If You can't make it into NCAA Division 1 - Part 2

Pursue the Community College Option.

Part 2 of 3

Modelled after South Plains College.

http://catalog.soutplainscollege.edu/content.php?

International Student Admissions

General Requirements

1. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION
   ​First-time, transfer and concurrent international students must submit the international student application.
2. A $100 non-refundable application fee (in U.S. currency) is required before consideration of an application can be made.  They accept cash, money order or credit card. If paying by credit card email the Business Office at INTLFEE@southplainscollege.edu.  In the email please include your full name, name of credit card holder, credit card number, expiration date, and the security code on the back of the card.

Specific Requirements for International Transfer Students

1. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
   (Required from official non-English speaking countries)
   ​Evidence of proficiency in the English language is required and can be satisfied by submitting results from one of the following:

·        Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL)

o   Minimum score of a 550 (paper exam), 213 (computer exam), or 79 (internet-based exam). Scores are only valid for 2 years.

·        International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)

o   Minimum score of a 6.5 for academic version, general training results are not acceptable. Scores are only valid for 2 years.

·        Or by completing the highest level in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

·        International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in English with a 5 or higher

2. OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL/SECONDARY TRANSCRIPT
   ​An official transcript from the last four (4) years of secondary school must be submitted. The official transcript must be an original copy translated into English and must show each course completed along with the grade earned. A minimum grade average of “B” is required.

An unofficial copy of the transcript may be accepted temporarily for application to be reviewed. If accepted, student is required to submit the official transcript to the International Student Office upon arrival.

Do not send transcripts, diplomas, certificates or any other academic credential that cannot be duplicated or replaced. All documents become the property of South Plains College and will not be returned to the student.

3. FINANCIAL ABILITY
   ​Proof of financial ability to remain at South Plains College long enough to complete degree requirements must be submitted with the application. Proof can be in the form of a bank statement (minimum of $8,400 USD) and letter from the individual responsible for providing financial support for the international student, or the form I-134, Affidavit of Support.
4. PROOF OF THE MENINGITIS VACCINATION, if needed.

Additional Requirements for International Transfer Students

1. Official college transcript from all colleges/universities attended in the United States must be submitted in place of the high school/secondary transcript.
2. Must have completed at least 12 semester hours semester hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA to be eligible for consideration.
3. International Transfer Form

THE FORM I-20 WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL ALL SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN SATISFIED.

 Policies and Regulations

Student must maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only one (3hr) internet or distance education course will count towards full-time enrollment requirements, 9 hours in which must be taken on campus.

• Code of Federal Regulations 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G)

 If the student changes address, the student must provide the International Student Office with the new address within 10 days of relocating.

Student may work on-campus, with ISO approval, up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time while school is not in session or during the annual vacation.

• Code of Federal Regulations 214.2(f)(9)(i)

If the student acquires a Social Security card, the student is required to submit a copy of the card to the International Student Office immediately.

Student may not work off-campus unless student receives an Employment Authorization Document from U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

• Code of Federal Regulations 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(A)

 If the student plans to leave the country for any reason, the student is required to bring in the Form I-20 to the International Student Office and have it endorsed. Failure to do so will result in the student not being eligible to return to the United States by ICE.

The student is required to inform the International Student Office of the following changes:

                If student legally changes their name.
                If student changes their major.
                If the student enrolls in another institution.
                If student intends to transfer.

South Plains College reports to ICE all changes of name, address or major and changes from full to part-time course loads.

• Code of Federal Regulations 214.3(g)(2)(ii)
• Code of Federal Regulations 214.3(g)(2)(iii)

Expenses
Application Fee - $100
Housing Application Fee - $100
I-901 Fee - $200

Housing (estimated for one semester) - $1,950 per semester
Tuition (estimate for one year) - $5,800
Misc. Expenses - $650
Estimated Total = $8,400

 Health Insurance
Health insurance is not a regulatory requirement for F-1 students, but is strongly encouraged. South Plains College does not recommend any health insurance company.

 What to Expect if Accepted

I-901 FEE
Before the student can apply for a visa to enter the United States as a student, the student is required to pay the $200 I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.

• Most students may pay the fee by credit card at www.FMJFee.com. 
• If the student’s country of citizenship or country of birth is Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria or Gambia, the student will not be able to pay the fee by credit card. These students must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn on a U.S financial institution.
• Complete the Form I-901 online. A payment coupon will be generated upon completion of the form.
• Print a copy of the payment coupon and take it to your local Western Union.
• Fill out the Quick Collect/Quick Pay Form according to the information found at the bottom of the printed coupon. Example:
• Company Name (or Code City): SEVISFEE
• Account Number: Coupon Number (ex: 010222013872390)
• Amount: 200.00
• Present the coupon and your payment to the Western Union Agent for processing.

