What’s the difference between a counselor and an advisor?
An advisor is a designated staff member who has received training to provide students with academic information that assists with appropriate course selection and the development of an educational plan so that students can achieve their goals.
A counselor is a professionally trained staff member who helps students with educational, career or personal concerns.
Do I need to see an advisor?
Yes, students need to see an advisor. The planning of short-term and long-term educational and career goals is an on going process.
What is the difference between a pre-requisite and a co-requisite?
A pre-requisite is a requirement that must be met before a course is taken and a co-requisite is a requirement that must be taken at the same time as enrollment in a course.
What services does the academic team provide?
The academic team provides advising services as a resource for accurate information; the team is knowledgeable about institutional policies, procedures, programs and resources and assist students in making use of printed materials.
I already took classes at another MCCCD college; do they count here?
Yes.
Do I need an appointment to see an advisor?
No, an appointment is not necessary, except in cases where students are applying for graduation. Students are taken on a walk in basis; however, students are encouraged to make an appointment so that they can be prepared for their advisement session.
We strongly recommend you meet with an advisor each semester and prior to selecting your classes, based on your major, degree program, educational goals, or any time you have questions related to your major, degree program or transfer institution.
An advisor can be very helpful with any of the following issues: transferring to a university; identifying the courses you need, based on your major; university application requirements and deadlines; changing your major or degree program; reviewing and interpreting test scores;or if you are applying for graduation for a certificate or degree program.
I received a “D” in one of my classes; can I take the class again? If so, how many times can a course be repeated?
Yes, a class can be repeated to improve a previously earned grade, students may repeat the course up to three times after the initial attempt to improve a grade.
Will the better grade replace the poor grade automatically?
No, students must complete a Repeated Course Petition form from the Records & Registration office to have the lower grade taken out of their GPA.
What are credit hours?
The credit hour is the unit on which credit is computed. It represents one 50-minute class exercise per week per semester. Each course is based on credit hours. Most courses are 3 credit hours but some may be more or less. For a 3 credit hour course, the class exercise per week per semester is approximately 3 hours per week per semester. The credit hour is also used to calculate the grade point average (GPA) in computing the fee per class. Students are currently charged $65.00 per credit hour.
What is considered a full time student?
A full time student is one who is enrolled in 12 credit hours or more (4 classes or more) during the semester. Classes are generally valued at 3 credit hours each, with the exception of foreign language, natural sciences, math, and some computer classes that may be valued from 4 – 5 credit hours each.
What is a GPA?
GPA is the acronym for Grade Point Average, and it is calculated upon the completion of each semester. Each letter grade (generally, A, B, C, D & F) has a point value per credit hour (A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0), and the average is calculated after semester grades have been posted in the SIS system. Each sister college maintains a separate GPA for the student, until such time as the student transfers those credits to SMCC or another sister college; it is then that an overall GPA is calculated for the student.
Can I take a class at another institution while I’m enrolled at SMCC?
Yes
Why is it important to declare a Major?
The new AGEC pathways are specifically designed for specific majors. There is some cross over between AGEC’s, but not a whole lot. The purpose of declaring a major is to lock into a specific program of study that will ensure a smooth transfer to a university.
What is a check sheet?
A check sheet is the document that has the course of study (list of requirements / classes) used to evaluate a student’s progress toward a community college transfer certificate, community college transfer degree, and/or an Arizona public university degree.
I know my major, how do I know which check sheet to use?
- Use the following address to go to the Arizona Transfer Articulation Support Systems (ATASS) web site. http://az.transfer.org/cas/atass/index.html
- Click on Student Information
- Then click on Degrees and Pathways.
- By selecting the baccalaureate majors below, you may find out which pathway you can follow at your community college to ensure the smoothest possible transfer.
The university degree I want is labeled “TG-XR”, in the Degree and Pathway matrix, what does that mean?
- TG/XR stands for TG (Transfer Guide) / Exceptional requirements.
- Some degrees do not have a designated pathway degree because the sequence of program requirements or prerequisites is so strict that a student must begin the sequence in the freshman year.
- If you're university degree is labeled a TG-XR, you can use the Associate in General Studies (AGS) check sheet and follow the degree requirement designated by the university for your specific major.
