Frequently Asked Questions
The following are questions commonly asked by college students. Understanding these answers may help you plan your studies more effectively.
Counseling FAQs
Registration FAQs
Transcript FAQs
Graduation FAQs
What is FAQ:
How do I find my Bakersfield College Student ID number?
Students should begin using their assigned Bakersfield College Student ID number instead of their social security number due to security concerns.
Locating BC Student ID number:
Sign in to
registration the first time using your social security number for the User
ID and your pin number (originally your birth date in this format MMDDYY). The
computer will generate your new permanent Student ID. If you cannot remember
your new Student ID, please use the following steps:
- Log in to
Banweb
- Click on personal information.
- Click on "View your Student/Employee ID"
- Your Student ID will be listed in the following format @12345678
How to contact a counselor?
Three options are available for making a counseling session: You can make a counseling appointment, see a drop-in counselor or use the Internet.
- By Appointment
To make an appointment with a counselor at Bakersfield College call (661) 395-4421. You can choose a date, time, and specific counselor for your visit.
- Drop In
Drop in counseling is available without an appointment during posted hours. Students are taken on a first come, first served basis. Sign up at the front counter and a counselor will be with you as soon as possible. For drop in hours call (661) 395-4421. Please note that students may have to wait before being seen, especially during peak registration periods during and at the beginning of each semester.
For students in the following majors and/or programs contact:
Online Counseling
Online counseling is intended for quick answers and
quick solutions. Online counseling is not recommended for probation or disqualified
students, student educational plans, graduation checks or new students. Please go to the FAQ
site first to see if your question can be answered there. New students should
visit the counseling Getting
Started website.
Online counseling is not available at this time. Please check back in
later for possible availability of online counseling.
For students in the following majors and/or programs contact:
Agriculture -
Bill Kelly
Child Development -
Brenda Nyagwachi
Delano Community Center and Counseling Department Chair-
Sandra Sierra
Disabled Student Programs & Services
link
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How do I get priority registration?
Priority registration is the ability to register early for the upcoming semester. In order to qualify, students must do the following:
- Enroll in an Educational Planning course and complete an SEP.
- Complete all matriculation components including orientation, assessment and counseling.
- Students on probation/disqualification must see a counselor.
- Continued enrollment each term.
Note: Generally, as students complete more units, they will be assigned an earlier registration date.
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What is an SEP and how do I complete one?
An SEP is your Student Educational Plan which is designed to help you set your educational goals. The SEP is completed in an Educational Planning course which should be taken the first semester.
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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. If you are employed no more than 20 hours per week, you may sign up for 12 or more units provided that you don't have additional time commitments (e.g. child, spouse, outside activities). If you are not employed, fulltime coursework (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 (Hr/Wk) | 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 |
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If I am having difficulty in class, what should I do?
- Talk to your instructor (remember, instructors have time set aside to meet with students outside of the classroom during their office hours).
- Utilize the learning labs and the Tutoring Center in the Learning Resource Center.
- See a counselor to discuss other options available to you (setting up a study group, developing an educational plan, etc.)
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What is a major?
A major is a group or series of courses designed to provide intensive education or training in a specialized area.
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Do I need to have a major?
Not right away. Taking a variety of courses gives you an opportunity to explore your interests before choosing a major. By your second or third semester you should have narrowed down the majors that interest you.
If you plan to transfer to a UC you should declare a major no later than the end of your freshman year.
For students ready to explore major/career opportunities, the following resources are available: ST DV B2 - Career Decision Making course, Career Center located in the Counseling Department or online, seek assistance of a
counselor and/or instructor.
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Do I need a degree to transfer?
No. However, by completing an Educational Planning and Multicultural course, in addition to transfer requirements, a student will earn a Liberal Arts degree from Bakersfield College.
Please consult with a counselor and
Transfer Services.
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Should I take all general education classes first?
If your assessment scores suggest you need to improve your basic skills in reading, writing 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 B1 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. Taking an elective course that you enjoy (guitar, acting, dance, or computers) is a good idea because it makes your college experience more rewarding.
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How can I figure out how long I'll be at Bakersfield College?
Make an appointment with a counselor. He or she can help you prepare a long range plan so that you may achieve your goals in accordance with your available time. Some students will take longer than others depending on individual situations.
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What is a full-time and part-time student?
| 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.
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How do I transfer units earned at Bakersfield College to other colleges and universities?
To request an official copy of all courses taken at Bakersfield College, complete a transcript request form at the Admissions Office at window #8 or request it online.
Please consult with a counselor and
Transfer Services.
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How do I transfer units to Bakersfield College from other colleges and universities?
- Have official transcripts sent to Bakersfield College, Admissions Office, 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305.
- Complete a formal request to evaluate transcripts as soon as possible at the Admissions Office (window #6) or email* your request. Be sure to include your name, social security/ID number, any previous names, phone number, and indicate whether you need a transfer evaluation, a military evaluation, and/or a CLEP or AP evaluation. Transcripts are not automatically evaluated at Bakersfield College. A formal request must be made and results will be posted online after approximately 10-12 weeks.
- Students are advised to double check that the transfer college/university has mailed your transcript to BC.
* Students with last names starting with A-L email Rita Ortega, M-Z email Kathy Goehring.
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What is a unit?
A unit is a measurement of college work which reflects the amount of credit given to a course. You can generally count on one hour of class time weekly for each unit a course is assigned.
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What is an AA or an AS Degree?
An Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) Degree is awarded by a community college upon completion of an organized sixty unit program of study.
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What is a BA or BS Degree?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) are degrees awarded by a four-year college or university after the completion of an organized program of studies consisting of approximately 124 semester units. The freshman and sophomore years at a community college are equivalent to the freshman and sophomore years at a four-year college.
