Frequently Asked Questions

How did I get an advisor?

Your advisor is assigned according to your choice of program of study and other information you provided on your application. If you have chosen a major, your advisor will be an instructor in that program. If you are deciding on a major or planning a four-year transfer, your advisor is one of several instructors who work well with students who are interested in general studies.

What can my advisor help me with?

Your advisor is prepared to help you:

• understand academic requirements and expectations
• define and develop realistic goals for yourself
• plan a program of study that is consistent with your abilities, interests and any transfer desires
• create a course schedule each semester
• answer questions and locate helpful campus resources
• monitor and interpret your academic progress

When do I meet with my advisor?

Students in their first semester will meet with their advisor at Opening Weekend activities and then connect weekly during the beginning weeks of the semester. Other recommended meeting times include:

• at the beginning of fall semester to review your course selections
• at midterm of fall semester to review midterm grades and academic progress
• ate in fall semester to confirm your spring semester registration
• at midterm of spring semester to review midterm grades and academic progress
• for continuing students, in late March to plan your schedule for the following year

The registrar may send you a note asking you to see your advisor. At other times your advisor may contact you, asking you to stop by their office to take care of some business. There is always an important reason why you have been contacted. Please respond immediately to such requests.

You don’t need to wait for an invitation. Advisors appreciate frequent contacts with you. Be courteous. Respect their posted office hours and make an appointment. But do it as often as you wish.

Should I also consider earning an associate degree from Hesston?

There are good reasons to earn an associate degree on your way to achieving a bachelor’s degree.

1. The college to which you transfer may exempt you from further freshman/sophomore general education requirements if you have a two-year degree. Without the degree, your work will be evaluated course by course by the transfer school to see if you have met their requirements. See the section on “Transferring to Other Colleges after Hesston.”
2. By meeting the graduation requirements, you assure yourself that you are taking a broad range of courses.
3. You will have the satisfaction of completing a program of study and of participating in commencement ceremonies along with your classmates.
4. A résumé is more impressive if it includes a degree earned rather than simply two years of college courses.
5. Evidence shows you are much more likely to receive a bachelor’s degree if you complete an associate degree.

Do I need to declare a major at Hesston?

Yes, students must declare their major by their junior year. Many of Hesston’s students pursue specific degrees in aviation, business or nursing. Others pursue general programs of study that lead to the associate of arts, associate of science or associate of general studies degrees. This group includes many types of students:

• those who are pursuing a four-year degree and need the broad general courses typically required for those degrees
• those who are unsure about a major or career
• those who take a variety of courses that interest them, rather than following a specific program

Each reason is valid. Keep in mind that most four-year colleges require 40 or more hours of general education courses, most of which you can complete at Hesston. Focusing on a specific major at a four-year school often does not happen until a student is a junior (with perhaps several courses at the freshman/sophomore level). You can keep a variety of career and major options open by not focusing too soon.

What are credits?

The credit (or hour) is a standardized unit of measure used to quantify the number of hours a course meets each week. In general, for each hour of credit, there is one 50-minute class meeting per week for 16 weeks. Thus, a three-credit course like College Writing I meets for 150 minutes each week in either three 50-minute or two 75-minute periods. Additional credit is given for laboratory experiences, usually one hour of credit for a two- or three-hour lab. Introductory Chemistry, for example, is a four-credit course. There are three hours of lecture per week plus a two-hour lab. Some courses meet twice as often, but for only half of the semester. For example, PhEd 202 Tennis is a one-credit course. It meets two hours per week, but only for eight weeks of the semester.

Nearly all colleges and universities use this credit system of measure. At Hesston the hours are semester hours because of our semester calendar. A few schools operate on a quarter system. Their hours are quarter hours. To convert between the two systems, multiply quarter hours by 2/3 to get the equivalent number of semester hours.

How many credits should I take each term?

Full-time status at Hesston is defined as 12 to 17 hours per semester. To complete the 120 or more credits needed for graduation over a four-year period (eight semesters), you must take an average of at least 15 credits each semester. However, there are good reasons to deviate from this norm.

You should take 16 or 17 hours per semester if:

• you have good study habits
• you earned a good GPA in high school (like a 3.50 or better)
• you completed the recommended courses for college-bound students

Note that there is an overload charge for hours beyond 17.

You should reduce your load to 12, 13 or 14 hours per semester (at least during your first term) if:

• you struggled in high school, or did not take college prep courses
• you have been out of school for a number of years
• you will be employed a significant number of hours while you are a student

These are all legitimate reasons for taking a lighter load. This means that you may need to take heavier loads later, extend your period of study at or take a summer course or two along the way.

The general standard is that for each hour of time spent in class, you should spend two to three hours of preparation time outside of class. You should think of a three-credit class as a nine hour per week class. The actual amount will vary with your abilities, your academic background and your motivation. But if we trust the ratio as a guideline, a full-time student taking 15 credits can expect to spend a total of 45 or more hours each week on course work including in-class lectures and labs and out-of-class preparation.
 

Can I take fewer than 12 hours?

