FAQs REGARDING ADVISING
Q. How do students log on to DegreeWorks?A. They can log on to DegreeWorks by going to LaGuardia’s homepage clicking on “I am a student” and selecting DegreeWorks on the right hand side. Their User ID is their 9 digit social security and the Password is usually the first 6 digits of the social security number. If students are unable to log-in they can reset their passwords in C-107 (Enrollment Services Center).
NOTE: If the password is reset, students must wait 24 hours before accessing DegreeWorks.
Q. What if DegreeWorks is inaccurate or missing information?
A. Students can email DegreeWorks with any problems. The email is located at the bottom of their audit by the disclaimer. “Notify DegreeWorks@lagcc.cuny.edu if the information on the audit is incorrect.”
Q. How do students log onto CUNY Portal?
A. Students can log onto CUNY Portal by going to www.cuny.edu and selecting Portal Log-In on the left hand side. Once they log in they are able to access eSIMS and register for their classes.
Q. If students have financial aid questions where should they go?
A. Student Finance is located in C-107 (Enrollment Services Center).
Q. If a student is receiving financial aid, how should that affect my advising?
A. There are two forms of financial aid, federal funding through Pell grants (federal) and TAP (state tuition assistance program). In order for students to receive full financial aid in Session I they must be full-time in Session I. If a student breaks up their full-time schedule between Session I and II they will receive Pell in Session I and TAP money will only be applied once Session II begins.
New students who are in their first semester at the college must take at least one college level class (3 credits) in their major in order to receive TAP. Students in their second semester must take at least two classes (6 credits) in their major to receive TAP. In their third semester they must take three classes (9 credits) in their major to receive TAP. In their fourth semester they need four classes (12 credits) in their major to receive TAP. Students do not need to take any courses in their major to receive Pell.
Q. Can students take introductory level courses in their major with basic skill classes?
A. If a student has passed basic reading (CSE 099) but still has basic writing (ENG 099) they can register for most introductory classes in their major (introductory courses are at the 100 level). For example: business students can take BTM 101 (Introduction to Business) with ENG 099 or Liberal Arts students can take SSS100 (Introduction to Sociology). Students would need special permission in order to register for the introductory courses. You can refer the student to the Academic Advising Coordinator or Academy Coordinator for the specific major.
Q. What are the equated credits for all Basic Skills courses?
A. ESL 097 and ESL 098 have 8 equated credits. ESL 099 has 9 equated credits. ESR 098 & ESR 099 have 7 equated credits. CSE 095, CSE 099, and ENG 099 have 4.5 equated credits. CSZ 099 & ENZ 099 have 4 equated credits. MAT 095 and MAT 096 have 5.5 equated credits. ***All basic skills courses have zero credits***
Q. Where should I send students regarding advising questions, issues, or concerns?
A. You should send students who have less than 30 credits and or basic skills classes to the Center for Counseling, Advising, and Academic Support (B-100). They will meet with an advisor based on their specific major.
Students who have over 30 credits and have completed all their basic skills should be referred to the Program Director of their major. Students can also go to the Center for Counseling, Advising, and Academic Support (B-100) and speak with an Academic Advising Coordinator. Students in special programs such as College Discovery (CD), ASAP, COPE, Program for Deaf Adults (PDA) & OSSDS must be referred to their respective program.
Q. What is the limit on the amount of credits a student can take in Session I and Session II?
A. In Session I, students are able to take up to 18 equated credits. In Session II, students are able to take two classes not to exceed 9 equated credits. Equated credits apply towards full-time status and financial aid eligibility.
Q. Do all students get Session II classes for “free” if they are full-time in Session I?
A. No, international students and out of state residents do not get Session II classes for free. Only students who are in-state residents and are full-time in Session I can take courses in Session II for “free.”
Q. Are all students within the Liberal Arts Academy required to take a Learning Community at the ENG 101 level?
A. No, only students who are in Liberal Arts options are required to be in a learning community at the ENG 101 level. Students who are in the Deaf Studies option and evening or part-time students are waived from a learning community. They can request a waiver by going to B-100 and speaking with the Academy Coordinator. Students who have taken introductory courses while completing a developmental (basic skills) course and are therefore unable to take a learning community because a course does not apply to their major or they would be repeating a course they have passed are also waived from learning communities (case by case).
Q. What is the difference between withdrawing from a course and dropping a course?
A. When a student drops a course it will not appear on his or her transcript. When a student withdraws from a course a “W” grade appears on his or her transcript but the “W” does not affect their GPA. The last day for students to drop a course (in any given semester) is the CENSUS day (see academic calendar). After the CENSUS day students are able to Withdraw until the official withdrawal day (see academic calendar).
Q. How do students change their majors?
A. Students who want to change their majors can go to C-107 and fill out a change of major form. The last day for students to change their major (in any given semester) is the CENSUS day (see academic calendar).