HOW DO I KNOW WHAT CLASSES TO TAKE?
Your academic and career goals will determine the classes you will need to take. A career or academic counselor can assist you in developing these goals. If you are a new or returning student, assessment results will be necessary prior to seeing a counselor.

HOW DO I MAKE A COUNSELING APPOINTMENT?
To see an academic counselor you can either sign up in the Counseling Center (A119) or call (562) 463-3410 for an appointment. To see a career counselor you can either sign up in the Career Development Center (A113) or call ext. 3407 for an appointment.

HOW DO I GET MONEY TO HELP ME PAY FOR COLLEGE?
Financial aid is available to many students at RHC. The purpose of financial aid is to assist students in paying for books, registration fees, transportation and other expenses related to attendance. Visit the Financial Aid Office (A116) to pick up financial aid forms and guidelines.

DOES RHC HAVE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?
RHC has many scholarship opportunities. For more information visit the Scholarship Office located in Administration Building Room A116.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COLLEGE CATALOG AND THE SCHEDULE OF CLASSES?
The College Catalog is a detailed publication of college policies, regulations, major requirements and course descriptions of every class offered at RHC. The Schedule of Classes provides information about courses being taught during a specific semester, including time, day, units, etc., plus registration information.

WHAT DO I DO IF A CLASS I WANT IS CLOSED?
At the time of registration, if a class that you want is closed, you have several options. (See course schedule)

You may also petition the class by attending it the first time it meets. If there is space, have the instructor sign your ADD/DROP form. Present this form at the Admissions and Records Office during registration hours to be admitted into the class.

HOW DO I ADD A CLASS?
Prior to the second week of the fall or spring semester and first week of the summer semester you can add an open class by using Touchtone Registration or by presenting during registration an ADD/DROP form listing the desired class(es). To ADD/DROP a class in person turn in the ADD/DROP Form to the Admissions & Records Office during registration hours. Any outstanding debts you may have, however, will block your ability to add a class through Touchtone until the debt is cleared.

HOW OFTEN DO CLASSES MEET?
Most classes are completed in one semester or less. During the day, most classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for one hour or Tuesday and Thursday for an hour and a half. During the evening, classes generally meet once a week for three or four hours. Semesters are usually 16­weeks, although some classes meet for a shorter period. Be aware that these “late-start” and “mini-session” classes meet the same number of hours, cover the same amount of material, but have different beginning, ending and drop dates.

HOW MANY UNITS MUST I TAKE TO BE A FULL-TIME STUDENT?
A full-time student must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units. Your status as a full-time student is important if you are involved in Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOP&S) and/or financial aid. Your status may also be affected if you are receiving Social Security, veteran’s benefits, have automobile or medical insurance, are involved in athletics or student government. Full-time during summer session is 4 units.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF UNITS I CAN TAKE?
The college policy for the maximum number of units per semester is 18. Students wishing to take more than 18 units in one semester must see a counselor for approval. Summer session maximum enrollment is 15 units without counselor’s approval.

HOW CAN I GET A MESSAGE TO AN INSTRUCTOR?
Messages addressed to specific instructors may be placed in the instructors’ mailboxes in the college mailroom located in the Administration Building. You may also leave messages by contacting the Division Dean.

DO I HAVE TO DECLARE A MAJOR?
Under the Matriculation Plan, it is essential that you have an educational plan prepared by a counselor who will discuss with you your educational and career goals. It is not necessary to declare a major the first semester you enter. However, you are expected to spend time exploring educational options. We recommend you take advantage of the Career Development Center, Counseling Services, and department-based instructional advisors. We also suggest you consider enrolling in a Career Exploration, College and Career Orientation class. See matriculation section for more information.

CAN I TRANSFER TO A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE WITHOUT AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE?
Yes. However, by taking courses required for transfer, you will more than likely meet the requirements for an associate degree as well. Check with a counselor.

IF I PLAN TO TRANSFER, IS IT BEST TO CONCENTRATE ON MY MAJOR OR GENERAL EDUCATION
Generally, it is best to work on both your major and your general education requirements. Some majors require very few lower division courses, in which case you may be able to complete all G.E. lower-division requirements. However, some majors, particularly in science, may require many lower division courses. In this case you should concentrate on completing these requirements and filling in with as many G.E. courses as possible. Be certain to ask your counselor about General Education Certification

HOW DO I GO ABOUT APPLYING FOR A TRANSFER TO A FOUR-YEAR SCHOOL?
Applications are available in the Transfer Center. Plan to submit your application during the month of November for the following fall term. Note: Certain majors at various campuses are “impacted” or closed. Check with your counselor regarding special requirements for impacted programs. Application workshops and transfer university tours are available through the Transfer Center.

WHAT IS THE IGETC?
IGETC, Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum, is a general education program, which, community college transfer students can use to fulfill lower-division general education requirements in either the CSU or UC systems. You must complete the entire IGETC in order to have it accepted as meeting the general education breadth requirements at the transfer institution. See your counselor for the IGETC requirements.