Yes, and that may be in your best interest. But if you take fewer than 12 credits, you are classified as a part-time student. You are not eligible to participate in varsity sports and your financial aid will be reduced to match the number of hours you take.

Can I change courses after the term begins?

You may, within limits. See “Registration” in the Academic Life section of the catalog for details. To make a change, visit your academic advisor to review your plans. If a change is appropriate, your advisor will file the change online with the Registrar’s Office. Refer to the campus calendar on my.Hesston.edu for the specific drop/add period dates. You may add a course to your schedule during the drop/add period only. If you drop a course during the drop/add period, it will not appear on your record. If you drop a course between the end of the drop/add period and the time the course is 60 percent complete, it will remain on your record with a non-punitive grade of W. You may not withdraw from a course after it is 60 percent complete.

Tuition charges and financial aid awards are based on your enrollment at the end of the second week of the semester (the end of the drop/add period). In general, you are expected to maintain the same level of enrollment throughout the rest of the semester. But sometimes it just doesn’t work. Be aware that there are several consequences. First, there are no immediate consequences with respect to financial aid. However, there may be long-term implications as you will have already used up some of the assistance available to you. That reduces the amount available to you later. Second, you must make satisfactory academic progress to continue as a student at Hesston. Review the “Satisfactory Academic Progress” statement in the catalog. Notice that you must complete 20 credits each academic year of full-time study to maintain academic eligibility.

What happens if I stop going to a class?

Sometimes it is necessary and appropriate to withdraw from a class after the formal drop/add period. To do so, visit with your academic advisor. Note in the catalog that you can withdraw from a course without penalty up until the time a course is 60 percent completed. (See the Campus Calendar for actual dates.) Failing to withdraw in a timely manner has serious consequences. If you stop attending, but do not formally withdraw, you will be subject to academic withdrawal and given whatever final grade you have earned, usually an F (no credit, failing). Please also refer to the “Administrative Course Withdrawal” section in the Hesston College Catalog.

What do I need to do if I need to miss class because of a college-approved group activity?

Students participating in group absences must:

• initiate contact with each instructor whose class conflicts with the absence. This must occur by the last class period prior to the absence
• complete and submit all assignments on or before the due dates for classes that will be missed

Can I take courses at other colleges while I’m a student at Hesston?

Yes, under certain restricted conditions. Some commuting students take courses at community colleges that are nearer their homes. This should be discussed carefully with your academic advisor. Hesston also cooperates with Bethel College and Tabor College, two nearby four-year schools. Courses may be taken at Bethel or Tabor if they are a required part of your program and they are not taught at Hesston. Approval by the Hesston College vice president of academics is required. You can find the Bethel and Tabor course offerings on their websites. Courses taken at Bethel or Tabor are enrolled through Hesston by a special arrangement.

What classes do I need to graduate?

Find your program of interest in the catalog and follow the recommendations listed.

If I’m not certain about my major, what courses should I take?

Follow the general recommendations in the catalog for the associate of arts degree and the General Studies program. Test various areas of study by taking a beginning level course. These often have titles like “Introduction to _____” or “Principles of _____.” Also enroll in Career Development, a one-credit course designed to help students with choosing a career.

Are there any courses that I cannot take?

Nearly all courses are available to all students with two exceptions. First, some courses list prerequisites. A prerequisite is a course, an experience or status that you must have before you are permitted to enroll in a particular course. For example, to enroll in General Chemistry II, you must have taken General Chemistry I. Other classes require that you be a junior or senior to enroll. The second reason you may not be able to enroll in a course is if it has already reached the enrollment limit. Many courses have restrictions on how many students can enroll because of lab space, available computers and instructor workloads.

Courses are numbered in the 100s, 200s, 300s and 400s. Courses at the 100 and 200 levels are generally available to freshmen and sophomores.

Which writing course is right for me?

The standard writing course for most students at Hesston is Engl 125 College Writing I. However, under-prepared students should take Basic Writing first. Select Engl 100 Basic Writing if your ACT ENG is below 17, SAT VERBAL is below 350 or ASSET Writing Skills is below 18. Otherwise, select College Writing I.

The associate of arts degree requires two semesters of writing. but all other degrees require only one. However, if the school to which you plan to transfer after Hesston requires six hours of writing, take College Writing I and College Writing II.

Do I need to take a math course? If so, which one?

To earn the A.A., the A.S. or the A.G.S. degrees, you must complete a math course. For the A.A.A.S. degree you can meet the math requirement in other ways.

There are many good reasons to take a math course even if you do not need to do so to graduate from Hesston. You may need a math course to provide background for other course work. You may need a math course to graduate from a transfer school. And you may just find the topic interesting. See the course catalog for details of each degree’s math requirement and for descriptions of all math courses.

Do I need to take a computer course?

A computer course is not required, but Introduction to Computers (or equivalent skills) is a prerequisite for most computer courses and some courses in other departments. Discuss the computer competency advising guide with your advisor to determine if a computer course may be helpful. You may begin with higher level courses instead if you have had background like either of following:

• experience with Windows and Microsoft Office
• experience with data base management, word processing, spreadsheet applications and presentation software and have at least been introduced to Windows

Do courses I’ve taken at other colleges transfer to Hesston?

