FAQs

Academics - Edison

Q:   How do I arrange a campus visit?
You can schedule a campus visit online at the RLN website, select the Visit Us link and fill out the requested information, an admissions secretary will call you to confirm the date and time. You can also call our admissions office (1-800-922-3722 or 937-778-8600, ext. 318) to schedule your personal tour and visit. To schedule a tour of the Darke County Campus, ask for ext. 700 or call 937-548-5546.

Q:   How big are classes?
Edison classes will be comparable in size to your high school classes. Many classes have 15-20 students; a few classes have up to 35 students.

Q:   Will Edison credits transfer to another college?
Yes, if you take transfer-level classes and earn Cs or better. Edison students have successfully transferred to colleges and universities nation-wide. In addition, Ohio has a guaranteed state Transfer Module. The key to a successful transfer is to plan your schedule with the help of an Edison academic advisor. For more information, contact Maggie Myers, our Director of Advising and Transfer: mmyers@edisonohio.edu

Q:   Is Edison accredited?
Yes. Edison is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). This is an important factor in the transferability of our credits.

Q:   What majors does Edison offer?
We offer more than 30 two-year Associate degrees designed to transfer to four-year colleges or launch your professional career. In addition, we design Certificates of concentration in key career fields, or Fast Tracks to get you going. If skills training is what you're after, our Business and Industry Center designs non-credit training for area industry. For a complete listing please click on the Learning Opportunities link above.

Q:   How much will it cost me to attend classes at Edison?
Estimate $3,500 to $4,000 per year for tuition, fees, and books for a full-time student. Our current tuition fee is $115.00 per credit hour. A “full-time” student must register for at least 12 credit hours each semester. Example: “Ray” registers for 12 credit hours for the first semester; his cost for the first semester will be 12 X $115.00 or $1,380.00, plus any lab fees and books. The second semester he registers for 15 credit hours; his cost for the second semester will be 15 X $115.00 or $1,725.00, plus any lab fees and books. His cost for the year will be $1,380 + $1,725 or $3,105.00, plus lab fees and books.

Q:   What is a credit hour?
 Just as you earn credits toward graduation in high school, you earn credits in college. These credits accumulate and apply toward your major and your degree. One credit hour roughly equals one clock hour of class instruction time. For a three-credit class, you will spend approximately three hours in class each week.

Q:   What is the difference between quarters and semesters?
A quarter is 10 weeks of instruction time; a semester is 15 weeks of instruction time (So a quarter credit hour equals two-thirds of a semester credit hour, because of the 10 weeks to 15 weeks ratio.)

Q:   What will my class schedule be like?
Most of Edison classes meet Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs. Some classes meet three times a week. Some night classes meet only once a week. If you register early, we will probably be able to arrange your schedule exactly the way you want it. When you schedule classes, think about what time of day you learn best.

Q:   When do classes start?
Edison follows a semester calendar, so our year is very similar to that of area high schools. Fall classes typically start the last Monday in August and end mid-December. Winter classes typically start the second Monday in January and end mid-May. Summer classes typically start mid-June and end the beginning of August.

Q:   For my parents’ insurance, I need to be a “full-time” student. What does this mean? Will I attend classes every day?
A “full-time” student is one who registers for at least 12 credit hours. Many students take 15-16 credit hours per semester; this depends on what other responsibilities you have. You determine your schedule. Most students choose to come every morning or every afternoon. But some students choose to have longer days and come for classes only two or three days a week.

Q:   Can I sit in on classes?
Yes, depending on the day and time you want to visit. You can schedule a visit online. When the admissions secretary calls you to confirm the date and time let them know what classes you would like to visit. You can also call to schedule your campus visit, just tell the admissions secretary the classes you would like to visit. Our instructors welcome visitors, but we do need to plan ahead to ensure your visit is beneficial (For example, the instructor may have a test scheduled for the day you plan to visit campus, or the class of your interest may not be offered the day you plan to visit).

Q:   I want to attend college, but circumstances require me to work full-time. How can I attend classes?
You may not be able to work full-time and attend classes full-time; so consider attending classes part-time—take one or two classes each term. Edison offers classes mornings, afternoons, nights, and even on Saturdays. Some classes are designated “flex,” which means you spend less time in class and more time working on your own outside of class. Edison also offers courses online via the Internet, which allows you to work from home anytime it is convenient for you.

Activities - Edison

Q:   Does Edison offer any student activities?
Edison Stagelight Players, Phi Theta Kappa, Photography Club, Writers’ Club, Campus Crusade for Christ, and SHRM are some of the many activities Edison offers. Cultural and social activities are held throughout the year. Students can relax in Edison’s “Electric Zone,” located in the cafeteria or surf the web in the "Internet Cafe".

