You might have been surprised to discover you have a college navigator. “What is a college navigator?” might be the follow-up question, so here’s what you need to know.
“All OTC students now have a college navigator to support them with long-term financial and academic planning,” says Steve Fouse, College Director of Student Success. “The most common question I get is, ‘What do navigators do?’ We meet each semester with our assigned students, help them directly and refer them to support resources they need.”
After being admitted to OTC, your admissions counselor is replaced by a college navigator to help you plan your academic course and your post-graduation path. Navigators also assist with addressing non-academic barriers that may arise during your time at OTC.
Who is my college navigator?
You will likely receive multiple emails and text messages from your navigator with helpful info. But, if for some reason those haven’t been getting through to you, just walk in to any Student Success Center and ask anyone there for help. They can connect you!
Where is my Student Success Center?
It depends on your program of study, and which campus or center is your home base.
- Springfield General Education Students – NKM 135
- Springfield Health Sciences Students – ICW 109
- Springfield Technical Education Students – ITTC 109
- Richwood Valley Campus Students – LSC Student Services Office
- Table Rock Campus Students – RWP Student Services Office
- Republic Center Students – REC Student Services
- Lebanon Center Students – RMC Student Services
- Waynesville Center Students – WEC Student Services Office
Should I make an appointment now, or wait?
There’s no real reason to wait for the support your navigator can provide! It’s better to book an appointment sooner than later, to assure the best availability for your classes. Keep in mind that appointment times can fill up around important dates like when registration opens, or the week before classes start. But the earlier you take action on tasks like completing your financial aid file, the more likely you are to have everything complete before payments come due.
In a nutshell…
Your college navigator is like an advisor, but even better. “If there is one thing I would like people to know,” says Steve Fouse, “it’s that you have a go-to person to help you through college! Your navigator can translate many of the most confusing aspects of college, and they will cheer you on and help you reach your goals. We provide personalized support and will be with you from when you start college to graduation.” If you haven’t met with yours yet, what are you waiting for?
Registration opens for Spring on Oct. 25, so sign up now to meet with your navigator. Book an appointment today!
