The following are questions commonly asked by college students. Understanding these answers may help you plan your studies more effectively.
At this time, Counseling and Advising Appointments have transitioned to a virtual counseling and advising environment. We are excited to offer your choice of a 30-MINUTE “ZOOM” or PHONE APPOINTMENT, commencing, Monday, March 16, 2020. We are also continuing to service students via email and through our direct office lines.
There are many ways to connect with the Counseling Center! Our hours of operation remain:
Call the campus of your choice:
Email our Counseling Center: counseling@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Additionally, there are Counselors and Advisors located in other departments on campus:
For a complete listing of Counseling Administration, Support Staff, Program Managers, Counseling Faculty and Educational Advisors, see our Counseling Faculty and Staff Directory.
Your Counselor or Advisor will contact you via your BC email or call your on-file phone number (if you do not have internet access, this is a great option!) to schedule and confirm your appointment. If you need to update your phone number, please call the Counseling Center at (661) 395-4421.
You must log-in from a computer, laptop, or tablet with a microphone and web camera to optimize your virtual appointment. Your smartphone is also an option. After you schedule your appointment you will receive a link with steps on how to log-in and "meet" with your Counselor or Advisor.
A Counselor can help you identify and clarify personal, career and educational goals. Counselors and Advisors assist students in developing an education plan and the selection of appropriate courses in preparation for Certificates, Associate Degrees, Associate Degrees for Transfer, our Bachelor’s Degree, and transfer.
Counselors can also evaluate transcripts from other colleges and universities, as well as external credit by examination, to determine general education and/or completion at BC and transfer, clear pre-requisite holds, and clear probation holds.
The Counseling and Student Success Center recommends that all students meet with a Counselor or Advisor at least once every semester.
A Student Educational Plan or SEP is a semester by semester list of all the courses you need to complete to reach your major and/or career goal. An SEP is either completed in a student development (STDV) course, a workshop or an individual counseling or advising appointment
It depends on your unique situation. Students who are employed full-time (40 or more hours per week) should limit themselves to no more than 6 units. If you are employed no more than 20 hours per week, it's recommended that you sign up for 12 or more units, provided you don't have additional time commitments (e.g. child, spouse, outside activities). If you are not employed, full-time courseload (12-19 units) may be appropriate.
However, if you have never attended college, are a returning student, or the subject is challenging for you then you should ease your way into the school routine by taking 6-9 units per semester.
The following chart is a valuable tool for students to estimate the amount of time needed to support a quality learning experience:
Work (Hrs/week) | Recommended units per semester | Estimated Study Time | Total hours per week |
---|---|---|---|
40 | 6 | 12-18 | 58-64 |
30 | 9 | 18-27 | 57-66 |
20 | 12 | 24-36 | 56-68 |
10 | 15 | 30-45 | 55-70 |
0 | 18 | 36-54 | 54-72 |
See GPA calculator and information on how to calculate your grade point average.
Your GPA, or grade point average, is the main indicator of your academic performance in college. GPAs are based on the following system:
To calculate your grade point average, multiply the letter grade points by the number of units in the class. For example, if you received an "A" in English 1, a "C" in Math 52, and an "F" in Human Development 12, you would have:
Class | Grade | Points | Units Attempted | Grade Points |
---|---|---|---|---|
English 1 | A | 4 | x 3 = | 12 |
Math 52 | C | 2 | x 3 = | 6 |
HMDV 12 | F | 0 | x 1 = | 0 |
Total: | n/a | n/a | 7 | 18 |
Divide the total number of grade points by the total number of units attempted. This gives you your grade point average. In the above example, 18 grade points divides by 7 units attempted equals a 2.57 GPA.
A major is a group or series of courses designed to provide intensive education or training in a specialized area.
Students may take classes for their major any semester they choose as long as they are eligible for the course (read course description for prerequisites), the course is offered in the desired term and seats are available.
As you think about a field of study, consider these points:
In addition the following resources could be used to gather more information about your major:
(On-Campus - An Interactive Guide To College. Diane S. Fitton, 2009)
For information on specific major course requirements, visit Programs of Study or the Bakersfield College Catalog.
