Key course icons: What do the colored dots mean?

You might notice colored dots next to the titles of some classes on your program map. These dots indicate key courses, or classes that could be more challenging for a variety of reasons.

The map includes key course alerts so you can plan. Are you going to need more time to study for a certain class? Will you need to set aside additional funds to pay for your materials?

We collected this information from instructors and other students.

Here are 6 different alerts for key courses, with different support and help options.

The green dot with a dollar sign means that the class has expensive books and materials, usually more than $100.

• You might use one book or set of tools for more than one class.
• Financial aid awards often include money for materials, as well as your tuition and fees.
• Some books or materials may be available in the RTC Library Links to an external site. to borrow.
• After you have completed one quarter at RTC, you can apply for a Book and Equipment grant Links to an external site. from the College Foundation. You can receive up to $500 of required materials each academic year.

The red dot with a checklist means that the class has lots of assignments and work to complete.

• You should give yourself more time to study for classes with this icon.
• Pay attention to quarters where you have more than one class with this key course icon. That can be a very busy 11 weeks.
• Read the course syllabus carefully.
  • Can you redo assignments for a higher grade?
  • Can you ask for more time to complete assignments?

The purple dot with a speech bubble means that the class includes a lot of technical language and vocabulary.

• Use a translation app if you read and understand languages other than English.
• Your instructors may offer extra materials and videos to explain the words.
• I-BEST programs often focus on vocabulary.
• You can ask your instructor for extra help. Look on the class syllabus for office hours.
• You can join a study group.

The orange dot with a brick wall means that the class has complex content. You will have to connect lots of different ideas.

• Your instructors may offer extra materials and videos to explain concepts and assignments.
• You can ask your instructor for extra help. Look on the class syllabus for office hours.
• You can join a study group.
• You can look for tutoring resources in the LRCC Links to an external site..

The blue dot with two arrows means that the class moves quickly. It covers material at a fast pace.

• Look for extra materials, videos, and reviews in Canvas.
• Read the course syllabus carefully. Can you turn in work late?
• You can ask your instructor for extra help. Look on the class syllabus for office hours.
• You can join a study group.

The gold dot with a teacher in front of students means that this is a whole quarter where you may need additional support.

• This is often the first quarter in the program, because there are several classes with new, unfamiliar information.
• Programs with I-BEST have a second instructor to help you with reading and math in the first few quarters.
• Many of the key courses issues can happen together in this quarter: vocabulary, complex content, pace.
• Some students have changed their work schedules, so they have more time to dedicate to school during key quarters.