Welcome!  This is an interactive workshop that will require a minimum of 2 hours to complete.  This online New Student Counseling Workshop is the other option to an on-campus 2 hour group workshop.  Contact Counseling at (661) 395-4421 to schedule an in-person New Student Counseling Workshop. This online workshop is recommended for students that are self-motivated and have strong reading and computer skills. Do not proceed if you do not have access to a printer. Contact Counseling (661) 395-4421 for further instructions.

To complete this workshop you must know your college assigned Student ID (or SSN#) and your PIN number you created when you applied to BC.  The user Account Manager on the BC login webpage can be used to look up your Student/Employee User ID, change your password or change your security question. If you have any problems using these numbers you must contact the Admissions Office in person.

It is very important that you take the time to read all sections carefully and slowly. It is REQUIRED that you complete ALL activities in this workshop.  You will not understand what classes to sign up for if you do not write down the information that you are requested to provide throughout each activity.  The activities are designed to help students sign up for their classes without the need to see a counselor or educational advisor.   This workshop is for new students who have never attended Bakersfield College (BC) or for those students who have been out of college for several years.  

Note: If at any point during this workshop you are having difficulty understanding the material, completing the required activities, or passing the quiz, the counseling department strongly recommends that you stop and contact the Counseling Department to schedule an in person two-hour group workshop on campus.

Important

You will need to have your assessment results to complete this workshop. If you do not have your assessment results in front of you, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a copy of your assessment scores before proceeding. Assessment scores will be needed to register for Mathematics and Writing/English courses.

NOTE: Without assessment results you may be prohibited from registering for other classes that have Math, Reading or Writing /English prerequisites.  If you have misplaced your assessment scores, please visit the Assessment Center for a duplicate copy.

If you have not taken the assessment exam, click below for information on test dates, times and location.   If English is your second language you may also click here to access information about ESL assessment (English as a Second Language) http://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academic/schedule/SF10/assessment.pdf

You may be exempt from taking the assessment test if you have completed transferable Math or English courses at another college and earned a minimum grade of "C", or if you believe you took the equivalent of English B1a at another college.   Please bring a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) to the Counseling Center for review by an Educational Advisor.  If you have earned an Associate's degree or higher, you are exempt from completing this workshop.

Upon completion of this workshop, you will be able to:

1)    Interpret your Assessment results

2)    Select classes for your first semester which may include an educational planning course, Academic               

        Development/Basic Skills courses (if needed), General Education courses, Major/Certificate courses, Electives

3)    Integrate college success strategies during your college education

4)    Register for classes

All new students should complete the matriculation steps below before continuing with this workshop: 

• Admission/Update form (click here if you have not completed an online admission form).
  
  
• Orientation: (click here to access the online orientation).
  
  
• Assessment (webpage)
  
  
• Counseling: Upon successful completion of this workshop and quiz Counseling Matriculation/Step 4 (see diagram below) will be satisfied

A minimum score of  70 % correct is required to receive credit for the counseling component.  If you do not pass the quiz, or you do not know what classes to sign up for your first semester, repeat this online workshop again or contact the Counseling Center to schedule a two-hour New Student  group workshop.

Matriculation Steps in Summary

1st Step   2nd Step   3rd Step   4th Step

NOTE:

• If you are a Concurrent Enrollment student (a student currently enrolled in high school) click here https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/admissions/concurrent/for more information about the steps you need to complete.  This does not apply to graduating high school students who plan to enroll at BC fulltime in the next term.  High school students may take college level classes on a seats-available basis with permission from a parent and their high school principal.  High school students who wish to enroll concurrently at BC will be able to register approximately two weeks after open web registration. Go to "Important Dates" on the BC website to find out when open registration begins.
  
  Prior to submission of your concurrent enrollment form make sure the following information is included: Course, Course Reference Number (CRN) and signatures of parent and principal.  Non-degree applicable courses (such as Academic Development classes, Math courses lower than Algebra 2 (Math BD), and English B50 or lower) are not permitted.
  
  If you have a concurrent enrollment hold, you need to contact the Admissions and Records Office to have the hold removed.   A completed and approved Concurrent Enrollment form must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office at BC before registering. 
   