Please be sure to work with your advisor in order to decide how to best achieve your transfer goals!
I am undecided about my major, which check sheet do I use?
If you are not certain of the university and the major you're going to complete you can work towards the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) or the Associate in General studies (AGS).
- The Maricopa County Community College District Arizona General Education Curriculum (MCCCD AGEC) is a 35-semester-credit general education program of study that fulfills lower-division general education requirements for students planning to transfer to any Arizona public community college or university. The MCCCD AGEC transfers as a block without loss of credit. The completed AGEC will satisfy your lower-division general education requirements at any Arizona public university. To find out more information about the AGEC please use the following web site: http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/academic/curric/ac/agec.htm
- The Maricopa County Community College District Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree is recommended for students whose educational goals require flexibility. The AGS allows students to choose any elective courses numbered 100 or above to complete the degree. Therefore, this degree may be less appropriate for students who intend to transfer to a baccalaureate-granting institution. To find out more information about the AGS please use the following web site: http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/academic/curric/ac/agsdeg.html
What does (HU) and (SB) mean and how do I know which course meets an (HU) or (SB) requirement?
HU = Humanities
Example: HUM, REL 243, PHI 101
SB = Social and Behavioral Sciences
Example: HIS 103 or 104, PSY 101, SOC 101
The HU and SB are under AGEC Core Requirements, AGS General Studies Distribution. Use the following web site to find out which courses fall under humanities and social behavioral: http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/academic/curric/ac/agecmatrix.html
What does the term “Awareness Area” mean and why is it important?
The “Awareness Area” on transfer degrees (excluding the AGS) includes:
C – Cultural Awareness in the U.S.
G – Global Awareness
H – Historical Awareness
At the college level, students must satisfy the Cultural Awareness (beliefs, customs, arts, institutions of a society) requirement and either a Global Awareness (world-wide, comprehensive) or Historical Awareness (past events) requirement (ASU requires that all three areas be met). To preclude students from having to take additional credit hours, advisors recommend students enroll in a course that will satisfy a Core Area and one or two Awareness Areas at the same time. Please refer to the following web site to find out which courses meet a C, G or H awareness areas: http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/academic/curric/ac/agecmatrix.html
What does the term “common lower division requirements” in my degree plan mean?
The term “common lower division requirements” is a course that is part of the requirements for the baccalaureate degrees that are shared or equivalent at the public universities. This is a lower-division course that provides appropriate preparation for the major. It may be a course in the major, a pre-requisite or a core course. A common course is recommended for majors that articulate with the General Requirements (GR) pathway. A common course is required for majors that articulate with the Special Requirements (SR) pathway. Common Courses are identified by the Articulation Task Forces and are specific for each academic year. The Course Equivalency Guide is the resource for identifying the appropriate community college courses that are part of the common course matrix for each major. You can find the common courses for your major at the following wed sites: http://az.transfer.org/cas/atass/student/modcourse.html and http://az.transfer.org/cas/atass/admin/implement/02courses/index.html (Current Common Course for 2002 and 2003)
How can I find out if my course transfer? (FAQ)
Look under Course EquivalencyGuide (CEG) and perform a search.
What is a “double/triple dip course ”, and how does this work?
A double/triple dip course is a course that can satisfy more than one requirement on a check sheet (awareness area requirement, literacy requirement, MCCCD additional requirements area, etc.). It can only be counted once for credit.
What is the difference between a CCL and an Associates Degree?
A CCL or Certificate of Completion is a certification in an area of concentration where the hours of completion range from 15 up to 25 credit hours. SMCC offers (8) shared certificates within MCCD and (12) certificates offered exclusively @ SMCC.
An Associates Degree is a degree in one or more areas where the hours of completion range from 60 up to 67 credit hours. SMCC offers the ATP: Associate in Transfer Partnership degree, the AGEC degrees which include the Associate of Arts GR and SR, the Associate of Business GR and SR and the Associate in Science GR and SR, the Associate of General Studies and the Associate of Applied Science.
Can I earn more than one Degree?
Yes, students can earn as many different types of degrees as they qualify for.
Can I change my major?
Yes, students can change their major, however, it may take longer to complete their degree. It is recommended to use the Associate of General Studies check sheet if a student is undecided on a major.
