Orientation FAQ

Nassau offers three degrees: the Associate in Arts (A.A.); the Associate in Science (A.S.); and the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.).  Each degree can be completed in approximately two years of full-time study. The College also offers a number of certificate programs in specific career-related areas (e.g. Web Design, Studio Recording Technology, Food Services Technology, Cybersecurity, Financial Markets, Construction Management).  Most certificate programs can be completed in one year of full-time study.

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree has a liberal arts and sciences emphasis and prepares students to transfer to a four-year college for further study in a liberal arts curriculum (e.g. English, Communications, Psychology, History, Foreign Languages).

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree has a math, science, and/or professional emphasis and is intended primarily for students planning to transfer to a four-year college and earn a bachelor's degree in a math-, science-, or business-related curriculum.  A.S. degree programs at Nassau offer an emphasis in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology, Nursing, Photography, Health Studies, and other areas.

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree focuses on a specific career area (e.g. Fashion Buying and Merchandising, Hotel Technology Administration, Mortuary Science, Civil Engineering Technology) and prepares students to enter the workforce upon graduation or to transfer to a four-year college for further study.

More information about degree programs can be found in the online College Catalog ("Programs of Study").

Nassau offers a wide range of degree options, including more than fifty different academic programs.  You can find a complete list of programs in the online College Catalog ("Programs of Study").

Degree requirements for each curriculum can be found in the online College Catalog (under "Programs of Study"). You can also speak with an advisor about courses that are appropriate for your degree. Degree requirements generally fall into two categories: (a) required courses (specific classes you must take) and (b) electives (classes that you yourself choose).

If you are pursuing a liberal arts degree, you should speak with an advisor from the Academic Advisement Center (516.572.7436) or the Department of Student Personnel Services (516.572.7506).  If you are pursuing a degree in a specific career area (Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Marketing, and so on), you should speak with a faculty member from that department.

To be a full-time student, you need to be enrolled for a minimum of twelve credits (or the equivalent number of hours) a semester.  For most students, that means taking at least four courses.

A credit is a unit of study that is the equivalent of fifty minutes of class instruction and two hours of outside study each week.  Except for remedial and other noncredit courses, all classes at Nassau carry a specific number of credits. Most courses carry three credits. Lab science courses, as well as some mathematics and computer classes, carry four credits.

Developmental courses are classes designed to help students improve their skills in specific academic areas. Nassau offers developmental courses in English (WRT 001, ENG 001), Reading (RDG 001, 002), and Mathematics (MAT 001, 012, 013, 002, and 003).  Developmental courses don't carry college credit, but they do count toward full-time attendance.  Students are placed into developmental courses based on their placement tests, which assess skills in three areas: reading, writing, and mathematics.

The best time to take developmental classes is before you begin credit classes. Nassau offers some developmental courses during the summer.  While it's advisable to complete them during that time, you are not required to do so.  However, you must then take that course (or courses) in your first semester of attendance.

New students are limited to sixteen credits (or their equivalent) in their first semester of study.  Continuing students can ordinarily take up to seventeen credits (or their equivalent) in a semester.

While the actual number of credits required for graduation varies slightly from one curriculum to another, most programs at Nassau require approximately 64 credits.  For information about the number of credits required in a specific curriculum, speak with an academic advisor.

To graduate from Nassau, you need a minimum average of "C" (grade-point average of 2.0).  Keep in mind, however, that it's in your interest to do as well as you possibly can in your classes at Nassau.  Many four-year institutions base admission--and financial aid--on the grades students have received at their previous colleges.  Many employers also look at the grades students earned in college.  The higher your overall average at Nassau, the better your prospects will be.

It makes sense to complete your associate's degree before transferring.  By doing so, you will increase the likelihood that all of your credits will transfer to your next college or university.  Most four-year schools routinely accept credits that are part of an associate's degree.  Many four-year colleges and universities also offer scholarships and other financial aid to students holding associate's degrees. Such aid is not always available to students who have simply transferred with credits, but no associate's degree.

A semester runs fifteen weeks.  At Nassau, the fall semester begins in early September and continues through the third week in December.  The spring semester begins in mid-January and concludes in mid-May.  In addition to the fall and spring semesters, the College offers a three-week session in January and three summer sessions.

Most classes meet twice a week for 2 1/2 hours (1 1/4 hours per session).  However, there are exceptions. Many lab sciences, for example, meet three times a week--twice for lectures and once for a lab.  Some math courses and some remedial classes also meet three times a week. A small number of classes, such as studio art classes and NCC 101: The College Experience, meet once a week.

NCC 101 is a college success seminar.  Its primary goal is to help  students  make a good start in college, to succeed in their classes, and to get the most out of their college experience.  The course provides information about Nassau, including academic and campus services, as well as instruction in important college skills (e.g. note taking, time management, test taking). The course carries one general elective credit.  For more information about NCC 101, call 516.572.7506.