Yes, students must declare a program of study when they complete their admission form for Bakersfield College. There are several great websites designed specifically for California community college students to help you choose a major and career pathway, including:
No, but you are encouraged to earn your BC degree prior to transfer. It looks good on your resume and shows future employers that you are someone who sets and attains goals. The most streamlined pathway to transfer is the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program in conjunction with the California State Universities.
No, students may generally repeat a course only one time. Refer to the BC Catalog for more specific information on the repeat policy.
Students on less than “Good” Academic Standing need help and tools to get back to Good Standing. Students on Second Semester Probation need to complete the online Student Success Seminar and attend a Probation Workshop.
Being on either academic or progress probation can delay achieving your educational goals. Finding solutions begins with knowledge. The more you know about academic standing, what Bakersfield College expects of you, and the timelines involved, the easier it will be to develop an effective action plan.
Find detailed information on our Academic Standing page.
If your assessment scores suggest you need to improve your basic skills in reading, writing/English and math, we recommend that you concentrate on improving your college-level reading and writing skills first. If possible, taking an English course your first semester is a good idea regardless of where you assessed. If you placed at English B50 or above, you should consider taking general education courses that interest you and/or courses that are related to your major.
For example, if you are a math or science major, it is essential that you begin the math sequence as soon as possible.
Your student educational plan or SEP will include a semester by semester plan of all the courses you need to reach your major and career goals.
Number of Units | Enrollment Status |
---|---|
12-19 | Full Time |
9-11 | 3/4 Time |
6-8* | Half-time |
5 or less | Part-time |
* Generally, to be eligible for financial aid, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units.
Be sure to complete an online Update Form each semester to register! You can check your registration date through your InsideBC account. Your registration appointment date and time can be found a few weeks before registration begins:
Be sure to complete an Update Form online each semester to register via InsideBC. You can check your registration date through your InsideBC account. Your registration appointment date has not changed, and time can be found a few weeks before registration begins by clicking the "MyBanWeb" tab, then "Registration Status", "Select the Term", and "Submit".
The lengths of the waitlists were set upon two factors
Priority registration is the ability to register early for the upcoming semester. In order to qualify, students must do the following:
If you have successfully completed the equivalent of a pre/co-requisite at another regionally accredited college or university, you will need to submit a request for a Pre-requisite Clearance, including a copy of unofficial transcripts and/or College Board scoresheet to the Counseling Center’s email address: counseling@bakersfieldcollege.edu
If you wish to receive course credit/units, please submit your official transcripts and/or College Board scoresheet to the BC Admissions Office, and follow up by also submitting a Request for Evaluation
Bakersfield College utilizes a Wait List for closed classes. If a class is closed, you may register yourself on the waitlist anytime on or after your registration appointment time. If a seat becomes available in that course, the next student on the waitlist will be added to the class, so check your schedule often to complete your registration online.
High school students may be eligible for Bakersfield College’s Early College Program. Early College packages college course opportunities for high school students into pathways that begin in the 9th grade, allowing cohorts of students the opportunity to earn associate degrees and/or certificates by the time they walk across the stage at their high school graduation. Types of Early College Opportunities include Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment and Career and Technical Education articulated courses. Additional information can be found on Early College.
Visit the Financial Aid section of our website for detailed information on financial aid programs and options.
The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOP&S) is a state-funded support program designed to provide academic support, financial assistance and encouragement for educationally disadvantaged students. Find additional information at EOP&S.
With the passing of AB 705 into state law, starting the Fall 2019 semester, you may register for first level transfer courses in English and Mathematics regardless of placement or current enrollment in a pre-transfer level English and/or Mathematics course. For more about AB 705 and placement, see our Placement page.
Credit received for AP scores depends upon the exam and score received and can be used to meet General Education requirements under three options:
Course requirements vary depending on the educational goal. Counselors and Advisors can assist you in course selection appropriate for their goal by creating a Comprehensive Student Education Plan in Starfish (online degree planner). CSEP selections include: Associate Degree, Associate Degree for Transfer, Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Automation, Certificate program requirements or the Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Automation. Detailed information on degrees, certificates and general education can be found in the BC Catalog.
