Cypress College

 

 

Q. Do I have to declare a major?
A. It is not necessary to declare a major, however declaring a major is essential to preparing and achieving your educational goal. We recommend you take advantage of the Career Planning Center and its counselors to clarify your educational goals and decide on a major. We also suggest you consider enrolling in a career class. Students undecided on their major are advised to take one of the following career classes: COUN141 C Career Exploration, COUN 144 C Women & Careers, COUN 145 C Changing Careers or COUN 151 C Career and Life Planning. Further information check out the Schedule of Classes under Counseling and Student Development.

 

REGISTRATION – – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do I do after I apply?
A. Registration Confirmation will be e-mailed to you containing your online registration date & time with instructions on how to obtain your student ID number.  For complete information, visit the Getting Started webpage.

Q. Do I need to take the math and English assessment?
A. Yes, if you are a new student who has not successfully completed math and/or English courses at another college or university. See the current Schedule of Classes for dates and times. We accept assessment scores from other community college in California if taken within the last 2 years.  For a complete explanation visit our Assessment Center webpage.
Q. Do I really have to go to orientation?
A. Yes, if you are a new student who has not successfully completed college coursework. In orientation a counselor will provide you with registration information, review your test scores and help you select classes for your first semester. You need to bring a Schedule of Classes and a Catalog with you to orientation. Online Orientation is also available online.
Q. How do I meet with a counselor?
A. New students meet with a counselor in orientation. Please bring high school/other college transcripts. Continuing/Returning students may meet with a counselor during the semester by contacting the individual counseling offices.  During registration periods counselors are located in the Counseling Center on the 2nd floor of the Student Center.
Q. When do I register for classes?
A. You can register/enroll on the date & time stated in your Registration Email (or anytime up until the day before the class begins). The sooner you register the better your chances of getting the classes you want! Fees are due immediately upon registration. All registration is completed online through MyGateway.  For complete information, visit the Getting Started webpage and see additional registration information in the Schedule of Classes.
Q. How do I get money to help pay for college?
A. Financial Aid is available to many college students. The office is located on the 1st floor of the Cypress College Complex building (in the front-center of the campus).
Q. Can I use courses from another college?
A. Courses completed at another college or university in the U.S. will need to be reviewed by a Cypress College counselor. Courses completed at another college or university outside of the U.S. will first need to be evaluate by an off-campus evaluation service: http://www.naces.org/. Evaluations need to be course-by-course with grades and units.
Q. What is the difference between the Catalog and the Schedule of Classes?

A. The Catalog is a detailed publication of all college policies, regulations and course descriptions of every class we plan to offer at Cypress College. The Schedule of Classes gives information on courses offered during a specific semester including dates, deadlines & fees. Q. If I have a disability where do I go for help?
A. The Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) offers services to students with verified disabilities and is located on the 1st floor of the Cypress College Complex building (in the front-center of the campus). Students with disabilities should contact DSP&S at (714) 484-7104 before taking assessments and continuing with the registration process.

 

 

Q. How do I make an appointment with a counselor?

A. You can set up a Counseling appointment in person or by calling the counseling office where you have been assigned. Walk in counseling is also available in the Counseling Center on the 2nd floor of the Student Center, Room 217 --(714) 484-7015.
Q. Am I assigned to a specific counselor?
A. Yes. Counseling at Cypress College is decentralized. Each counselor works primarily with certain majors and is located in the building related to that major. Please check the website for counselor locations, major areas of interest and phone numbers. If you indicated General Studies or Undeclared, you may meet with any academic counselor. You may also meet with a Career Counselor located in the Career Planning Center to assist you with choosing a major, career selection, career assessments, and guidance through the goal setting and decision making process. Career Counselors are available on an appointment basis at (714) 484-7120..
Q. If I have a disability, where do I go for assistance?
A. The Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) offers services to students with verified disabilities and is located on the 1st floor of the Cypress College Complex building (in the front-center of the campus). Students with disabilities should contact DSP&S at (714) 484-7104 before taking assessments and continuing with the registration process.
Q. How do I know what classes to take?
A. Your academic and career goals will determine the classes you will need to take. At orientation a counselor will assist you in planning and understanding how to select classes that meet your academic goals. 
Q.What's the difference between a degree and certificate program at Cypress College?
A. The Cypress College Student Handbook explains many of the educational options available to students. You will be given the Student Handbook in the COUN 140 C Educational Planning class or pick up a copy from your counselor.
Q. How do I get information about a specific degree or certificate program at Cypress College?
A. In the Cypress College Catalog you will find descriptions of all our degree and certificate programs. The catalog also contains descriptions of the courses we offer. Our Schedule of Classes indicates the days and times our classes are offered for the current semester.
Q. What's the difference between Cypress College and a university?
A. At a university students can earn a bachelor's degree, which requires the completion of approximately 120 - 132 semester units. Some students are prepared to begin their freshman year at a university. Other students prefer to attend a community college where they can adjust to a college environment. Attending Cypress College is significantly less expensive than attending a university and the class sizes are generally smaller, which allows for more personal attention than at many large universities. At Cypress College students can generally complete the equivalent of their lower division or freshman and sophomore level work toward their bachelor's degree (up to 70 units) and then transfer to a university to finish their upper division or their junior and senior level work.
Q. If I am planning to transfer to a university, do I need to complete an Associate degree first?

