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Support Services > Advising > Selecting Courses

How To Select Courses For Registration

Students who carefully prepare and plan their enrollment each semester, using up-to-date and accurate information, find that they are able to make responsible decisions that lead to enjoyment and satisfaction with their selection of courses and progress towards completing requirements for their degree.

We encourage students to manage and monitor their academic progress using Web for Students. The counseling and advising staff continues to support all students when assistance is needed.

Follow the steps below for a successful registration.

Step 1: Gather advising information and examine the requirements for the program of study (major). For more information:

• Use the KCC Catalog for a list of courses required for the program of study (or intended program) and for course descriptions.
• Obtain advising sheets from Program Counselors or view program curricula in the Catalog.
• University of Hawai`i at Manoa advising sheets are available in the Maida Kamber Center (MKC) for Career and Transfer Services, Ilima 104, phone 808.734.9500.
• Obtain a copy or view on the Web, the semester’s Schedule of Classes for listing of courses offered.

Step 2: Meet course prerequisites and placement requirements. English and math placement and/or courses completed will help determine eligibility to register for certain courses. For more information:

Use the COMPASS Placement Test report with recommended English or ESOL and math courses to select the first English or ESOL and math courses;

• Use the placement to also determine qualification to register for courses that state English and/or math prerequisites.
• Read the prerequisite or recommended preparation statements next to the course listing.
• Go to the Placement Testing site for more information.
• View the English Sequences Chart and the Math Sequences Chart.

Satisfactory completion of KCC English, ESOL and math (or other courses) can also be used to qualify students to register for the next level of courses.

Current enrollment in a course can be used as a prerequisite. The college will assume that the student will satisfactorily complete the course. Students, who do not pass the course or do not earn the required grade, will not meet the prerequisite requirement and will be required to officially withdraw from the desired course. If the standing in the course is questionable, students should consult with their instructor and/or delay the registration in a course until the final grade is determined.

Transfer courses completed at other colleges can also be used to meet course eligibility requirements. Request an official transcript be sent to the Kekaulike Information and Service Center (KISC), complete the Transcript Evaluation Request Form and submit to the KISC. Students will receive a written report of the evaluation. If there is insufficient time for the evaluation to be completed prior to the registration period, students should use their own copy of the college transcript and make an appointment with their counselor for an unofficial evaluation of pertinent courses, especially English and math. Students using transfer courses to meet eligibility requirements will not be able to Web register unless the Transcript Evaluation has been completed.

Step 3: Clarify goals and determine commitment to learning in college. For more information:

Think about and answer the questions below:

• What do I want to accomplish this semester and in future semesters?
• What are my responsibilities, other than school, and how much time do they take? Work? Family?
• How much time do I have to devote to studying outside of class? The formula for studying is usually 2 – 3 hours of study for each credit.
• How many courses can I realistically take and successfully complete?
• What are the ideal days/times for my classes? If it is difficult to wake up for early morning classes, sign up for later times. Sometimes the ideal schedule does not present itself. At that point it is important to make the adjustment and commit to the schedule for which you are able to register.

Step 4: Balance course load. For more information:

• Take English and math in the first semester and every semester, thereafter, until the required level has been reached. Students will be using those skills in other courses.
• Select courses required of the program of study or major, as soon as eligibility to enroll has been met.
• Determine the reading, writing, memorizing, and project requirements for courses and make a selection that is not overly demanding. Students should be realistic and consider the time available to devote to studying. For example, history, literature, and psychology courses usually require heavy reading and writing assignments.
• Consider taking a course that is enriching and fun along with required courses to balance the course load.

Step 5: Contact your counselor if having difficulty with course selection and/or registration.