Answers to frequently asked questions at Coastline.
Counseling FAQs
Last updated: 4/8/26
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Getting Started & Admissions
Q1. How do I apply to Coastline?
Complete the OpenCCC Application online. Once submitted, you will receive a student ID and access to your MyCoast portal. Detailed step-by-step instructions are available on the Apply Now page at coastline.edu.
Learn more: Admissions Information
Q2. What do I need to do after I apply?
After applying, you will receive a 'Welcome' email from Admissions and Records with your MyCoast student ID number and MyCoast username. Complete the online orientation through your MyCoast student portal and schedule a counseling appointment to create your Student Education Plan (SEP). Completing these steps is required for priority registration. Note: Once registration dates are assigned, they cannot be moved to an earlier date if you complete the priority registration steps after they are assigned. You will receive priority registration for the next term.
Learn more: Student Checklists
Q3. What do I do if I am an International Student?
International students holding F-1 visas have specific requirements for both admission and academic planning. Contact the International Students Office first to complete the admission process, then schedule a counseling appointment for academic planning.
Learn more: International Students
Q4. Am I considered a full-time or part-time student?
Full-time status is 12 or more units per semester (6 or more in summer). Part-time is fewer than 12 units. For financial aid purposes, enrollment status is defined as: full-time (12+ units), three-quarter time (9–11.99 units), half-time (6–8.99 units), and less than half-time (0.5–5.99 units). Your enrollment status affects financial aid eligibility, so plan your schedule accordingly.
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Counseling & Academic Planning
Q1. Am I assigned to a counselor?
No. Counselors are not assigned. However, we encourage you to find a counselor you are comfortable working with and meet with them at least once a semester to stay on track with your educational plan.
Q2. How can I meet with a counselor?
Visit the Schedule a Counseling Appointment section on the Academic Counseling page at coastline.edu, or call the Counseling Department at (714) 241-6162. Appointments are available in-person at the Student Services Center in Fountain Valley and online.
Q3. How can I prepare for my upcoming meeting with a counselor?
Bring a list of your questions, your intended major or career interest, and any unofficial transcripts you have access to. This ensures you can maximize your time with the counselor.
Q4. What is a Student Education Plan (SEP) and why do I need one?
A Student Education Plan (SEP) is a semester-by-semester roadmap developed with a counselor that outlines the courses you need to reach your educational goal—whether that’s a degree, certificate, or transfer. Having an SEP on file is required for priority registration and helps you stay on track with financial aid eligibility. An abbreviated SEP covers your next one or two semesters, while a comprehensive SEP maps out your entire program of study. Meet with a counselor to create or update yours.
Q5: What is DegreeWorks and how do I check my progress toward my degree?
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool that shows your progress toward completing your degree, certificate, or transfer requirements. You can access it through your MyCoast portal. DegreeWorks tracks which requirements you’ve completed, which are in progress, and which still need to be fulfilled. It’s a great tool to review before meeting with a counselor, but it should not replace a counseling appointment—always verify your plan with a counselor.
Learn more: DegreeWorks
Q6: Where do I go to research my educational and career options?
Schedule a counseling appointment at (714) 241-6162 to explore majors, review transcripts, and develop a course plan. You can also enroll in Counseling C104 (Career/Life Planning) or Counseling C105 (Strategies for College Success) for structured career exploration. The Career and Transfer Center at the Fountain Valley Student Services Center also provides resources for career assessments and university research.
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Degrees, Certificates & Programs
Q1: What is an Associate Degree, and which ones are offered at Coastline?
An associate degree requires 60 degree-applicable semester units, combining general education, major, and elective courses. Coastline offers both traditional Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees, as well as Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T) designed for students planning to transfer to a CSU. A full list of available degrees is in the Coastline Catalog and on the Programs page at coastline.edu.
Learn more: Programs
Q2: What is an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)?
An Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a 60-unit degree designed to guarantee CSU admission with junior standing. It requires completion of CalGETC (general education for transfer), at least 18 units in the major with a C or better, and a minimum 2.0 GPA in all CSU-transferable coursework. Students who earn an ADT receive priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus. Coastline currently offers 20 ADT programs. Meet with a counselor to determine if an ADT is the right path for your transfer goal.
Q3: What is a certificate, and which ones are offered at Coastline?
A certificate is a focused program of study designed to prepare you for employment or career advancement in a specific field. Certificates have varying unit requirements depending on the level. Visit the Certificates page at coastline.edu or the Coastline Catalog for a full list of available certificates.
