Key Terms and How to Read the Schedule of Classes
A great way to start preparing for your first semester of college is to become familiar with some key academic terms. These terms will help you to know how to read the schedule of classes, understand grading options, skill advisories, prerequisites, and many more.
Academic
Prerequisite (PREREQ) - A prerequisite is a course that a student must pass before enrolling in the more advanced level/course. Students are permitted to challenge a prerequisite based on coursework completed at another institution and must file a Prerequisite Challenge in advance of registering for the course requiring the prerequisite. Successful completion of a prerequisite course is achieved by a final grade of a "C" or better. For further information please click here.
Corequisite (COREQ) – A corequisite is a course that must be taken along with or before another class. Successful completion of a corequisite course is achieved by a final grade of a "C" or better.
Skills Advisory - Recommended minimum English and/or Math eligibility level for success in a course.
Course Advisory – Recommended completion of a previous course.
Academic Standing
Academic Good Standing- A student who earns and maintains an accumulated (all coursework taken at Santa Barbara City College total) grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 ("C" or better) shall be considered to be in academic good standing
Progress Good Standing- A student who has completed more than 50% of all courses with a grade of D, C, Pass, B or A shall be considered to be in progress good standing
Academic Probation- A student, who has attempted a total of at least 12 graded units, shall be placed on academic probation if the student has earned an accumulated grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 in all graded units. For further information please click here.
Academic Disqualification- A student who is on academic probation shall be subject to disqualification if the student has earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.00 in all units attempted in each of two (2) consecutive semesters. For further information please click here.
Progress Probation- A student who has enrolled in a cumulative total of at least 12 semester units, shall be placed on progress probation when the percentage of the cumulative units for which entries of W, I, and No Pass are recorded reaches or exceeds 50%. For further information please click here.
Progress Disqualification- A student who has been placed on progress probation shall be subject to dismissal when the accumulated W, I and No Pass are recorded in 50% or more of all units in which he/she has enrolled and when the student has been placed on progress probation status for the (2) most recent consecutive semesters of enrollment. For further information please click here.
Back to topGrading
Units - A unit equals the number of hours per week in each class. Most classes meet 3 hours per week.
GPA- Grade point average is calculated by dividing all grade points earned (A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points, D=1 point, F=0 points) by the number of graded units attempted.
Pass/No Pass Grading- Electing to take a course “Pass/No Pass” can help you protect your GPA. A grade of “C” or higher will earn a “Pass” and grades of “D” or “F” will earn a “No Pass”. You must obtain your instructor’s signature and submit a Pass/No Pass petition by the end of the 5th week of each semester or by the end of the 1st week of summer session. Speak with an academic counselor to discuss this option further.
Degree and Transfer
General Education-All colleges and universities require specific course patterns for graduation beyond the specific major and units required to graduate.
AA/AS- The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees are the degrees granted by the California Community Colleges upon completion of at least 60 units, general education and major requirements with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
BA/BS-The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are degrees granted by four-year universities.
Major- a specific course of study
TR –Transferable units are those that transfer to University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) institutions. Transferability to private or out of state universities is determined by the private or out of state university.
Academic Resources and Programs
Honors- Honors courses are design to increase critical thinking, writing and oral communication. Enrollment is limited to those accepted into the Honors Program. For eligibility and application information, please click here.
Gateway- Gateway classes have a tutor working directly with the faculty member. The tutor is available to work with the student both in class and outside of the classroom. These courses are identified with a “G” under Instructional Method in the on-line class schedule.
MET-The Multicultural English Transfer (MET) program offers a multicultural, multidisciplinary curriculum to increase the success rate of low income, first generation and/or traditionally underrepresented students wanting to transfer or complete a certificate/degree program.
Course Schedule
OL- Courses taught fully online
CW- Courses taught partially online and partially on campus
TBA – “To Be Arranged”: Contact instructor/department or lab to arrange hours.
+1Hr – Students are expected to attend an additional lab 1 hour per week.
Crashing a course – Students must attend the first day of classes and ask each instructor for permission to enroll in their class. Upon approval, the instructor will provide an add code for registering on line.
Now that you are familiar with some of the key academic terms, you are ready to learn how to read the schedule of classes.
For a transcript of this video, please click here.