A. No. The minimum requirements for an Associate's Degree do not meet all of the requirements for students who plan to transfer to a university. However, a student can earn an Associate's Degree at Cypress College as they prepare to transfer. NOTE: Earning an associate's degree is not recommended for all majors. For more information refer to the Cypress College Student Handbook or consider enrolling in COUN 140 C Educational Planning, Counseling 150 C Academic and Life Success or see your counselor.
Q. What instructional services are available?
A. A variety of instructional support services are available to students who need assistance at Cypress College. The Library/Learning Resource Center (L/LRC) offers a Learning Commons which features computers for word processing, instructional software use, and Internet research. Also at the L/LRC is a Language Learning Center, Math/Science Learning Center and the new Distance Learning Lab. See the directory of student resources and services in the Cypress College Student Handbook for more information.
Q. If I've completed courses at another college or university, can I use them to meet degree requirements at Cypress College?
A. Students are advised to request an appointment with a counselor and bring in transcripts showing the courses they have completed at other colleges or universities. Sometimes a course description from the catalog of the school previously attended is also required.  Please click here for counselor locations, major area of interest and phone numbers.
Q. How long will it take me to complete my goal at Cypress?
A. It is difficult to answer this question because so much depends on how much time you have to devote to school. Determine how many classes you need to meet your goal and calculate how many classes you can take per semester. Remember, many classes are offered during the summer sessions. Taking summer classes can help you achieve your goal more quickly.
Q. What is the difference between the catalog and the class schedule?
A. The Cypress College Catalog is a detailed publication of all college policies, regulations and course descriptions of every class possibly offered at Cypress College. The Schedule of Classes gives more information about courses offered during a specific semester, including time, day, and units, plus information on applying and registration.

 

CATALOG– Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will the courses I take at Cypress College transfer to a university?
A. It depends on the course. The Cypress College Catalog has course descriptions that indicate how each course transfers.
Q. What's a unit?
A. A college unit is a term used to define the number of hours a student spends in a given class. A one-unit class typically requires one hour of instruction or class time per week for the entire length of the semester. Lab units are determined differently. For more information, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
Q. How many units must I take to be considered a full-time student?
A. Taking 12 units during the fall or spring semester is considered a full-time load. To be eligible for athletics and certain student activities, you must be a full-time student. For more information, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
Q. What is the maximum number of units I can take?
A. The college policy for the maximum number of units per semester is 19. If you wish to take more than 19 units in one semester you must have completed 12 units or more and earned a grade point average of 3.0 or above in the previous semester, and seek the approval of your academic counselor.
Q. What about attendance?
A. Attendance is a student's responsibility and they must realize each instructor has his/her own method of accountability for attendance.
Q. What is a GPA?
A. GPA stands for grade point average. Letter grades are given point values, and classes are given unit values. Multiplying the letter grade value by the unit value equals the grade points. To figure your grade point average, divide your total number of grade points earned by your total number of units attempted. More information and an example is available in the Cypress College Student Handbook.
Q. How do I withdraw/drop a class?
A. Access MyGateway. Log in and click on "Add or Drop Classes" in the Registration Tools Tab. Select the current term. From the drop down menu under action, choose "Drop On-Line" or "Withdrawal-Web" for the classes you wish to drop. Click on "Confirm Your Choices" to drop your classes. "Check under "Status" on the left of the screen to confirm your class' status before exiting.

NOTE: If you drop a class and later need to re-enroll in that same class or another section of the same course, Admissions and Records must first clear your schedule. This would apply even if you have been issued an Add Authorization Code for the class.
Q. Do I have to repeat a class in which I received a "D" or "F" grade?
A. There is no general college regulation requiring the repetition of courses in which you received a substandard grade. However, certain programs of study require a "C" grade in all courses required for the program. Certain courses and transfer plans also require a "C" grade or better. If you elect to repeat a class in which you received a "D"or "F" the "new" grade will appear on your permanent record. Once the class has been repeated with an improved grade, you are advised to go to Admissions and Records where you will complete and turn in a course repeat adjustment form. By submitting the form, the substandard grade will no longer be calculated into your grade point average but it will remain on your permanent record.
Q. How do I get money to help me pay for college? What scholarship opportunities are available?
A. Financial Aid is available to many students. The purpose of Financial Aid is to assist students in paying for books, registration fees, transportation as well as other expenses related to school attendance. Many students feel that they will not qualify for Financial Aid; however, when they actually apply they do qualify for some type of aid. It is in your best interest to visit the Financial Aid Office on campus to get the applications and learn about the deadlines. Cypress College has many scholarships available. The qualifications vary among the many scholarships offered, but most are awarded to those students who have good grades and/or are involved in college. For more information regarding scholarships, you should visit the Financial Aid Office.
Q. How do I find out my semester grades?
A.To get your semester grades you may access MyGateway. Log in and click on "Student Records" in the Student Links Tab. Generally, grades are available three weeks after the semester ends, or you may make an appointment with your counselor the following semester.
Q. How do I get a copy of my transcript?
A. To request an official copy of your transcripts, go to the Admissions and Records Office and complete the transcript request form. You may obtain an unofficial copy of your transcripts by accessing MyGateway. Log in and click on "Student Records" in the Student Links Tab. 
Q. How do I apply for graduation?
A. Students must apply for graduation during the semester they are completing the graduation requirements. The application form is available in the Admissions and Records Office and your academic counselor's office. See important dates in the Schedule of Classes regarding deadlines.
Q. What do I do when I am done with my general education and ready to transfer?
A. When you are done with your general education and ready to transfer, students interested in general education certification must complete the general education certification form for CSU and/or IGETC. The forms are available in the Admissions and Records Office and in your academic counselor's office. Your counselor can assist you in completing this form. California State University and University of California applications are available in the Transfer Center.