Mar 29, 2024  
Advising Handbook 
    
Advising Handbook

Chapter 7 - FAQ


Registration, Scheduling, and Advising Frequently Asked Questions

 

Registration Holds Program Differences
Registering/ Dropping/Withdrawing Classes Transfer Courses, Transcripts, and Equivalencies
Incomplete Grades Major Change
Financial Aid Course Types
Degree Types Course Equivalencies
Cross-Enrollment General Studies Tracks to 4-Year

Holds

What is a registration hold?

A hold is a restriction placed on your account that prohibits activities such as registering for classes and ordering transcripts. Holds can be placed both for academic and financial reasons. You should contact the applicable office for further instructions.

 Hold Type Resolution
Advising hold

Continuing students: Meet with your advisor, complete a registration form with your advisor’s signature and submit your form to the registrar’s office.

New/returning students: Contact the admissions office. (You must register for student success live.)

Visiting students: Contact the registrar’s office.

Collections hold Contact the student accounts office.
Financial hold Contact the cashier’s office or student accounts office.
Transcript hold Contact the records coordinator in the registrar’s office (337-521-8631). Based on the coordinator’s direction, you either will visit the registrar’s office for follow-up or order an official transcript from your previous institution(s).
   

Registering/Dropping/Withdrawing Classes

Do I register for my classes or should my advisor do it for me?

Once registration opens, you should log in to LoLA in order to register for your own classes.  Advisors are not authorized to register students for classes, nor do they have access to do so.

What is the minimum number of credits required to be a full-time student?

You must register for a minimum of 12 credits in order to maintain full-time status. This requirement applies to fall, spring, and summer semesters.

What is the maximum credit limit per semester?
The maximum class load that you may schedule is 20 credits during a fall or spring semester and 12 credits during the summer semester. In order to exceed these limits, you must obtain written permission from the dean for your major.
What should I do when there are no open sections of a class?

You will need to continue checking LoLA for available seats. Once a seat becomes available, you may add the class in LoLA. You can also review your degree plan for alternate course options.

What are the processes for adding, dropping, and withdrawing from classes?
  • Adding Classes
    • New, returning, and transfer students: Classes may be added during a student success live session. New, returning, and transfer students can make subsequent changes to their schedules by logging into their LoLA accounts. Applicable deadlines are posted on the academic calendar.
    • Continuing students: Classes may be added by logging into their LoLA accounts. Applicable deadlines are posted on the academic calendar. 
  • Dropping Classes
    • New, returning, and transfer students: Classes may be dropped during a student success live session. New, returning, and transfer students can make subsequent changes to their schedules by logging into their LoLA accounts. Applicable deadlines are posted on the academic calendar.
    • Continuing students: Classes may be dropped by logging into their LoLA accounts. Applicable deadlines are posted on the academic calendar.

Notes

  • Dropped classes are not recorded on the student’s transcript.
  • Students who stop attending any class without officially dropping will earn a grade of “F” in the class.
  • After the end of the add/drop period, students may withdraw from a class with a grade of “W” (see “Withdrawing from Courses” below).
  • Withdrawing from a class after the add/drop period will not reduce the student’s financial obligation and may affect eligibility for current and continued financial aid.
  • Students are responsible for officially dropping classes. Instructors are not responsible for dropping students for non-attendance.

 

  • Withdrawing from Classes
    • Students must complete a withdrawal form to withdraw from a class. Completed forms must be submitted to the registrar’s office. Forms are available on the registrar’s office webpage, as well as in the registrar’s office (402 Ardoin Building, Lafayette campus).

Notes

  • Withdrawn classes are recorded on the student’s transcript with a grade of “W.” Grades of “W” are not calculated in students’ GPAs.
  • Students who stop attending any class without officially withdrawing will earn a grade of “F” in the class.
  • Official withdrawal is not complete until the withdrawal form is submitted to and processed by the registrar’s office. Simply ceasing attendance does not constitute an official withdrawal.
  • Students who withdraw from a class or who stop attending without completing the withdrawal process may be subject to repayment of Federal student aid awarded for the semester.
  • Applicable deadlines are posted on the academic calendar.

Incomplete Grades

What is the procedure for requesting an incomplete grade?

A student who is passing a class but does not complete the coursework due to circumstances beyond his/her control may be eligible for an incomplete grade (“I”). Incomplete grades are assigned at the discretion of the instructor. Grades of “I” are not calculated into students’ GPAs.

Notes

  • Students must complete a Contractual Agreement for Incomplete “I” Grade form to be eligible for an incomplete grade. The form must include the instructor’s signature, as well as the signature of the dean of the instructor’s department.
  • Forms include deadline information for submitting all incomplete coursework.
  • Completed and signed forms must be submitted to the registrar’s office.
  • Forms are available on the registrar’s office webpage, as well as in the registrar’s office (402 Ardoin Building, Lafayette campus).

