Academic Advisement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can I find an advisor?

A. The Academic Advisement Center is the general information resource for academic advisement for the NCC Campus. Liberal Arts students, either currently attending or returning, can be advised at the Academic Advisement Center, located in Building U. Students in other majors should contact their academic department for advisement. The Center will also meet with students from most other majors when advisement in those major areas is not available. In addition, the Advisement Center is the main resource for evening students.

Q. Will my advisor tell me what courses to take?

A. Your advisor will help you to clarify your educational, career and life goals and assist in selecting the most appropriate courses to meet your needs. It is important that you come to the advisement session with some ideas about courses that interest you. Advisement is most effective when the student and advisor work together.

Q. Is it mandatory to meet with an advisor?

A. Academic advisement is available, and recommended for all students. However, it is not mandatory to meet with an advisor prior to registration, unless you are a new student. 

Q. I'm not sure what I want to do or which major is right for me. What should I do?

A. If you are an undecided or Liberal Arts student, an academic advisor may be able to help. Through advisement, you can explore your interests, career and life goals, and try to select a program that is most appropriate to meet those needs. If you are a student enrolled in a degree program and are not sure if it is right for you, speaking to a faculty member in your department might be helpful. If you choose to change your major, the Advisement Center can assist you in contacting an advisor in your new area of study. If you require further assistance, there are a variety of services available to you at our Career Counseling Center, located in Nassau Hall, Building M, Room 14.

Q. How do I apply to the Nursing program at NCC?

A. Please review the Nursing department's Routes for Admission to the NCC Nursing Program for further information.

Q. When can I register for next semester?

A. Students who are currently enrolled or has attended the prior semester have the opportunity for priority registration. Fall registration generally begins in March and Spring registration generally begins in November. When the priority periods conclude, transfer, new and readmitted students who have completed the admissions process will be notified regarding advisement and registration. 

Q. Is dropping a course the same as withdrawing from a course?

A. Students can drop a class without the course appearing on their academic record through the third week of classes for fall and spring semester and during the first week of classes for summer and Winterim sessions. Once the refund period is over, students can withdraw from a course until the date published in the academic calendar (approximately 10 weeks). Although a W appears on the student's academic record, it does not affect the grade point average (GPA). In order to withdraw from a course, it is necessary to have the instructor sign the drop/add form. The withdrawal will then be processed at the Registrar's Office, Tower Lower Level.

Q. Why do I have to take a non-credit or "remedial course"?

A. As a result of placement testing, some students are required to take preparatory non-credit Mathematics, English and/or Reading courses. The courses are designed to help students strengthen skills in deficient areas so that they will be successful in credit bearing courses. Students are not permitted to enroll in credit-level courses until they have successfully completed their remedial coursework in their area(s) of deficiency.

Q. Do I have to take a physical education class? Can I use a health course to fulfill physical education requirements?

A. All full-time day students must complete two credits of physical education. For most degree programs, completion of a health course is also required listed under "HED" (Health Education). You cannot use a health course to satisfy a physical education requirement. Physical Education can only be satisfied by an activity.  For further questions, please refer the College catalog.

Q. How can I find out what classes I have left to graduate?

A. The staff at the Academic Advisement Center can assist Liberal Arts students in answering any questions concerning graduation requirements. Students pursuing other majors should contact their individual department to discuss graduation requirements. A degree evaluation is available to students through MyNCC.

Q. Will my NCC credits transfer to other colleges?

A. Generally, courses completed with a grade of C or better are transferable. However, every college has specific program requirements and admissions criteria. Prior to registration, be sure to seek advisement to ensure taking the proper courses. Students should also visit our Transfer Office, located in Nassau Hall, Building M, Room 4. The Transfer Office can provide you with information about transfer schools, procedures and any other questions or concerns about transferring.