Payment will be linked to your Form I-901 and your online payment confirmation will be available immediately. You will be able to go to your student visa appointment 2-3 days after your payment has posted.

Dr.Cliff Bertrand

Olympian

http://drcliffbertrand.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Cliff-Bertrand-Caribbean-and-American-Insights-on-Sports-and-Education-1664318243857173/

If You can't make it into NCAA Division 1 - Part 1

Pursue the Community College Option.[Part 1 of 3]

Community/Two year /Junior Colleges are in most cases a public run institution.

The highest degree offered at these Colleges are:

AssociateDegrees and Diploma Certificates.

These schools have an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences.

You do not have to possess CXC passes. These schools offer an institutional admissions entrance examination. Four years of High School will cut some red tape. If you are deficient in your academic preparation they offer remedial classes to bring you up to par. They offer personal tutors to help you. They offer financial assistance to qualified students. You think you have talent!

If you have been recruited for athletic reasons, you have to be careful with the courses you are offered. If you do not take courses that would move you to the next level which should be a 4 year NCAA Div.1 level, you would be doomed. If you have sub-standard performances, do not attempt the Pro-circuit. You would be a lemon and they would make lemon juice with you!

The school utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Get used to it! The student-faculty ratio is 24-to-1.

Students can earn degrees and certificates in 18 different fields. Popular programs include: Health Professions and Related Programs, Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services, and Education. There are Junior colleges located in cities across the 52 states.

Open Admissions

Let’s exemplify South Plains College’s admissions program. It is based on an open door philosophy which accepts all students for enrollment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability or age.

To be eligible for admission to SPC, 

• you must have graduated or received a diploma from an accredited high school;
•  or have successfully completed a nontraditional secondary educational program, including home school;
• or have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) Test;
• or be admitted by individual approval. 

This offers the Caribbean athlete an opportunity they don’t otherwise have.

Students wishing to transfer to South Plains College from another college or university will be considered for admission, based on their previous college record. International students seeking admission should contact the Registrar directly for specific application information and forms.

The Dean of Admissions and Records is responsible for administering the admissions policies and procedures of the college. Questions pertaining to admission to South Plains College should be directed to the Admissions and Records Office.

General Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to South Plains College should follow these steps in the process.

1. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

New and transfer students must submit an Apply Texas Application for Admission at www.applytexas.org.

2. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

An official transcript of the student’s academic record in high school, or the record at each college attended since leaving high school, must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office.

It is your responsibility to forward all records to the Admissions and Records office.

Students who have successfully completed a non-traditional secondary educational program that meets all Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards, must provide an official transcript, along with a notarized statement indicating the student has completed all high school requirements.

Students applying for scholarships must provide ACT or SAT scores in order to meet scholarship eligibility requirements.

3. COLLEGE PLACEMENT TEST

Students who are entering college for the first time and who are not waived from Texas Success Initiative (TSI) are required to take the TSI Assessment test, prior to registering for classes. The student’s placement test scores are utilized in advising and placement in appropriate course work. Students with prior college-level work, and those entering specified certificate programs, may be waived from TSI requirements.

The TSI Assessment test is administered at South Plains College, and at other Texas colleges. Registration can be made online at www.southplainscollege.edu/testing.

4. CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE

Certificate of Residence is part of the admission application.

5. IMMUNIZATIONS

MENINGITIS: As required by Texas Law, all entering students under the age of 22 years must provide proof that the meningitis vaccination was administered at least 10 days prior to the first day of the term. Proof must be received by the Admissions and Records Office before the student is allowed to register for classes. Meningitis vaccinations must have been received or renewed within the last five (5) years. For detailed information, go to www.southplainscollege.edu/admissions.

Immunization is an integral part of your health care and the disease prevention program at South Plains College.  While the following are not a requirement for admission, all new or transfer students, especially those born on or after January 1, 1957, should have received immunizations for the following diseases:

• RUBELLA: One dose of rubella vaccine administered on or after the first birthday.
• TETANUS/DIPHTHERIA: One dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid administered within the last 10 years.
• MEASLES: Two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart.
• MUMPS: One dose of mumps vaccine administered on or after the first birthday.

More information can be obtained from the Student Health Coordinator or from the SPC website.

Methods of Admission

1. If you are a Graduate of an Accredited High School or Equivalent, or who has successfully completed a nontraditional secondary educational program, including home school, will be admitted upon the presentation of a properly authenticated high school transcript.

