Transfer Programs | Registration | Policies | Parking Regulations | F.A.Q.'s | College Catalog

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

• What Do I Do If The Class I Want Is Closed?
  At the time of registration, if a class that you want to sign up for is closed you have several options.  If the class has a WAITING LIST you can be added to the list on Touchtone Registration or during on-campus registration or you may also petition the class by attending it the first time it meets.  If there is space available in the class, have the instructor sign your change of program form.  Students on the WAITING LIST have priority over other petitioners.  If the instructor signs your change of   program form, present it to the Admissions and Records Office during registration hours.
  

• How Do I Add A Class?
  Prior to the second week, you can add an open class by using Touchtone Registration by presenting a program change form listing in the desired class(es) during registration hours. To walk-in to add  a class turn in the Add/Drop Form to the Admissions Office.  This must be done during the first 2 weeks of the fall or spring semester and within the first week of the summer session. Through the end of the first week of classes, if you have paid your fees, you may add a class using Touchtone, following the instructions as given over the phone. Any outstanding debts you may have, however, will block your ability to add a class through Touchtone until the debt is cleared.
  

• How Do I Withdraw/Drop a Class?
  In order to withdraw from a class through walk-in, you must complete the Add/Drop Form obtained in the Admissions Office.  DO NOT assume that instructors will automatically drop you for non-attendance!  Withdrawal may be processed until the drop deadline.  If you drop between the third and the fourteenth week, a W will appear on your permanent record.  It shall not be used in calculating your grade point average, but excessive W's will be used as factors for progress probation and dismissal procedures. Through the end of the first week of classes, if you have paid your fees, you may drop a class using Touchtone.  Follow the instructions as given over the phone. Any outstanding debts you may have, however, will block your ability to drop 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 16  weeks, 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 (EOPS) 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 6 units.
  

• What Is The Maximum Number Of Units I Can Take?
  The college policy for the maximum number of units per semester is 19.  Students wishing to take more than 19 units in one semester must see a counselor for approval. Summer session maximum enrollment is 7 units without counselor's approval.
  

• What About Attendance?
  Attendance is the responsibility of the student.  Each instructor has his/her own method of accountability for attendance, however, the student has to make attending classes a priority.  Attendance at the first class meeting is especially important.  Teachers may withdraw students who do not appear for the first class meeting as NO SHOWS  in order to make room for those who want to take the class.
  

• What Time Do I Attend Classes?
  You may arrange your time schedule to meet your needs.

Please adhere to the following guidelines:
You may take classes which meet for consecutive hours and still have travel time to arrive at the next class on time.  For example, you may take a 9 a.m. class which ends at 10 a.m. and   a 10 a.m. class which ends at 11 a.m.

You may not take classes which overlap in time.  For example, you may not sign up for a class that   begins at 9:30 a.m..  If you have another class that is not dismissed until 9:45 a.m.  You may take both    day and evening classes.  You are not restricted to all day or all evening classes.

• 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 Center, Counseling  Services, and department based instructional advisors.  We also suggest you consider enrolling in a Career Exploration, College and Career Orientation class.  Please refer to page 14 of this handbook for further information about matriculation.
  

• 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 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.
  

• What Is General Education Certification?
  All California State Colleges and Universities require a common pattern of general education (see  your  counselor).  If you complete the entire CSU G.E. pattern prior to transferring to one of the 20 state universities, you may request that the Admissions Office certify this completion on your official transcript.  All 20 state universities will honor this certification stamp; that is, you will not be required to take additional lower division general education courses in those areas certified as already completed at RHC.  The IGETC,  which is the common G.E. pattern for UC or CSU,  can also be certified.  Check with your counselor regarding General Education Certification.

Transfer Programs | Registration | Policies | Parking Regulations | F.A.Q.'s | College Catalog