What do I do before I register for classes?
To be a GCC student you need to
The Placement Test assesses your skill levels in reading, writing and math through elementary algebra. The test results determine whether you will need to take basic skills courses in any or all of these areas. So please pay close attention while taking the test.
Once you have taken the Placement Test, you have the right to challenge (retest) any or all parts of the test but you can challenge each part of the test only one time.
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| How do I register for my classes? |
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Gather all documents that will assist you in registering such as: |
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- placement test score results or SAT scores
- college transcript if you have attended other colleges/universities
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| NEXT |
Come to Student Services on a scheduled Open Registration day |
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- These dates are available on GCC’s home page, GCC’s Portal, and in GCC’s current course Courier.
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Stop by the Information Center desk in the Student Services building to obtain |
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- an advisement form
- your user name and initial password
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| FINALLY |
See an advisor! The advisor will assist you with |
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- interpretation of placement test scores
- selection of courses
- questions about your major
- the Registration PIN # you will need to register for courses
- referral to other college resources or services if necessary
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What do I do if I need to change my class schedule?
Suppose something happens after you register for your courses and you have to change your schedule. To change your schedule you will need to go to the GCC portal and select Add or Drop Classes. Be sure you have the Registration PIN # the advisor gives you when you first register.
What are some things I should do after I register but before my classes begin?
Become familiar with the GCC portal
The GCC portal is Gloucester County College’s interactive online website for students, faculty and staff. It is through the portal that you will register for your courses, access your GCC e-mail, and communicate with your advisor and instructors.
Before the semester begins go to the portal again and click on the tab for Gloucester Alert! Through Gloucester Alert you will receive emergency alerts and notifications such as an early school closing.
Print your schedule of classes
Just before the semester begins go to the portal and print out your course schedule. Changes of which you are unaware may have been made to your schedule. A class may have been cancelled, the room may have been changed, a different instructor may have been assigned.
Buy your books
GCC’s bookstore is conveniently located on campus just below the Library. Take your schedule with you so that you can make sure the textbooks you purchase are the ones needed for your class. Bookstore staff are happy to help you with this. Keep your receipt in case you need to exchange any books.
If you are receiving Financial Aid, check with the Financial Aid Office for the dates you can purchase books using your aid.
Get your GCC photo ID
Your photo ID card is very important. It serves as your library card as well as the form of photo-id that is needed for virtually all inquires and transactions you make at GCC. After you register for your courses, print out a copy of your class schedule and take it to the Library. This is where you will get your GCC ID.
Get a parking decal
Every vehicle parked on GCC’s campus must have a parking decal. Parking decals are free and can be picked up in the GCC Library at the time you receive your GCC Photo ID.
The following information must be supplied in order to obtain a parking decal:
- Student ID number
- License plate number
- Make, model, year and color of vehicle
- Contact phone number (for emergency purposes)
What is the last day I can add or drop a course?
For each semester there is an Open Registration schedule which you can find on GCC’s home page, GCC’s Portal, and in GCC’s Courier. The last day to add is usually within the first week of the class starting. Refer to this schedule when you consider adding or dropping a course.
What is the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from a course?
A “dropped” course does not show up on your academic transcript while a course from which you have “withdrawn” does appear on your transcript with a “W” instead of a grade and can also affect your eligibility for financial aid. The “W” does not affect your GPA.
When will I register for the next semester?
You will get an e-mail through the GCC portal a few weeks before registration begins advising you of the start of registration and what you need to do. Check your GCC e-mail in March for summer and fall registration information and in October for winter and spring registration
Will I always need a Registration PIN # to register for courses?
You will need a PIN # to register if
- you have fewer than 17 college-level credits at GCC
- have not completed all required remedial courses or
- have a GPA below 2.0.
As long as you need a PIN # you will need to complete an advisement form and speak with an advisor about your course selection.
Who is my advisor?
Please click HERE to determine your advisor at GCC.
When should I see an advisor?
At GCC the advising staff is committed to helping you reach your potential. During each semester, you can schedule appointments for both day and evening hours. Advisors are also available for quick questions and concerns through Drop-in advising available daily in the lobby of the Student Services building.
Students see advisors for many reasons, here are just a few:
- To select courses for the upcoming semester. All first-time students must meet with an advisor prior to registering for a course.
- To add, drop, or withdraw from a course (Be aware of deadlines)
- To review your degree planning
- To discuss
- your academic progress
- changing your major and its impact
- career goals
- time management
- how to study better
- any other issues that may be affecting your academic performance
What are some things I should to do during the first week of the semester?
Check your schedule to see whether you have any basic skills courses.
- Do you know which courses are considered Basic Skills courses? These are COS 100, COS 103, PSY 100 and any course that begins with a “0”, e.g., MAT 010, RDG 099, COM 088.
- Required basic skills courses must be completed in addition to the degree requirements of your certificate or degree.
- Be aware that basic skills courses do not count as electives and do not transfer.
- Visit the Testing Center and discover the resources that are available to assist you.
Learn how to access your GCC e-mail.
- When logged on to your personal GCC portal home page, click on the e-mail icon at the top of the page.
- Be sure to check your e-mail regularly. You will find important information such as registration procedures for the next semester, correspondence from your instructors, and advisement tips.
Read each syllabus.
- A syllabus is a course outline that
- defines the course and the instructor’s policies: attendance policy, grading system, required text books
- may provide a schedule of important dates including assignment due dates, test dates and holidays.
- gives you the instructor’s contact information including office hours.
- You will have a syllabus for each of your courses.
- Be sure to put it where you can easily find it and use it.
Use the syllabus to set goals.
- Your syllabus holds the key to each course.
- By defining expectations, the syllabus defines success.
- Set a goal for your desired final grade for each course
- Read each syllabus to determine what will be required to obtain the grade you desire.
Use the syllabus to set up your study schedule.
- By using the syllabus you know what’s due when so that …
- You can plan.
- You can put the information from each syllabus on a master schedule for the semester and use it to manage your time.
What is the difference between high school and college?
High School |
College |
Mandatory |
Voluntary |
Correspondence is addressed to your parents who read it and tell you what you need to do. |
Correspondence is addressed to you and you must read and respond. |
Classes are sequential. |
Class days and times vary. |
You spend 30 hours per week in class. |
If you are a full time student, you spend 10 to 15 hours per week in class. |
School year is divided into 4 marking periods. |
The academic year is divided into two separate 15 week semesters. You can take summer courses. |
Teachers monitor attendance. |
Although professors may take attendance, they do not report absences. |
You are provided with textbooks. |
You must purchase textbooks. |
Graduation requirements are monitored by the Guidance Office. |
Graduation requirements depend upon the major you are studying. You are responsible for knowing and completing program requirements. To graduate you need to file a Graduation Petition. |
Teachers check your homework. |
Professors assume you have completed homework assignments and may not collect. |
Teachers remind you of upcoming due dates. |
Professors expect you to follow the course syllabus and know when an assignment is due or a test will be given. |
Teachers consider many factors including “extra credit” to determine final grade.
Effort counts. |
Professors base grade on less material and often do not offer “extra credit”.
Results count. |
You may graduate as long as you have passed all required courses. |
You need a minimum GPA of 2.0 to graduate. This is an overall ‘C’ average. |
What is a GPA?
Your GPA is your Grade Point Average. Points are given for each credit based on your grade.
How do I know what my GPA is?
You can find your GPA on your transcript. It is on the bottom right.
Why is my GPA important?
Your GPA can affect your eligibility for financial aid and scholarships and transfer decisions.
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