Financial Aid

What is SAP?

SAP stands for Satisfactory Academic Progress. SAP is a set of federal regulations which determine if a student is in good standing to receive financial aid.

  • Students must meet the following requirements in order to maintain SAP:
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.
  • Maintain a 67% completion rate of all classes.
  • Completion rate is the number of credits the student has attempted divided by the number of credits passed (credits passed / credits attempted = completion rate).
  • Example: Tom registered for 15 credits. He passed 6 credits, failed 6 credits, and withdrew from 3 credits. His completion rate is 6 / 15 = 0.4 or 40%.

Degree Types

What is the difference between a certificate and a degree?

Generally, a certificate program requires fewer credits than a degree program. Certificate programs generally are narrower in scope than degree programs, focusing on a specific subject, content area, or skill. For certain pathways at SLCC, completion of a certificate is the best option for transferring to a four-year institution.

How many credits are required for degrees and diplomas?

Most associate’s degrees (AA, AAS, AGS, and AS) require a minimum of 60 credits. Most technical diplomas require a minimum of 45 credits.  Certificates require a minimum of 30 credits.

The degree plan indicates a “recommended” class? Am I required to register for it?

Several degree plans list recommended classes for electives (e.g., The basic general studies degree plan lists “Recommend: ENGL literature” as a third semester elective.). While the elective is required, the specific course to fulfill that elective is not. These recommendations are based on courses that are transferable to many four-year institutions.

Program Differences

What’s the difference between the business and business administration programs?

Our associate of science degree program in business provides students with a broad background in various business disciplines and prepares them to enter the field of business management or transfer to a four-year institution.

The associate of applied science degree in business administration covers a broad field of business fundamentals such as accounting, economics, finance, and marketing. Students learn both management and leadership skills. Upon successful completion of general education and specific program courses, students will acquire the knowledge and skills to apply management, marketing, and accounting concepts to improve operational performance and aid in decision-making skills.

Cross-Enrollment

What is cross-enrollment?

Cross enrollment allows SLCC students to register for classes here and at UL Lafayette in the same semester. Classes taken at both institutions apply towards enrollment at the student’s home institution.

  • The home institution is SLCC.
  • The host institution is UL Lafayette.
  • Students must register for at least the same number of credits at SLCC as at UL Lafayette.
  • Cross-enrollment credits (credits at UL Lafayette) cannot exceed 6 credits in the fall or spring semesters.
  • Cross-enrollment credits (credits at UL Lafayette) cannot exceed 3 credits in the summer semester.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.25 is required for cross-enrollment.
  • Cross-enrollment deadlines apply as follows:
  • Fall Semester: August 1
  • Spring Semester: December 20
  • Summer Semester: May 1
  • Forms are available on the registrar’s office webpage, as well as in the registrar’s office (402 Ardoin Building, Lafayette campus).

Transfer Courses, Transcripts, and Equivalencies

I submitted my official transcript to SLCC. When will it be evaluated?

The registrar’s office will evaluate your official transcript prior to your Student Success Live (SSL) session

if you meet

BOTH of the following criteria:

 You submitted your official transcript at least 3 days before your SSL session.

 You received a confirmation email from the registrar’s office.

I submitted my official transcript to SLCC and was waived from attending Student Success Live (SSL). How will my transcript be evaluated?

To have your transcript evaluated, you must send an email to slcctranscripts@solacc.edu with the following: (1) first and

last name, and (2) student ID number. The registrar’s office will evaluate your transcript within 5 business days of its

receipt. The office will email you a confirmation when your transcript has been evaluated.

Can I register for classes with an unofficial transcript or with no transcript at all?

You can register for classes without an official transcript, but it may limit your options until SLCC receives your official

transcript. For example, if you completed college algebra (MATH 1105) at another college and want to register for an

SLCC course that requires it as a prerequisite, you will be unable to do so without your official transcript. You also are

responsible to avoid repeating courses for which you’ve previously earned credit

How can I know if a course completed at another institution is equivalent to an SLCC course?

Review the Louisiana Board of Regents (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. master course articulation matrix to determine what courses from other Louisiana institutions will transfer to SLCC. Transcripts are evaluated by the registrar’s office at the time of your initial SLCC registration (student success live).

 Visit www.regents.la.gov/page/master-course-articulation-matrix (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

What if a course or institution is not on the Louisiana Board of Regents Matrix?

If a course is not listed on the matrix, the registrar’s office will determine equivalency for transferable courses.

I attended another college but the credits are missing from my transcript.  What should I do?  

