Advising FAQs
New Students
1. How do I get started?
All new students start by completing the Steps for Admission which includes applying to the college, submitting college entrance exam scores (SAT or ACT) or taking placement tests, and submitting high school or other college transcripts.
2. I’m a new student - do I need to take placement tests?
Students who scored a 550 or above on Critical Reading and Math on the SATs, OR who scored a 21 or above on Reading, English and Math on ACTs do not need placement testing. If your scores were lower in one area (such as Math) but were okay in the other areas, you only will need to take the placement test for that one area. If you do not have any SAT or ACT tests, you will need to take the College’s placement tests in Reading, Writing, and Math PRIOR to meeting with an Advisor.
3. I’m transferring to FCC - do I need to take placement tests?
New transfer students who have completed English Composition AND college-level Mathematics at their previous college do not need to take placement tests (official transcripts need to be sent…see Steps for Admission for details). If a student has completed credit in one area but not the other, the student would need to take the placement test for the area with no transferable credit. For example, a student who has transferable credit for EN101, but not for college-level math, would need to take only the math placement test. Transfer students who do not have transferable credits in English or Math, but have appropriate SAT or ACT scores are also exempt from placement testing (see “new student” placement info above).
Advising
1. Who is my advisor?
All new students meet with an Advisor at their New Student Advising Session, then as an on-going, current student, they have an advisor determined by their major. General Studies and Undecided students are advised by the Counseling & Advising Office. Declared majors are advised by their Faculty Advisor, usually the Department Chair or Program Manager. Check the Advisor Contact List to determine the Advisor for your major.
2. Why do I need advising?
Students need to see an Advisor to make sure they are taking the classes required in their major and are meeting any other degree requirements. Students also see advisors for planning for future classes, selecting a major or career, choosing a transfer school, and for referrals for academic services as needed.
3. When should I meet with my advisor?
Students should see their Advisor during Registration to sign up for classes. On-going, current students are encouraged to see their Advisor as early as possible during the Registration period when all courses are open and seats are available! Students should also see their advisor, as needed, to discuss issues of concerns, get a referral for academic support services, or to do long-range planning.
4. How do I make an educational plan?
Students work with an Advisor to create an ICAP, an Individual College Academic Plan, which is a comprehensive outline of all the things they need to do to complete their degree. Students receive a copy of their ICAP so they can follow up on recommendations outlined in their plan.
5. How can I track my progress toward my degree?
The My Planner advising tool can be accessed online to track the classes you’ve taken, the grades you’ve received, the courses you still need for your major, the number of credits earned and your GPA. It is a great tool to use prior to meeting with your Advisor or before web registering. Always check your My Planner using the Peoplesoft system to make sure the class you signed up for meets your degree requirements!
6. What are Academic Alert and Academic Probation?
Academic Alert and Academic Probation are terms used to describe the status of a student’s academic standing and occurs when students do not make satisfactory progress in their courses. Click here for a complete description of each term and their consequences, as well as advice for students who are currently on probationary status.
7. How do I calculate my GPA?
GPA is calculated based on a formula using numerical values for grades. Click here for a complete explanation and our GPA calculator!
8. How do I know what classes to take?
The classes needed to complete each program of study are specified in each degree or certificate and can be found by viewing the major/degree requirements in the Academic Catalog or by using your My Planner.
9. What are General Education courses and where can I find them?
General Education (Gen Ed) courses are intended to provide students with a broad, general knowledge in various academic subjects. Gen Eds are required in each college major and are clearly identified in the degree requirements. Students select courses from the General Education Course List published in the Academic Catalog and Credit Course schedules.
10. What kind of job can I get with my major?
Students can check out the Career and Transfer Center link “What can I do with a major in …?” to find out all the different jobs they can do based on their college major! The on-campus Career and Transfer Center in J-201 has books and videos so students can learn how their academic majors connect to their career choice.
11. How can I learn about my future career?
Students can learn about their intended career field through Career Exploration links on the Career Center website, or by visiting the Career and Transfer Center on campus in J-201 for books and videos, or by scheduling an appointment with one of our knowledgeable Career Counselors.
12. How can I plan for transfer?
Students can learn about the transfer process by visiting the Transfer Center website, or by visiting the Career and Transfer Center on campus in J-201 for books, videos, and application materials, or by scheduling an appointment with our Transfer Counselor.
Registration
1. What is the difference between Advising and Registering?
Advising is the process of meeting with an Advisor to review academic and career goals, develop a comprehensive plan to meet your goals, learn about your major’s requirements, and select courses for your FCC degree and your future transfer school. Registration is the act of signing up for classes using web registration, or by completing a Registration form to submit on campus in the Registration and Records Center in J-101.
2. How do I register for classes?
Students can register online using Peoplesoft, or they can register on campus by completing a Registration Form and submitting it to the Registration and Records Center in J-101. It is important to note that students in ESL classes, or on Academic Alert or Academic Probation must meet with an Advisor to have their Registration Form signed prior to submitting it to Registration and Records, and therefore, cannot web register.
3. How do I drop a class?
Students who choose to drop a class must withdraw online using Peoplesoft or must complete the drop section of a Registration Form and submit it to the Registration and Records Center in J-101. Students receiving Financial Aid are strongly encouraged to check with the Financial Aid Office in J-301 (or at 301-846-2620) prior to withdrawing to fully understand how it may affect their aid package. Students who simply stop attending classes, but do not officially withdrawal, will receive a Failing grade for the course.
4. What important dates or deadlines should I be aware of?
There are many important dates each semester that are critical for students to know: semester start and end dates, holidays and semester breaks, withdraw dates when refunds are given, and the Last Day to Withdraw from a class without a penalty. The Academic Calendar is found each semester in the Credit Course Schedule, and students are expected to know these important dates!
5. The class I wanted is full. Is there a way I can be added?
Students typically cannot be added to a full class due to classroom capacity. Students who have a dire need to access a course can meet with an Advisor to explore alternatives. The Advisor will forward the student’s request to the Department Chair in extreme cases where the student’s inability to access a course will result in delayed graduation.