Why is my catalog year important? (FAQ)
Students maintaining continuous enrollment may graduate according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment. Students admitted during a summer term must follow the requirements of the catalog in effect the following fall semester. A semester in which a student earns course credit will be counted toward continuous enrollment. Courses from which the student withdraws, non-credit courses, audited courses, and failed courses do not count toward the determination of continuous enrollment. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment during three consecutive semesters (fall/spring) and the intervening summer term at any public Arizona community college or university are no longer considered continuously enrolled, and must follow the degree requirements in effect during readmission.
How do I know if I’m ready to graduate?
You are ready to graduate if:
- You have fulfilled the minimum total credits required in courses numbered 100 or above and met all of the degree requirements for the specific degree or certificate you are working towards.
- You have earned a minimum of 12 semester credit hours toward the degree or certificate at the district college granting the degree or certificate, except in cases where the certificate requires fewer than 12 credit units.
- You have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000 in all courses used to fulfill degree requirements and at the college granting the degree. Note: Some specific programs have higher-grade requirements (i.e., Honors Program). It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of these program requirements.
- You have completed a graduation petition application for the degree or certificate with an academic advisor, paid required application fee and any other debts to any MCCCD college/center, and submitted the completed application with proof of payment to Registration and Records before the deadline.
What is an Application for Graduation?
An application for graduation is a formal application for graduation that is to be filled out with an academic advisor. Students need to make an appointment in advance for this process.
Do I have to apply for graduation for a CCL?
Yes
Will the advisement center help me figure out exactly how many credits I need to graduate, and all the classes I need to take?
Yes, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to develop an educational plan.
Are there any free English classes?
Yes. Free evening ESL classes are offered @ SMCC and are taught by faculty from Rio Salado. Classes are generally offered twice a week for about three hours each evening.
Will I earn a certificate upon completion?
Yes. Students successfully completing Level IV of SMCC’s credit ESL Program will earn a Certificate of Completion.
When are the classes offered?
At SMCC’s main campus, ESL classes are offered during the regular semesters as follows:
Daytime: Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Evening: Monday – Thursday, 6:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
During Summer I, Level III Listening & Speaking is offered in the evening, and in Summer II, Level III Grammar is also offered in the evening.
At the Guadalupe Center, generally several of the four courses required per block for Levels I & II are offered during the day and evening.
Do I have to take all the classes offered in a level during the same semester?
No. Level I students are advised to enroll in only two of the four classes their first semester; specifically, these two are the Listening & Speaking class (ESL011) and the Phonics class (RDG008). Consideration is given to the student’s other commitments such as work, family, study time, etc. to determine the quantity of classes s/he can successfully complete in a given semester.
How many credits will the three public universities in Arizona accept from a community college?
The public universities will accept a maximum of 64 transferable credit hours.
What associates degrees do SMCC offer, and which ones will transfer?
TRANSFER DEGREES:
Associate of Arts - AA-*GR & *SR
Associate of Science - AS-GR & SR
Associate of Business - ABus-GR & SR
Associate Transfer Partnership
Associate of General Studies
*GR – General Requirements *SR – Special Requirements
OCCUPATIONAL DEGREE:
Associate of Applied Science
Will my GPA from the community college transfer to the university?
No. Students will establish a new GPA at the university.
I’ve heard that I have to undergo two admission processes at the university; what does that mean?
The first admission process is application and acceptance into the institution; the second admission process is into the college within the university from which the student will earn his or her degree, i.e., the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, College of Business, or College of Engineering.
How do I receive transfer credit?
Follow these simple steps:
- Request that Official Transcript(s) from colleges/universities previously attended be mailed directly to Registration & Records (R&R); hand-carried ‘official transcripts’ by the student will not be accepted
- Determine receipt of transcripts by R & R (generally, approximately two weeks)
- Complete and submit SMCC Request for Transcript Evaluation to R&R
- Allow approximately 6 weeks for completion of evaluation process
What technology programs does SMCC offer?
South Mountain Community College offers the following technology areas.
Associate in Applied Sciences
Computer Information Systems, CISCO Computer Networking Technology
Certificates in
Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Programming, Internet Design, Linux Systems, Microsoft Systems Administration
Does SMCC have self-paced computer courses?