Learn more: Certificates
Q4: Is there a general associate degree?
Coastline offers four interdisciplinary associate degrees for students seeking broad knowledge rather than a specific career focus: American Studies AA, Arts and Humanities AA, Science and Math AA, and Social and Behavioral Science AA. Each requires 18 units within the area of emphasis plus general education and elective coursework.
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Registration & Course Selection
Q1: How do I know which math or English to take?
For personalized assistance, we recommend you meet with a Counselor to ensure you are taking the proper English or math course. Under AB 705, you have the right to enroll directly in transfer-level English (English C1000) and transfer-level math. For non-native English speakers interested in ESL courses, or for help choosing the right math course for your major, contact the Counseling Department at (714) 241-6162.
Q2: What is prerequisite clearance?
A prerequisite is a course or skill that must be completed before you can enroll in a particular course. Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher—grades of D or F do not satisfy the requirement. If you completed the prerequisite at another institution, please fill out the prerequsite clearance form with a copy of your unofficial transcript showing the completed course. To challenge a prerequisite, visit the Prerequisites page under Admissions & Records at coastline.edu.
Learn more: Prerequisites
Q3: What is a corequisite?
A corequisite is a course that must be taken during the same semester as another course. You must enroll in both courses simultaneously—you cannot take one without the other.
Q4: What is a unit?
A unit represents the amount of credit you receive for successfully completing a class. It also reflects the approximate weekly time commitment: a 3-unit class generally meets about 3 hours per week, plus additional hours of outside study. Units also indicate course rigor—more difficult courses typically carry more units.
Q5: What is an overload and what is the maximum number of units I can take?
The standard maximum is 19 units for fall or spring semesters and 10 units for summer. Anything above these limits is considered an overload and requires a counselor’s approval via an overload petition. Visit the main Counseling page at coastline.edu for overload petition information.
Learn more: Academic Counseling
Q6: What is priority registration and how do I get it?
Priority registration gives you an earlier appointment to register for classes. To be eligible, you must complete orientation, have a Student Education Plan (SEP) on file, and have an approved Course of Study (Program of Study). You will lose priority registration if you accumulate 100 or more units or fall below good academic standing (below 2.0 GPA or on probation). Avoid taking unnecessary courses not on your SEP, as extra units count toward the 100-unit cap. These requirements must be completed prior to registration appointments being assigned. If these requirements are completed after registration appointments have been assigned then first level priority will be assigned for the next semester.
Q7: How do waitlists work?
If a class is full, you may be able to add yourself to the waitlist during registration. When a seat opens, you’ll be notified by email at your Coast District student Gmail (username@student.cccd.edu) and by text if you have a cell phone number on file. You have 24 hours to add the class through MyCoast—if you don’t act within that window, the seat goes to the next person on the waitlist. Check your Gmail and MyCoast portal at least three times a day during registration to avoid missing the notification. All prerequisites and corequisites must be met before you can add from the waitlist.
Q8: What should I do if a class I need is full and there’s no waitlist?
Check back periodically to see if a seat opens due to a student withdrawal or non-payment drop. You can also attend the first class meeting (for in-person classes) or email the instructor (for online classes) to request an Add Permit with an Add Authorization Code (AAC). If the instructor approves, you can use the AAC to register through MyCoast before the code expires. Note that instructors typically give priority to students already on the waitlist.
Q9: Is Coastline on the quarter or semester system?
Coastline is on the semester system with two 16-week semesters in fall and spring. Some courses are offered in shorter formats (12-week or 8-week). There is also a 4-week winter session in January and an 8-week summer session. View the Academic Calendar at coastline.edu for specific dates.
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Grades, Academic Standing & Records
Q1: What is the pass/no pass grading option?
Pass/no pass (P/NP) lets you take a class without the grade affecting your GPA. A grade of C or higher earns a “P” (pass) with units granted. A grade of D or F results in “NP” (no pass) with no units granted. In either case, your GPA is not affected. Important considerations: some universities require major preparation and general education courses to be completed with a letter grade (A–F). UC-bound students may complete no more than 14 semester units on a P/NP basis. Students in competitive programs (such as health professions) are usually advised to take required courses for a letter grade. Consult with a counselor before choosing this option. The deadline to elect P/NP is listed on your Student Class Program (Web Schedule Bill) in MyCoast.
