APPLICATIONQ: Do I need a high school diploma to attend American River College?
A: No, if you are 18 or over, you do not need a high school diploma. If you are under 18 or still in high school, see a counselor for special admission
Q: I have turned in my application, am I considered enrolled? How do I know what classes I am registered in?
A: Your application is only for admissions. After you see your counselor, using her/her list of recommended classes, you set your own schedule and either register in person or by phone for the classes and time that you want. Always ask for confirmation whenever you make a change in your schedule.
Q: I have already been to college. What do I have to do?
A: If you have completed some classes at the college and university level,
you are considered a transfer student. You are still required to go through
the same matriculation steps as new students. If you wish to be exempted from any
of the steps, such as assessment, you need to speak to a counselor.
Q: What if I already
have a college degree?
A: You can be exempted from some of the matriculation steps if appropriate if you have an Associate degree or higher. However, the application is still required when you first start attending American River College.
ATTENDANCE
Q: Do I have to go to school every day?
A: Your attendance depends upon the schedule of classes your have selected. Most classes are set up for students to attend on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and/or on Tuesday and Thursday. Whatever format you choose, you are expected to attend all of the classes or receive penalty for absences
Q: What happens if I don't attend the classes I signed up for?
A: If you have legitimate reasons to miss classes and do not want to be dropped from the class, contact each and every one of your instructors. If you don't intend to keep the classes drop them as soon as you make that decision. . If you don't drop the class officially, you may end up with a "F" for the class. By dropping early, another student will have the opportunity to add to the class.
Q: If school starts Monday, and I have a Tuesday class, do I have to go on Monday?A: No, once the semester begins, you attend class on the days your classes are scheduled to meet. Just as if you have a MWF classes, and the semester starts on Tuesday, your first class would be Wednesday of that week.
CAREER PLANNING
Q: How do I know what major to take for a certain career?
A: Some careers require certain majors, many don't. When you meet with your counselor, an Education Plan worked out for you by your counselor will outline how you will achieve your educational goal, which will, in turn, guide you into your major selection. It is not uncommon for some students to not immediately select their majors. Continued contact with your counselor will provide the extra guidance you may need in this area.
Q: What if I don't know what I want to do? Do you have any tests that could help me decide?
A: There are vocational tests that your counselor can recommend you take, we also offer a nine-week Career Exploration Class which covers testing as well as job search strategies.Q: I have young children, is child care available?
A.Yes, child care is available at the ARC Children's Center for enrolled students.
CONTACTING INSTRUCTORS
Q: How do I contact an instructor?
A: Instructors are available by telephone through the appropriate area office. Staff may provide telephone numbers using the Campus Telephone Directory. Most instructors provide a means to contacting them via their class handouts at the beginning of the course, known as the course syllabus.
DROPPING CLASSES
Q: If I drop my class with a "W", how does it affect my grade point average?
A: A "W" is not considered a major negative unless you receive several and/or they are repeated during additional semesters. Withdrawing from 50% or more of all units that you are enrolled in could result in being on probation and dismissal from the college.
Q: What if I change my mind after I signed up for a class?
A: If you change your mind, you can drop it by telephone or in person. There are several deadlines for dropping classes, each deadline will effect whether you will get a refund, or have a notation on your record. It is highly recommended that you drop the class(es) as soon as you make that decision so that other students can sign up for them. Always get confirmation when you drop classes and keep this confirmation until that semester's grades are final. Generally speaking dropping a class is not possible during the last 25 % of the class. Consult the current class schedule for specific deadlines.
ENROLLING IN CLASSES
Q: When a counselor gives me a list of classes, do I have to take those or can I change them?
A: The list of classes that the counselor gives you are recommended classes that will go toward your educational or career goal based on his/her assessment and guidelines. It is best to follow their recommendation. You may also want to discuss alternative classes in case the classes on the original list do not fit your schedule. Otherwise, check with a counselor before making any other changes.
Q: The counselor gave me a list of classes, do I have to do anything else?
A: Yes, that is only a list of recommended classes, you need to figure out a schedule that is satisfactory to you, and then register, either by phone or in person. You are not officially registered for classes until you do this, and pay for the classes.
Q: What do I do if the classes that my counselor recommended are all full?A: Be sure you try for all of the section or times that the class is available. If you register late, you may have to take the class(es) at less popular times. Try alternative subjects if you and your counselor came up with one, if not, try speaking to a counselor for assistance. You can also keep trying the same class(es) that are currently full, other students may change their minds, and drop them. You can also try to "petition" for the class(es) by attending them when school starts, there is usually a length of time that is permissible. Again, all deadlines are listed in current class schedules.
Q: What kind of financial aid does ARC offer?
A:Grants, loans and scholarships are available at ARC. Fee waivers and book vouchers are also available for all students who qualify.
Q: How do I qualify for financial aid?
A: Some of the basic requirements are:
Visit the ARC Financial Aid Office for more information.
Q: What is the difference between loans, grants, and scholarships?
A: Loans: are borrowed money with low interest and have to be repaid. There are different types of loans, some require that you start making payments immediately; some can be paid back after you graduate or quit attending school.
Grants: are not to be repaid. There are federal grants. State grants and campus-based aid. Grants can be renewed every year.
Scholarships: are funds provided by the college, alumni, and private donors. Qualifications are determined by the donors, the most common are: academic performance, or your grades, financial need, and community activities. The amount of the award also varies, and most scholarships are a one-time award.
FEES
Q: How much do I have to pay?