Classes are scheduled at various times throughout the day and evening. They begin on weekdays as early as 6:30 a.m. and as late as 9:25 p.m. There are also classes available at various times (mornings and afternoons) on weekends.

Yes.

Your class schedule, which you can locate and download through the MyNCC Portal, will list the days, times, and locations of your classes.

The MyNCC Portal provides access to a wide range of online campus services, such as student email, registration, and student records.

More than twenty-five academic departments offer online courses. Some classes are entirely online, while others combine online sessions with face-to-face class meetings.  Online courses are offered through Nassau's Distance Education program (516.572.7883).

Internships--credit-bearing work opportunities--are available through a number of academic departments, including Accounting/Business Administration; Communications; Criminal Justice; English; Hospitality Business; Marketing/Retailing/Fashion; Psychology; and Sociology (Human Services).  The Student Professional Development/Employer Services Office (516.572.7132) also has information about local businesses and agencies that offer internships

Yes.  Several courses at NCC contain applied learning components.  In addition, the Center for Service Learning (516.572.9775), located in the Student Services Center (Tower, Lower Level), offers students opportunities to participate in community service activities.  Several student clubs and organizations on campus also sponsor campus and community service projects and invite student participation.  Some students volunteer time to campus- or community-based projects such as the NEST, NCC's food pantry, or the Friends of the Hempstead Plains Preservation.

Yes.  The Office of International Education (516.572.7053) sponsors a number of opportunities for international study. You can choose short-term international study courses, offered during the summer or the January intersession, or semester or yearlong programs.

Yes.  NCC's Honors program offers a series of enriched courses for students who meet the criteria and want to enhance their education.  Students who have excelled in high school are eligible to participate; currently enrolled students who have a grade-point average of 3.4 may also apply.  For more information, call 516.572.7194. 

You need to register any vehicle (car, SUV, motorcycle, etc.) that you plan to drive to campus.

No.  However, the College's parking lots provide ample parking, so finding a space is seldom a problem.  Most parking spaces on campus are available for student use.  Keep in mind, however, that a small number of spaces are reserved for faculty and staff, as well as handicapped parking.  It's important to pay attention to parking signs.  Parking illegally on campus can result in your receiving a Nassau County summons, which can be very expensive.

Yes. Several NICE (Nassau Inter-County Express) buses make regular stops on campus. You can pick up bus schedules in the Public Safety Office (516.572.7100), the Information Services Center (Student Services Center - Tower, lower level; 516.572.7501), and the Office of Student Activities (College Center, Rm. 150; 516.572.7148).

There are three food locations on campus.  TheCenter Court Cafe, located in the College Center (lower level), serves breakfast foods, sandwiches, salads, pizza, hamburgers, and a selection of hot dishes.  Two other services, the Marketplace (located opposite Cluster B) and Nassau Eatz (located in Building V), serve bagels, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and other items.  Most campus buildings also have vending machines with snacks and drinks.

Your professors will let you know what books are required, usually at the first or second class meeting.

You can buy books, as well as other school supplies, in the campus bookstore.  The bookstore carries new and (in some cases) used copies of all texts.

Though prices of texts vary, books are, in general, expensive. If you are a full-time student, you can probably expect to pay about $300 for books and school supplies each semester. One way to reduce the cost of textbooks somewhat is to buy used books (books that have been resold to the bookstore by students).  These sell for less money than new editions.  Another way to save money is to explore renting texts from the bookstore.  Also, the campus library has copies of many texts on reserve for student use.

In addition to the college success seminar (see NCC 101 - question 16), the College holds an Orientation prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters.  The Orientation program gives students an opportunity to learn about the College, tour the campus, meet other students, and learn academic success strategies.  Nassau also encourages incoming students to participate in freshman learning communities, which are groups of related courses that give students the chance to work together, get to know each other, and have an enriched learning experience. Learning communities are part of Nassau's First Year Experience program.

The First Year Experience program is a series of activities aimed at helping new students adjust to college, do well in their classes, and take part in campus life.  FYE activities include a common reading (a book that's read in many classes and that serves as the basis for campus discussions and programs); a campus-wide day of service, which involves the student body in campus and community service projects; a series of workshops about academic success and personal growth; and a friendly and informative blog "What's Up, NCC?" and Twitter page containing information about campus life and advice about college success.  A major goal of FYE is to foster a spirit of community for all students.  

The College's Financial Aid Office (516.572.7396) is located in the Student Services Center (Tower, lower level). The professional staff can provide information about various forms of financial aid, as well as assistance in completing applications.

Yes. Many campus offices and departments hire students.  If you are interested in working on campus, contact the College's Student Professional Development/ Employer Services Office (516.572.7132) in Nassau Hall.  If you are eligible for the federal Work-Study program, you may also find a job on campus.  For information about Work-Study opportunities, contact the Financial Aid Office (516.572.7396).

There are a large number of academic help centers on campus. These include writing centers,  math centers, and individual assistance in reading, foreign languages, natural sciences, accounting, art, music, and other subjects. Several departments, including English, Student Personnel Services, and the Library, also offer workshops aimed at helping students improve their writing, study, and research skills.  The goal of all academic support services is to help students improve their skills and acquire a better understanding of material covered in their classes.

