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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Am I eligible to apply for admission to Sierra College?
  2. How do I register?
  3. How much does it cost to take a class?
  4. When do I have to pay for my classes?
  5. Do I have to take the assessment tests?
  6. Is there a limit to the number of units I can take in one semester?
  7. Where do I get my ID card?
  8. How or where can I get a parking permit?
  9. Where can I find a map of the campus?
  10. Where can I get an academic calendar? I am planning a vacation and I need to know when spring break is.
  11. How do the online/ cable TV classes work?
  12. I’ve signed up for an online class, but I’m having trouble logging on. School is going to start in a few days, what am I doing wrong?
  13. Who do I speak to for verification of enrollment?
  14. Am I at the right campus? I can’t find my class.
  15. How do I get a list of my classes?
  16. How do I order transcripts?
  17. Do I have to complete all my general education before I transfer?
  18. What degrees am I able to get from Sierra College?
  19. How do I find a list of music or drama events?
  20. Where can I find out what jobs are available at Sierra College? Where do I get an application?
  21. Whom do I speak to for verification of employment?
  22. What does the Medical Center on campus offer?
  23. What is the Study Abroad program at Sierra College?
  24. What sports are offered at Sierra College?
  25. Where do I get a catalog?
  26. Where is the bookstore? Can I find out what books I need ahead of time? Can I order books online?
  27. Are there tours of the Natural History Museum?
  28. How do I find out about the week-end car lot sale?
  29. I’d like to get involved in student government. How do I do that?
  30. Does Sierra College offer housing?
  31. Does Sierra College have guaranteed transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities?
  32. What is Sierra College Community Education?
  33. I’m an older adult, haven’t been in school in decades, and want to know if there are courses I can take.
  1. Am I eligible to apply for admission to Sierra College?
    Admission to Sierra College is open to any person who has a high school diploma or equivalent, or is 18 years of age or older and capable of benefiting from instruction.
  2. How do I register?
    If you are a new student or a transferring student the application and registration process can seem a bit overwhelming. But by following the instructions spelled out for you on the Sierra College website, the process will go smoothly. On the Sierra web pages, click the Apply & Register tab near the top and choose which type of student you are. You can follow this link for complete instructions.
    If you find that you need some assistance filling out the application or registering for classes, go to the friendly staff at the Admissions and Records windows on any of our four campuses and ask for help. They will be happy to assist you.
  3. How much does it cost to take a class?
    The California Community College system offers the most affordable public higher education available in the nation. Each unit at Sierra costs $20. For example, a 3 unit class will cost you $60.
  4. When do I have to pay for my classes?
    Full payment of all charges is due at the time of registration. Please be advised that students are responsible to meet all deadlines and to inform the college of any address changes. You are liable for payment of the charges for all courses for which you register, whether or not you attend the course. Please note that if you drop classes, in order to be reimbursed or to have the charges removed from your record, you must personally drop the class by the add/drop due date. This date is less than two weeks after classes start.
  5. Do I have to take the assessment tests?
    Assessment testing is required. Students must assess in English, reading, and math in accordance with district policy. Assessment results are used by Sierra College counselors to place students in appropriate-level classes. However if you’re a student who meets specific requirements you may be able to petition to have the assessment waived.
  6. Is there a limit to the number of units I can take in one semester?
    Students can take a full load of up to 18.0 units per semester.
  7. Where do I get my ID card?
    ID cards are available at the Admissions and Records window on each campus. At the Rocklin Campus in the L building (Winsted), there will be a designated window for photographing and producing the ID cards.
  8. How or where can I get a parking permit?
    Parking permits are available for purchase at the registration windows at any of the four campuses. If the lines are long, you can also get a permit at police services on the Rocklin Campus.
  9. Where can I find a map of the campus?
    Campus maps are printed in the back of the class schedule or you can view them online at our website. Click on the About Us tab. On that page you will see a list of the campuses. Click on the one you want to find a map for. Here is the link to the campuses page.
  10. Where can I get an academic calendar? I am planning a vacation and I need to know when spring break is.
    There is an Academic Calendar on our website. It is under the tab called, About Us, and then is the top left link. That page has the list of upcoming holidays, school closure days, start and end dates, & deadlines. Follow this link to view the calendar.
  11. How do the online/ cable TV classes work?
    Distance Learning courses at Sierra College are full-credit courses which allow you to complete college studies from the convenience of your own home, using the internet or cable television. Our vast range of Distance Learning classes meets the majority of required units for an Associate of Arts degree. Please see a counselor to create your own personal college plan. You can see the current and upcoming semester offerings of online and TV courses, take the online course orientation, find the contact information for all Distance Learning instructors, and download general materials related to our distance learning courses. The Distance Learning web pages have more information on TV and online classes.
