Bishop State: FAQ

How will I know what courses to take for my major?

Students are assigned an advisor when they enroll. Students MUST see their advisor. Students are expected to provide Compass test results to their advisor. The advisor will work with you each semester in planning out which courses to take to keep you on target for graduation. Ask your advisor for a degree plan for your curriculum. You may also print your degree plan from the Bishop State Online web page.

When can I register for classes?

New students may register during orientation, which is held prior to the beginning of each semester. Continuing students (attending the previous term) are allowed to registered during the early registration periods. During this time current students can contact their advisor and use the Bishop State On-line Registration and Information System for scheduling. Early scheduling allows students to get the classes at times that they want and avoid the possibility of long lines and closed classes at Registration.

How do I change my schedule?

If you need to change a course schedule after you have paid your fees, do one of the following:
Students using on-line registration to schedule may follow the drop-add procedures as outlined in step four of the Bishop State Online web page.
After Registration there is a late registration period during which students may drop or add courses.

How do I contact my advisor?

During the first semester you are enrolled you will be given a degree plan, which identifies the name and office telephone number of your advisor. If you are unsure of your advisor's name, you may contact the Admissions Office for this information. Advisors post their office hours on their doors. The email addresses and phone numbers of advisors are available here.

Can I register by telephone or internet?

BORIS is the College's automated registration system. It is available for currently enrolled students each semester. The class schedule, which is available on the Internet and in the Office of Students Services, provides information on when to register with BORIS. Step by step instructions on how to register via the Internet can also be found on the College's web page at http://www.bishop.edu/boris.html. You cannot register by telephone.

How much will I be charged for tuition?

Tuition charges are set by the Alabama State Board of Education. You are charged by the credit hour. Check the class schedule for current charges.

Can I get a refund?

There is no refund due to a student who partially withdraws after the official drop/add period. Students who officially withdraw from ALL classes for which they registered before the first day of class will be refunded the total tuition and other refundable fees. Details of the refund policy are printed in the Class Schedule Booklet and the College Catalog. You may receive a printed copy of the policy in the Admissions Office.

Academic Information

What is the college's attendance policy?

Bishop State Community College (BSCC) expects students to attend the classes in which they are enrolled. The Attendance Policy can be found in the Student Handbook . A student's grade can be affected by absences. Check the Student Handbook for general policies and the instructor's syllabus for each of your classes for specific expectations.

What should I do if I can no longer attend a class?

Students should formally withdrawal from a class by filling out a withdrawal form obtained in the Student Records Office (Admissions). Failure to fill out a drop-add form could result in a failing grade in the class you are no long attending. Please contact the Office of Admission for procedures.

What should I do if I must completely withdraw from the college?

Student must officially withdraw from the college by completing a Voluntary Withdrawal Form in the Office of Admissions. Failure to withdraw officially will result in failing grades for each class. Failing grades will affect your grade point average (GPA) and future financial aid awards.

What is a GPA?

Your GPA is your Grade Point Average. It is figured each semester on the basis of hours completed and grades earned. It is also cumulative from semester to semester. It affects your academic standing as to honors recognition or probation. The College Catalog outlines the grading system and scholastic standing of the college. If you have questions concerning your GPA, contact the Office of Admissions.

Can I be placed on academic probation and suspension?

Yes. The hours you have attempted and the GPA that you have accumulated determine this probation. It is noted on your permanent college transcript. If a student is on probation or suspension, it will indicated on the grade report. Probation and suspension will affect your financial aid also. Details on academic probation and suspension can be found in the College Catalog.

Will I be recognized for academic achievements?

Yes. The College has three scholastic recognitions: President's List, Dean's List and the Honor Roll. These are awarded on a semester basis and determined by hours earned and GPA. The award is noted on your permanent college transcript. Details on scholastic honors can be found in the College Catalog.

How can I change my major or directory information?