Yes. Computers are available in the Library, the College Center, Building G, the College Union (Student Lounge), and other locations on campus.

Absolutely.  Nassau offers a range of counseling services.  Whether you want to improve your study skills, make career decisions, resolve a personal concern, or select a four-year college to continue your education, counselors are available to assist you.  You can also call the Department of Student Personnel Services (516.572.7506), located in Nassau Hall.

The Center for Students with Disabilities (516.572.7241), located in the College Union, provides tutoring, counseling, and other support services for students with physical, psychiatric, and learning disabilities.

The Adult Resource Center, located in Nassau Hall, (516.572-7141), has been established to help the College's mature student (25 years old and over) population.  The Center's services include advisement and assistance with developing class schedules that meet students' individual needs.

The Center for Veterans Affairs (516.572.9775), located in the Student Services Center (Tower, lower level), helps military veterans obtain information about educational benefits and related services. The College also sponsors a Veterans' Club and a Veterans Resource Facility (365 Rice Circle) that provide opportunities for veterans to meet, socialize, and learn more about campus resources.

The Office of International Student Affairs (516.572.7053), located in the Life Sciences Building, Rms. 141-149, provides assistance to non-immigrant students, including those who have been educated abroad, who hold temporary visas, or who are permanent legal residents of the United States.

Yes. The Children's Greenhouse (516.572.7614) offers quality low-cost childcare to children of students and faculty. Fees for the Greenhouse's services are based on a sliding scale. 

The Academic Advisement Center (516.572.7436), located in the Student Services Center (Tower, lower level), provides advice and guidance to students who have not yet chosen an area of study.  In addition, the Career Counseling Center (516.572.7696), located in Nassau Hall, offers workshops aimed at helping students discover their academic and career interests.  Both offices are very good resources.

Yes.  The College offers a range of scholarships for continuing and graduating students.  Many scholarships are administered through the Scholarships and Student Aid Committee of the Academic Senate.  Others are sponsored by various campus groups.  Look for announcements about scholarships on the NCC homepage as well as in the student newspaper, the Vignette. You can also find information about scholarships on campus bulletin boards.

There are more than one hundred clubs on campus. They range from student groups that are purely social and recreational to those that are largely career-oriented.  Some clubs have an ethnic or religious focus, while others help students become better acquainted with important political and social issues.  In addition, the College sponsors and supports several campus-wide organizations, including the Student Government Association, the campus newspaper (Vignette), the Programming Board, Nassau Concerts, the Student Organization of Latinos, and Haraya (African-American Students Organization).

The easiest way to learn about clubs is to attend the Activities Fair, which is held at the beginning of every semester (in or in front of the College Center Building).  Representatives of most clubs will be available at this event to tell you about their group's activities and to answer your questions.  Another good resource is the Directory of Student Clubs and Organizations, which is available through the Office of Student Activities (516.572.7148) in the College Center.  This publication contains descriptions of clubs and lists the locations of many club offices.  In addition, the Vignette, the student newspaper, routinely runs announcements about club meetings and club-sponsored events.  Announcements about club meetings and events can also be found on the NCC Facebook page; the First-Year Experience blog; and the First-Year Experience Twitter page.

Yes.  The College sponsors many intercollegiate teams--football, soccer (men's and women's), cross-country, track, baseball, softball, lacrosse (men's and women's), basketball (men's and women's), wrestling, bowling, tennis, golf, volleyball, and others.  The College also has a large intramural athletic program for students who wish to compete, participate in a variety of sports, and stay in shape.  Information about intercollegiate teams and intramural activities can be obtained from the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (516.572.7522) and the Intramural's Office (516.572.7684).  In addition, students can play a variety of games (pool, ping-pong, chess, and others) in the Lounge, located in the College Union.

The College sponsors an array of cultural events--theatre productions, art gallery exhibits, concerts, poetry readings, and dance recitals. The College's Theatre/Dance Department (516.572.7508) sponsors several theatre productions each year. The Plaza Art Gallery (516.572.9699), part of the Art Department, features the work of students and faculty as well as off-campus artists.  The Music Department (516.572-7447) holds several concerts a year, many featuring performances by student musicians.  The English Department (516.572.7185) sponsors readings by well-known authors and supports the student literary magazine, Luna. In addition, the campus radio station (WHPC, 90.3 FM; 516.572.7438) offers students opportunities to gain experience in broadcasting and other aspects of radio.  Last but certainly not least, the College's cultural program (516.572.7148) features guest lectures by well-known authors, artists, political figures, social activists, scientists, athletes, and business leaders.  Most cultural events are free. 

Yes.  You can make changes prior to the start of the semester as well as in the drop/add period during the first week of classes.

If you have questions about classes, Financial Aid, new student Orientation, or other matters, visit NCC’s Facebook page, or search the directory of departments.