1. What is the Center for Academic and Student Success (CASS)?

The CASS houses programs and services geared to support you academically.  These services include Academic Counseling, Disability Services, SSSP, EOF, and Tutorial Services which help you navigate academic challenges to realize your goals. 

2. What do counselors do?

Counselors meet with students to discuss educational and career goals.  Your counselor will help you choose the right major and classes and also refer you to other campus and community resources that will support you in achieving your goals.  A counselor will help you interpret test scores, register or add or drop classes, and change your major. You can set up an appointment with a counselor by calling (201-360-4152) or stop by 70 Sip Ave. on the 2nd floor.

3. What is a faculty advisor?

Once you have exited ESL or Academic Foundations, you achieve “program ready” status.  You can then focus on satisfying major requirements as outlined by your curriculum sheet.  At this point, you will be assigned a full-time faculty member to advise you while you register and to answer questions pertaining to your career goals.  Make a note of your faculty advisor’s name, number and office hours so that you can reach out when you need them.

4. How do I register for classes?

First, you must be enrolled at the College.  Then you should take the entrance exam to determine the courses for which you are eligible.  Next, you should review the catalog to choose your major.  Finally you should meet with your counselor to discuss your short- and long-term goals and determine your schedule.

5. What is the Testing and Assessment Center?

After applying to HCCC you are directed to this office.  If English is not your first language you will be given the LOEP (Level of English Proficiency) test.  If you pass the reading section with a score of 100+, you will automatically begin the CPT (College Placement Test).  The CPT is given to skilled or native speakers of English.  The test is made up of four sections:  Reading, Writing, Math and Algebra.  The results determine which classes you will take.  Another test that is given at the Testing Center is the CLEP (College Level Examination Program).  Certain scores on these tests will grant you college credit.  For example, you can earn up to six credits in Spanish or French if you do well on the CLEP.  For more information contact Testing at 162 Sip. Ave 1st floor or call 201-360-4194.

6. How do I know what classes I should take?

The classes you should take will be based on two things: your College Placement Test (CPT) and your major.  All majors require College Composition I and II, a college level Math class, Speech, Computers, and a combination of credits in Science, History, Literature, Philosophy, Fine Arts and/or Social Sciences.  The College Catalog and a curriculum sheet will provide you a list of courses for your major.  In addition, a meeting with your counselor will help you determine your best course of action.

7. What should I bring to an advising session?

You should bring

1. A course schedule booklet
2. A list of the courses you want to take
3. The number of credits you want to take and what time (day or evening)
4. Your major curriculum sheet (so you can update)
5. An idea of your semester and yearly goals.

Disability Support Services provides reasonable accommodations for students with documented physical or learning disabilities.  Students are urged to contact the Coordinator at (201) 360-4157.  The office is located in room 103 of 70 Sip Ave, 2nd floor. Early registration permits smooth transition into academic classes here at HCCC.

9. Where do I go if I need tutoring?

There is one-on-one or group tutoring available free of charge in a variety of subjects.  The best appointments are made in the beginning of the semester.  If you anticipate you will struggle with a subject or would like additional support to exit a class, tutoring is highly recommended.  Tutorial Services is located on the 3rd floor of 25 Journal Square (201-360-4185) or in the library at the North Hudson Center (201-360-4623).

10. Why did I place into “Basic” courses?

A great number of HCCC students place into Foundations courses.  You are placed into these courses based on your CPT scores. The courses (Basic Writing, Basic Reading, Basic Math and Basic Algebra) are intended to teach you the skills needed to be successful at the college level.  You should focus on exiting these classes first, before you attempt to tackle “college ready” courses.  However, there are a limited number of courses you can take while still in Foundations, so you do have the opportunity to earn college credit at the same time.