Q2: What is the difference between dropping a class and withdrawing?
The timing of when you leave a class determines the impact on your record. During the first two weeks of a full 16-week semester (or the first 20% of shorter courses), if you officially drop, the class will not appear on your transcript at all. After that early period and up through the end of the 12th week (or 75% of shorter courses), an official withdrawal results in a “W” on your transcript. A “W” does not affect your GPA, but it does count toward progress probation calculations. After the withdrawal deadline, you cannot drop without a grade—stopping attendance without officially withdrawing may result in an “F.” It is always your responsibility to drop or withdraw through MyCoast; instructors may drop you for excessive absences, but you should never rely on this.
Q3: How can I request an excused withdrawal (EW)?
An excused withdrawal may be granted when specific events beyond your control prevent you from completing a course—such as a job transfer outside the area, a family illness where you are the primary caregiver, immigration action, release from incarceration, or other verified emergencies. An “EW” on your transcript does not affect your GPA, does not count toward progress probation, and does not count as an enrollment attempt. Visit the Withdrawal page under Admissions & Records at coastline.edu for the petition process and required documentation.
Learn more: Withdrawal Information
Q4: What is the course repetition policy?
You are allowed up to three total enrollments in most credit courses (the original attempt plus two repeats). “W” grades count as enrollments. If you received a substandard grade (D, F, NP, or NC), you may repeat the course to improve your grade. When you successfully repeat a course within the Coast Community College District, the most recent grade replaces the earlier grade in your GPA calculation, though both grades remain visible on your transcript. After three attempts, a petition for one additional attempt may be filed, but only for documented extenuating circumstances. Some activity courses in art, dance, drama, music, and physical education are grouped into “families” with a four-enrollment maximum across the family, district-wide.
Q5: How do I receive honors?
Coastline recognizes academic achievement in four ways. President’s List: 4.0 GPA with at least 12 graded units in a semester. Dean’s List: 3.50–3.99 GPA with at least 12 graded units. Honors List: 3.75–4.0 GPA with 6.0–11.9 graded units. Graduation with Honors: cumulative 3.50+ GPA in all college units attempted and all Coastline units.
Q6: What is probation and disqualification?
Academic Probation: your cumulative GPA drops below 2.0 after attempting at least 12 units within the Coast District. Progress Probation: 50% or more of your attempted units (after at least 12) result in W, I, or NP grades. If you remain on probation for two consecutive semesters without improvement, you may be disqualified. Disqualification means you must sit out for at least one semester before re-enrolling at any Coast District college, and it may affect financial aid eligibility. Students whose most recent semester GPA is 2.0 or higher (for academic) or whose most recent semester has less than 50% W/I/NP (for progress) will be continued on probation rather than disqualified.
Learn more: Academic Standards
Q7: How do I get copies of my transcripts?
Official transcripts must be ordered online through the Transcripts page at coastline.edu. Unofficial transcripts are available in your MyCoast portal under My Records.
Learn more: Transcripts
Q8: How do I request evaluation of coursework from other institutions?
Schedule a counseling appointment specifically for “Transcript Evaluation” by calling (714) 241-6162. Before your appointment, ensure that official transcripts from all institutions you have attended have been sent directly to Coastline’s Admissions & Records office. If you are requesting evaluation of English composition courses, bring a copy of the course syllabus. Evaluation of credit from non-California Community Colleges toward Coastline degrees, certificates, or GE patterns can be complex, so starting the process early is recommended.
Q9: What does an Incomplete (“I”) grade mean?
An Incomplete is assigned when you are unable to finish a course due to unforeseen, emergency, or justifiable reasons, with the instructor’s permission. The instructor will specify what work must be completed and the grade that will be assigned if the work is not finished. You have up to one year from the end of the term to complete the remaining work—if you don’t, the grade automatically converts to an F. You cannot re-enroll in a course in which you have an active Incomplete.
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Financial Aid & Costs
Q1: I need help paying for college. Who can help me?
Visit Coastline’s Financial Aid Office at the Student Services Center in Fountain Valley. Staff can help you with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the California Dream Act Application (for eligible undocumented students), fee waivers, grants, student loans, work-study opportunities, and scholarships.
Learn more: Financial Aid
Q2: What is the Coastline Dolphin Promise?
The Coastline Dolphin Promise program may cover your enrollment fees for your first year at Coastline. Visit the Dolphin Promise page at coastline.edu for eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Learn more: Dolphin Promise
Q3: What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid?
