Ask the Advisor
If you have an advising questions please check our
Frequently Asked Questions section first. We are here to answer any of your questions related to your academic life at NCC. If we are not the appropriate office to handle a request, we will refer you to the individuals that can assist you, we will never just ignore you! Please send your question to
mhenry@northampton.edu and we will do our best to respond to you by the end of the next working day. Please be sure to include your email address so we can respond to you.
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Q: How do I change my major?
You can do this by filling out a "Change of Major Request" form available in the Records Office located in the Student Enrollment Center.. Your major will be changed at that time. Please be aware that when you change your major, you are subject to the requirements listed in the College Catalog in effect at the time of the change. If you have questions about how changing your major will affect you, please contact an advisor for assistance.
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Q: Can I have a double major at NCC?
A student cannot graduate from NCC with a double major. However, a student may earn one degree and then return and earn another degree. The only restriction is that the student must complete the requirements for the second program with at least 15 different credits. If a student wants to earn an Associates Degree and either a Specialized Diploma or Certificate in the same subject area, the Specialized Diploma or the Certificate must be earned first.
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Q: Do I need to see an advisor to register?
The answer depends on whether you are registering as a full-time student or a part-time student. Full-time students (registering for 12 or more credits) must have an advisor's signature on their registration form to have it processed. Part-time students (registering for less than 12 credits) do not need an advisor's signature to register.
If a full-time student wants to register on the web, they will need to be cleared by their advisor. Part-time students will automatically be cleared to register by the Records Office.
All students should consult an advisor before they register. This is important because of the complexity of the General Education Core Curriculum. An advisor can help you select the courses that are most appropriate for your program of study. An advisor is also a wonderful resource for career and transfer information. Registration time is a good opportunity to meet with an advisor to discuss any questions you may have. We are here to help!
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Q: Where do I go if I am having trouble with a class?
The first person you should speak to is your Instructor. He or she can help you determine the areas you need to work on and can make suggestions on how to improve your performance. If you need tutoring assistance, visit the Learning Center, College Center 315 or go to the Learning Center home page Tutoring is available in a variety of subjects on both an appointment and walk-in basis.
If you need to speak to someone about problems you are having, you can contact the Advising and Transfer Center at 861-5346 to make an appointment with an Advisor.
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Q: What do I do if I don't want to go to a class anymore?
This depends on when you decide to stop attending. If it is still during the first week of classes, you must fill out a drop/add form in the Records Office, Student Enrollment Center. The course will not show on your transcript.
If the class has already met for a week, you must WITHDRAW from the class. You will need to fill out a Course Withdrawal form and a "W" will appear on your transcript. Be aware of the "Last day to withdraw with a W grade" each semester so that you have the appropriate paperwork processed prior to that deadline. You can find this and other important dates at Academic Advising - Important Dates Failure to complete the paperwork will result in an F. Don't just stop attending and assume NCC will withdraw you automatically.
If you need to withdraw from the college for medical reasons, contact the College Health Center at (610) 861-5365.
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Q: How do I transfer courses in from another college?
You must have an OFFICIAL transcript sent from your previous institution directly to Northampton's Records Office. The transcript must come in a sealed envelope and cannot be brought in by a student. The Records Office will evaluate your coursework based on your major at NCC and will transfer in courses applicable to that major.
For a course to be transferable it must be:
- from an accredited college or university
- a grade of C or better
- equivalent to a NCC course in content
A student may transfer in a maximum of 45 credits toward an Associates degree program at NCC.
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Q: Can I repeat a course?
The College allows a student to repeat a college level course once for any reason. A student may repeat a developmental course twice. All attempts and grades will show on the transcript but only the highest grade will be used in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.
If a student fails to earn credit or meet a grade prerequisite after enrolling in the course for the second time (third time for developmental courses), he or she must wait two years to take the course again.
This policy may be appealed to a member of the Academic Advising staff located in CC 341.
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Q: What is the General Education Core Curriculum?
There is one set of General Education core requirements for Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) programs and one for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs. The core curriculum for all Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree programs at NCC consists of two broad categories of courses and is focused on student outcomes.
Many programs have specific courses built in that meet these requirements. However, students may also have the opportunity to choose from an approved list of electives in each area. See the College Catalog for more details about what courses satisfy each category.
You can find the specific requirements of your program by clicking here
This Core can be very confusing and that is why it is so important that you communicate with an academic advisor at least once a semester. There is no reason to muddle through this alone when there are experts to assist you.
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Q: I don't know what to do with my life, can anyone help me?
The ultimate decision about what direction to take with your education and career is up to you but there are many resources available to you as you try to make these decisions. The Advising, Counseling & Career Services Offices offer students assistance in many areas.
Transfer:
We have an extensive library of catalogs from other colleges and universities as well as college directories for you to find the college that meets your needs. We also have course by course comparison listings for local four year institutions.
Career Exploration:
We have specific, up to date information on careers including employment outlook, salaries, ability requirements, descriptions of responsibilities etc. Students can also do self-exploration through a computerized career search.
Individual counselors and advisors are available to meet with you to help you use the materials listed above as well as clarify your goals, areas of interest, and abilities. Career interest testing is available on an individual basis. Evening appointments are available.
The Advising and Transfer Office is located in CC 341
The Career Services Office is located in CC 348
The Counseling Center is located in CC 240
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Q: Does everyone have to take the English and Math Placement tests?
No, many students can be placed in English and math courses based on SAT, PSSA, or high school courses. Refer to the Placement Policy to determine if placement testing is necessary. If it is determined that testing is necessary, students should complete testing before meeting with an academic advisor.
If you have a question about placement testing, contact the Advising and Transfer office at (610) 861-5346 or send email to mhenry@northampton.edu.
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Q: What are the differences between AA, AS, and AAS degrees?
AA and AS degrees are considered transfer degrees. These programs are designed for students to complete an Associates degree at NCC and then transfer to another institution to earn a Bachelors degree. These programs typically consist of a number of electives that should be chosen with transferability in mind.
AAS degrees are considered career degrees. These programs are designed to give students the skills necessary to go directly into the workforce once they earn the Associates degree. Students in AAS programs may transfer but all courses may not be accepted at the transfer institution.
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Q: Most of NCC's programs are laid out in a certain sequence, can I take the courses in a different order?
Yes, you can take courses out of order if you are having trouble scheduling courses or if certain courses are not available in a particular semester. Keep in mind, however, that many courses have prerequisites and the program is laid out with these in mind. It is best to ask an advisor if you have questions about what sequence will work best for you.
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