Accessibility and the PCC web site.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

How do I receive credit for AP (Advanced Placement) test scores?
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 (CC105) and housing boards around campus post notices for roommates and rooms for rent in the local community.

Are there copy machines 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).

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 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

How do I get final semester grades?

Final semester grades are available online approximately twelve days after the end of each semester. Login to that semester and choose the “Final Grades” button at:

http://lancerlink.pasadena.edu.

What sports teams does PCC have?
Basketball, cross country, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, baseball, softball, football, and soccer. Contact GM102, 585-7225 or the athletics website for more information.

http://www.pasadena.edu/athletics/

How do I contact an instructor?
Leave messages for instructors in the appropriate division office.

http://www.pasadena.edu/directory/

Apply

How do I get my student ID card?

Complete your registration for classes and pay your fees online at LancerLink. Take your registration receipt to the LancerCard ID Station in the Campus Center to obtain your card.

Graduation

How do I apply for graduation?

You may request a graduation check online at the following link: Preliminary Graduation Check Request or at the front Counseling Counter at L-104 (you do not need to stand in line for this request); however you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have not applied for graduation this semester OR wants to apply for an additional degree
  • ALL college credits at PCC with a minimum of 45 units completed (so NO transcripts from other colleges/universities OR Advance Placement (AP) scores of 3 or higher)

If you do qualify to graduate, the counseling office will contact you to return to sign your graduation petition. If you do not qualify yet, we will provide a check list of classes you still need.

OR in person with a counseling appointment.

Please go to: http://www.pasadena.edu/studentservices/counseling/appointment.cfm to find out our hours and procedures in making a counseling appointment.

If you have credits from another college, you can only apply for graduation during a counseling appointment. 

When do I apply for graduation?

We graduate students 3 times per year (Fall, Spring, and Summer).  Once you register for your final semester, you may apply for graduation.  Graduation deadlines are posted in the academic calendar at http://www.pasadena.edu/calendar/academic-cal.cfm.  Deadlines are usually in September for Fall, March for Spring, and July for Summer.

What are the benefits in getting an Associate degree?
  • Associate degrees can stand alone or be a stepping stone to a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Associate degree holders earn up to 25% more each year than someone who is doing the same job without a degree.
  • More employers are requiring job candidates to have a degree, getting an Associate’s degree will open more doors.
  • A different Associate degree from your Bachelor’s degree will diversify your resume (i.e. A.A. in Business and B.A. in Economics). 
  • In case it may take you longer to complete your Bachelor’s degree than planned, you will have an Associate degree to fall back on.
  • Completing an Associate degree from PCC demonstrates that students can accomplish their goals at each stage in their education.
  • By meeting your transfer requirements, you may already qualify for a degree without taking additional classes.
Is an Associate degree required to transfer to a university?

UC’s, CSU’s, and most universities in California do not require an Associate degree for admission. However, some out-of-state or private institutions may require an Associate degree, please check with those institutions.

Do I need to see a counselor to get a degree?

No, you may not need to see a counselor to get a degree. You will need to have all the requirements completed by the end of the term you are applying. For example, if you are applying for Spring graduation, you must complete all your requirements by the end of that Spring semester.

Please refer to question #1 above to find out how to apply for graduation.
 

Can I still get financial aid after I receive my Associate degree?

If you are receiving financial aid and are planning on attending next semester at PCC, please wait to apply for graduation during your final semester at PCC (unless you have completed over 90 units at PCC). Receiving an Associate degree may impact your financial aid (at PCC only) but has NO impact on the Fee Waiver. If you are transferring, an Associate degree does not affect your financial aid at the university.

How many Associate degrees may I receive at PCC?

For students who started at PCC Fall 2009 and after, you may have multiple A.A. degrees and one A.S. degree.

For students who started at PCC prior to Fall 2009 and have maintained continuous enrollment, you may have one A.A. degree and multiple A.S. degrees.

I have credits from another college; may I use those credits to graduate from PCC?

Yes, you must send an official transcript to the Records Office (L113). After you have completed 15 units of coursework at PCC, you should ask a counselor to submit a transcript evaluation request.  You may also make a transcript evaluation request through online counseling at:  http://www.pasadena.edu/studentServices/counseling/online.cfm.

I have college credits from another country; may I use those credits to graduate from PCC?

You may be able to use your credits from another country.  However, you are required to have your foreign transcripts (Academic Records) evaluated by one of the 3 approved evaluation agencies. Once we receive the official evaluation results and you have completed 15 units at PCC, PCC evaluators will complete a second evaluation for graduation credits. 

For those students who are planning to transfer to the university, please see a counselor before applying for your transcript to be evaluated.  Most universities have their own evaluators who evaluate foreign transcripts. Transcript evaluation is not necessary if you are transferring to a university.

I have submitted my graduation check request but have not heard anything, what should I do?

Once a student submits a request, it will be given to a counselor to complete the graduation check.  Please allow 10 business days to process.  Once the graduation check is completed, our counseling staff will contact you to return to L-104 to receive results. 

If you have not heard from us after 10 business days, please email gradpetition@pasadena.edu.

I have signed my graduation petition, what happens next?

Your graduation petition will be forwarded to a Graduation Evaluator for a second review.  If there is a problem with your graduation requirements, you will be contacted by mail.  If there are no other missing requirements, you will not receive any notices.  After your grades are posted for that semester, a final review will be done and your degree will be posted on your PCC transcript.  The diploma will be mailed to you approximately 3 months after the term ends. 

In April, you will receive graduation commencement information by mail.  If you are interested in participating in the June Commencement (once a year), please follow the instructions to rent your cap and gown.

What happens if I fail my required class/es?

You will receive a letter by mail from the Graduation Evaluator stating your missing requirements.  Once you enroll in the course again, you will need to reapply for graduation.

Do I have to participate in Graduation Commencement ceremony to receive my diploma?

You are not required to attend the ceremony; however we highly encourage you to attend and invite your family and friends to celebrate your achievements at PCC.

Do I have to pay to graduate or receive my diploma?

No, the graduation application and diploma is free.

What degrees are available at PCC?

For Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees, we currently have 19 with the following areas of emphasis:

For Associate Degrees for Transfer (A.A.-T. & A.S.-T.), we currently have 10 majors:

For more information on A.A.-T. & A.S.-T. degrees, please go to http://www.pasadena.edu/academicprograms/degree-addendum.cfm

For Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees, we have over 70 majors. For these degrees, students are required to complete a Certificate of Achievement to fulfill their major requirement. The list of certificates can be found at http://www.pasadena.edu/cte/ca.cfm.