Tips for a Great Start to the Fall 2016 Semester
Cypress College classes begin on Monday, August 22. To welcome you back and help get your academic year off to a great start, here is some helpful information:
YOUR FIRST DAY:
On the first day of classes, please plan to arrive early. Parking can be congested and you’ll also want to be certain to arrive on time for your classes. It is very important not to miss the first class meeting since faculty are obligated to drop students who fail to show up on the first day. Also, please note that if your class is not scheduled to meet on Mondays, you do not need to attend on the first Monday of the semester — just the first day of the class.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Our Student Ambassadors will be out in force to help you get answers and find your way. Speaking of help, new students are advised to attend New Student Welcome Night on Friday, August 19.
PARKING GRACE PERIOD:
There is a one-week grace period for parking-permit enforcement at the start of the fall 2016 semester. This grace period extends from August 22-27, 2016. Officers will enforce all other parking violations during this grace period.
CHANGES TO PARKING PERMITS AND STUDENT ID CARDS:
We’re on a mission to eliminate unnecessary lines so you don’t have to stand around waiting. New this semester is an automated parking permit. Instead of placing a physical decal inside your car, simply register your license plate when you register for classes and purchase parking.
We’ve also eliminated the little sticker validating your ID card. Instead of standing in line for a sticker, your existing student I.D. card is activated when you enroll. Simply scan in at the Library and other academic and student support areas. If you need a new or replacement I.D. card, visit the Photo I.D. center in the Student Center. You can even purchase your card right there, instead of standing in a separate line.
We will no longer mail I.D./semester stickers or parking permits since — well, since — that’s no longer necessary. If you’ve purchased an Associated Students benefits sticker, that can be picked up at Student Activities after August 16.
NOTE: If you’re visiting the Student Center or Student Activities Center prior to the start of classes, please be aware that construction near the pond has limited access. If you’re headed to the Student Center (say for an I.D. card), it’s best to park in Lot #1; meanwhile, if you’re headed to Student Activities (for your benefits sticker), Lots #4, 5, or 7 are better options.
“SCHEDULE BILL” PRINTOUT
When you’re logged into myGateway next time, it’s a good idea to print out your “schedule bill,” (or make an electronic copy of it to keep in your phone). This form lists your classes, their locations, times, and other important information. The “schedule bill” also helps Cypress College employees help you find your way.
PETITIONING, WAITLISTS, AND AUTHORIZATION CODES:
If you’re attempting to add a class and myGateway asks for an add authorization code, it means the class is full or is not available for registration because it has already begun (or is about to begin). Distribution of these codes is at the discretion of the faculty member, and is generally done on the first day of classes. If a waitlist is available for a full class, you should be given the option to add to it.
When you are on a waitlist (or waitlists), we strongly encourage you to check your myGateway messages channel on a regular basis. If a spot opens up for you, a notification will appear in your messages. We’ll also attempt to send you an email. However, some providers (ahem, Yahoo!) aggressively block email from cypresscollege.edu and nocccd.edu.
Waitlists expire at midnight on the day the class begins. That means that on the first day a class meets, there’s no longer a waitlist. Instead, the list is included in priority order on the instructor’s roster as a tool to help faculty with the petition process. So, if you’re on a waitlist, you’ll need to attend the first class meeting in hopes of obtaining an add code. Likewise, if you’re petitioning a class, you’ll want to arrive early to the first class meeting. Since your name isn’t on the roster or the waitlist, you’ll want to let the instructor know before class that you’re petitioning.
PARDON OUR DUST:
The first phase of our major energy-efficiency project is just wrapping up (and the second phase is beginning). That means we have some fences on campus. Work in the pond area is nearing completion. Here is the current access map. Please check back for updates.
