CATALOG– Frequently Asked Questions

Will the courses I take at Cypress College transfer to a university?
What's a unit?
How many units must I take to be considered a full-time student?
What is the maximum number of units I can take?
What about attendance?
What is a GPA?
How do I withdraw/drop a class?
Do I have to repeat a class in which I received a "D" or "F" grade?
How do I get money to help me pay for college? What scholarship opportunities are available?
How do I find out my semester grades?
How do I get a copy of my transcript?
How do I apply for graduation?
What do I do when I am done with my general education and ready to transfer?

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 class schedule.

 

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 class schedule.

 

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 WebStar Registration at https://www.banner.nocccd.cc.ca.us. Log in and click on "Register for Classes". 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 WebStar. 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. CC 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 go online with WebStar, generally 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 unoffical copy of your transcripts by selecting Student Information in WebStar at https://www.banner.nocccd.cc.ca.us.

 

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 class schedule 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.

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