Admissions - Edison

Q:   How do I apply for admission to Edison?
Applying for admission is easy. There are several options available to fit your needs. You can apply online at the RLN site by personalizing your visit and then selecting the Apply Online link. You can also apply by downloading the forms from the Edison website at /mainweb/admission.htm and then sending them to the address listed on the form. You can also visit the Student Services Department at Edison to request the forms and fill them out while here or take them home and mail them back.

Q:   When should I apply for admission?
Edison has a “rolling admission” policy. This means you may apply for admission at any time. We recommend applying in January for the fall semester.

Q:   Do I have to take the ACT or SAT?
Edison has an “open admission” policy. This means we will accept all applicants; however, we need to determine your preparedness or readiness for college-level reading, writing, and mathematics. If you have completed the ACT or SAT, we can consider these scores. If you have not completed the ACT or SAT or if your scores are below the college-ready level, you can complete a placement assessment (COMPASS) at either our main campus in Piqua or at our Darke County Campus in Greenville.

Q:   What scores do I need on the ACT or SAT?
If your ACT composite is 20 or higher and your individual scores in English and reading are 20 or higher, you are eligible to register for classes. Depending on your major and your math score, we may do additional placement testing in math. If your SAT combined verbal and math scores are 950 or higher, you are eligible to register for classes. Depending on your major and your math score, we may do additional placement testing in math. If your scores are below those indicated, you will be able to complete the COMPASS—a placement test designed by ACT for use by community colleges. There is no fee for completing COMPASS. COMPASS is available at both campuses—Greenville and Piqua.

Q:   Does Edison offer a payment plan?
Yes. The payment plan for fall and spring semesters consists of four payments. There is a $25 processing fee for utilizing the payment plan. The payment plan for the summer term consists of two payments, plus the $25 processing fee.

Athletics - Edison

Q:   What athletic opportunities are available at Edison?
Edison has both a men's and a women's basketball team.

Career Development - Edison

Q:   How do I find a job on campus?
Visit our Financial Aid Office inside Student Services (North Hall 020) and complete an application for a work-study position (or ask us to mail you a copy). Campus supervisors from many departments review these applications and then contact students for interviews.

Q:   Does Edison provide job placement?
Yes. Free job placement services are available through our Career Development Office. Career advisors will assist you with resume writing, interviewing skills, and your overall job search. In addition, internships in many of our technical programs lead to employment after graduation.

Directions - Edison

Q:   Where is Edison?
Edison has two campuses—the main campus in Piqua, Ohio and the Darke county campus in Greenville, Ohio.

Q:   What are the directions to Edison's Main Campus in Piqua?
You can find directions to the main campus in Piqua at the RLN site by selecting the Visit Us link or: Edison is located off Looney Road, north of route 36, close to I-75, exit 82. ·From the north, follow I-75 to exit 82, turn east (left) on route 36. At the first intersection (Looney Road), turn left. Follow Looney for about half a mile to Edison Drive (will be on your right). ·From the south, follow I-75 to exit 82, turn east (right) on route 36. At the first intersection (Looney Road), turn left. Edison Drive will be on your right, about half a mile from the intersection. ·From the east, follow route 36 to the Looney Road intersection (look for Home Depot on your right). Turn right on Looney Road. Follow Looney for about half a mile to Edison Drive (on your right). ·From the west, follow route 36 to the Looney Road intersection (look for Home Depot on your right, B-P on your left. Turn left on Looney Road. Follow Looney for about half a mile to Edison Drive (on your right).

Q:   Where do I go after I turn in on Edison Drive?
Follow the blue signs along the driveway. Our Student Services Office (admissions, academic advising, athletics, career development office, cashier’s office, financial aid, and registration) is located in North Hall. Park in Area 3. Use the North Hall entrance; Student Services will be immediately to your left.

Q:   What are the directions to Edison's Darke County Campus?
You can find directions to the Darke County Campus in Greenville at the RLN site by selecting the Visit Us link or: The Darke County Camus in Greenville is located at 601 Wagner Avenue, Greenville, Ohio.

Disabilities - Edison

Q:   Who qualifies for disability services?
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended defines a person with a disability as any individual who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person' major life activities has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities may include: speaking, walking, self-care, socialization, receiving training or education, working, transportation of adaption to housing. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 defined the term "otherwise qualified person with a disability." The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 1990, provides an additional definition: "Qualified individual with a disability' means one who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services of the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity". The following list represents some of the conditions now considered as disabilities or special needs: Legal blindness, including one eye only Deviated septum AIDS Chronic tuberculosis Asthma Arthritis Diabetes Cancer Heart conditions Epilepsy Cerebral palsy Dyslexia or other learning disabilities Previous drug or alcohol dependency Other disorders listed in DSM-IV Edison also helps students with temporary disabilities due to accident or illness. Students are required to provide documentation of their disabilities before they can receive special support services. To pass a course, all students are responsible for completing all requirements for the course.

