One of the first and most important steps for success at college - and in life - is to plan for it. And we've got lots of suggestions that will help set you succeed at Alpena Community College.

Counseling Services for all students are available by appointment or on a walk-in basis at the Student Services Office (VLH 107). Educational, social, personal and vocational counseling are provided by licensed staff.

Information about appointments for counseling at the Huron Shores Campus is available from the College office there.

Financial Aid assistance for students is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships and work study (student employment). To determine eligibility, students must fill out and submit the appropriate financial aid forms available at the Student Services Office (VLH 107), Campus Services (VLH 108) and at the Huron Shores Campus office.

Full details on federal, state and private financial aid programs can be found in the Financial Aid section of the current Alpena Community College Catalog. Scholarships may be need or merit based.

Students must make written application for renewal of all financial aid each year and also prepare a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Forms are available at Campus Services or Student Services. In addition, students must meet the standards of Minimum Academic Progress as explained in the Financial Aid section of the current Alpena Community College Catalog.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services, 315 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena (354-3108) or 1036 Aulerich St. in East Tawas (362-0010), can provide information on state and federal financial aid available to assist vocationally handicapped people obtain training for occupations within their abilities.

In many instances, physically or mentally handicapped people interested in continuing their education can receive assistance with tuition and fees.

Orientation is held to familiarize new students with the college campus, faculty, programs of study, student services, and social opportunities. Academic advising, the registration and testing process, academic regulations, and social conduct are discussed during orientation. Students are informed of orientation dates after their application for admission has been accepted.

The Career Center, located inside the Student Services Office (VLH 107), has college and university catalogs, applications and information; books and pamphlets about careers and job search techniques; and business directories. Discover, a computerized career guidance system, can help you decide the career for which you are best suited based on your interests, abilities, experiences and values. Another computerized guidance system available is MOIS (Michigan Occupational Information System).
This is also the place for help writing a resume or cover letter and preparing for interviews. To make an appointment, call 989.358.7240 or stop by VLH 107.
At the Huron Shores Campus, The Learning Center in Room 107 has similar services. Call 989.739.1445 Ext. 445.

The Women's Resource Center in VLH 107 has books and audio and video tapes on topics of interest to women. They can be used on a drop-in basis or checked out. The coordinator of women's programs assists both women and men at ACC who are interested in increasing their self-esteem, improving communication skills, developing their full potential and establishing control and direction in their lives. Services include personal and academic counseling, community referrals, career exploration and assistance, weekly support/discussion groups and workshop presentations.
Contact The Women's Resource Center 989.358.7277, for confidential individual appointments.

For a complete summary of services available to students, view the Support Services Available for Students brochure (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Watch for announcements about group meetings and special events on campus bulletin boards and in The Splinter, a newsletter published each Tuesday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters.