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Orientation FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

We want to help you get answers to your questions quickly! Contact the offices below by calling the College switchboard during business hours at 417-667-8181 and asking for the noted extension.

FINANCIAL AID AND STUDENT ACCOUNTS (ext. 2178) can answer questions about your financial aid or questions concerning the payment of College fees. Billing statements will be mailed to students enrolled in the fall term prior to June 30. You can reach them by calling 417-448-1445 or emailing financialaid@cottey.edu.

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC RECORDS (ext. 2125) can answer questions about class registration, grades, transcripts, transfer credits and graduation requirements.

OFFICE OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (ext. 2107) can answer questions on admission, completion of forms, test scores, high school transcripts, campus visits. You can reach them by dialing 1-888-5-COTTEY or by email at admit@cottey.edu.

HOUSING OFFICE (ext. 2104) can answer questions about roommate and hall assignments and provide general information about the residence halls. Housing information will be emailed the first of July for those students with completed health files. It will be important that you check your email throughout the summer for updates and new information.

OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE (ext. 2126) can answer questions about Orientation, health services, personal counseling, chartered buses to the airport, Family Weekend and local churches. This office also provides information about student activities, clubs and organizations and athletics.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Where do Cottey students come from?

In Fall 2021 students came from 34 states and 17 countries. International students come from countries across the globe including Bhutan, China, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Guatemala, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

What if I don’t get along with my roommate?

One of the most important things to do at the start of any roommate relationship is to communicate your likes, dislikes, boundaries and “rules” for the room. If a conflict arises, an R.A., hall director, or peer listener can meet with you and your roommate to help discuss the situation and come to a solution. Room changes are possible based on space available.

How do I join a musical, dance or theater group?

Cottey students have the opportunity to participate in the arts no matter what their major! If you’re a new student, make plans to audition for theater, dance, or music during Orientation.

What if I am having trouble with a class?

You should talk with the course instructor and outline your specific areas of concern. You might also want to form a study group with your classmates. Additional help is available through your academic advisor or the Kolderie Center, located in RBAC.

How can I stay in balance throughout the year?
  • Pay attention to your diet and nutrition
  • Relax
  • Exercise
  • Get enough sleep
  • Socialize with friends and have fun
Is Cottey a safe campus?

Yes; however, always use good judgment and practice reasonable safety precautions. For safety reasons, the residence halls are locked 24 hours a day. Your ID/keycard allows you to enter the halls and the other buildings on campus. Emergency call boxes are located strategically around the campus.

Are there housekeepers on campus?

There are several housekeepers in each residence hall to clean the bathrooms and the kitchens. They vacuum and dust the suite areas and clean the bathrooms. Students are responsible for cleaning their rooms, doing their dishes and picking up personal items.

How do I get books?

To access the essential textbook list for your enrolled courses, we encourage you to utilize the MyCottey platform. Here’s how you can find the information you need: simply log in, then click “Academics” in the blue band at the top of the screen. Once there, you should see an area labeled “Course Schedule.” Click on “View Details.” This should take you to a full list of your courses. By each course, you’ll see an “+” in a box. Click on each “+”. By following these steps, you’ll access a comprehensive list of mandatory and optional textbooks for each course.

We understand that textbook purchasing can be daunting, especially with the plethora of online options available. To simplify the process and help you find the best deals, we suggest exploring www.bookscouter.com. This platform scours various online retailers, including Amazon, to present you with the most competitive prices for purchasing or renting your required textbooks. Please note that if your textbook is published by OpenStax, it can be downloaded for free in pdf form from the OpenStax website: www.openstax.org.

What happens if I get sick while at Cottey?

Medical providers from the Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC), under contract with the college, provide treatment on campus for minor illnesses and injuries, provide health counseling, write prescriptions and make referrals. Your semester student health fee provides for this service. Students are strongly encouraged to be covered by adequate health insurance while at Cottey, and international students are required to maintain coverage.

What is a residence hall?

While many colleges have dormitories, we prefer to call ours “residence halls.” Cottey has three residence halls: Reeves, Robertson and P.E.O. A residence hall provides opportunities for out of classroom learning. You will grow and develop as an individual living in the campus housing community.

Will there be a lot of homework?

College classes are different than high school classes. You probably will have more reading assignments, and the exams and papers will cover a greater amount of material. You will be expected to do a fair amount of work outside of class. The general rule is you will need to study two hours for every hour in class. That means if you are taking 15 credits, you should study for 30 hours each week!

Is Cottey smoke-free?

In accordance with Cottey’s student-centered approach to education, commitment to creating a healthy learning environment, and general concern for the well-being of women’s and men’s lives, smoking and the use of other tobacco products is not allowed on the Cottey campus. This includes the use of e-cigarettes or other electronic devices. Students and employees found smoking or using tobacco products on campus will be subject to disciplinary action.