Q:   What if I have been on an IEP in high school?
Schedule an appointment with Mr. Dick Bollenbacher by calling us at 1-800-922-3722 or 937-778-8600, ext. 371. You and he will discuss your specific academic needs and how Edison can help you achieve your goals. He will also explain for you the documentation required by colleges.

Q:   What services are vailable?

• Academic advising
• Networking with outside agencies
• Personal counseling
• Special workshops
• Specialized testing
• Adaptive equipment
• Class assistants
• Note taking
• Tutoring
• Books on tape

Q:   What support equipment is available?

• (3) 1.2 GHZ Computers with 17" LCD monitors, Windows XP, Zoom Text, Speech Program, On-Screen Keyboard Additional
• (4) Computers in Internet Cafe with 15" LCD's
• ELINK Electronic access to Edison and State of Ohio Library Resources
• Both large screen and adaptive speech access are available for individuals who are blind or impaired
• Adjustable tables for in-class use
• Chroma, color adjustable CCTV for viewing text materials on an enlarged scale. (Equipment is portable for use in the class room or Learning Center)
• V-Tech display monitor and Voyager XL automatic viewing table for viewing text material on an enlarged scale
• Magnifiers (hand-held)
• Tape recorders
• Books on tape

Q:   When and how should I request services?
As soon as you decide to enroll at Edison, you should make contact with the coordinator for students with special needs. Make an appointment through the Admissions Office (Student Services, North Hall Room 020, extension 360 or 371.) Every semester you are enrolled, you need to make contact at least two weeks prior to start of classes. During this appointment we will discuss the documentation you need and the kinds of accommodations that have been helpful for you in your previous academic experience. Providing appropriate services and equipment requires time; therefore, the earlier we start the process, the more likely we are to have a system in place on the first day of your class or classes.

Q:   What is "appropriate documentation"?
Edison requires a current (within the past three years) psychological report containing the results of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale; WAIS-R and Woodcock-Johnson-Psycho-Educational Battery or comparable tests. Generally, the documentation also details recommended academic support. An I.E.P. from a high school, a report from a physician who is not trained to administer psychological testing, or a high school report stating that the student has a learning difficulty does NOT constitute appropriate documentation. What is "appropriate documentation" for a physical disability? Depending on the disability, Edison may require written documentation (no more than three years old) from an authorized expert (M.D., audiologist, etc.). This documentation will state the nature of the disability and describe the accommodations the disability requires. If the disability is temporary, the documentation must state the anticipated date after which services will no longer be needed. What is "appropriate documentation" for an emotional disability? Edison may require written documentation from an authorized expert (psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical counselor, or licensed social worker).

Q:   How do I apply for services?
Call the Admissions Office, extension 360 or 371, or stop in at Student Services, North Hall Room 020, to schedule an appointment with the special needs coordinator.

Q:   Disability Contact Information
Special Needs Coordinator: Dick Bollenbacher, MS, LPC Phone 1-800-922-3722 or 1-937-778-8600 Extension: 360/371 North Hall Room 020 e-mail: Bollenbacher@edisonohio.edu Also contact for personal counseling needs: Ms. Sandy Brubaker, MS., LPC. Associate VP for Student Development and Enrollment Management e-mail: brubaker@edisonohio.edu

Financial Aid - Edison

Q:   Is Financial Aid available?
Yes. Students may apply for grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study (an on-campus job). To apply for grants and loans, the first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. A print version is available from your high school guidance counselor, our Darke County Campus in Greenville, or Student Services, North Hall 020 on our main campus in Piqua. Priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA for fall semester is May 1. (Students who submit all required paperwork by May 1 are guaranteed their application will be processed by Edison’s payment deadline.) You can find additional information at the RLN site by selecting the Financial Aid link.

Miscellaneous - Edison

Q:   Does Edison have on-campus housing?
We do not. But there are apartments close to campus.

Scholarships - Edison

Q:   Are scholarships available?
Yes. Edison offers many scholarships. Check with your high school guidance counselor for our scholarship application or e-mail us: finaid@edisonohio.edu Also check with your guidance counselor and www.fastweb.com for other scholarships.

Special Services - Edison

Q:   Does Edison provide tutoring?
Yes. Edison has a learning lab staffed with both student and faculty tutors who will give you one-on-one tutoring. In addition, you can gain help in identifying your learning style and in developing techniques to maximize your learning strengths. You can learn to improve your note-taking, listening, and study skills. The learning lab is free and open to all Edison students on a walk-in basis.

Q:   What if I don't know what I want to major in?
Our career advisors will help you determine what you want to do after high school. In addition, most majors have “common core or general education” requirements. This allows you to start college without knowing for sure what you want to major in. You start with “common core or general education” courses that will apply to whatever major you eventually choose.

Q:   Will someone help me schedule my classes?
Yes. Just schedule an appointment with one of our academic advisors. Call us and ask for extension 318.