying on track and prepare for graduation.
  • Celebrate small wins along the way! 

Stay Motivated, Stay Connected 

College isn't easy, especially when you’re juggling work, family and personal responsibilities – but you don’t have to go it alone.

Get involved in something, big or small, and find your people, whether that's your classmates, faculty or OCC employees.

Take advantage of the many resources available:

Connect with OCC: