Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a Major
I'm really undecided about a major. How should I choose?
You may be "less undecided" than you think! Often,
students know of many majors they are NOT interested in, so you
may have narrowed the field considerably without even realizing
it. Choosing a major has a lot to do with what topics interest you,
what values are important to you, what skills you have or would
like to have, even your personality style. So getting to know yourself
is a first step. Knowing what majors are available is also a way
to brainstorm areas you might find interesting. Open a catalog from
Sierra, Sacramento State, or UC Davis to the "Majors offered" page.
Look at each major and rate each a yes, a maybe, or a no. You may
have a lot of maybes at first; but once you begin reading about
them, they'll migrate higher or lower on your list.
Another approach is to search careers first, then think about majors
second. Take one of our career courses like Personal
Development 6 or Personal
Development 21, or visit Career
Connections to find out how to begin your career search.
Credit from Other Schools
I've attended other community colleges and universities. Can I use this course work to fulfill associate degree requirements?
Yes, you may have met some degree requirements. Be sure to request a copy of your transcript from your previous schools and bring them in or have them sent to the Admissions and Records office at Sierra College. Please remember to obtain a copy of the transcript for yourself and bring it to your counseling appointment so that your counselor can review it with you.
Dismissal
I got a letter saying I've been dismissed. I want to stay in school. What can I do?
Dismissal comes after three consecutive semesters of work below 2.0 grade-point average, or two consecutive semesters under a 1.0 grade point average. We can help you come to terms with what caused this level of performance and draw up a plan for recovery. In that plan, you can list the positive steps you will take to make yourself more successful in the future. In particular, you will want to agree to services offered here that could strengthen your skills as a student. You also will want to make clear that you will limit work hours and other commitments outside of school, or stay below a certain number of units. Your plan may be accepted by the Associate Dean of Admissions and Records, who reviews all appeals of dismissal. Otherwise, you must sit out one semester before you return, and will be on probation when you do so.
Personal Counseling
Can I get therapy at the counseling center?
We do not provide psychotherapy. Rather, we offer short-term personal counseling to address specific problems that are interfering with a student's progress or success. For students seeking psychotherapy, we can provide referrals to such services.
Is there a charge for personal counseling? Is there a limit on how long I can be seen?
Personal counseling is free. There is no specific limit; however, the intended duration of personal counseling is short term.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
What is a prerequisite? Do I really have to have it to take a course that lists one?
A prerequisite is a course or skill level you must show before you take the course requiring it. It is a requirement, not a suggestion! You must meet the prerequisite before taking the course, or you are subject to removal from the course in question. You may challenge the prerequisite on the grounds that it is biased, or that it has been unavailable. You also may prove that you have the equivalent of the prerequisite from other skills you can demonstrate. See a counselor for more information.
Are corequisites the same as prerequisites?
No. They are courses that you must take before or at the same time as the course in question