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Frequently Asked Advisement Questions


First Time Students

Q: How can I take the College Skills Placement Test (CSPT)?
A:
  • Individual Testing: To obtain a signed form, go to the Advisement Center (SC254)
  • Group Testing: For schedules call the Testing Center at 609-570-3295, or Admissions and Enrollment (Trenton Campus KC209).
  •  
    Q: Can I skip skills classes and go to college courses?
    A: If your test results indicate that basic skills courses are required, those courses must be taken first before enrolling in college-level courses.
     
    Q: How serious should I take the CSPT test while I am taking the test?
    A: Do the very best you can. Do not guess. Scores determine college course placement.
     
    Q: How can I complete more than one degree at the same time?
    A: See an advisor for each of the programs. Some courses overlap other programs; however, some courses apply only to a specific program.
     
    Q: I am interested in dual admissions. What do I need to do?
    A: See the transfer counselors...
    Laurene Jones: 609-570-3307; Library
    Danielle Wolfe: 609-570-3571; Library

    Special Categories Students

    Q: I am a veteran. What do I need to do?
    A: Contact Veterans Services: 609-570-3240; SC220.
     
    Q: How can I apply for special help through the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)?
    A: Contact the EOF office: 609-570-3423; SC229.
     
    Q: I am an International student. What are my responsibilities regarding my paperwork?
    A: See Savita Bambhrolia, International Student Services: 609-570-3438; SC251. Be sure to give Savita paperwork regarding any changes in status.
     
    Q: I am a special needs student. What do I need to do to access the college support system?
    A: Give Arlene Stinson (LB217; 609-570-3525) documentation regarding your special need. Contact Arlene Stinson (LB217, ext. 3525) or Lisa Ward (LB216, ext. 3517) of the Office of Special Services for information regarding support services for students with documented disabilities.

    Returning Students

    Q: I have been away from college for three years. When I attended college, my grades were poor (GPA under 2.0). Can I make those old grades go away with an Academic Restart?
    A: Although the actual grades will always be on the transcript, an Academic Restart would wipe the grades from your GPA. Up to four courses with grades "C" or better can also be carried in the new GPA. See the student advocate...
    Liberal Arts Marge Archer 609-570-3268
    e-mail: archerm@mccc.edu
    office: LA117
    Health Professions Cindy Matyas 609-570-3596
    e-mail: matyasc@mccc.edu
    office: ET109
     
    Q: Is there a time limit from the start of the program to the end of the program?
    A: Time limits differ among the programs. See a program advisor.

    Enrolled Students

    Grades

    Q: How do I access my grades online?
    A: Login to the special secured site: www.mccc.edu/mymercer.
     
    Q: How do I take care of an "I" grade?
    A: Contact your instructor immediately. Complete the necessary assignment(s)/test(s).
     
    Q: What is the time frame to make up an "I" grade?
    A: Fifteen weeks is the maximum allowed time frame; however, the instructor may set a shorter time limit. When the following semester's grades go into the computer, the "I" grades from the previous semester automatically become "F" grades if the instructors do not turn in Grade Change forms indicating that students have completed the courses and earned grades other than the automatic "F" grades.
     
    Q: How can I appeal a grade?
    A: See your instructor first. If you are not satisfied, see the division administrator or a counselor to help you through the process.

    Academic Status (Warning, Probation, Dismissal)

    Q: What does it mean if I am on Warning status?
    A: Enrollment is limited to 13 credits, or equivalent, due to indications of difficulty in the previous semester (see policy outlined in Student Handbook). To appeal your status see a counselor or division Student Advocate for assistance:
    Liberal Arts Marge Archer 609-570-3268
    e-mail: archerm@mccc.edu
    office: LA117
    Health Professions Cindy Matyas 609-570-3596
    e-mail: matyasc@mccc.edu
    office: ET109
    Educational
    Opportunity
    Fund (EOF)
    Charles Weatherspoon 609-570-3427
    e-mail: weatherc@mccc.edu
    office: LB213A
      Leroy Wilkerson 609-570-3426
    e-mail: wilkersl@mccc.edu
    office: LB213B
    Additional counselors are listed each semester in the notification letter to students.
     
