Counseling - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for the detailed answer? - click on the question.

General FAQs

What is the difference between general education, liberal arts and liberal education?
There is no difference. All of these terms can be used to describe courses that are typically designed to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year college.

Do the terms "two-year" college and "four-year" college refer to how long I will be in school?
Typically, but only if you attend these institutions full-time (16 semester credits per semester) and follow one consistent plan. If you need to attend less than full-time or change your academic plan, your time at college will be extended.

Are all college credits good forever?
Yes, however students entering technical or medical-related majors with older courses in science or technology may be asked to repeat these.

As a former Normandale Community College student, am I eligible to come back or do I need to apply for admission?
Yes, you may return to Normandale; and you do not need to reapply for admission.

Why am I required to take general education classes?
General education (liberal arts and science courses) provide an exposure to a broad range of subject areas to surround and support your specialized major and degree.

I heard that NCC offers some 4-year degrees. What are they?
Normandale does not offer 4-year degrees. However, Normandale is a site where Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato offer courses leading to the completion of some four year majors from those universities.

How do I calculate my grade point average (gpa)?
Multiply the number of credits in each course attempted by the corresponding number of grade points. (A = 4 points; B = 3 points; C = 2 points; D = 1 point; F = 0 points) Add the grade points. Divide this sum by the number of credits attempted, excluding courses in which grades of P, NC, or W were awarded.

How will grades that I expect to receive in classes in which I am now enrolled affect my overall gpa?
What will it take and how many semester credits will I need to raise my gpa to a new specified level?
What grade point average do I need to earn this semester to raise my cumulative gpa to a new specified level?
For answers to the above three questions,
go to the Student GPA Tools website.

Academic Planning FAQs

Should I withdraw ("W") from a class that I am failing?
A withdrawal has no effect on one's grade point average (G.P.A.) whereas an "F" lowers one's G.P.A. Check with the instructor to make sure you are actually failing and to develop a strategy (if feasible) for passing the class. (Be mindful, however, that the Financial Aid Office expects students to complete 67% of the credits for which they register. A "W" will affect this completion rate. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.)

Can I take a Pass/Fail grade in a class?
Yes, if the course is numbered below 1000 or is in "PLAN" (Prior Learning at Normandale). Courses numbered 1000 and above must be taken for a letter grade. Talk to your instructor to see if this option is right for you.

Can I repeat a course to improve a grade?
Yes, you can repeat a course to improve your grade and your GPA. Only the highest grade will be calculated in your GPA. However, all grades will appear on your transcript.

What is an academic petition?
When students want to request an exception to an academic policy or rule regarding course prerequisites, degree requirement, etc., they would complete an academic petition form outlining their request and providing supporting documentation. Forms are available in the CAPC or Counseling Office. Ask a counselor for more details.

What is academic probation and suspension?
Normandale Community College requires that all students make satisfactory progress toward a degree or certificate to remain in good academic standing. The college monitors your academic progress by evaluating your GPA which is expected to remain at or above a 2.0. If you fail to meet the academic standards set by the college, you may be placed on probation or suspension.

What are the differences between lower division and upper division courses?
Lower division courses are ones that are taught at the freshman/sophomore level. These are the courses taught at Normandale. Upper division courses are the junior/senior level courses taken at a 4 year school. Typically, these courses include your major.

What is the benefit of completing an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree?
The AA degree, which includes the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), satisfies the liberal education requirement at all public colleges and universities in Minnesota. Having an AA degree may offer advantages in workplace hiring/advancement over those who do not have a 2-year college degree.

What is the difference between the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and the Associate in Applied Science degrees?
     The Associate in Arts degree is designed for students planning to transfer and complete requirements for a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university. Students should plan their transfer program carefully and become familiar with program requirements at the institution to which they plan to transfer. Many bachelor degree programs have very specific requirements for the freshman and sophomore years and it is the transferring student's responsibility to ensure that courses will apply to the bachelor's degree. Students are encouraged to talk to a counselor to assist in planning a program of study, or if they are considering a change in academic plans.
     The Associate in Science degree prepares students for specific professional careers while including a breadth of general education coursework. Some AS degrees are designed for transfer into specific 4-year college majors. Check with a counselor regarding transferability of the AS degree you are considering. Other AS degrees are designed to prepare students for entrance into specific career areas upon completion of their program.
     The Associate in Applied Science degree helps students develop practical and theoretical skills that prepare them for entry-level jobs. These programs can be completed in two years of full-time attendance. However, many students take courses on a part-time basis and take longer to complete their programs.

