Navigating the Application Process at Fresno City College: A Comprehensive Guide
Fresno City College (FCC), established in 1910 as California's first community college, offers a wide array of programs and resources for students. Serving approximately 34,000 students annually, FCC provides over 120 associate degrees and 96 certificate programs in various vocational and occupational areas. Whether you're a first-time college student, a returning student, or even a high school student looking to get a head start, understanding the application process is crucial. This guide will walk you through each step, highlighting important deadlines and necessary documents to ensure a smooth application experience.
Initial Steps for All Applicants
Before diving into the specifics, here are some fundamental steps applicable to most applicants:
Online Application via CCCApply
The first step for new, returning, and high school enrichment students is to complete an application for admission through the California Community Colleges' application platform, CCCApply. The application typically takes between 20 to 60 minutes to complete. This platform gathers information about your educational background, intended major, and demographic details. If you’ve previously participated in Dual Enrollment or High School Enrichment programs, you may already have an account. If you do not remember your username and password, try to retrieve them on the CCCApply page by clicking on Sign In and then the “Recover Account” button.
SCCCD Student ID
After applying, it typically takes 48-72 hours to generate your SCCCD Student ID number. This ID is essential for accessing various college resources.
My Portal Access
Once you receive your SCCCD Student ID, you'll gain access to My Portal, a crucial hub for managing classes, fees, and financial aid. It is important to change your password within 45 days from your initial login to avoid being locked out of My Portal. When you login to My Portal be sure to update your Communication Preferences so that you will be able to change your password on your own. A pop up will appear the first time you log in to your portal to ask you to confirm/update your Communication Preferences. This pop up will appear each time you log in to your portal until you update your preferences, so it is recommended you complete this step the first time you log in.
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Online Orientation
New students must complete the Fresno City College online orientation at www.scccd.edu/orientation. To determine if you need to complete the online orientation, check for an orientation hold in Self-Service by clicking on the Registration Eligibility Information link under the “Registration” section (access Self-Service through My Portal). If there is the letter “O” located under the “Hold Status” column, you must complete the online orientation to have the hold removed. It may take 1 to 2 business days to clear your orientation hold.
Student Education Plan (SEP)
Meet with an FCC counselor to select the appropriate level of classes to enroll in and to develop your Student Education Plan (SEP). Follow up with a counselor to develop a Student Education Plan - Comprehensive (SEPC) before you register for the next semester. After completing a questionnaire about your academic and career goals, an advisor will create a semester-by-semester plan for you.
Registration and Enrollment
Registration Eligibility
Currently enrolled students can check their Registration eligibility on Self-Service in My Portal. The Registration Eligibility screen will show the Summer/Fall assigned registration date and any holds that must be cleared prior to being allowed to register.
Priority Registration
To be eligible for priority registration, you must complete Enrollment Guide Steps 1, 3, & 4 by October 18, 2024.
Class Registration
Login to My Portal to access Self-Service to register for classes. After completing an online orientation and meeting with a counselor to develop your Student Education Plan (SEP), new and returning students should check the schedule and select the courses in which they wish to enroll.
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Fees Payment
Visit www.fresnocitycollege.edu/fees or the Self-Service app in your student portal to pay your fees by the deadline.
Student Body ID Cards
Student body ID cards are available for free and can be taken throughout the semester in the Student Lounge.
Attending Classes
Attend your classes on the first day of school. If you are taking an online class, be sure to access your courses in Canvas through My Portal the first day of the semester. If you are waitlisted for a class when the semester starts, you still need to attend the first day. The instructor will give you an “Authorization Code” to enroll in the class if there is room available.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid Application
Apply for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if applicable. Visit fsaid.ed.gov and create your FSA ID. Your parent should create their own FSA ID. This will let them electronically sign your FAFSA. Visit fafsa.gov and complete your FAFSA, as early as October 1 for the following school year. Completing the FAFSA allows you to determine your eligibility for federal aid programs.
California Dream Act
NOTE: Didn’t answer “yes” to Federal Work Study on your FAFSA? Visit dream.csac.ca.gov and create your account. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be created for your parent at the end of your Dream Act Application. Visit dream.csac.ca.gov and complete your Dream Act Application, as early as October 1 for the following school year.
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Checking and Submitting Documents
Check Self-Service. Submit any requested documents to the Financial Aid Office.
Scholarships
Fresno City College offers over 200 scholarships every year with awards ranging from $100-$1500 per year. Students can register online using Self-Service.
Specific Programs and Requirements
Nursing Programs
All applicants to the Nursing programs must apply for admission to Fresno City College to obtain a SCCCD Student ID number prior to applying to the Registered Nursing programs.
Multiple Criteria Selection (MCS) Process
FCC utilizes a Multiple Criteria Selection (MCS) process for admission into the Registered Nursing Programs. The MCS process is a point based system. The points earned from the criteria determine a student’s eligibility to participate in the lottery selection process. Students will be required to reapply each year. This process is student driven, which means applicants are responsible for supplying all requested information including transcripts and supplemental documentation required. If the application does not contain all information, the applicant's application packet will be deemed ineligible and will not be scored. The Registered Nursing Department must be informed of any changes in applicant name, address, and/or phone number. The Multi-Criteria Screening (MCS) Rubric is a tool to help applicants understand the MCS process. Applicants must meet all the program application requirements and the current MCS cut off score (50 points) in order to participate in the lottery process. Please use this tool as a guide for calculating your score.
Nursing Program Prerequisites
"In Progress” prerequisite courses are not accepted. Pre-requisite courses must be completed with a letter grade of "C" or better.
General Education Requirements for Nursing
All general education for the FCC local associates degree must be complete at the time of application. The GE requirement may also be met by completing the Cal-GETC (the CSU or IGETC GE pattern will be accepted, if completed).
Previous Nursing Education
At this time the Registered Nursing Program is not accepting applicants with previous Nursing education completed.
AP Scores
Appropriate credit for AP scores recognized by Fresno City College may be applied to meet an application requirement.
Supporting Documentation for Nursing
Verified supporting documentation may be awarded points. Copy of Relevant Healthcare Certification/License. Proof of Veteran Status/Eligible Spouse.
TEAS Test
Applicant must successfully complete the TEAS Test with a score of 62% or higher to be considered for program selection. ATI TEAS Exam must be completed before applying to the FCC RN Program.
High School Enrichment (HSE) Students
Any previously enrolled student who has skipped more than two consecutive semesters must apply online again at CCCApply. All high school enrichment students must apply online through CCCApply. The Office of Early College has created a step-by-step template on how to apply.
HSE Enrollment Packet
A completed HSE enrollment packet is required for all high school enrichment students before every term in which they wish to be registered into a college course. High school students are allowed to submit one packet per semester. The process is entirely digitized. Once the packet is signed, it will automatically be forwarded to the Early College team for review and enrollment. Incomplete or inaccurate enrollment packets will be returned to the student, and they will not be processed until the errors are corrected and the packet is returned to the college. Resubmission must still take place before the posted deadlines.
HSE Counselor Review
Once packets have been verified as complete and accurate by the HSE college counselor, the packet will be forwarded to Admissions and Records for registration/waitlisting, or the counselor will deny the packet and return it to the student. After digitally signing and submitting an enrollment packet, the packet will automatically be forwarded to the high school and HSE office for signatures and processing. After the packet has been signed, processed, and enrollment/denials have been processed, all parties will receive a final copy of the form. The HSE office will only contact the student if registration is denied or the application is incomplete/has errors. The HSE office will not contact the student to notify them of registration or waitlist status.
Parent Permission Form
The Parent Permission Form grants parental authorization for you to take HSE classes. This form only needs to be submitted one time during your high school career, and once submitted, remains in effect until the you graduate high school or your parent revokes permission in writing with FCC's Admissions and Records office.
Important Deadlines and Dates
While specific deadlines may vary, keep these general timelines in mind:
Application Periods
Generally, if you're considering a fall start, the application period begins in April. If considering a spring start, the application period begins in October.
Additional Information and Resources
Live Assistance via Zoom
FCC offers live assistance on Zoom to assist students in filling out the online application, logging into the Student Portal, accessing Canvas and Self-Service, and more. Use the link below to view available support times and register to attend a live workshop.
Technology Help
Visit the Technology Help webpage for additional information.
EMLS Guided Self Placement
For students whose first language is not English, students can take the English for Multi-Lingual Students (EMLS) Guided Self Placement to determine which course is most appropriate for their skill level.
Drop-In Q&A Sessions
Drop-In Q&A sessions are available to answer questions about how to complete the application and the supporting documentation. Application Q&A will be available virtually on the following dates and times via Starfish. After logging in you will be added to a list and receive a phone call from a counselor before the Q&A time ends. Some applicants will be notified sooner than others.
Academic Policies and Regulations
Attendance
Students are expected to attend every session of every class in which they are enrolled; attendance in online sections is generally taken by submitting assignments. Excessive absence can jeopardize a student's satisfactory progress in class. There are no institutionally approved excused absences for any reason. Only the instructor may excuse an absence. Instructors are required to take attendance at each class session. Any student who is excessively absent may be dropped from the class as specified in each class syllabus. Once dropped, if a student believes there is just cause for reinstatement, the student may submit a Petition for Reinstatement through the Office of Admissions and Records.