  12. I’ve signed up for an online class, but I’m having trouble logging on. School is going to start in a few days, what am I doing wrong?
    Generally, the online accounts are set up the first week of school. Students will have access to their online class by the time the course begins. If you have difficulty logging on to your class once the semester has started, notify the Distance Learning Department for assistance. (916) 781-0406, or visit the Distance Learning web page.
  13. Who do I speak to for verification of enrollment?
    The Admissions and Records department can verify enrollment of classes
  14. Am I at the right campus? I can’t find my class.
    Look at the print out of your class schedule. To the right of the classroom will be either a SC for Sierra College Rocklin Campus, RG for Roseville Gateway, or NC for Nevada County.
  15. How do I get a list of my classes?
    You can get a print-out of your scheduled classes from the Admissions and Records windows or from the Rocklin Campus information table that is set up during the first week of the semester located in the L building (Winsted). You will need to show your ID card or driver’s license to get a printed copy of your classes. You can find a listing of your classes online on the MySierra pages.
  16. How do I order transcripts?
    An official transcript of a student's academic record at Sierra College is available through the Admissions & Records Office, upon written request from the student using one of the following options:
    1. OPTION 1: Via the Internet Sierra College has retained Credentials, Inc to accept transcript orders on the Internet through their secured site. TranscriptsPlus will facilitate your request for up to five different addresses per order. On the Sierra web pages, go to the Online Services tab and Transcript Request will be listed under services available for students. Complete instructions for ordering your transcript can be accessed from this page.
    2. OPTION 2: Via Mail or In-Person
      1. Obtain a Transcript Request Form from any Sierra College Admissions & Records Office.
      2. Complete & sign the form.
      3. Mail to: Sierra College, Admissions & Records Office, 5000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677 or deliver to any Sierra College Admissions & Records Office.
  17. Do I have to complete all my general education before I transfer?
    Students must complete the 30 transferable units of general education and lower division major requirements prior to transferring to a four year institution.
  18. What degrees am I able to get from Sierra College?
    PROGRAM DEGREE CERTIFICATE
    Administration of Justice
    Law Enforcement Concentration AA/AS
    Courts Concentration AA/AS
    Corrections Concentration AA/AS
    Agriculture
    Agriculture AA/AS Yes
    Agriculture, Suburban AA/AS Yes
    Animal Science AA/AS Yes
    Equine Studies AA/AS Yes
    Applied Art & Design
    Graphic Design Concentration AA/AS (NCC)* Yes (NCC)
    Illustration Concentration AA/AS (NCC) Yes (NCC)
    Multimedia Concentration AA/AS (NCC) Yes (NCC)
    Art AA/ (NCC)
    Automotive Technology
    Air Conditioning & Body Electrical Yes
    Alignment and Brake Yes
    Automotive Analysis AA/AS
    Automatic Transmission Yes
    Emission & Driveability Tune-up Yes
    Automotive Engine Machining Yes
    Automotive Manufacturers Sales Rep Yes
    Master Automotive Technician Yes
    Power Train Yes
    Biological Sciences
    Biological Sciences AS
    Watershed Ecology AS Yes
    Business
    Administrative Professional AA/AS (NCC) Yes (NCC)
    Accounting AA/AS Yes
    Business Administration AA/AS
    Business, General AA/AS (NCC) Yes
    Management AA/AS Yes
    Marketing AA/AS Yes
    Small Business AA/AS Yes
    Chemistry AS
    Communication Studies
    Graphic Design Concentration AA/AS (NCC)
    Multimedia Concentration AA/AS
    Oral Concentration AA/AS (NCC)
    Photography Concentration AA/AS
    Computer Information Systems
    Administrative Tech. Support AA/AS Yes
    Computer Applications AA/AS (NCC) Yes (NCC)
    Computer Support Concentration AA/AS Yes
    Internet Concentration AA/AS Yes
    Computer Integrated Electronics
    Computer Technology AA/AS Yes
    Electronics Technology AA/AS
    Linear Electronics Yes
    Opto Electronic Technician Yes
    Personal Computer Technician Yes
    Computer Science
    Computer Science AA/AS
    Computer Technology AA/AS
    Embedded Systems AA/AS Yes
    Management Information Systems AA/AS
    Networking Concentration AA/AS Yes
    Programming: Object-Oriented Yes
    Programming: Visual Basic Yes
    Web Programming AA/AS Yes
    Web Server Administration AA/AS Yes
    Computer Service Technology
    Computer Service Technologist AA/AS Yes
    Microsoft Systems Administrator Yes
    Microsoft Systems Engineer Yes
    Networking AA/AS Yes
    Construction Technology
    Mill Cabinet AA/AS Yes
    Residential Building Construction AA/AS Yes
    Cabinet Making Yes
    Carpentry Yes
    Deaf studies: American Sign Language AA  
    Engineering AA/AS