2. If you are NOT a Graduate of an Accredited High School -

An applicant who is not a graduate of an accredited high school or who has graduated from a private, non-accredited educational program, may be admitted as follows:

1. Successful completion of a non-traditional secondary educational program that meets all Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards and high school requirements. A notarized statement from the non-traditional high school, along with a notarized statement from the student verifying completion of the high school program must be submitted.
2. Successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test by an applicant who meets the age requirement for taking the GED test.
3. An applicant who is 18 years or older and who is not a graduate of an accredited high school or private school, or who has not earned a GED certificate, may be considered for admission by individual approval.

In order to be considered for individual approval, the applicant must:

• complete and submit the Apply Texas Application for Admission;
• provide an official transcript from the last school attended;
• take the TSI Assessment test, regardless of TSI-waived certificate program selected;
• Provide documentation verifying the completion of high school diploma or equivalent when completed.

The applicant’s TSI Assessment test scores will determine the student’s eligibility and course placement.  General admission to the college does not guarantee admission to some technical education and health occupation programs, which have additional admission requirements. Please contact the appropriate program advisor for information.

3. If you are a Transfer Student from another College or University:

All official transcripts from the sending institution must be sent directly to the Admissions and Records Office and must be on file prior to registration. A student is not officially enrolled until all transcripts are on file.

Dr. Cliff Bertrand

Olympian

http://drcliffbertrand.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Cliff-Bertrand-Caribbean-and-American-Insights-on-Sports-and-Education-1664318243857173/

Where is the money Mr.NAAA President?

"The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on Saturday, February 4th, 2017, used a release to elaborate on its Elite Athlete Assistance Policy (EAAP) which has been the topic of conversation over the past two weeks, particularly among some of T&T’s leading track and field athletes. On Tuesday, Olympic triple medalist Richard Thompson chastised the Sport Ministry for not being financially supportive of all the athletes." - excerpt taken from The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper.

The Ministry release explained the requirements for continued elite funding and that Thompson was asked on three occasions to account for the last funding he received and to date there is no reply from him, yet he has the impudence to chastise the Ministry. Thompson is aware of the procedure for continued funding.

There is no responsibility on the part of the Government to support athletes. For the athletic fraternity’s information - Most countries in the world get their funding from the private sector. The Government took a decision in 2004 to give support to athletes given the lack of support from the private sector. The Government has since funded at the Junior and Senior levels every - Olympic, World Championship, Pan Am, Commonwealth, and CAC teams. The Government has also supported every CARIFTA team and other Regional and Intercontinental Games. The Government since 2004 has supported athletes under the Elite Athletes Program.

The responsibility lies really with the NAAA and the TTOC who have not been able over the years to generate the funding necessary to run the sport. In fact, one hardly ever hears these bodies recognizing the Government for their major contribution to the sport.

In the current scenario of Elite funding the NAAA and TTOC make recommendations to the Ministry of Sport. During the previous watch they had stopped that arrangement as they realized that athletes were being victimized and as a consequence the policy was adjusted to allow them to apply for funding directly to the Ministry.

Noteworthy to mention is that the SPORTT Company gives an annual subvention to the NAAA. Where is the Money Mr. NAAA President? My information on Sagicor is that they support the Junior and Senior championships annually.

The SPORTT Company is responsible for the Management and Maintenance of the Stadia in Trinidad. The stadium in Tobago is managed by the Ministry of Sport.

One must respect and support the concerns of Thompson and Callendar who have the gonads to voice their opinion. The NAAA / TTOC to date have dodged their plea! Ephraim Serrette - the President of the NAAA - when asked for his take on the situation responded that it was the Ministry’s business, not his. This is the man who seeks the position of CEO of his newly formed organization. It will be a paid position in the alleged vicinity of $60,000 TT per month. On the doorsteps of an approaching mandatory retirement age.  What does this position imply?

Desperate times call for desperate measures! The athletes should pursue unionism as a guardian option. Athletic unions exist in developed countries. This would afford athletes an official voice on issues affecting them. Based on their knowledge and experiences the existing Elite athletes can contribute to the development of the sport in T&T. This forum can be used to address the athletes personal development, educational opportunities, skill development, career planning,  work placement, financial support, sponsorship contracts, scholarships, training methodologies, etc.

The Ministry of Sport should provide a list of athletes who are current recipients of funding. This would afford the public an opportunity to monitor progress and stimulate local support. The current systemic process is oppressively secretive.

Dr.Cliff Bertrand

Olympian

http://drcliffbertrand.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Cliff-Bertrand-Caribbean-and-American-Insights-on-Sports-and-Education-1664318243857173/

Track & Field in TTO is on a downward spiral!

Will they understand? Will they consider?

Do the TTOC / NAAA have the mental capacity to understand?

The 5 Phases of the 100m Sprint when applied to TTO track & field development.

