Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Have to See a Counselor Before I can Attend Yuba College?
If you are a new student you will meet with a counselor as part of the orientation/academic advising process. If you are a returning Yuba College students, or if you are transferring from another college, you can make a counseling appointment after you have filed an application for admission. Returning students and students with substantial units from another college may be exempt from the orientation/advising process.

What Types of Counseling Are Available?

• Academic Counseling (30 minutes)
• Transfer Plan Counseling (30 minutes)
• Career Counseling (30 minutes)
• Academic/Progress Probation Counseling (30 minutes)
• Personal Counseling (60 minutes)
• Student Educational Plan Counseling (60 minutes)
• Quick Question (drop-in) Counseling (10 minutes)
• Veteran’s Evaluation Counseling (60 minutes)

What is a Student Educational Plan and How Do I Complete One?
A Student Educational Plan is a listing of courses you need to take each semester as you progress towards your educational goal. The plan takes into account when courses are typically offered (not all courses are offered each semester) and the appropriate sequencing of courses (some courses have required prerequisite courses and/or courses that are strongly recommended). If your goal is to transfer to a university, the plan will incorporate both general Transfer requirements as well as lower division courses required for a specific university and the major degree at that university. Once the plan is developed you meet with your counselor each semester to review your progress, and to insure that any requirements have not changed.

What is a Major?
A major is a group or series of courses designed to provide integrated education or training in a specialized area. To get a degree you complete competency requirements (writing, reading, and math), general education requirements, and the specific requirements for your major.

Do I Need to Have a Major?
Not right away. Taking a variety of courses to fulfill the general education requirements gives you an opportunity to explore your interests before choosing a major. However, the sooner you begin to focus in on an area of specialization the better. And if you plan on transferring to a UC or CSU you should declare a major no later than the end of your freshman year. The Counseling Department offers a variety of services to assist you in developing career/educational goals, including career planning services and several career planning courses in the counseling curriculum.

Do I Need a Degree to Transfer?
No. You can complete all lower division transfer requirements without getting a degree. However, most students intending to transfer only require a few additional units to complete their two-year degree. Additionally, getting a two-year degree is recognition of what you have accomplished academically to date. Discuss this option with your counselor as you develop your student educational plan.

Should I Take All General Education Classes First?
If your assessment scores suggest you need to improve your basic reading, writing or math skills, you need to upgrade your skills to prepare you for success in college level classes. Your counselor can assist you in putting together a realistic schedule while you focus on your basic skills.

How Many Units Should I Enroll In?
The appropriate amount of units (academic load) depends on several factors, including how many hours you are working, what other off-campus responsibilities you have (e.g. children), and if you are on financial aid. If you are enrolled in 12 or more units you are considered a full-time student. For Financial aid purposes, enrollment in 9-11 units constitutes ¾ enrollment status, and 6-8 units is considered half-time enrollment. If you want to be a successful student, keep in mind the guideline that for every hour you spend in class you should plan on two (2) hours of study/preparation/review. So a full-time student taking 12 units is really committing 36 hours a week.

What is a Prerequisite?
A prerequisite is a requirement (typically a required course, or an assessment placement level) that must be completed prior to enrolling in a particular course. The registration system has a prerequisite block function in place. If you have not completed the prerequisite the system will block you from enrolling in the course. If you feel you have fulfilled the prerequisite in some other way than completing the prerequisite course you can submit a prerequisite challenge. If you have completed a course at another college that you believe is equivalent to the required course you can file a student petition. Contact the Counseling Department for further assistance.

What is a Transferable Course?
The unit credits for Yuba College courses numbered 1-49 are transferable. Additionally, the transfer status for specific courses is noted in the Catalog. The letters “CSU” in boldface in the course description indicates the course is transferable to all colleges within the California State University System; the letters “UC” indicates the course is transferable to all campuses within the University of California System.