• If you are a Military Veteran click here https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/student/veterans/ for more information on benefits and course enrollment
   
• If you are a student with a disability and in need of special accommodations, click here http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/dsps/
   
• If you are an International Student contact Shohreh Rahman at srahman@bakersfieldcollege.edu or call (661)395-4412
   
• If you are an athlete contact Erin Keller-Hill, the Athletic Educational Advisor, erin.keller@bakersfieldcollege.edu or call (661) 395-4667 for more information on eligibility requirements.

Download and print a copy of each of these documents before proceeding:

•  Class Recommendation Sheet
  

•  Schedule Planning/Time Management Worksheet
  

•  Step-by-Step Instructions for Online Registration
  

•  Bakersfield College map

•  General Education Pattern (PDF file)

If you are a Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Vocational Nursing student, please click here for Allied Health program brochures.

Click here for Online Registration brochure (PDF file) and enrolling information

Click here for Important Dates

Bakersfield College, like all colleges, assess students in Math, Reading and Writing/English in order to place them in classes where they are most likely to succeed.  If you scored below level 05 on your assessment test, it may mean that you need to build your Basic Skills in one or more of these areas.

Enrollment in Academic Development (ACDV)/Basic Skills courses, should be a high priority if you assessed in placement levels 00 through 05.

If Academic Development (ACDV)/Basic Skills courses are filled at the time of your registration, and you enroll in other courses that recommend higher Reading or Writing/English levels than you have assessed into, you may find these courses to be extremely challenging.  Academic Development (ACDV)/Basic Skills courses help students build a solid foundation in Math, Reading and Writing/English.  These courses help students to be successful in college and in their chosen careers.

 

Math 

Look at your assessment results in Math. The minimum Math class required for an associate degree is Math BD (Intermediate Algebra). Additional math courses may be required beyond Math BD depending upon the major. If you placed into Math level 00, you need to register for Academic Development B78 (ACDV B78).

This Math requirement may also be met with a combination of two years of high school algebra with a minimum grade of "C" each semester and completion of any general education Math course.   The general education Math courses can be found in the Graduation and General Education, Section B; "Physical Universe and Life Forms" 'B2'  see current catalog. To visit the Math Department website, click here.

If you believe your test results do not accurately reflect your Math abilities and you would like to retest, contact an Educational Advisor for an Assessment Test Authorization form.

If you are a recent (within 2 years) high school graduate, you may come in to the Counseling Department with your high school transcript (official or unofficial) to see an Educational Advisor about a possible change in placement.  High school math classes must be completed with a minimum "C" grade.  If eligible, you may be moved up one level.  However, the Counseling Department strongly recommends you retest in Math first, prior to requesting a change in your level based on high school transcripts.

Note: A student who successfully completed Math Analysis or Pre-calculus in high school within one year and received a grade of "C" or better; or took the AP Calculus exam and scored a 2 or less can be placed in Math B6a (Calculus).

Required Activity:

Write the Math course you assessed into on your Class Recommendation Worksheet (Line 1)

If you would like more information about the Math course you placed into, click here to read the course description in the College Catalog.

 

 Reading

Take a look at your assessment results in Reading.  If you placed in level 05 it is recommended (not required) that you register for Academic Development B50 (ACDV B50).  If you scored into level 06, you are not required to take Reading classes.  

If you believe your test results do not reflect your reading ability or if you scored below level 02 in Reading, you will need to retest by contacting an Educational Advisor for an Assessment Test Authorization form OR consider attending Bakersfield Adult School.  For more information about the Adult School click here http://bas.kernhigh.org/

It is recommended that students take Academic Development courses in Reading before they take general education or major courses.  If Academic Development/Basic Skills courses are filled at the time of your registration, and you enroll in other courses that recommend higher Reading or Writing/English levels than you have assessed into, you may find these courses to be extremely challenging.

Required Activity:

Write the Reading course you assessed into on your Class Recommendation Worksheet (Line 2).  If you assessed into Level 06, write "no reading courses required" on Line 2.

If you would like more information about the Reading course you placed into click here to read the course description in the College Catalog.

If you think your Reading results are not reflective of your abilities, please come in to see an Educational Advisor in the Counseling Department for an Assessment Test/Authorization form to retest.

 

Writing/English

Look at your assessment results and notice where you placed in Writing/English. The minimum English class needed for an associate degree is English B1a.

Required Activity:

 Write the Writing/English course you assessed into on your Class Recommendation Worksheet (Line 3). For students who placed into Level 06 - English B1a, you will need to complete this course, unless you received a minimum score of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Exam (AP).