What should I do if I don't know what my major will be?
Visit with a counselor. Take a career planning course (CCD 1170). Explore the Career & Academic Planning Center. Take a variety of courses and talk to instructors about opportunities within their disciplines.

Transfer FAQs

Do "D's" transfer to NCC?
If your credits were earned at a regionally accredited college and your cumulative gpa is 2.0 or higher, "D" grades will transfer to Normandale. Please note that exceptions to this policy exist for competitive admission programs, i.e., Nursing.

Do "D's" earned at NCC transfer to other colleges?
Students need to check with the college or university to which they are transferring to obtain this information. Often, this policy is listed in the institution's college catalog and can be viewed online.

Are credits taken as a Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) student transferable?
Yes, they are credits from the college and will transfer with the same criteria as any other credits do.

Do "Advanced Placement" (AP) courses taken in high school transfer to Normandale Community College?
High school students who take an AP course and then demonstrate what they have learned by taking an AP exam may be able to receive college credit. A score of "3" or better is required by Normandale. Refer to the Mn Transfer website for specific course equivalencies.

I'm interested in transferring to Normandale Community College. Where can I find out how my courses transfer to NCC?
Refer to Normandale's transfer course equivalency tables on this website. If your college is not listed and you are a currently enrolled or returning NCC student, make an appointment with a counselor to have your transcripts evaluated. If you are a prospective student, bring an unofficial copy of your college transcript or grade reports to your new student orientation session for a preliminary review.

What should I do to transfer my college credit from another college or university?
Contact your previous college and request an official transcript be sent to: Normandale Community College, 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431

If I don't complete a degree, can I transfer?
Yes, you can transfer at any time. Typically, general education coursework numbered 1000 or higher with grades of "C" or better will transfer. Meet with a Normandale counselor to discuss transfer options. You may also check with the transfer specialist at the college or university in which you are interested for specific information.

What colleges and universities accept the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum?
Go to the "AA Degree" link on this website, and you can read the list of colleges accepting the AA Degree and the MnTC.

Do my technical college credits transfer to NCC?
Technical course credits will transfer as electives. Generally a maximum of 16 credits will be accepted. General education courses may transfer as equivalent to NCC's general education courses. Please refer to the equivalency tables on this website.

What is the CLEP test?
CLEP stands for College Level Examination Program. College students can take CLEP exams to earn college credit. The receiving college decides which exams they will accept and what minimum score they will require for you to earn college credits. Refer to the Mn Transfer website for a list of CLEP exams, scores, and equivalent NCC classes.

Who decides how my general education credits transfer? Will my general education credits transfer towards any degree or major?
The college to which you are transferring determines the transferability of your courses from Normandale. Also, certain departments at 4-year colleges, such as Business or Education, may ask for a specific set of courses from Normandale. It is very important to check with an NCC counselor and refer to the transfer college's catalog for help planning for a specific major.

Student Success FAQs

How is college different from high school?
You have more responsibility, and bear the consequences of your choices. You need to manage your time. You decide which classes to take based on your academic goals.

What will my college instructors expect of me?
To follow the requirements listed on the course syllabus. To ask questions when you don't understand. To be respectful of others in class. To be open to new learning opportunities.

How do I know if I am in academic difficulty? Where can I seek help?
Instructors determine grades. The course syllabus indicates the instructor's grading policy. It is your responsibility to monitor your academic progress. This can be done on tests and assignments, and conferring with your instructor.
You can seek help from the instructor, tutors in the College Success Center, student study groups, and classmates.

How can I develop a good relationship with my college instructor?
Show an interest in their subject matter. Go in on office hours and talk to your instructor.

How many credits should I take each semester?
This will vary for each student.
Do you need to be a full time student? - if so, you must enroll in 12 credits minimum.
Do you wish to complete an Associate degree in 2 years? - you must average 16 college-level credits per semester.
Are you working full time? - one or two classes per semester is advised.
What "outside commitments" (family, community, recreational) are you balancing in addition to your college coursework?