Academic Honesty
Students at Fresno City College, including high school enrichment students, are entitled to the best education the college can make available to them, and they, their instructors, and their fellow students share responsibility for seeing that their education is honestly attained. Cheating is the act or attempted act of taking an examination or performing an assigned, evaluated task in a fraudulent or deceptive manner, such as having improper access to answers, in an attempt to gain an unearned academic advantage. Plagiarism is a specific form of cheating and is the use of another’s words or ideas without identifying them as such or giving credit to the source. Plagiarism may include, but is not limited to, failing to provide complete citations and references for all work that draws on the ideas, words, or work of others, failing to identify the contributors to work done in collaboration, submitting duplicate work to be evaluated in different courses without the knowledge and consent of the instructors involved, or encouraging, permitting, or assisting another to do any act that could subject them to discipline.
Transcripts
High school enrichment students may order a transcript. The first two official transcripts are free, and a fee is required for each additional copy. The law authorizes the college to release transcripts to other designated parties, for example, institutions from which students have obtained loans to attend school, or officers of the court.
Grade Implications
Students taking high school enrichment classes are creating a permanent college record that can affect future educational opportunities, such as admissions to impacted universities and programs, scholarships, and eligibility for financial aid. Final grades will be posted on the student's college transcript. It is important for students to understand the consequences of letter grades of D, F, and W. For example: earning a D grade is not considered satisfactory for meeting the graduation requirements in Math, Reading, Writing, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Computer Familiarity. In addition, the D grade does not meet requirements for prerequisite courses. Students must earn a C or better for a course to be counted as a prerequisite. A D grade is not considered satisfactory for meeting program-major requirements.
Petitions and Grievances
Students may petition for adjustments to their academic record under a few circumstances. Students who reasonably believe a college decision or action has adversely affected their status, rights, or privileges may file a student grievance form and submit it to the Office of the Vice President of Student Services Office. This policy applies to complaints of discrimination and harassment. Students are expected to make a reasonable effort to resolve matters informally with either the person with whom the student has a grievance and then that person's supervisor or a college administrator, if necessary. Students have a right to file a grievance alleging discrimination and harassment whether or not they have attempted to resolve the matter informally with the accused party.
Incomplete Grades
In assigning an I grade, an instructor will specify, on the report for incomplete grade, a list of conditions necessary for the removal of the Incomplete grade. An “I” grade must be replaced by the appropriate evaluative grade symbol no later than one full semester after it has been assigned, though an earlier limit may be specified by the instructor.
Satisfactory Progress
California state law requires students to maintain satisfactory progress while enrolled at a community college. Once students have attempted 12 or more units, they must work to continue satisfactory progress by maintaining a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and/or complete more than 50% of the units attempted. If students do not make satisfactory progress by completing courses and/or achieving grades, they will be placed on probationary status.
Articulation Agreements
Articulation with California public universities: Fresno City College has developed articulation agreements with the California State University and University of California to assist students in the process of transferring to a university. The most current agreements can be found at ASSIST.org.
Dropping Classes
After registering for a class, students considering dropping out of a class may consider talking with their high school counselors or reach out to the HSE counselor for perspective on possible implications of dropping class or for referrals to support services. If a student drops after Census day but before the final drop date (typically at the end of week 9 of a regular 18-week semester), then a “W” (withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript. If students have extenuating circumstances that require dropping from a class due to serious medical reasons, or a reason deemed by the college to be out of the student’s control, they can petition for an “EW” (Excused Withdrawal) by completing the form Petition to Withdraw Under Extenuating Circumstances along with the required documentation as specified on the form.
Deadlines for Dropping Classes
It is the student’s responsibility to comply with the following state mandated deadlines. Fee Refund - State code defines the drop-deadlines required to qualify for fee refund/reversals for all classes as on or before 10 percent of the duration of the class. Pass/No Pass - Students must request or reverse Pass/No Pass status prior to the end the class. No changes can be made once the class has ended. No Record (DR) - Classes dropped before 20 percent of the duration of the class will not be reflected on the student’s transcript. Withdrawal (W) - A student will be assigned a mark of “W” for classes dropped on or after the Census Date (20 percent mark of the class), up to the Final Drop Date (50 percent mark of the class). After the 50 percent point, the student will receive a letter grade (A, B, C, D, F, P, NP). Check with your instructor for the deadline applicable to your class.
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