FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register for classes?
As a new student you should follow the Steps For Success. The most convenient method of registration is to use e-Services (online regestration).
- How often do classes meet?
All college courses at FLC/EDC are completed in one semester or less. A semester is 18 weeks in length; however, nine week and other shorter classes are also offered. Be aware that late start and short term classes meet the same number of hours and cover the same amount of material as the same class that meets for the full semester.
For a typical full semester class, the hours the class meets per week usually equals the number of units the class is worth. That means that most classes will meet three hours per week. The hours may be in a three hour block or spread out in a variety of combinations. A three-unit class will usually meet either for one hour a week, three times a week; or for one and a half hours a week, twice a week.
- What time do I attend classes?
You may arrange your time schedule to meet your needs. However, be advised to adhere to the following guidelines:
You may take classes which meet for consecutive hours, but be sure that consecutive classes are at the same location. If one class is at an off-site location, you will need to allow for travel time. If your classes are at the same location, it is fine to take a class from 9:00-9:50 and one from 10:00-10:50. It is not necessary to take classes consecutively; some students prefer to have study time directly after each class.
Be careful not to sign up for classes which overlap in time. For example, you may not sign up for a class that begins at 9:30 if you have a class that ends at 9:50.
You may take both day and evening classes.
- What do course numbers mean?
Courses numbered 300-499 are generally transferable to CSU, UC and private university systems. Courses numbered 1-299 do not transfer to the above mentioned school systems. For transferability of specific courses, refer to the college catalog. In addition, courses numbered 100-299 apply toward the associate degree and courses numbered 1-99 do not.
- How many units must I take to be a full-time student?
A full time student must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units.
Your status as a full-time student is important if you are involved
in Extended
Opportunities Programs and Services (EOP&S) and/or
are receiving financial aid. Your status may also be important
if you are receiving Social Security, veteran's benefits, or have
automobile or medical insurance which requires full-time status.
- What is the maximum number of units I may take?
The college policy for the maximum number of units
per semester is 18 (full-time status is 12 units). Students wishing
to take mre than 18 units during a semester must obtian approval
from a counselor and submit appropriate documentation to the Admissions
office. The Time
Conflict/Excess Units form can be found in PDF
format on the downloadable A&R
forms page or in the Admissions offices.
- How long will it take to complete a degree at FLC/EDC?
It is difficult to answer this question because so much depends
on how much time you have to devote to school. Remember, many classes
are offered during summer sessions. Taking summer classes can help
you achieve your goal more quickly.
- Do I have to repeat a class in which I received a "D" or "F" grade?
It is to the student's benefit to repeat a class
in which he/she received a grade of "D" or "F" in order to raise the
GPA. In order to satisfy major requirements and General Education
Requirements for CSU Breadth and IGETC, the student must have a
mimimum of "C" grade in all courses.
If you received a grade of "D" or "F" in
a course, you may enroll in the course again. You should fill out
the "Course
Repetition Notification" form and submit it to the
Admissions Office at the time of initial enrollment.
- How do I withdraw or drop a class?
As a student, you are responsible (not the instructor)
for withdrawing from classes in which you are officially enrolled.
The Student should drop the class online or through TES (telephone
enrollment system), 916-286-4400 or 1-800-700-4144. If you fail
to attend a class in which you are officially enrolled and do not
drop the class, you are still liable for the fees and may receive
an "F" or "W" grade. Be sure to check the "Important Dates" calendar. Deadlines vary for dropping short-term classes.
- What should I do if I am on probation?
Please don't wait until you are on probation before you seek help.
There are many services and people on campus to help if you are
struggling academically or if you are dealing with circumstances
that prevent you from completing your courses. If, however, you
do find yourself on either academic or progress probation and you
are subject to dismissal, you will need to see a counselor to petition
for readmission. We hope that with assistance and intervention
this can be prevented.
- If I plan to transfer to a four-year college, can I also get an associate degree?
Yes, by taking the courses required for transfer, you will more than likely meet the requirements for an associate degree as well. Additional requirements that you may need are a physical education course, multicultural course and fulfillment of reading competency. Check with a counselor for assessment of your specific needs.
- What is the IGETC?
IGETC, Intersegmental General Education Transfer
Curriculum, is a general education pattern which community college
transfer students can use to fulfill lower-division general education requirements
in either the CSU or UC systems. You must complete the entire IGETC
in order to have it accepted as meeting the general education requirements
at the transfer institution and to have it certified. All courses
must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. IGETC
is not appropriate for all majors; make an appointment to see a counselor.
- What is general education certification?
All California state colleges and universities accept a common pattern of general education. If you complete courses in accordance with the pattern prior to transferring to one of the 23 state universities, you may request that Folsom Lake College Admissions and Records certify the general education on your official transcript. Do not have this done until the university requests your transcripts. The FLC/EDC/RCC transcript request form is used to request certification. All 23 state universities will honor this certification stamp; that is, you will not be required to take additional lower division general education courses in those areas certified.
- Do I have to declare a major?
It is not necessary to declare a major the first
semester you register at FLC/EDC/RCC. However, it is to your advantage
to decide on a major so that you can plan to earn a degree or certificate
and/or complete transfer requirements. We recommend you take a
career exploration class and/or consult with
a counselor to help you with major and career choices.
- How do I get a refund?
To be eligible for a refund, classes must be dropped by appropriate deadline dates. It is the student's responsibility to drop the class as well as file a refund request form. Refund forms must be filed by the last day of the semester or session. Forms are available at the FLC, EDC, and RCC Student Services offices.
- Where do I buy a parking permit?
Parking permits may be purchased at the FLC, EDC or RCC Student Services offices.
- Do I need to purchase separate parking permits
if I attend more than one location?
No - one parking permit is valid for every location in the Los Rios Community College District. For example, a FLC
parking permit can be used at ARC.
- Where can I go to see a counselor?
Ther are counselors available at all of our site:
FLC, EDC and RCC. Call each office for appointments.
Folsom Lake College: 916-608-6500
El Dorado Center: 530-642-5645
Rancho Cordova Center: 916-255-0717
- Where can I get my grades?
Grades are available on Los
Rios e-Services, the online registration system, or by calling TES at 916-286-4400 or
1-800-700-4144