The document provides information to help international students navigate the US education system and Shoreline Community College. It includes: 1) An overview of the US education system including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and transferring from community college to university. 2) Details on the different programs of study available at Shoreline like professional/technical, high school completion, and academic transfer. 3) Information on classes, credits, general education requirements, and resources for academic transferring. 4) Guidance on registration, the grading system, important academic dates, and advising assistance available.

1. Welcome!!

2. International Student Advisors
Erin Walker
ewalker@shoreline.edu
Lisa Hirayama
lhirayam@shoreline.edu
Cynthia Okawara
cokawara@shoreline.edu

3. Navigating Your Education

4. US Education System
• Four-year university--Bachelor degree
OR
• Two-year community college--Associate degree.
AND
• Then transfer to a university and finish their
Bachelor degree.

5. U.S.
Educational
System
Depending on math and English placement, your program
of study may take longer than four years.

6. Programs of Study at Shoreline
• Professional / Technical
• High School
Completion
• Academic Transfer

7. Professional / Technical
• Job Training
• Credits usually do not transfer
• Programs range from 1 quarter certificates to 2 year degrees
• Most of your classes will be in your major (few general
education classes)

8. High School Completion
•To earn a High School Diploma
•Counts for both high school and
Associate’s Degree.
•All questions hopefully answered at the
High school completion session
yesterday!

9. Academic Transfer
• General Education
(Math, English, Social Science,
Humanities, Science).
• Major Requirements/prerequisites

10. Resources for Academic Transfer
• Transfer Wagon in International Programs
• Quarterly Academic Workshops
• Transfer fairs (Fall and Winter quarters)
• Your advisor

11. Other SCC Resources
• Transfer Tutor Center
• Writing and Learning Studio
• Math Learning Center
• International Student Advisor
(see the resource list the green
binder!)

12. Student Expectations
• Be responsible for:
• Communicating with instructors
• Reading your syllabi
• Be careful of plagiarism!
• Pay attention to facebook, eNews, Advising This
Week for:
• important registration dates!
• University application deadlines
• Look to the resource book (green binder) for
answers!

13. Registration

14. Registration
•Group Registration
•This appointment is to plan this
quarter only
•You will make a complete plan
later

15. What Classes Should I Take?
How many Credits?

16. First Quarter Classes
• ESL, English, Math
• Classes that will meet general education
requirements.
• Some classes will be full. You will have more choice
next quarter!!
• Review your transportation plan

17. Credits?
• Typical class is 5 credits (5 hours per
week)
• One credit = one hour of class time
• Typical quarter = 15 credits, no more
than 18!

18. Registration Tools
•Catalog (online) or $5.00 at the bookstore
•Quarterly Schedule
•Live Online Schedule (more updated)
•Registration Form – please fill before your
registration appointment.

19. Where to find the registration forms!

21. When changing
your Schedule…
Adding or dropping a class be sure to fill
out the form BEFORE seeing the advisor!!

22. Fill out your form and get
any required signatures
BEFORE you meet with
an advisor!

23. Math and English

24. ESL/English Placement
ESL level 5 ESL level 6 ESL 99 ESL 100 English 101
10 credits 10 credits 10 credits 5 credits 5 credits
• English 101 is college level English
• ESL 100 will count for an elective class toward most
degrees. It may or may not transfer to university.
• ESL 050, 060, and 99 do not transfer, but are considered
academic preparation.
• Most students need to complete ESL 095

25. MATH
PLACEMENT

26. Do you need Math?
•Yes:
• If you plan to get ANY type of degree from Shoreline
• If you plan to transfer to a 4 year university
•No:
• If you took a college level math class at a US college or university—see an
advisor
• If you are only taking ESL at Shoreline

27. Math Placement
• Many times math scores are too low.
• Not everyone needs to re-take the test.
• After retaking the test, if you are still not satisfied,
you can talk with a Math Instructor .

28. Math—what do your results mean?

30. Practice
• Testing Center information including math practice!
• http://www.shoreline.edu/math/handouts.html
• COMPASS Practice tests
• http://www.act.org/compass/tests/math.html
• Numerical Skills
• http://www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/numerical.pdf
• College Algebra
• http://www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/geometry.pdf
• Math Review by Topic
• http://shoreline.edu/math/Math_Review_and_Practice.htm
• Math Handout Sheets
• http://www.shoreline.edu/math/handouts.html

32. Grading
and
Advising

33. Types of Grades
•Decimal Grading
•P / NC Grading
•Student Option
Grading
•W = Withdrawal

34. Transcripts
An official record
of all the classes
you’ve taken at
Shoreline and
your grade in
each course.

35. Grade Point Average (GPA)
• 4.0 = A
• 3.0 = B
• 2.0 = C
• 1.0 = D
• Below 1.0 = fail
• Scholastic Standard =
1.75 GPA or higher
Visit the online GPA Calculator at:
http://www.shoreline.edu/advising/gpa.htm

36. Important Dates
• Check the quarterly schedule for important dates!! For example:
• Last Day for 100% refund =
• April 6th
• Last day for 50% refund =
• April 20th
Also available online at:
http://www.shoreline.edu/calendars/academic-calendar.aspx

37. Advising Assistance
• Appointments (1/2 hour)
• online calendar
• next day only
• Department Advisors and Faculty
• Walk-in advising (5-10 minute answer)

38. Walk-in Advising
Full Walk-in
schedule available
in your Green
Binder!

39. Express Advising

40. WALK-IN ADVISING
•Monday, Tuesday, Thursday:
10:30 – 12:00 & 2:00pm-3:30pm
•Wednesday & Friday:
Appointments Only
DISCLAIMERS: On very busy days, sign-up may
need to end at least 15 minutes before the end
of walk-in. Please bring something to do while
you wait!

41. WALK-IN SCENARIOS
• Scenario# 1: Student needs an I-20 signed for travel. Express or
Regular?
• Scenario #2: Student would like to ask a question about transferring
to UW in business. Express or Regular?
• Scenario #3: Student has been on a waitlist for a class and now has
the instructor’s signature to add the class and has NO questions?
Student has filled out her Schedule Change form already. Express
or Regular?
• Scenario #4: Student would like to add a class to his schedule, but
isn’t sure what class to add. Express or Regular?

42. WALK-IN VS
APPOINTMENTS
• Scenario# 1: Student has question about his next quarter classes.
Walk-in or appointment?
• Scenario #2: Student wants to make an academic plan. Walk-in or
appointment?
• Scenario #3: Student wants help choosing classes. Walk-in or
appointment?
• Scenario #4: Student needs prerequisites for a business major for
out-of-state schools. Walk-in or appointment?

43. New Student Check-in Meeting
April 6th
12:30 – 1:30
9208 (QDR)

44. Registration Appointment
INSTRUCTIONS
Registered by Groups
Listen for instructions & Look for your Name
Pick up Appointment Card (see volunteer)
REMINDERS
Find bldg location (Library 4214 or PUB 9102)
Arrive on time & sign in with volunteer
Bring green notebook & yellow Registration Form
Do not exchange cards with friends
QUESTIONS?
Please ask an advisor: Erin, Lisa or Cynthia

45. Next Steps
• Attend your registration group
• Pay Tuition by the first day of classes
• Make your ID card (bring your registration
receipt and a photo ID)
• Attend the REQUIRED New Student Check-in
Meeting.

46. Good luck!
Remember that we’re
here to help you!