If you would like more information about the English course you placed into click here to read the course description in the College Catalog. For additional information, click here.

If you think your Writing/English results are not reflective of your abilities, please come in to see an Educational Advisor in the Counseling Department for an Assessment Test/Authorization form to retest.

If you believe your test results do not reflect Writing/English abilities, or if you scored below level 03 in Writing/English you will need to retest by contacting an Educational Advisor for an Assessment Test Authorization form OR consider attending the Bakersfield Adult School.   For more information on the Adult School click here (http://www.khsd.k12.ca.us/bas/) . 

If you are a recent high school graduate with a cumulative g.p.a. of 3.00 or higher, you may qualify to be moved up in English one level.  Bring an official or unofficial high school transcript and see an Educational Advisor in the Counseling Department to determine your eligibility.

If you took the equivalent of English B1a at another college, you will need provide a copy of your transcript (official or unofficial) to an Educational Advisor.

The following is an example of  assessment results and placement on the class recommendation sheet.

Sample class recommendation sheet filled based on sample test scores.

Can other factors be used to adjust my assessment level?

Students who complete Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in high school and take the test and pass with a score of 3 or better will get college credit for a variety of subjects. Example:  A minimum score of 3 on either the AP English Language or English Literature test will earn you English B1A credit at Bakersfield College.  Note:  Some colleges require higher than a 3 for AP credit.  Check with an Educational Advisor/Counselor for more information.

After you have completed a minimum of 12 units, you may submit a Request for Evaluation form (PDF file) to BC’s Admissions and Records Office.  Make sure you have the official College Board test results sent to the BC Admissions Office.  See an Educational Advisor to determine your eligibility.

If you took an "Early Assessment of Readiness for College English" (EAP) course in high school, you will need to provide your results to an Educational Advisor in order to be cleared and to be able to register for English B1a.

It is strongly recommended that you register for an educational planning course in your first semester or as soon as possible.  Completion of your individual student educational plan meets a BC  graduation requirement and will provide you an earlier registration date for upcoming semesters.  For more information on early registration appointments refer to the Admission and Registration section of the current college catalog.  Most importantly, completion of your educational plan will provide you with a list of classes that are needed to complete your educational and/or career goal. 

Some majors have their own specific educational planning courses (see list below)

• Agriculture majors register for AGRI B1

• Architecture majors register for ARCH B1(see catalog for suggested sequence of courses)

• Business/Business Administration majors register for BSAD B20

• Culinary Arts majors register for FDSV B50

• Engineering majors register for ENGR B47(see catalog for suggested sequence of courses)

• Industrial Technology majors  register for INDT B10

• Liberal Studies majors (teaching Grades K-6) register for EDUC B24

 

If you do not see you major listed above, but have declared a major, the Counseling Department recommends you register for STDV B1-Student Development B1- Educational Planning. 

If you are undecided on a major, register for STDV B2- Career Decision Making and Educational Planning; or STDV B6 - Tools for College Survival ; a study skills, career development and educational planning course.

International Students should register for STDV B4- International Student Orientation and Educational Planning.

 

 Required Activity:

Write the educational planning course you plan on registering for on your Class Recommendation Worksheet (Line 4)

You should now have Math, Reading (if required), Writing/English and Educational Planning courses listed on your Class Recommendation Worksheet (Lines 1,2,3,4)

Optional Activity:

For students who want to have practical training for studying effectively for college classes the Counseling Department recommends students sign up for courses in Academic Development B70a-f series.  Click here for ACDV B70a-f course descriptions. Topics include time management, note taking, textbook reading, test taking, memory and vocabulary.

Write the study skills courses you may want to enroll in on your Class Recommendation Worksheet (Line 5).

 

In your first semester of college your goal will be to sign up for courses.  The courses you select could include classes in areas like General Education, Major, or Electives. These areas will be discussed below.  The Counseling Department recommends that students not sign up for more than 12 units in their first semester.

Required Activity:  
Look at the General Education patterns you printed earlier (under "Let's Begin" title above).

General Education

The General Education Program at Bakersfield College includes those courses required of all students, regardless of major or career goals, for the Associate Degree or for transfer to a four-year institution.

The General Education Program has been designed to address the needs of men and women of all ages, abilities, ethnic identifies, life styles and goals.  Through general education, college seeks to foster knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will empower students to shape the direction of their lives and their environment. In your educational planning courses you will learn about graduation and transfer requirements. 