Yes, previous work can be applied to your degree at Hesston if:

• the course was taken at an accredited college or university
• the course was college-level (not developmental in nature like a basic writing or basic math)
• you earned at least a C in the course
• the course satisfies a requirement in your program of study at Hesston
• the course is not a repeat of work you may have already taken at Hesston or elsewhere

As a part of your admission requirement, you were asked to submit official transcripts of all previous college work. The transcripts are evaluated by the registrar and sometimes by other departments. If you complete work at other colleges while you are a student at Hesston, be sure to have a transcript of that work sent to the registrar at Hesston.

What is finals week like?

Reading Day is held between the last day of classes and the first full day of final exams. Only evening classes meet on Reading Day and the final exam is given at the time. On the following three days, all daytime classes are assigned one two-hour block of time for a final exam. A few instructors schedule a class activity of some kind other than an exam for that final two-hour period. So you still must attend.

The schedule for final exam week is posted on the cover of the printed course schedule. You can also find it on the Final Exam Schedule webpage.

Can I take midterm and final exams early?

No early exams are permitted. All final exams must be taken at the scheduled time.

What are legitimate reasons for requesting early final exams?

Early exams are only permitted under extenuating circumstances beyond your control such as a death in the family or a medical procedure where extended recovery time is required. Leaving early because that is when your friends are going does not count! Holding airline tickets for flights that leave early isn’t an acceptable reason either. Don’t make any travel plans until you know when your final exams are scheduled.

How do I request an early exam?

Any request for an early exam must be approved by the academic dean. Request an appointment to speak with the academic dean in person. If approved, there is a $75 fee.

What can I do if all of my final exams are scheduled on the same day?

If you have four or more exams scheduled on the same day, go to the registrar’s office at least one week before final exam week. The registrar will help you reschedule exams as necessary at no cost to you. No student is expected to have more than three exams in any one day.

When are grades given?

Grades are given at the middle and end of each semester. Grade reports can be viewed on my.Hesston by you, your advisor and your parents if you have given them access through the parent portal. Midterm grades are reported after the first eight weeks of the term. The purpose of midterm grades is to help you see how well you have done up to that point in the term. In some cases, midterm grades are reassuring. At other times, they serve as a wake-up call, warning you that you need to put forth greater effort or take a different approach to your studies. Midterm grades do not become a part of your permanent record (except for grades in first eight-week courses which are final).

Final grades are given at the end of each semester. These grades remain on your record permanently and are available through my.Hesston.

How is my GPA calculated?

The grade point average (GPA) is determined by dividing total quality points by the total hours attempted. To calculate your GPA, follow these steps:

1. Determine the quality points earned for each course by multiplying the number of credit hours by the quality points associated with the grade. For example, if you earn a grade of C (two quality points) in a four-hour course, multiply two (quality points) by four (credits). Thus, you have earned eight quality points for that course. If you earn an A in a three-hour class, multiply four by three. Do this for each course in which you were enrolled.
2. Add together the quality points earned in all classes combined. Divide that total by the total hours attempted, including failed courses. For example, if you earned a total of 48 quality points and had attempted 15 hours, divide 48 by 15. Your GPA for that term is 3.20. Even if you earned a no credit (NC) in some of the attempted hours, you still must divide by 15.

Can I do anything to change a low grade?

The only way to improve a low final grade is to repeat the course at Hesston College. When courses are repeated, the first attempt remains on your record. But only the hours and the grade earned with the second attempt are used in calculating your grade point average (even if the grade is poorer the second time). Taking a similar course (even with the same name) at another college is not considered a repeat for GPA purposes.

If you suspect that a grade was given in error, contact the course instructor. The instructor can authorize a grade change in such cases.

An appeal of a final grade must be submitted no later than 30 days after the final grade has been submitted.

Where can I get help if I’m doing poorly in a class?

If you are working hard and putting in long hours, but still are not satisfied with the results, here are some suggestions:

• Visit with the instructor. Often they can give you a bit of extra assistance or at least give you some tips on how best to approach the particular course.
• Request a tutor in the ACCESS lab. The service is free to you, but the tutor, usually another student in your class, gets paid from special funds the college has available.
• Study with other students in the class.
• Check out the other services available in the Access lab in Smith Center.

If you have trouble making use of these suggestions, visit with your academic advisor. They can help you make the appropriate contacts. In any case, do not wait to seek help.

What can I do if I have a diagnosed special need?

If you have a diagnosed special need, you must volunteer the information; the college is not permitted to ask you for this. Once you make your needs known, the college is obligated to take reasonable measures to provide the services you need in order to be successful. You may begin by notifying the disability services coordinator who can help determine with you what accommodations can be made. Often these are simple measures—seating you so that you can see and hear as well as possible, permitting you to take examinations in settings other than the regular classroom, arranging for a tutor and so forth. The college may request professional documentation in order to arrange the most appropriate accommodations.