Success in Track & Field will depend exclusively on the developmental plan and implementation of that plan by, and with the collaboration of efforts among the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sports. The sports arenas have been provided almost exclusively by the Sports Company, without the input from the TTOC and its affiliates. The chief protagonists of these facilities are the NAAA, TTFA, and the non-associate sports carnival “fete“ festivities. This is the wrong approach to development of Track & Field in TTO.

The wealth of information provided at ever frequent workshops and conference appearances by invitees to lectures sponsored by the TTOC, has not shown any signs of developmental growth in the process. It’s the same people who attend each time at the pleasure of Brian Lewis - the President of the TTOC.

The recipients of these deliverances are the same people who attend for the sole purpose of building an attendance resume. Then what?  After 17 years of inactivity, the saga continues. No change!

The athletic fraternity requires no introduction: You can read “do a deal” articles about their good will, and foreign exploits. No meaningful reports submitted to create dialogue addressing situational occurrences of team/officials behavioral maladies and applied remedies.

Take a moment to examine their coaching concepts and philosophy. It is pretty sketchy, as if it has been photocopied over and over, for the past 15 years. Track & Field in T&T is experiencing a major athletic decline as well as the firepower in the arsenal and structural format.

The NAAA’s overall picture of an assumed 5 phases of the 100m sprint to develop Track & Field in Trinidad & Tobago remains clear. The NAAA have no idea about what is needed to develop an athletic program. This is the NAAA’s idealist concept and projected contribution to the development of athletics in the nation. They charted this alleged 5 phase Strategic Developmental Plan in the race to secure firepower for the future of Track &Field in the homeland.

1. Reaction Time: Joint agreement with Secondary School Association.
2. Block Clearance: To train officials for future Secondary School Track Meets.
3. Speed of Efficient Acceleration: Two hours of Theory preceding NAAA Development Meets.
4. Maintenance of Maximum Velocity:  Practical applications officiating duties said Meets.
5. Lessened Degree of Deceleration: Promise to Meet with Secondary School Administrators and that of the Ministry of Sports.

Looking at this disclosed plan of the NAAA with the Secondary School Association; it’s no wonder why club coaches elect to hold on to their charges instead of allowing them to fully enjoy the honor of participation in school sports.

The Speed and Acceleration phase. This doesn’t show the whole picture as one component can brutally affect the next section. The educated move would be Primary school to Secondary School .This would facilitate the proper block clearance sets up for proper speed of efficient acceleration or transition to the obvious level of development.

When the NAAA places great emphasis or focus on the speed and acceleration phase of their program, the country will pay the price and substantively increase their deceleration phase as we are now experiencing. Where is our farm system?

Here are some suggestions utilizing the 100m Sprint described in the 5 Phases method for Track & Field development in TTO.

Reaction Time

Reaction time is measured by the time taken from the firing of the gun to the first muscular reaction performed by the athlete. The primary school should be the genesis of this programmed experience.

A depraved reaction time or improper facilitation at the primary school level will produce a very different 100 meter race pattern with the transition roaring through the next phase impassively!

Block Clearance

Two things come to mind:

1) Provide the badly needed biomechanics installation at this level in the preparation for international competition in order to generate the greatest power to overcome apathy.

2)  The greater the number of Secondary Schools participating in frequently conducted Track & Field Meets, examples being dual/triangular Meets. The force applied in driving this phase from the starting blocks; the greater the preliminary velocity produced to motivate athletes contributing to the pride of their school.

The block clearance phase prepares the athlete for the next phase: To create and preserve the honor of their school; Setting up keen rivalries with an emerging eye on the prize; National honors, international experiences, scholarships, to represent their county abroad.

Speed of Efficient Acceleration
In this phase the athlete accelerates to maximum velocity in as short a time as possible. They start to take their game seriously. They bring their best game to the table each outing. There is a light at the end of their tunnel: Trips, Glory, Fame, Scholarships to tertiary institutions. This is the emergence of their specializations for the arena.

The word “optimal” comes to mind, where an effective acceleration phase can produce the highest maximum velocity. They are ready to make the transitions from Secondary to Tertiary and eventually international experiences.

Maintenance of Maximum Velocity
Optimizing is a popular word here. An optimal combination of stride rate; stride length, and ground contact time, will produce the highest top end speed.

This can only be achieved over an eight year period by the all-inclusive collaboration of all institutions.

Lessened Degree of Deceleration
Running fast, jumping, and throwing consistently well, meeting all universally acclaimed ranking standards .This would demonstrate the athletes’ preparedness to enter the elite kingdom. They will attract the likes of Puma, Nike, Adidas etc.

Dr.Cliff Bertrand

Olympian

http://drcliffbertrand.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Cliff-Bertrand-Caribbean-and-American-Insights-on-Sports-and-Education-1664318243857173/