How do I plan a class schedule that will work for me?

How do I find where my class meets?

It says the class is closed. What can I do?

The class has a prerequisite. What if I haven't taken the prerequisite?

What is a recommendation?

How do I use the printed Schedule of Classes?

Where can I find important dates and deadlines?

What if I need to withdraw from a class?

Are there late starting classes?

How do I find out about parking?

Can I take my class for credit/no credit?

What does repeat code mean?

How do I plan a class schedule that will work for me?

In addition to meeting with a counselor to plan which courses you should take, you must consider other factors before you register for classes. The general rule of thumb for planning your study time is that academic classes require approximately 2 hours of study for every 1 hour in class. This means for a 3-unit class, you should plan 6 hours of study time each week in addition to the time you spend in class.

Plan your schedule to leave some time between classes when you can review your notes, read, and review before the next class. Classes start at the time posted in the Schedule of Classes but end at least 10 minutes earlier than indicated. This allows you time to move to another class.

How do I find where my class meets?

SRJC offers classes at many locations in addition to the Santa Rosa and Petaluma classes. Make sure that you are aware of the location of classes for which you register. On the Web, classes that list their location as PET or PC meet in Petaluma. For other designations refer to the off-campus location of classes. When viewing the class schedule online, you can link to a listing of class locations by clicking on the room #. To learn more, use the Campus Map from the Home Page. For a tour of the Santa Rosa Campus contact the Student Activities office. Contact Admissions and Records at Petaluma Campus for a tour of Petaluma facilities.

It says the class is closed. What can I do?

Wait lists are established for some classes. Being on a wait list improves your chances of registering for a closed class. If you are able to register on the wait list (the same way you register for any class), your standing will automatically advance as other students drop. You are expected to attend class if you are on a wait list. Check your class schedule frequently to see if you have been added.

If there is not a wait list available, you can register only if the instructor gives you a 4 digit "add code" or signs an add/drop card for you. Use this code to register in person, or by using telephone or online registration. If you have the instructor's signature, you will have to register in person.

The class has a prerequisite. What if I haven't taken the prerequisite? What is a recommendation?

• A prerequisite is knowledge or skill you must have before registering for a particular class.

• If you took the prerequisite course at another school, you must complete a Prerequisite Equivalency Form in order to register. This form must be signed by you and submitted to the Admissions Office. Please note that high school English and math classes do not satisfy the prerequisites for SRJC English and math classes. Please take the assessment tests if you have not successfully completed English or math at another college.

• You also have the right to challenge prerequisites. Use the Prerequisite Challenge Form and explain the basis of your challenge. Submit the form to the Admissions Office. The form will be forwarded to the relevant department, and will either be approved or denied within 5 working days. While it is being processed, you will be allowed to register for the class (during your registration time). If it is approved you will be allowed to register or stay registered in the class and you will not receive any notification. If it is denied, you will be notified and will be blocked from the class. Please see a counselor for help completing this form.

• A recommendation is advisory in nature, and you will not be blocked from registering for the class if you have not taken the recommended course. It is a good idea to take the advisories seriously, as they are a good indication of the skill level and/or knowledge needed to do well in the class.

How do I use the printed Schedule of Classes?

Where can I find important dates & deadlines?

Refer to the College Calendar in the printed Schedule of Classes or on the Web, http://www.santarosa.edu/schedules/academic_calendar/

What if I need to withdraw from a class?

It is always your responsibility to withdraw from a class if you are not going to attend or not able to complete the class. Students are encouraged to speak with the instructor and/or a counselor before they drop classes. To officially withdraw, you must drop the class by using online, telephone, or in person registration. A signature is not needed.

Withdrawal deadlines for full semester-length courses are published in the semester calendar (online or in the printed Schedule of Classes). Students can drop short courses prior to 20% of the course without receiving a "W" grade and prior to 60% of the course with a "W" grade. "W" grades are not used in computing a grade point average, but withdrawing from classes can affect you in other ways (scholarship, financial aid, progress probation, etc). A counselor can help you decide if this is the best option for you.

Are there late starting classes?

Each semester the college offers a variety of classes that start later than the traditional semester classes. Some classes are offered in an "intensive" format as well as starting at alternative times. Printed publications list the classes that begin during other months of the year. The schedule of classes on the Web includes late starting classes. The Tech Academy in Petaluma also offers classes in alternative time frames.

How do I find out about parking?

Parking permits may be purchased on a daily basis for $3 each day, or a semester permit may be purchased when you register for classes. A permit allows you to park at the Santa Rosa Campus, Petaluma Campus, and the Public Safety Training Center in Windsor. A semester parking permit for an auto costs $60.00 per semester. Associated Student Membership provides for a discount on your parking fees. When you pay your fees, your permit will be mailed to you. You may also purchase permits directly from the District Police Office, Pedroncelli Center, or at the Business Services Office at the Petaluma Campus.

A permit entitles you to park on a space available basis. During peak times from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon there are minimal spaces available. Completion of the new multi-story parking structure at the Santa Rosa Campus provides an additional 700 spaces for the Fall 2007 semester. Students are encouraged to consider alternative transportation such as carpooling, bus service, and bicycles. Review the SRJC Police Web site http://www.santarosa.edu/administration/college-safety/district-police/parking-information.shtml for more information.

Can I take my class for credit/no credit?

Many classes can be taken for credit/no credit. If this option is available it will be indicated at the end of the course description in the schedule of classes. The option must be chosen within the first 30% of the course, and once you choose this option, you are not allowed to reverse your choice except by petition. Some classes are offered only as credit/no credit.

Credit is defined as satisfactory completion of the minimum course requirements (a "C" grade or better). Rather than receiving a grade on your transcript, you will earn a credit if you met the minimum course requirements. Credits and no credits do not affect your grade point average, and give you a chance to explore subjects outside of your major. Do not choose this option for classes within your major. Consult a counselor for more information about this option. There is a semester limit of 3 units (or course of a higher unit value).

What does repeat code mean?

There are limitations on the number of times you may repeat a course. If there is no repeat code after the course description in the schedule of classes, that course may be repeated one time if a grade of "D", "F", or "No Credit" was earned. If there is a repeat code for the course, you can learn more about the code in the printed schedule of classes or from the online college catalogue (from the home page, find catalogue under Academics).