To continue receiving financial aid, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, which includes maintaining a minimum GPA, completing a minimum percentage of units attempted, and staying within the maximum unit limit for your program. If you fall below SAP standards, your financial aid may be suspended. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details on the specific thresholds and the appeal process.
Learn more: Financial Aid
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Transfer Planning
Q1: Where can I learn more about transferring to a four-year college?
The Career and Transfer Center at the Fountain Valley Student Services Center is your home base for transfer planning. You’ll find information on hundreds of public and private colleges, attend events with UC, CSU, and private college representatives, and get help with university applications.
Learn more: Transfer Services
Q2: What is CalGETC, and how is it different from CSU GE?
CalGETC (California General Education Transfer Curriculum) is the unified general education pattern that satisfies lower-division GE requirements for both UC and CSU transfer. It replaced the separate IGETC and CSU GE-Breadth patterns. Completing CalGETC before transfer means you won’t need to take additional lower-division GE courses at your four-year school. See a counselor and visit assist.org to confirm which Coastline courses satisfy each CalGETC area.
Q3: What is TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee)?
TAG is a program that guarantees admission to a participating UC campus if you meet specific GPA, unit, and course requirements. Coastline has TAG agreements with UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz. TAG gives you early transcript review and early admission notification. Contact a counselor or the Transfer Center to determine eligibility and start the process, or visit the UC TAG page online.
Q4: What is ASSIST and how do I use it?
ASSIST (assist.org) is California’s official online transfer information system. It shows how courses completed at Coastline can be applied toward requirements at UC and CSU campuses, including major preparation and general education. Use ASSIST to verify course-to-course articulation before you enroll. It is the most accurate and up-to-date source for transfer articulation in California.
Q5: How many units do I need to transfer?
For CSU: you need a minimum of 60 transferable semester units with a 2.0+ GPA (though competitive majors may require higher). For UC: you need 60 transferable semester units with at least a 2.4 GPA (2.8 for non-residents), though again, competitive programs often require much higher. No more than 14 semester units may be completed on a P/NP basis for UC. Meet with a counselor early to build a transfer plan tailored to your target campus and major.
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Support Services & Resources
Q1: Where can I find a tutor?
Free online tutoring is available through the Student Success Resource Center. You can get help with writing, math, and course-specific subjects. Access tutoring through your Canvas dashboard. Visit the Student Success Resource Center page or the Online Tutoring page at coastline.edu for details.
Learn more: Student Success Resource Center
Q2: How do I find out if I qualify for EOPS, CARE, or CalWORKs?
EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) and CARE provide additional support—including book vouchers, counseling priority, and other services—to students who face economic and educational challenges. CalWORKs assists students who receive CalWORKs/TANF benefits. Contact the EOPS/CARE or CalWORKs offices at the Student Services Center in Fountain Valley to learn about eligibility.
Learn more: EOPS
Q3: Does Coastline offer accommodations for students with disabilities?
Yes. Disability Services (formerly Special Programs and Services) provides support to students with verifiable disabilities, including priority registration, test-taking facilitation, adaptive equipment, interpreter services, and alternative text formats. Contact Disability Services at (714) 241-6214 to begin the intake process.
Learn more: Special Programs
Q4: I’m a military Veteran. How do I connect with services?
Visit the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) for support with GI Bill certification, financial aid, work-study opportunities, academic planning, and referrals for reintegration into civilian life. Contact a Military Counselor or the VRC for current information. “GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information is available at va.gov/education.
Learn more: Veterans Resource Centers
Q5: How can I receive counseling for personal issues?
If you are experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, or other personal challenges, contact Student Mental Health Services. These services are free and confidential for enrolled students.
Learn more: Student Mental Health Services
Q6: How do I access Canvas or get help with online classes?
Canvas is Coastline’s learning management system where you access course materials, submit assignments, and communicate with instructors. Log in through the Canvas link at coastline.edu or via your MyCoast portal. For technical issues, contact the IT Help Desk at (714) 438-8111.
Learn more: Canvas
Q7: Does Coastline offer basic needs support (food, housing, emergency aid)?
Yes. Coastline’s Basic Needs program connects students with resources for food insecurity, housing instability, and emergency financial assistance. Visit the Basic Needs page at coastline.edu or contact Student Services for more information.
Learn more: Basic Needs