A: It depends on whether or not you are a resident of California. For more information see the Fees and Other Expenses page.
Q: When do I have to pay for my classes?A: If you register by phone, the college has to receive your payment within five working days of the date that you register for the class/es, if not, you will be dropped from all of your classes. A check or money order is recommended, if you choose to mail in or drop off your payment, cash is never recommended.
GRADES
Q: How do I get the D's and F's cleared from my transcript?
A: Once grades are recorded on your record, they are permanent and cannot be removed. You can have D's and F's discounted from your grade point average by either repeating the classes or by applying for academic renewal. Contact your counselor for more information.
Q: What is the "W" grade?
A: "W" stands for withdrawal. It is not computed in your GPA, but affects progress probation and dismissal. See Grading Policies for a complete explanation of grades & how to compute grade point average.
GRADUATION
Q: I went to college before, can I use any of those classes for my degree?
A: Yes, especially classes for general education. All credits you have earned are acceptable. Some programs may require that you update your knowledge.
Q: What must I do to graduate in 2 years with an Associate in Arts Degree?A: The state and district requirements for the Assoc. Of Arts or Assoc. in science are as follows: (1) completion of a minimum of 60 units with a C (2.0) average or better.... The length of time it takes a student to graduate depends on whether he/she is fully academically prepared, and how many units/classes he/she takes per semester. Your counselor can give you specific information using the education plan.
Q: When I have met the above requirements, what do I do to receive my diploma?
A. You must apply for graduation by making an appointment with a counselor to go over all of your courses. You will then file a "Petition for Graduation" with the Admissions & Records office. The last date to file for graduation is around the first six weeks of your final semester, the exact date is published in the Schedule of Classes.
Q: I am a citizen of another country, can I come to ARC?
A: Yes, if you plan to come just to study, you would be considered an international student.Visit the International Students page for more information.
STUDY SKILLS
Q: Is college very different from high school? Do I have to study harder?A: Studying smarter rather than harder may be the only thing you need. You can learn different strategies to be successful in school and in life through the college success classes at ARC. Knowing your learning style can help a great deal. Time management, note taking skills and strategies for taking exams are also taught in the Study Skills Classes.
Q: I have had trouble in school, and someone suggested that I may have a learning disability. How do I find out if I have a learning disability?A: If you are concerned, speak with a counselor who can refer you to the Learning Disability Center. The learning disabilities program can give you a thorough assessment and if needed, it provides support services for qualified students with specific learning disabilities. In addition to assessment for learning disabilities identification, the program assists learning-disabled students develop strategies to compensate for their disabilities. Special class instruction, tutors, note takers, and taped textbooks are also available.
T.E.S.
Q: What is T.E.S.?
A: Telephone Enrollment Services ( T.E.S.) Is the Los Rios community College District's automated registration system. The system allows students to register for classes, drop and add classes, check his/her class schedule and verify if enrollment fees are owed. Instructions for using T.E.S. may be found in the current Schedule of Classes.
Q: Do I have to use T.E.S., or can I register in person?
A: You can choose either method of registration. However, there is a $2.00 charge for the first successful registration attempt to use T.E.S. per semester, after that you can use TES as many times as you want during the same semester.
In person registration is also available throughout the time that T.E.S. is available. After a certain time of the semester and/or after classes have started, registration can only be done in person.
TRANSFER
Q: How do I transfer to a four year college? What are the requirements for transfer? How many units do I need for transfer?
A: The ARC Transfer Center is designed to assist students in transferring to any four-year college or university It maintains catalogs and other resource materials about universities and colleges nationwide. Representatives from four-year colleges are also scheduled to visit the campus periodically. For more information visit the Transfer Center.
TRANSCRIPT
Q: Do I have to have transcripts on file from another college before I enroll? Are they required?
A: No, but it is highly recommended, especially for placements and pre-requisites. Official transcripts will be mandatory for evaluating graduation requirements.
Q: What is the difference between unofficial and official transcripts?A: Official transcripts include the college seal imprinted and the signature of the Dean of Admissions and Records. The transcript can be mailed directly to the destination or given to students. A hand-carried transcript is considered unofficial if opened before reaching its final destination. The unofficial transcript is similar to a grade report which contains work completed and work-in progress.
TRANSPORTATION
Q: I'm locked out of my car or need a jump start. Where can I get assistance?A: ARC Campus Police staff provide limited assistance based on vehicle type for those vehicles parked on campus.
Q: Is there bus service to the College?
A: Yes, see the Bus and Light Rail information page.
UNITS
Q: What is a unit?
A: College credit is measured in terms of the "unit" Some colleges also refer to it as a "credit" A unit typically means an hour in class (for lecture only classes) per week per semester or three hours of lab per week per semester.
Q: How many units do I have to take in order to be considered a full-time student?
A: Twelve (12) units is considered full-time during the Fall and Spring semesters. Six units is considered full-time for the Summer session.
Q: If I am a full-time student, does that mean that I have to go to school every day?
A: No, classes are scheduled in a variety of format, some are scheduled three days a week, some two days, evening classes can be either one evenings or two evenings, and there are also weekend classes. You choose the format that fit you.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Q: What is the difference between work experience and job placement?
A: Work Experience is a program for students to earn college credit by combining volunteer or paid work experience with classroom training. Job Placement is a service to help students find jobs on or off campus.
Q: Can I get units for working in the same job I am in right now?
A: Yes. You can earn credits by working for pay or as a volunteer through the Work Experience Program.
28 Mar.00
