Frequently Asked Questions

What does a class in bold letters mean?
A class that is in bold letters means that it is an evening class.

If a class has TBA instead of a time, what does that mean?
TBA means To Be Arranged at your convenience. The class may be done in a lab setting at your on pace.

If a class indicates that you must enroll in this lecture or lab, do I have to?
If the schedule says you must enroll, then you must. This statement usually pertains to English or Science classes which require a lecture and lab to be taken together.

What does transfer limit mean?
Transfer Limit means that the University of California (UC) has a limit on how many units they will accept from certain departments. It is important that you see a counselor to obtain an understanding of these limits.

Is a class that is offered 1 night a week for 3 hours (units) worth as much as the same class that is offered 1 hour on 3 days a week?
Classes that are offered for 3 hours, regardless of the time they are offered, are worth the same amount of units. You may prefer to take a 3 hour evening class instead of coming to school on 3 different days.

What is a full load?
A full load is 12 units. However, students can take more or less than 12 units per semester. The number of units you choose to take should depend on your workload and personal lifestyle.

Do I have to take Assessment?
Generally yes, unless you are exempt by degree or you qualify for a waiver which you obtain by showing a counselor documentation of (1) prior college English or Math courses or (2) previous college assessment. While we recommend assessment for informed placement for all students, you may sign a form refusing assessment or other matriculation services in the matriculation office.

What will Assessment tell me?
Assessment will help you decide the best placement for you in English, English as a Second Language (ESL), reading and/or math. You will choose one of three tests to verify your math skill level and follow directions from instructors to select English, ESL, or reading placement. Students have the right to repeat the assessment.

What is an A.A. or A.S. degree?
An Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) is the community college degree earned upon completion of sixty units of credit as well as certain specific GE requirements. The A.S. degree is usually awarded in vocational majors, such as Nursing, Electronics, or Dental Hygiene. Students may earn a Transferable A.A. degree which meets admission requirements at CSU and UC.

What is a Certificate of Proficiency?
Certificates of Proficiency are awarded to students who complete programs in specific occupational areas. These programs usually require one year of study and provide training for entry-level employment. While certificate programs do not require general education courses, they do require the successful completion of English 100, 101, or 1A and a grade point average of at least 2.0.

UNITS AND GRADES

What is a unit?
A college unit of credit usually represents one hour of time per week. For example, a three-unit course meets three hours per week and requires six hours of homework each week. Some classes, i.e., studio art, laboratory science, technical courses require more in-class time.

How many units do I need to take to be a full-time student?
The minimum number of units per semester you must take to be considered full time is twelve; however, if you want to complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in four semesters, you will need to average fifteen units per semester.

What is the maximum number of units I can take?
Nineteen per semester. If you wish to take more than nineteen, you will need permission from a counselor and meet acceptable academic standards.

How is a grade point average (G.P.A.) calculated?
Courses are given a letter grade or CR/NC (Credit/No Credit). CR/NC courses do not influence the G.P.A. Letter grades are given the following point values:
A = 4; B = 3; C = 2; D = 1; F = 0

Can I get credit for a course by taking an examination?
Yes, credit by exam is available as outlined in Cabrillo's catalog. You must have completed 12 units at Cabrillo and be in good academic standing. A course list for credit by exam is available in the Office of the Vice President of Instruction.

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