What kinds of programs are available at Mt. SAC?

Transfer courses that are equivalent to courses usually required during the first two years at a four-year college or university are available to students at Mt. SAC. The College catalog and class schedule will tell you whether the course will transfer to one of the California State University (CSU) campuses or to a campus of the University of California (UC). To verify transferability, you may need to see an educational adviser. Transfer students usually earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science Degree (A.S.).

Mt. SAC offers over seventy different programs of study for students interested in a technical/occupational education. Each program requires the completion of a specific group of courses in addition to the general education courses needed to complete requirements for the Associate in Science degree.

Certificates may be earned in many of the fields in which A.S. degrees are offered. Certificates are also available in a number of other subject areas. Certificates can sometimes be completed in as little as one year. Community Services programs offered do not require a college application. Some classes and programs are available free of charge; others require a fee. Contact Community Services, (909) 594-5611 ext. 4220, for more information. Students may enroll in distance learning courses, view them in their homes, and receive college credit.

How may I be admitted as an Honor Student?

Membership in the Mt. SAC chapter of Alpha Gamma Sigma, statewide scholastic honorary organization for California community colleges is available to first semester students who were California Scholastic Federation (CSF) Life members (seal bearers), and who earned a grade point average of 3.5 or better in their first seven semesters in high school. If you believe you qualify, mark the appropriate box on your application to the College.

Where can I obtain a class schedule?

A Mt. SAC Credit Schedule of Classes may be picked up in Admissions, Student Services Center, Learning Technology Center, SAC Book RAC, and the Information Desk/Switchboard.

Where do I get help on choosing classes?

Once you have applied to the College, you will receive information on attending an orientation meeting. These sessions are designed to answer your questions concerning registration and course selection. A "SOARS" (Student Orientation, Assessment, and Registration Seminar) session will test and orient you to the College at the same time. Look for more "SOARS" information in the orientation letter. If you have any further questions after the orientation session, you may make an appointment with the Counseling Department at (909) 594-5611, extension 4380 or see one of the educational advisers, who are available on a drop-in basis.

Do I need to take a placement test?

A placement test is required for English and Math classes. Scores from SAT, ACT, CPP, and ASSET are acceptable in some classes. Please call the campus Assessment Center for more information and test dates/times (909) 594-5611, Ext. 4265.

Does Mt. SAC offer any scholarships?

Various scholarships are available for continuing students and students graduating or transferring to a four-year college or university. More information is available through the Financial Aid Office (909) 594-5611, ext. 4450.

What is the extension for (Admissions/Counseling/Financial Aid/Assessment)?

- Admissions: ext 4415
- Counseling: ext 4380
- Financial Aid: ext 4450
- Assessment: ext 4265

How do I make an appointment to see a counselor?

Appointments to see a counselor may be scheduled by coming in person to the Counseling Office in the Student Services Center or calling (909)594-5611, ext 4380. New students are encouraged to enroll in a counseling class.

What are prerequisites and corequisites?

Prerequisites are generally predictors of successful course completion. If a course listed in the schedule has a prerequisite, it means that the student must have taken the necessary test or class prior to registration in that particular course. The prerequisite class must be completed with a grade of "C" or better, unless otherwise stated. If you fail to observe the prerequisite regulations, you may be dropped from any course(s) in which you are improperly enrolled. Transcripts or grade report cards must be evaluated at the Admissions and Records Office prior to registration. Bring documentation to demonstrate the equivalency of course prerequisites. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, high school or college transcripts; additional test results; work experience; or an on-campus writing sample. Prior enrollment in the course does not exempt a student from the current prerequisite of that course.

A corequisite is a class that must be taken either previously or concurrently with the class in which the student wants to enroll.

When does the semester start and/or end?

Spring semester begins January 10, 2000
Spring semester ends May 12, 2000

What are my grades for last semester? / How do I get grades by phone?

Final grades for the previous semester are available by Touch-Tone Telephone beginning the third week of the following term by dialing (909)595-6722. You will be offered the option of grades or registration. Upon selecting the final grade option, the system will respond.

What off-campus centers are available and where are they located?

• C.A.C.E. Center (Community Adult Center for Education)
  121 West Allen Avenue
  San Dimas, CA 91773
  Phone: 909-599-0745 / 909-599-3297
  Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm (closed on Fridays)
• Center for Home Economics
  Phone: 800-697-6722, ext 4691 (voice mail box)
• Center for International Trade Development
  363 South Park Avenue, Suite 100
  Pomona, CA 91766
  Phone: 909-629-2223
  Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
• Consumer Resource Center
  Phone: 909-594-5611, ext 3099 (voice mail box)
• Pasadena Small Business Development Center
  2061 North Los Robles, Suite 106
  Pasadena, CA 91004
  Phone: 818-398-9031
  Fax: 818-398-3059
  Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
• Pomona Small Business Development Center
  375 South Main Street, Suite 101
  Pomona, CA 91766
  Phone: 909-629-2247
  Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Is help provided in getting a job?

Yes. The Job Placement Office (located in the Student Services building) is available to all students and former students. Job listings are matched with skills and job leads are given to students when they have an application on file.

Is Financial Aid available? / How do I get information on Financial Aid?

Yes, financial aid is available to eligible students. Application forms may be picked up in the Financial Aid Office in the Student Services Center or call campus (909) 594-5611, x4450.

What is the purpose of Financial Aid?

The purpose is to help students who might not otherwise by able to attend college. Students and their families have the primary responsibility to provide for educational costs, but many families have limited resources and are unable to meet these costs.

For this reason, financial aid programs have been established to provide assistance for students with documented financial need. Financial need exists when the cost of education exceeds the resources available to a student and/or the family. The cost of education at Mt. SAC includes fees, books and supplies, transportation, personal items, and living expenses.

What are the requirements for receiving Financial Aid?

• Must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• Must demonstrate financial need by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
• Must be enrolled half-time (6 units) or more
• Must maintain satisfactory progress toward an educational goal
• Must sign a statement of educational purpose and registration status
• Must not owe a grant overpayment or be in default on any loan.

Who may apply for Financial Aid?

Financial assistance is available for all students who apply and are found eligible, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical handicap, medical condition, age or Vietnam-era veteran status.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

Each year the student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form may be filed anytime after January 1 for the next academic year. However, check with the Financial Aid Office for specific application and priority deadline dates. Also are also required supplemental forms that must be filed, check with the Financial Aid Office in the Student Services building.

How do I apply for a Cal Grant?

You must file a GPA verification form in addition to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Both forms must be post marked no later than March 2 of the year prior to the fall semester of attendance. These forms must be filed every year.

Where do I get help filling out my Financial Aid forms?

Financial Aid seminars are offered once a week to help students fill out paperwork and answer any questions. Contact the Financial Aid Office for the location and a list of dates and times.

Where is the Financial Aid Office located? / What are the office hours?

The Financial Aid Office is located in the Student Services Building (9B), 2nd floor. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Fridays from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Where do I get my books for classes?

Textbooks are purchased at the SAC Book RAC, building 9A, on campus. The SAC Book RAC also offers fine gifts, quality clothing, a comprehensive supply of current reading/self-help materials and other items for you r convenience.