    Engineering Support Technology
    Architectural Concentration AA/AS Yes
    Mechanical Concentration AA/AS Yes
    Environmental Horticulture
    Environmental Horticulture AS Yes
    Interior Plantscaping AA/AS Yes
    Fashion Design & Merchandising AA/AS Yes
    Fire Technology AA/AS Yes
    Forestry AS
    Geology AS
    Human Development & Family
    Teacher AA/AS (NCC) Yes (NCC)
    Master Teacher AA/AS
    Site Supervisor AA/AS
    Humanities AA (NCC)
    General AA  
    Diverse Perspective AA  
    Liberal Arts AA (NCC)
    Music AA/AS
    Natural Science AA/AS (NCC)
    Nursing
    Nursing, Registered AA/AS
    Nursing, Vocational AA/AS Yes
    Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) n/a n/a
    Philosophy AA
    Photography AA/AS Yes
    Physical Education AA/AS  
    Physics AS
    Real Estate AA/AS Yes
    Social Science AA (NCC)
    Welding Technology
    Welding AA/AS Yes
    Women's Studies AA

    Please refer to our college catalog for more complete information on majors and requirements.
    *(NCC) indicates that the degree or certificate can be earned at the Nevada County Campus.
  19. How do I find a list of music or drama events?
    Sierra College has a lot of wonderful events for students and community members throughout the year. For a monthly calendar listing of these events, from our web page click on the Events & Athletics tab. The banner near the top takes you to an events calendar. There is also a listing of major events for each campus on this page. From there you will be able to click the links to both the music and drama events.
  20. Where can I find out what jobs are available at Sierra College? Where do I get an application?
    At the bottom of each Sierra College web page is the link, Employment. This page lists the current jobs and professional positions available. Scroll down the page for the application forms. You can also call the job line at 916-781-0470 to listen to the list of available jobs and to leave a message to have an application sent to your home. Job applications are also available at the Rocklin Campus outside the Personnel Office on a shelf 24 hours a day.
    Student jobs are listed at Sierra Job Link. You can also list your resume there as well as other helpful services. Employers can use it to list jobs available for students.
  21. Whom do I speak to for verification of employment?
    Employment verification is handled through the Personnel office. Call 916-781-0519.
  22. What does the Medical Center on campus offer?
    The Health Center works by appointment. There are Health Centers at the Rocklin and Nevada County campuses. Please call to schedule an appointment.
    Nevada County Campus – (530) 274-5317
    Rocklin Campus – (916) 781-0517
    1. Services: Athletic physicals; birth control; blood pressure; body fat measurements; colds; counseling; family planning; flu; illness diagnosis and treatment; immunizations; injury evaluation and treatment; laboratory tests; minor surgical procedures; physicals for DMV, employment and fire tech; prescriptions; sexually transmitted infections (diagnosis and treatment); tuberculosis (TB) screening; vision and hearing screening; well woman exams.
    2. Mental Health Resources: Date rape and personal safety; depression; eating disorders; grief and loss; holiday blues; life event stress survey; self injury; sleeping well; stress; suicide prevention. The student health center is not intended to be a substitute for your family medical provider nor is it an alternative to health insurance.
  23. What is the Study Abroad program at Sierra College?
    Every semester Sierra College offers students an opportunity to continue their studies while living in another country for three months. Sierra College students have studied in Florence, Madrid, Costa Rice, Viet Nam, Greece and London. Our program cost, one of the least expensive study abroad programs in the country, includes round-trip airfare, twelve weeks housing in a furnished apartment, insurance, program transportation, field trips and orientations. http://www.sierracollege.edu/Programs/studyAbroad/index.html
    Study Abroad Program Coordinator, Christine Vona, 781-7198; cvona@sierracollege.edu.
  24. What sports are offered at Sierra College?
    Sierra College offers many sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, women's cross country/track, football, men's and women's golf, women's soccer, women's softball, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis, women's volleyball, women's water polo, and wrestling. The Athletic Department of Sierra College in 2006 was second in the nation among community colleges in the Pepsi/NATYCAA Cup Challenge. Many teams make it to the state tournaments each year.
  25. Where do I get a catalog?
    The current Sierra College catalog is available in the Sierra College Bookstore for $3. It contains complete course descriptions and degree and certificate requirements. It is also available through the web site as a pdf file on this web page. Previous catalogs and the current Schedule of Classes is also available there.