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What is a Certificate Program?
A certificate program is an occupational program that offers specialized career training.
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What is General Education?
General Education refers to a broad range of courses taken to increase a student's knowledge of a variety of subjects. They are courses outside your major and are required of all students receiving an AA/AS or BA/BS degree. These courses are listed in the Bakersfield College catalog.
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What is a prerequisite?
A prerequisite is a requirement that must be met prior to enrolling in a particular course - usually an entrance test or completion of a preparatory course.
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What is a semester?
A semester is a 16-week session - half of the academic year.
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What is lower-division?
Lower-division refers to students and courses at the freshman and sophomore level of college study. Community colleges offer only lower-division courses.
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What is upper-division?
Upper-division refers to students or courses at the junior or senior level of college study.
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What is a transferable course?
A transferable course is a course at Bakersfield College that is accepted by a four-year college or university. The transferability of courses are listed in the course description section of the Bakersfield College Catalog.
Please consult with a counselor and
Transfer Services.
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What is the CSU system?
The CSU System stands for the California State University System. It includes twenty-two campuses which accept the top 1/3 of high school graduates. Three examples are Cal State Bakersfield, SDSU and CSU Cal Poly. Please consult with a counselor and
Transfer Services.
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What is the UC system?
The UC System stands for the University of California System. The UC System includes nine campuses and accepts the top 12.5 percent of high school graduates. UCSB and UCLA are the closest campuses to Bakersfield College. Please consult with a counselor and
Transfer Services.
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What is matriculation?
Matriculation is the process that allows the college and you to form a partnership which helps you attain that goal. We ask you to commit yourself to an educational objective and we will commit ourselves in assisting you to succeed.
Matriculation includes the following:
Admission
Orientation
Assessment
Counseling
Student Educational Plan (SEP)
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What is the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)?
This is the general education pattern which students use for transferring to the UC system. It can also be used by students who are not sure if they would like to transfer to the UC or CSU system.
Please consult with a counselor and
Transfer Services.
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What is Academic Probation?
Students are placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0. Students may be required to repeat
coursework and/or maintain a 3.0 GPA. These students must meet with a counselor or attend a Success Workshop in order to enroll for the upcoming semesters until their cumulative GPA is a 2.0.
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What is Progress Probation?
Students are placed on progress probation when they have not completed 51% of their cumulative units attempted. These students must meet with a counselor or attend a Success Workshop in order to enroll for the upcoming semesters until their cumulative completion of units has reached 51%.
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What is Disqualification?
If a student does not earn a 2.0 GPA or does not complete 51% of their units for three consecutive semesters, they are disqualified. The student must meet with a counselor to complete a Readmission Form and determine if they can return to BC for the upcoming semester. In some cases, students are not readmitted for one semester. It is highly recommended that students meet with a counselor as soon as possible since there are deadline dates for readmission consideration.
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Readmit priority?
Can Students who have been readmitted to BC after being disqualified or
students on probation participate in priority registration?
Yes they can if they meet with a counselor based on the timetable below:
4-6 weeks prior to November for Spring Registration
4-6 weeks prior to April for Summer and Fall
Registration
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Can Students do their own graduation check?
Yes, BC students can do an unofficial graduation check online at any time; it is called a What-If-Degree Evaluation. Follow the directions below:
Directions:
- Log onto the registration site off the
BC home
page
- Put in your ID # (SS#) and your Pin #
- Click on Student & Financial Aid
- Click on Student Records
- Click on the What-If-Degree Evaluation & follow the directions
Students should print a copy of this, and take it to the counselor/advisor when they are applying for graduation during their final semester. The link below will instruct the student on how to file for graduation:
http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/counseling/faq.html#wgrad
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How do I file for BC graduation?
It is advisable to do a pre-graduation check with a counselor or Educational
Advisor when the student has completed 45 units.
Students are only allowed to file for graduation during their
final semester at BC. The following procedures must be followed.
- Students must meet with a counselor or educational advisor to complete
the appropriate paperwork. This should be done early in the final semester
to assure meeting all deadline dates.
- For Counseling or Educational Advisor appointments and drop-in hours for
the BC Counseling Center, go to services.
- Students should bring a printed copy of their what-if evaluation for the
semester, in which they applying to graduate, to a counselor or advisor.
- For students with disabilities, call or contact the Supportive
Services Office in Room 16 of the FACE (Family and Consumer Education)
building.
- For students on EOPS,
call 395-4351, or contact the EOPS Office in the Student Services
building.
- Students must file for graduation before the following deadline dates:
Fall Graduation- Nov 1; Spring Graduation- April 1, Summer
Graduation- June 1
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Can students retake classes as many times as they would like?
No, Bakersfield College must follow California state guidelines on repeating courses.
REPEAT POLICY for Bakersfield College
All courses except English and Math:
If a student earns two "W" grades, he/she will not be allowed a third opportunity to take the course. The student must obtain approval from the department chair to retake the course a third time; The department chair is not obligated to permit a third attempt.
If a student earns any two combinations of "D" or "F" grades, he/she will not be allowed a third opportunity to take the course. The student must obtain approval from the department chair to retake the course a third time; the department
chair is not obligated to permit a third attempt.
English and Math repeats:
Students are not allowed to retake English or Math courses a third time based o the policy above (2 and 3). The student must contact the instructor directly to get an approval to take the course a third time. Most instructors will not allow the third attempt without extenuating circumstances.
How to remove a "D" or "F" grade from your GPA calculation:
When a student completes the course, the student must submit the
Course Repetition Petition for "D"/"F" grades found on the Admissions and Records website under Other Forms.
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