11. What is Academic Foundations and how does it work?

Academic Foundations (a.k.a. Basic) courses are designed to teach developmental skills.  Students are placed according to CPT scores which indicate skill level.  Once you enroll in and complete a Basic class, one of four marks will appear on your transcript:  “E”= exit, “P”= pass, “R”= repeat, and “F”= fail.  For example, if you were enrolled in Basic English I (ENG 071, RDG 071 and RDG 075), an “E” grade would allow you to advance to College Composition I (ENG 101).  A “P” grade would allow you to pass to another level of Basic English and Reading.  An “R” grade means that you need to repeat the classes for additional reinforcement.  Finally, an “F” grade means that you need to repeat because you did not complete assignments and/or attend classes regularly.

12. I speak English, why did I place into ESL classes?

English as a Second Language (ESL) courses teach you the writing and grammar skills needed to be proficient in English at the college level.  Writing and Grammar are two of the most challenging courses you will complete.  But, once you exit ESL you can be sure that you have mastered the English language at the level needed at any college or university.  If English is not your first language but you attended high school in the U.S., you might be eligible for a special program called “Generation 1.5”. Talk to a counselor or with the Director of ESL/Bilingual Programs, Elena Nehrebecki (201-360-4177) to see if you qualify.

13. How do I get out of ESL or Foundations?

In order to exit either ESL or Foundations courses you must pass an exit exam.  Exit from these courses is determined by this exam (reviewed and scored by an outside panel) rather than by the letter grade for the course. 

14. What does “college level credit” mean?

“College level” courses are 100 or 200 level classes.  In order to take these classes (i.e. ECE 201, ENG 101, MAT 100, ACC 121) you must have exited Foundations courses first.  Only your college level classes will count towards graduation and only college level courses are transferable to a senior college or university.  There are a limited number of college level courses you can take while in Basic English II and III (i.e. ART 106, CSS 100, BIO 100, ENG 112).  Also, there are bilingual course offerings for college level classes in Spanish (i.e. MAN 121, PSY 101, BUS 101) and Gujarat or Arabic (i.e. MAT, CSC 100, CSS 100).

15. Why can’t I take certain “college level” courses while I am in Foundations or ESL?

The goal of Foundations is to help you learn the English and/or Math skills necessary to succeed in college.  The goal of ESL is to help you learn to be proficient in English on the college or professional level.  Your responsibility is to make these courses a priority.  It is tempting to want to focus on courses that grant you college credit, but unfortunately, there is only so far you can go while in Foundations or ESL courses.  It is essential to complete these courses first so that you are fully prepared for the college level or English classes required in your major. 

16. What is College Survival Skills (CSS 100)?

College Survival Skills is a one-credit course designed to assist you succeed academically, thrive interpersonally, make choices and act responsibly and ultimately investigate and clarify career and life goals.  Students are asked to read the text, respond through writing assignments, share feedback through directed discussion, gain knowledge through experiential projects and choose to incorporate lessons into daily life.  Course subjects include time management, note-taking, studying, test-taking, reading and writing skills. 

17. What is a Learning Community?

A Learning Community (LC) is a small group of students taking courses together.  In an LC a number of courses are linked together and coordinated by various professors.  The assignments are planned so that you make connections between all of your classes.  Plus, being in the same classes with the same students helps you learn from and support each other.

18. Do I need to take 12 credits?

Twelve credits are the minimum number of credits needed to be considered a full-time student.  Many students choose to study full-time in order to be eligible for the maximum amount of financial assistance from the state and federal government.  YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE A FULL-TIME STUDENT—IT IS A CHOICE.  If you are tempted to be full-time simply for financial aid, consider the following:

19. Who do I talk to about Financial Aid questions?

Students who attend HCCC have Financial Assistance Counselors.  They help with financial aid from the application process through the packaging of the student’s award.  All FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms and similar documents are submitted at the Financial Aid office (2nd floor 70 Sip Ave.) and filed for the student.  May 1st is the FAFSA priority deadline for Fall and September 15 is the deadline for Spring.