  26. Where is the bookstore? Can I find out what books I need ahead of time? Can I order books online?
    The Bookstore on the Rocklin Campus is located in the K-Building near the cafeteria/Campus Center. The Bookstore is a place not only to find books and supplies for your classes, you can also buy Sierra College shirts, sweats, souvenirs and more. On the Nevada County Campus the Bookstore is located in C-100 next to the cafeteria.
    On both the Rocklin web pages, and the NCC web pages, you can find out what texts are required for your courses and you can order your books online.
    For store hours and more information call the Rocklin Campus Bookstore at (916) 781-0500 or the Nevada County Campus Bookstore at (530) 274-5305. Their web pages also list their hours.
  27. Are there tours of the Natural History Museum?
    Sierra College’s Natural History Museum is located in Sewell Hall, the S Building on maps. The Natural History Museum has over 20 different exhibits in biology, paleontology and geology. There is a Desert Garden and Arboretums, which showcase trees, shrubs and flowers found in the Sierra Nevada, Great Valley and on the coast of California. You are free to walk through the Natural History Museum on your own. However there are guided tours available. Guided tours for school children, second grade and older, and other groups are available with advance registration during the school year. Student museum docents lead the tours. You must pay for parking. Tours cost $3 per person and $4.50 per person if the Nature Trail is included.
    The Nature Trail tour is about an hour. The Sierra Foothills Nature Guide is available as a field guide to the biology and ecology of the Nature Trail. It can be purchased in the Sierra College Bookstore for $12.95.
    Call (916) 789-2724 for information or to schedule a tour, or visit the Musuem tour page.
  28. How do I find out about the week-end car lot sale?
    The Sierra Auto Fair occurs every weekend all year including holiday weekends. The Auto Fair provides a central location where owners display for sale vehicles. The Auto Fair is easily found in the Rocklin Sierra College parking lot H. It is open to buyers from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. There are no consignments, commissions, or salespeople. All vehicles are for sale by owner.
    No pre-registration is required to display your vehicle at the Fair. Sellers may register vehicles in person between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday or after 8 a.m. Saturday. All vehicles must be picked up by 6 p.m. Sunday. All forms and supplies are provided. Flat rate display fees vary by type of vehicle, and benefit the Sierra College Foundation. Call (916) 626-3366 for more detailed information including cost.
  29. I’d like to get involved in student government. How do I do that?
    All students enrolled at Sierra College are members of the Associated Students of Sierra College (ASSC). The governing body of the Associated Students of Sierra College is the Student Senate. The mission of the Student Senate is to provide students with the opportunities to participate in the college’s shared governance process, to work with the Sierra College community to develop activities and support programs and services that promote student success and foster campus community. You can find out more and find an application at the ASSC Student Senate web pages.
  30. Does Sierra College offer housing?
    Yes, Sierra College, Rocklin Campus, is one of the few community colleges in California that is able to offer the unique experience of residence hall community living. We have two residence halls on campus and there are also independently run apartment complexes close to the campus. For more information on housing contact our Housing Office at (916) 781-0434. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about housing.
    There is also a web forum for those looking for housing. It is at http://bluemountain.sierracollege.edu. Registration is free to participate.
  31. Does Sierra College have guaranteed transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities?
    Yes, Sierra College has Transfer Admission Guarantee programs with the UC’s, CSU’s and California independent colleges and universities. Visit the Transfer Center located in the Winstead Center (Bldg L), to find out if there is an agreement with the college you wish to attend. Call (916) 789-2618 for more information.
  32. What is Sierra College Community Education?
    Community Education offers not-for-credit classroom and online classes covering a variety of interests such as business, parenting, computers, finance, motorcycle safety, kid's sports camps and college for kids. Courses are short term and inexpensive. Call (916) 781-0590 or visit their web pages for more information.
  33. I’m an older adult, haven’t been in school in decades, and want to know if there are courses I can take.
    One option is our Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Sierra College. Courses are designed for adults over 55, but any adult can take them. They offer non-credit, short term classes in business, drama, English, music, physical education and more. Classes are free, but you must register for them. The OLLI web pages have more information.
    A second option is classes through Community Education. Courses are not-for-credit and there are a variety of classes. Visit the Community Education web pages for more information.
    You can also take regular for credit Sierra classes at any of our four campuses. Thirty-two per cent of our students are aged 25 to 49 and 12% are over age 49, so there will probably be other older students in class. Just apply for admission and then register for the classes which interest you. Take those classes you wanted to years ago, but had “required” courses to finish. You can even take one class a semester credit/no-credit so you have less worry about grades. Sierra has many exercise classes, field trips and personal enrichment classes.
Page last updated: April 25, 2008
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