COUNSELING / EDUCATIONAL PLANING – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an appointment with a counselor?
Am I assigned to a specific counselor?
If I have a disability, where do I go for assistance?
How do I know what classes to take?
What's the difference between a degree and certificate program at Cypress College?
How do I get information about a specific degree or certificate program at Cypress College?
What's the difference between Cypress College and a university?
If I am planning to transfer to a university, do I need to complete an Associate degree first?
What instructional services are available?
If I've completed courses at another college or university, can I use them to meet degree requirements at Cypress College?
How long will it take me to complete my goal at Cypress?
What is the difference between the catalog and the class schedule?
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 a first come first serve basis Monday through Thursday from 4 - 7 p.m.
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 click here 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. Counselors are available on an appointment basis.
Q. If I have a disability, where do I go for assistance?
A. Click here to visit the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) website.
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. Click here for recommended counseling courses for new students.
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, pick up a copy from your counselor or view on the web.
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 class schedule 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 instrucational 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 registration.
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