20. What do I do if I think I am failing a course?

The first step is to speak with the professor to see if anything additional can be done to improve your grade.  Another possibility would be to seek outside support (library books, the internet, etc.) for clearer explanations of class concepts. In addition, you may seek tutoring at Tutorial Services.  Tutorial Services is located at 25 Journal Square, 3rd floor or call (201-360-4185) for an appointment.  Lastly, you may choose to seek academic advising to discuss what you have been doing and what you may want to do differently.

21. What is the difference between a “W” and an “F”?
If you drop a class after the add/drop period, a “W” will appear on your transcript.  This means that you were enrolled in the class but decided to withdraw. A “W” does not affect your GPA but will count against you because the course was not completed.  On the other hand, you can fail a course for a variety of reasons (not completing assignments, not attending class).  When an “F” appears on your transcript, it is averaged into your grade point average as a zero.  [For instance, if you earn 2 B’s, 1 C and 1 F your average will be a C.  (3 + 3 + 2 + 0=  8… 8/4classes= 2 points or a C average)]
 
22. What can I get done at the Admissions and Records office?
Admissions and Records (or Enrollment Services) is located at 70 Sip Avenue on the 1st floor.  Enrollment Services accepts your application to generate a computer account for you.  That office is where students’ forms are processed.  Also, you should change or update your records with that office (e.g., name change, address change, etc).  Finally, you can request a copy of your transcript or apply for an official graduation audit with this office.

23. What is a “Registration Hold”?
You could be prevented from registering for classes if you owe money (Bursar Hold), are on academic probation (Academic Hold) or if you did not hand in proof of your vaccinations (Immunization Hold).  To remove the hold you would need to see either the Bursar to make payment arrangements, your division Dean to sign an academic plan or contract, or bring immunization records to the Admissions and Records office.

24. What is the Registrar?
The Registrar is responsible for student academic records.  Class rosters, grade rosters and report cards are all generated from this office.

25. What does the Bursar’s office do?
The Bursar’s office, located on the 1st floor of 70 Sip Ave., is where student accounts are managed.  Tuition bills are sent from this office and students’ payments are made here.  Payment plans are available to eligible students and once payments are made, student schedules are printed.

26. How long does it take to complete an Associate’s degree?
The curriculum guides for each major outline the required courses for a two-year (four semester) program; however, it takes most students longer (at least six semesters) to graduate.  Keep in mind that in order to complete the degree in the minimum two years, you would need to take at least 15-18 college level credits each semester.  The good news is, winter and summer classes are available to earn additional credit.  Remember, it is not how quickly you go but how well you do that matters. 

27. Where do I go to find out about career paths and opportunities?
Career & Transfer Services provides services to HCCC students.  There are job listing books for part-time and full-time employment in Hudson County.  Further, there is assistance with resume development, job leads, interview and follow-up preparation.  The Coordinator can be reached at (201) 360-4184.  Her office is located at 70 Sip Ave. on the 2nd floor.

28. What do I do if I want to transfer to a university to earn a Bachelor’s degree?
Students interested in transfer services are encouraged to make an appointment to see a transfer counselor.  Career & Transfer Services is located on the 2nd floor of 70 Sip Ave. or call (201) 360-4184 for an appointment.

29.  How do I find out if or how courses transfer?
If you are applying to a school within New Jersey you can find out if your classes will transfer to a senior college or university by visiting www.njtransfer.org. When you visit this site you will look under STUDENTS—find course equivalencies or plan your academic program.  These two features will let you know if what you’ve taken is transferable and/or the recommended courses you should take for a particular major.

30.  Where do I go if I need a transcript (or a copy of my courses and grades)?
Official transcripts can be ordered for a fee at 70 Sip Ave.—Admissions & Records.  If you are sending your transcript to the school to which you are applying you need the address of (and preferably the name of someone in) the admissions office of that school. You should allow at least 3-4 weeks for transcripts to be sent to the institution so order early