    Q: What does it mean if I am on Probation status?
    A: Enrollment is limited to 10 credits, or equivalent, due to indications of difficulty in previous semesters (see policy outlined in Student Handbook). To appeal your status see a counselor or division Student Advocate for assistance:
    Liberal Arts Marge Archer 609-570-3268
    e-mail: archerm@mccc.edu
    office: LA117
    Health Professions Cindy Matyas 609-570-3596
    e-mail: matyasc@mccc.edu
    office: ET109
    Educational
    Opportunity
    Fund (EOF)
    Charles Weatherspoon 609-570-3427
    e-mail: weatherc@mccc.edu
    office: LB213A
      Leroy Wilkerson 609-570-3426
    e-mail: wilkersl@mccc.edu
    office: LB213B
    Additional counselors are listed each semester in the notification letter to students.
     
    Q: What does it mean if I am on Dismissal status?
    A: Enrollment prohibited for one full 15-week semester, with reinstatement only upon approval by a counselor (see policy outlined in Student Handbook). To appeal your status see a counselor or a division Student Advocate for assistance:
    Liberal Arts Marge Archer 609-570-3268
    e-mail: archerm@mccc.edu
    office: LA117
    Health Professions Cindy Matyas 609-570-3596
    e-mail: matyasc@mccc.edu
    office: ET109
    Educational
    Opportunity
    Fund (EOF)
    Charles Weatherspoon 609-570-3427
    e-mail: weatherc@mccc.edu
    office: LB213A
      Leroy Wilkerson 609-570-3426
    e-mail: wilkersl@mccc.edu
    office: LB213B
    Additional counselors are listed each semester in the notification letter to students.

    Deadlines

    Q: How can I find "deadlines" for the current semester?
    A: Semester deadline dates are indicated on one of the last three pages of the semester course catalog and on the college website.

    Curriculum

    Q: How might I select courses when I have not yet decided on a major?
    A: Check here for course suggestions applicable to most programs. Note, too, that it's always best to consult with an academic advisor when selecting courses.
     
    Q: I took courses other than what my program specifies. Is it possible to get any credit for these courses?
    A: Check with a program advisor.
     
    Q: I just changed my program. Do I need to have the new program coordinator reevaluate my transcripts from my other college for the new program?
    A: Yes. Each division evaluates transcripts from other colleges based on the course requirements of the program in which the student is currently enrolled. Consult the program advisor.
     
    Q: Do all MCCC program courses transfer to all programs within the college?
    A: No. See a program advisor to determine which courses apply to your current program.

    Tutoring

    Q: I am a student at MCCC. How can I obtain free tutoring?
    A: Free tutoring is available to MCCC students through several learning centers:
  • The West Windsor Campus Learning Center provides tutoring for over 50 college courses including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and computer science. Math, Science, Writing, Reading located in LB218; tutor schedules here.
  • Online Math Center
  • ESL and Language Center located in LB232 and LB233. For information see Savita Bambhrolia: 609-570-3438; SC251.
  • The JKC Learning Center -- Math, Science, Writing located in KC311.

  • Advisement Process

    Q: How do I obtain ongoing academic advisement?
    A: Students can contact a program advisor within the academic divisions. Student advocates are also available within the academic divisions. Check the division offices for names of advisors and office hours. Advisors are available in the Advisement Center, SC255, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
     
    Q: What level of math do I need to complete for my program?
    A: Math courses vary depending upon your major. Check with your division program advisor, student advocate and/or the advisement center for math course selection.
     
    Q: If my program indicates "MAT 200" (or any other specific math course) as the first math requirement, can I directly enroll in that course?
    A: Only if you have completed the prerequisite or equivalent (MAT 135) with at least a "C" or if you place into the math course via the College Level Math placement test.
     
