Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

After you have completed 15 units, bring a copy of your scores to a counselor (L104), who will assist you with a student petition. You can also initiate the process yourself by submitting a student petition with a copy of your AP test scores to the Vice President of Student and Learning Services (L112). In order to have prerequisites cleared based on your eligible AP scores, before completion of 15 units, you may bring the scores to the Assessment window, L103 or to a counseling appointment.

Can I repeat a placement test?

Placement tests may be repeated after a waiting period of eight weeks.

How do I purchase a parking permit each semester?

Daily parking permits can be bought at dispensers around all of the parking lots. Semester and intersession parking permits can be purchased online through Parking Plus. Students: Log into Lancerlink - Other Student Services: https://lancerlink.pasadena.edu/student_login.htm Employees: Log into: http://mis.pasadena.edu Semester and intersession permits can be purchased on campus in the Quad at the 411 Trolley, for students and at Police and Safety for employees. Purchase of a parking permit does not guarantee you a parking space. More information found on our Parking web page.
http://www.pasadena.edu/police/parking.cfm

Where do I purchase the college Catalog and Schedule of Classes?

Both publications may be purchased at the Bookstore (B Building) or viewed online.
http://www.pasadena.edu/studentservices/bookstore/

Can I buy my textbooks before school begins?

Yes. The Bookstore will list the instructor and required text for each course. However, you may want to wait until after the first class meeting when the instructor will confirm which books are required.

Does the Bookstore sell used textbooks?

Yes. And if you keep your textbooks in good shape, you may be able to sell them back to the Bookstore at the end of the semester.

Does PCC have student housing?

No. The Student Affairs office (CC 105) posts notices for roommates and rooms for rent in the local community.

Are there copy machines, typewriters, and computers on campus for student use?

Computers are available in the Instructional Computing Center (D Building, first floor), and the Learning Assistance Center (D300). Copy machines are located in the Shatford Library (LL Building) and the Transfer Center (L110). Typewriters are available in the Shatford Library (LL Building).

How many units do I have to take each semester?

Full-time students enroll in 12 to 19.3 units per semester. Part-time students enroll in less than 12 units each semester. A maximum of 8.3 units is allowed for each winter and summer session.

Is there an ATM on campus?

Yes. The ATM is located in the Campus Center courtyard (between the Bookstore and the Campus Center, West side of the courtyard).

What does “TBA” mean in the schedule of classes?

To Be Arranged. This means that class hours are flexible and will be arranged with the instructor.

What is a unit?

A unit is the amount of college credit given for a course based on the number of hours the course meets weekly. For example, a three-unit class will meet three hours per week. Some classes meet for more hours and may be worth additional units.

Who is “Staff” in the schedule of classes?

An instructor had not yet been designated for the class when the schedule was printed.You may contact the appropriate division to see if instructors have been assigned.

How do I receive credit for coursework taken at another college?

Send an official transcript to the Records office (L113). After you have completed 15 units of coursework at PCC, you may request a transcript evaluation in the Counseling Office, L104.

How do I receive credit for coursework taken in another country?

Your international college transcript must be evaluated by an approved private organization. The evaluation is then reviewed by PCC evaluators.You may obtain information from a Counselor in L104.

What is a PIN number?

A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a four-digit number of your choosing. It allows you to register for classes and obtain final grades online and by telephone. Choose a PIN and memorize it! If you forget your number, go to the Records office (L113) to choose a new PIN.

Is childcare available at PCC?

Childcare is available at the Child Development Center, which is located one block from campus at the corner of Green and Holliston Streets. Contact the center (585-3180) for more information.

What deadlines am I responsible for meeting every semester?

The academic calendar in the front of the Schedule of Classes and on the PCC website (Quicklinks)lists important semester deadlines. It is also available online. Some of these include deadlines for adding/dropping classes and applying for graduation.You are responsible for meeting all deadlines each semester.
http://www.pasadena.edu/calendar/academic-cal.cfm

How do I apply for financial aid?

It is never too late to apply for financial assistance. The forms you need to complete include the FAFSA and BOGG. For complete financial aid information, contact the Financial Aid office (L114, 585-7401) or access the FAFSA online.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

Will an instructor automatically drop me if I stop attending a class?

NO! You should never assume that you will be automatically dropped from a class. Always initiate a drop yourself by phone or online. Remember to drop classes by the drop deadlines listed in the academic calendar in the Schedule of Classes.
http://lancerlink.pasadena.edu

How do I prove that I meet a course prerequisite?

If you’ve met a prerequisite by taking a course at another college, bring a transcript or report card to an Educational Advisor (L103) or a counselor (L104) for course approval. If the course prerequisite includes a test, you must take it at PCC and then request your results at Advisement (L103). PCC counselors do not use placement test scores from other colleges to determine course placement.

What do I do if the class I want to take is closed?

You may attend the first class meeting. If there is space available in the class, have the instructor assign an add code to be used over the telephone or online. Check the academic calendar for add deadlines.
http://www.pasadena.edu/calendar/academic-cal.cfm

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 16 weeks long. However, some classes meet for a shorter period.

Do I have to declare a major?

It is not necessary to declare a major during your first semester at PCC. However, it is essential that you have a student educational plan (SEP) prepared by a counselor who will discuss your educational and career goals. Visit the Career Center (L103) and enroll in Counseling 17 (Career Planning) to obtain help in choosing a major.

How do I know what classes to take?

Counselors and educational advisors will assist you in choosing classes. Before your first meeting with a counselor, be sure to review the Catalog and Schedule of Classes. They contain lists of general education, major, and transfer requirements.

How do I find out my registration date and time?

As a new student, you will receive a permit-to-register card from the Admissions Office (L113).Your registration date and time is printed on the permit. Every semester thereafter, call the telephone registration number (626) 577-6100 or go online to Lancerlink (Online Services), log in to the semester in question, and select Registration Appointment Lookup from the menu to find out the earliest date and time you can register.
http://lancerlink.pasadena.edu

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How do I get my student ID card?

After registering for classes you obtain a LancerCard ID at the Campus Center LancerCard ID station (CC bldg.). You will need your Enrollment Fee Receipt and a Photo ID.

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