Contact the SLCC registrar’s office and request a transcript review. If credits are missing from your SLCC transcript, you likely will need to order an official transcript from your previous institution(s).

Are “D” grades transferrable to SLCC?

No, “D” grades are not accepted.  

 

Major Change

How do I change my major?

You must complete a Request for Change of Major or Program form to change your major. The form must include your advisor’s signature. Completed and signed forms must be submitted to the registrar’s office.

  • You should speak with your advisor before making any changes to your major.
  • Be advised that credits earned for one major/program will not apply automatically to a new one. Some credits from your original major may not apply toward your changed major/program.
  • Forms are available under the additional resources tab in this class, on the registrar’s office webpage, as well as in the registrar’s office (402 Ardoin Building, Lafayette campus).

Course Types

What classes apply to the social or behavioral sciences requirement?

Social and behavioral sciences include the study of human behavior and how we influence the world around us. At SLCC, the following disciplines are included as social and behavioral sciences:

  • Anthropology: study of people across time and space with an emphasis on cultural diversity.
  • Criminal justice: study of the people, procedures, and institutions that uphold law in society.
  • Economics: study of the production, transfer, and consumption of good and services.
  • Geography: study of environments, landscapes, people, and places.
  • Political science: study of how people create and exercise power.
  • Psychology: study of the mind and behavior.
  • Sociology: study of society and behavior shaped by social categories and institutions.
What classes apply to the fine arts requirement?

The fine arts include the study of visual and performing arts created for aesthetic and intellectual purposes. At SLCC, the following disciplines are included as fine arts:

  • Arts (art history and visual arts)
  • Music 
  • Theater (performing arts)
What classes apply to the humanities requirement?

The humanities include the study of how people process and document the human experience. At SLCC, the following disciplines are include as humanities:

  • Communications (except CMCN 1170, CMCN 1270, and CMCN 2145)
  • English literature 2XXX (except ENGL 2045 and ENGL 2070)
  • History
What classes apply to the natural sciences requirement?

Natural sciences include the study of the physical world. Some introductory science classes are offered at two levels: one for science majors and a second for non-science majors (e.g., BIOL 1000 Introduction to Biology I is designed for non-science majors while BIOL 1010 General Biology I is designed for science majors.) At SLCC, the following disciplines are included as natural sciences:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Geology
  • Physical Science
  • Physics
What is an elective?

An elective is a class in which students explore an academic interest or focus on a pathway toward a bachelor’s degree. At SLCC, there are three types of electives:

  • Discipline elective: A course that must be chosen from a specific academic discipline (e.g., a fine arts elective or a natural science elective).
  • Major elective: A course that must be chosen from the student’s major (e.g., The technical diploma in digital media design requires two major electives. To fulfill these requirements, students must complete any DGMD course that is not already required on the technical diploma degree plan.)
  • General elective: A course that may be chosen from Humanities, Social Science, English, Fine Arts, Mathematics, or Natural Science, Computers, Foriegn Language, etc.  See the full list here.

Course Equivalencies

Will MATH 1100 satisfy SLCC’s math requirement?

MATH 1100 (applied algebra for college students) can be used to satisfy SLCC’s math requirement (MATH 1105-college algebra). If you plan to transfer to another institution, you should contact the school’s admissions or transfer office to confirm the course’s transfer equivalency.

Are CCFS 1003, COLS 1001, and SFSE 1002 equivalent to SFSE 1003?

CCFS 1003 (college and career foundations), COLS 1001 (college success seminar), and SFSE 1002 (seminar in first-semester experience) are all equivalents of SFSE 1003 (seminar in first-year student experience).

If you completed CCFS 1003, COLS 1001, or SFSE 1002, you should not register for SFSE 1003.

COLS 0001 (college success seminar) was a non-credit seminar. If you completed COLS 0001, you earned no credit toward your diploma or degree.  You can register for SFSE 1003.

Are SPCH 1010 and CMCN 1013 the same class?

SPCH 1010 (fundamentals of human communication) and CMCN 1013 (fundamentals of human communication) are the same class. If you completed SPCH 1010, you should not register for CMCN 1013.

General Studies Tracks to 4-year

What is a general studies “track” and how does it benefit a student planning to transfer after SLCC?

SLCC’s associate’s degree in general studies is designed to provide either a stand-alone two-year degree or a general education transferrable “track” to a four-year degree. The guided “tracks” are based on the most common transfer requirements across multiple Louisiana transfer schools. SLCC’s “tracks” offer students recommended courses to assist them in completing some of their coursework at SLCC before transferring to a four-year school in that major (“track”). SLCC features “tracks” in a wide variety of areas from interior design to chemistry secondary education. For more information on SLCC’s “tracks,” visit http://solacc.edu/general-studies-tracks