    Q: What is the function of the Academic Advisement Center?
    A: The Academic Advisement Center works with first semester students and first year students in skills courses. Once a student is taking program courses, she/he needs to go to his/her department for advisement.

    Transfer to Another College

    Q: What does the staff of the office of Transfer Services offer?
    A: Because not all courses transfer to all colleges, it is important for students to consult with the transfer counselors early in the college experience. See here and/or the transfer counselors...
    Laurene Jones: 609-570-3307; Library
    Danielle Wolfe: 609-570-3571; Library
     
    Q: How can I utilize the services of the transfer counselors?
    A: Students need to make appointments early in the semester. Students must check again with transfer counselors each semester since colleges and universities may change requirements over time. Check the course transfer web pages from other colleges at NJ Transfer.

    Graduation

    Q: Do all MCCC courses transfer to all colleges?
    A: No. Check with your program advisor or the transfer counselors in SC201.
     
    Q: Will the college notify me when I am ready to graduate?
    A: Not usually. See an advisor to make sure you have completed all requirements. Within the first few weeks of your last semester apply for graduation at the Registration office on either of the two campuses (West Windsor, Trenton).

    Online Courses

    Q: Is an online course for me?
    A: General Requirements for taking an Internet course:
  • computer access and Internet connection
  • e-mail address
  • a browser (Firefox or Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher)
  • modem, 56k or faster (Cable or DSL Internet Service Provider Preferred)
  • word-processing software package such as MS Word
    Note: Individual courses may have additional requirements

    Minimum computer skill level necessary to complete the online course:
  • send and receive an email with an attachment
  • use the copy/paste function
  • mouse/touch pad skills
  • use Windows Explorer to find and save files, manage directories, copy and move files
  • bookmark web pages
  • download and save files
  •  
    Q: I am taking an online course and need some help. Who can help me?
    A: Contact the MercerOnline office... 609-570-3389 in CM120 at the West Windsor Campus.

    Academic Integrity

    Q: What are the rules regarding academic integrity?
    A: The college recognizes the following general categories of violations of Academic Integrity:
  • Uses or obtains unauthorized assistance in any academic work.
  • Gives fraudulent assistance to another student.
  • Knowingly represents the work of others as his/her own,or represents previously completed academic work as current.
  • Fabricates data in support of an academic assignment.
  • Inappropriately or unethically uses technological means to gain academic advantage.
    Each instructor is authorized to establish specific guidelines consistent with this policy.
  •  
    Q: What are the consequences for violations of academic integrity?
    A: For a single violation, the faculty member will determine the course of action to be followed. This may include assigning a lower grade on the assignment, assigning a lower final course grade, failing the student in the course, or other penalty appropriate to the violation. In all cases, the instructor shall notify the Chairperson of the Academic Integrity Committee (AIC) of the violation and the penalty imposed.

    When two (or more) violations of academic integrity are reported on a student, the Academic Integrity Committee may impose disciplinary penalties beyond those imposed by the course instructors. The student shall have the right to a hearing before the AIC or a designated subcommittee thereof.

    The student has the right to appeal the decision of the instructor, or the Academic Integrity Committee. Judicial procedures governing violations of Academic Integrity are contained in the Student Handbook.


    Career Center

    Q: What does the staff of the Office of Career Services offer?
    A: The Career Center (SC201 on West Windsor Campus; CC146 at Trenton Campus) offers career exploration, resume development, job search skills, and FOCUS-2, a computerized career-oriented assessment program. The Career Services offers career and job search advice as well as sample resumes. A job bulletin board is available in the Center.
     
    Q: How can I utilize career assistance?
    A: Call or drop in to make an appointment at the Career Services office:
    West Windsor Campus -- Michael Glass: 609-570-3530; SC201
    Trenton Campus -- Linda Ertingue: 609-570-6665; KC214