Yes, we do. We have the following courses: BPC100, BPC110, BPC111AA, BPC135DK, BPC138AA, BPC235DK, CIS105, CIS114DE, CIS117DM, CIS121AB, and CIS121AE.
What is a self-paced computer course?
Self-paced computer courses are essentially self-study courses. In a self paced computer course the student reads the textbook, uses any supplemental materials, and completes the assignments on the computer, checks the assignments against any available answer keys, turns in the assignment, and then begins the next assignment.
Who takes Self Paced computer courses?
Self paced computer courses are recommended for students who: 1) are self-motivated, 2) are strong readers, 3) have good problem solving skills, 4) manage time well and can meet deadlines, and 5) have had some exposure to computers.
Why take a self-paced computer course?
Because it provides the “independent student” the opportunity to complete the course work at a time that is convenient with his/her schedule rather than being in a classroom environment at a set time. Students work primarily in the Technology Center.
When can I work on assignments?
The Technology Center is normally open Monday – Thursday, from 8:00am until 10:00pm. The Technology Center is NOT open on Friday or Saturday during the summer sessions. Changes in this schedule will be posted in the Technology Center. The Technology Center is not open during holidays.
What is the first thing that a student needs to do when taking a self-paced computer course?
You must attend the orientation during the first week of classes. Your instructor will provide a syllabus for the orientation, describing what you need to do in order to be successful in the class. Orientation requires up to 45 minutes.
What are the computer lab fees?
If you take a 0.5 to 1 credit hour course you pay a $5.00 computer lab fee. If you take a 2 credit hour course you pay a $5.00 computer lab fee. If you take a 3 credit hour course you pay a $10.00 computer lab fee.
CISCO Networking
What or who is CISCO?
Cisco Systems, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of networking and Internet hardware and has seen tremendous growth of the market share.
What are the Career Opportunities for a network professional?
The employment opportunities for trained Networking Associates are outstanding. According to Cisco Systems officials, jobs requiring skills are not only abundant but command annual salaries in the $30,000 to $45,000 range.
What is a Cisco Networking Academy?
Cisco Systems, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of networking and Internet hardware, has selected South Mountain Community College to serve as a Local Academy. Students will receive hands-on training in the design, installation, and maintenance of computer networks. In addition, a student will be prepared to take the Cisco Certified Networking Associate exam upon successful completion of the courses.
What is “academic renewal” and how difficult is it to obtain?
SMCC students who return after a separation of (5) years or more, including summer school, may petition for academic renewal. The request must be in writing and submitted to the Office of Registration and Records at the college where the grades were earned, Eligible students will have all “D,” “F,” and “Y” grades earned prior to reenrollment omitted from the cumulative grade point average, subject to the following:
- Prior to petitioning for academic renewal, the student must demonstrate a renewed academic interest and performance by earning at least a 2.5 grade point average in the first twelve (12) credit hours completed after enrollment.
- Upon approval, the prior academic record remains on the transcript with the notation of the academic renewal.
- The academic renewal policy may be used only once and cannot be revoked once approved.
- Students who have been granted Academic Renewal must also meet the Financial Aid Standards of Academic progress if they wish to receive financial aid.
What is Speedy Advisement? Speedy Advisement is a service provided by the Advising Department during peak enrollment periods. It is designed to shorten long waits in the Advising Department and assist with student flow in the commons area. This (5 minute or less) advising service caters to those students who have their schedule picked out but still need an advisor’s signature in order to enroll. The advisor can quickly check to see if a student has successfully completed the prerequisite class and register the student. Advisors can also check for open/closed classes, hand out check sheets or answer quick advising questions.
Can any student take the Dynamic Learning Block courses?Only students approved for the Dynamic Learning Program are allowed to take those specific courses. Students interested in elementary or secondary education apply to the program, take specific courses towards their major and graduate with an ATP – Elementary Education emphasis. Secondary education majors follow a different pathway depending on what the area of concentration is.
Can students still take courses and graduate with an Associate in elementary or secondary education? Yes, students who want to go for elementary education can follow the AA-SR and secondary education students follow the AGS if there is no specific pathway noted in the pathway matrix .