This document provides guidance on developing an effective academic plan as a community college student. It recommends allowing 2 hours of study for each hour spent in class and outlines appropriate credit loads based on hours worked per week. An effective plan considers factors like commute, family/work responsibilities, and time for studying to ensure success, defined as passing grades, continued enrollment, degree completion, and transfer or job placement. Students are instructed to complete a Two-Three Year Academic Planning form identifying their intended major and career, faculty advisor, program orientation, and planned courses for each semester.

1. Developing and Academic Plan
If you specifically follow your Program of Study in the RCC
catalog (semester by semester), it will provide a plan to
complete an associate’s degree in two years (or certificates
in one or two semesters). This is not always possible
because of:
◦ –Results of placement testing (English and Mathematics)
◦ –Prerequisites of certain courses or degrees programs (MEC)
◦ –Ability to finance full-time study
◦ –Multiple responsibilities

2. Developing an Academic Plan
You should allow 2 hours of study time each week per hour in class
(3 credit class = 6 hours study)
If you work: Take no more than:
40 hours per week 6-7 credits
30 hours per week 9-10 credits
20 hours per week 12-13 credits
5-15 hours per week 14-16 credits
*12 or more credits = full-time student
**19 credits or more? Permission from the Dean

3. Developing an Academic Plan
An effective academic plan requires time management skills with consideration of:
–Commute
–Family responsibilities
–Employment responsibilities
–Time for reading, studying, and completion of assignments
Having a timeline to complete your degree is important; however, a successful community
college student has a realistic timeline that considers all factors to ensure success. We define
success by:
–Passing Grades
–Continued Enrollment/Registration
–Degree Completion/Graduation!
–Transfer and Job Placement (if applicable)

4. Developing a Two-Three Year Academic Plan
In Blackboard, locate the SDV Two-Three Year Academic Planning
assignment and download the form to your desktop, name it so you
can locate it, and complete.
◦ Identify your intended career and major. If you are undecided, choose a major
that you are considering to complete the assignment.
◦ Include the name of your faculty advisor on the form.
◦ Identify whether your major is transfer or workforce oriented.
◦ Finally, specify what courses you will take at RCC for each semester.
Submit the assignment as an attachment in Blackboard.