For transfer to a UC or CSU campus please refer to Assist.org for required major coursework. Schedule an appointment to meet with a Counselor or Advisor for more information.
Your CSEP is located in your online Starfish account, under “degree planner”. This is a plan of courses that you should take in order to reach your educational goal. The CSEP is completed, recognizing key “momentum points” to increase academic success, degree completion, and transfer to a university within two years.
*If you are interested in earning a certificate along the way, we will embed its completion within your first year of attendance.
Students cannot carry more than 19 units each semester, 7 during the summer, without the permission of the BC Counseling Chair or the Director of Counseling and Student Success. Any student interested in taking more than the maximum number of units during the semester can submit an “Overload Petition” request to counseling@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Bakersfield College has grouped Programs of Study together in categories to better support students. Select one of the Learning and Career Pathways to access to resources to help you stay on track with your educational journey. Each Pathway has a list of programs, contacts for support and career exploration information. Get started on your Pathway to an education at BC, transferring to a 4-year college or university, and your future career. Our Counselors and Advisors are assigned to specific Pathways and connect with you often to maximize your success and completion, to prepare you for your future career! Explore Pathways opportunities.
To request an official copy of all courses taken at Bakersfield College, complete a transcript request online via our website at Request Transcripts.
The CSU General Education Breadth is a pattern of courses that community college students can use to satisfy lower division general education requirements for any California State University campus. For more information, please see a Counselor or consult the online BC Catalog.
The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a pattern of courses that community college students can use to satisfy lower division general education requirements for any of the University of California or California State University campuses. For more information, please see a Counselor or consult the online BC Catalog.
If you are unsure which plan best suits you, make an appointment with a Counselor or Advisor in your Pathway to discuss your transfer goals. If you want to transfer to a CSU school, follow CSU GE - Option 2 Requirements. If you want to transfer to a CSU, HBCU, UC, Independent California college or university, or out-of-state, you should follow IGETC - Option 3 for CSU and UC. Private schools have their own transfer general education requirements, however; some will accept CSU GE Breadth or IGETC.
GE Certification for the CSU and UC is not automatic. Students need to request it. Certification shows that you have completed for your lower-division GE requirements. To request a certification, submit an official transcript request to the BC Admissions Office and indicate that you need certification with the transcript (mark the GE Breadth or IGETC certification box on the transcript request form).
Certifications should be requested on the last (final) transcript going to your transfer school. If you have not completed the CSU Breadth or IGETC transfer patterns, you are not ready to send your transcript with this certification. If you’ve completed coursework at other institutions, official transcripts from those schools must be on file at Bakersfield College prior to or submitted with your request.
The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) is offered by six of the UC campuses. Each participating campus develops eligibility criteria and requirements are adjusted annually. It is very important for each student to meet with a Counselor in order to determine TAG eligibility. The Transfer Center offers UC TAG Workshops prior to application filing periods. For more information, please visit the Transfer Center page.
US History and Political Science are not required to complete the American Institutions requirement at Bakersfield College for the AA/AS degree or the AA-T/AS-T degree/. UC and CSU campuses have an American Institutions Requirement. Please consult the Option 2 or Option 3 transfer GE plans or see a Counselor or Advisor for more information.
This depends on your educational goal and major. If you plan to complete the IGETC-Option3, it has a Language Other Than English requirement that can be satisfied in a variety of ways. Two years of a high school language other than English with passing grades (C or above) or completion of a BC language other than English course or above are the two most common ways. Please see a Counselor or Advisor for more information.
Yes, students should follow the instructions below:
Graduatin application periods:
Semester | Graduation Application Period |
---|---|
Fall | April 1 to end of fall semester |
Spring | August 1 to end of spring semester |
Summer | November 1 to end of summer semester |
Detailed instructions for submitting the Graduation Petitition can be found on the Graduation Requirements page.
Detailed instructions on submitting a Graduation Petition can be found on the Graduation Requirements page. With the statewide order issued by Governor Newsom for all of California, we have postponed the commencement ceremony. President Christian and the administration are working on options to celebrate our students. We will update you as solutions develop.
Transfer and Graduation/General Education sections of the current catalog.