A "Change of Major Form" must be completed to change from one major to another. Once your major has been changed, you will be assigned a new advisor. A "Change of Student Information Form" must be completed to change directory information. These forms are located on all four campuses in the office of student services.

Where can I purchase my books?

A College bookstore is located on each campus. Bookstore hours are extended during registration each semester. Hours of operation are posted in the class schedule booklet. Arrangements can be made for purchasing books for shipment by U. S. mail at the student's expense. The College offers a resale of textbooks to the College's bookstores for those required textbooks for the upcoming semester. The buy-back of textbooks is scheduled on the last two days of final exams. Prepackaged textbooks are offered to Pell grant students and sponsored students to expedite the purchase of textbooks from the College's bookstores. These forms are available upon registration.

How do I receive transfer credit from another college or university?

Official college transcripts must be sent to the BSCC Admissions Office from each post-secondary school attended. Once they are received, your transcripts will be evaluated and you will be contacted by the College Registrar.

What should I do to transfer to another college?

A counselor is available in the Student Services Office for questions regarding transfers to other college or universities. Students planning on transferring from BSCC to continue their education should contact that college or university early in their course work to obtain information on course requirements.

Student Development Services

What types of counseling services are available?

A variety of counseling services is available in the Student Services Offices on all four campuses. These services include:
• ACADEMIC - Students placed on academic probation are invited to discuss strategies to improve their academic performance. A variety of help services is available to students needing assistance outside of the classroom.
• CAREER - Students unsure of career plans can find help through various career inventories or counseling sessions. Information on appropriate academic majors for specific career paths is also available.
• JOB PLACEMENT - Students needing part-time employment while enrolled at BSCC can use the College's job board located in the Counseling Center. Assistance in writing resumes is also available. The College seeks to assist students in finding employment after graduation.
• PERSONAL - Qualified counselors are available on staff. Students experiencing problems associated with personal issues can make an appointment with a counselor to discuss their difficulties and get direction on the help that they need. Students may also be referred to outside agencies for specialized assistance.

Who should I contact for special needs services?

The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Coordinator is available to assist students with special need requests. Students requesting special accommodations must provide documentation supporting their requests.

What types of financial aid are available?

College makes every effort to offer financial assistance to students who cannot afford the costs of college. Academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, Pell grants, work-study programs, and other forms of financial assistance are available. Senior citizens 60 and above enjoy free tuition and pay only the nominal fees associated with courses. When students must withdraw from classes, from College, or be placed on probation or suspension, you must notify the financial aid immediately.

How do I apply for graduation?

BSCC grants certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. Students should work closely with their advisor who will help them monitor their progress towards graduation. When you complete your graduation requirements, you must apply for graduation. Graduation application can be completed in the Office of Admissions.

How can I have fun at the college?

College life does not end in the classroom. That is why we have a variety of students activities to give you ways to meet friends and get involved. There are active programs in men's and women's basketball, men's baseball, and women's Fast-Pitch softball. The teams are members of the Alabama Junior and Community College Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association. You can develop leadership skills through the College Student Government Association. This vital organization has participation from all four campuses. There is also a wide range of student clubs, a college choir, band, and several scholastic and honorary organizations.

Where can I go to get help with my classes?

The College provides a "Learning Center" which uses personal computer and other special services needed to help students remain in school until they graduate. The program seeks to provide assistance for students in overcoming deficiencies in mathematics, English, reading, study skills and career selection. The program is located in the Caldwell Building Room 100-A on the Main Campus.

How safe is the college environment?

The campus has 24-hour police officers on duty. In case of an emergency, students should ask any faculty or staff member for assistance or contact the College's Main service number at 405-7060.

Who are the key administrators at the college?

Dr. James Lowe, Interim President

Dr. Latitia McCane, Interim Dean of the Academic School

Dr. Harry Holloway, Dean of the Technical School

Dr. Terry Hazzard, Dean of Students

Ms. Brenda Taylor, Dean of Finance (Business Manager)

Ms. Madeline Stokes, Director of the Central Campus

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