There are three general education patterns.  Select one of the three general education patterns listed below based on your educational goal.

• Bakersfield College (BC) General Education Pattern (for students not transferring to a 4-year college)
   
• California State University (CSU) General Education Pattern  (for transfer to a CSU for example CSU Bakersfield, CSU Fresno, Cal Poly SLO)
  NOTE: If you would like a degree from BC before you transfer to a CSU, choose this pattern
   
• Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum Pattern (IGETC) (for transfer to a CSU, UC, out-of-state or private colleges for example UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, UC Merced).  Note:  If you would like a degree from BC before you transfer to a UC choose this pattern.

Determine which one of the three general education pattern noted above you will follow: BC, CSU or UC (IGETC) and then prior to selecting classes, read each section carefully and pay special attention to the minimum number of units required to satisfy each section.  Circle courses that you may want to research further.

Before selecting general education classes, consider the following:

1. To learn more about courses, prerequisites, and degree/transfer applicability refer to the Course Description section of the current college catalog 
2. It is recommended that you select courses based on your own decision and research and interest.  This could include talking to individuals in your career field.
3. There is no limit as to how many general education classes a student may enroll in their first semester
4. Contact an Educational Advisor to be cleared to register for a course  with a prerequisite  met through your high school transcript or college transcript (for example to sign up for Chemistry B1A you must provide a high school transcript that shows you passed high school chemistry with a "C" grade).

Required Activity:  
List the general education courses you wish to sign up for in your first semester on your Class Recommendation Worksheet (Lines 6-10). Students may enroll in as few as one general education per semester, or more.

Your Major

Many students come to college knowing what their major is and may want to take major specific courses in their first semester.  BC offers many certificates, associate degrees and courses that lead to transfer. 

If you know your major and want an AA/AS degree and are not planning to transfer, complete the next activity.

Required Activity:  

Programs of Study".  Write down the courses required for your major on the Class Recommendation Worksheet (Lines 6-10)

Note:  To find your specific major/program of study you will need to look carefully in the catalog using the Index.  For example the  Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate will be found under Agriculture.

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If you know your major and are transferring to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) with an AA/AS degree,  complete the next activity:

Required Activity:

A list of major courses can be found in the current BC catalog under "Programs of Study". Write down the courses for your major on the Class Recommendation Worksheet (Lines 6-10) or print the page with your major courses. Then go to www.assist.org, a student-transfer information system. See example below and write down the lower division major preparation courses listed on the right hand side of the page on the Class Recommendation Worksheet (Lines 6-10). Completing these courses will ensure a higher probability of your transfer and acceptance by the CSU or UC.

Caution:  Architecture and Engineering and other high unit major students planning to transfer need to concentrate on major classes. In addition, four year colleges neither require, nor recommend, that engineering majors complete lower division general education requirements prior to transfer.

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If you know your major and are transferring without an AA/AS degree to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) complete the next activity:

Required Activity:

Go to www.assist.org  See example below and write down the lower division major preparation courses listed on the right hand side of the page on the Class Recommendation Worksheet (Lines 6-10)

Click on the first dropdown menu to choose Bakersfield College.
Click on the second dropdown menu to choose a CSU or UC of your choice.
Click on the third dropdown menu to choose your major and view the equivalent courses at BC.

If you need more assistance with Assist, go to the help "Using Assist" link.

 

Are there any other courses I can register for? 

 

Some students want to build specific skills for the workplace or take specific classes because of a personal interest or hobby.  These courses are elective courses.  Look at the current class schedule to see what is being offered.

If you are employed, you may want to consider Work Experience credit.  Click here for additional information  http://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academic/work_experience/

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Required Activity:  Write down any elective or Work Experience courses you wish to register for on your Class Recommendation Worksheet (Alternates section - Lines 1-3)

Finally, how many units should I enroll in?

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 or 2 courses.  Students employed no more than 20 hours per week, may register for 12 or more units or 3 to 4 courses if they choose.

NOTE: In selecting classes consider the degree of difficulty in the subject matter, the time of day,  other time commitments such as family and work that could impact your success in the course.

 The following chart is a valuable tool for students to estimate the amount of study time needed to be successful in courses:

Total Work Hours Per Week	Recommended Number of Classes Per Semester	Estimated Study Time In hours
40	1-2	2-12
30	2-3	12-18
20	3-4	18-24
10	4-5	24-30
0	4-6	24-36