Advising FAQ

These questions are developed to answer some of the most common questions that students ask about reaching their educational goals. Click on a question that interests you to get a quick answer. If you need further information, contact your advisor.

Q: What is the difference between Advising and Registering for Classes?

Advisors assist with a student's transition to college. They validate a student's career path and program of study. An advisor helps students select courses and make decisions about course load and delivery methods. They support the student's ability to meet academic program requirements. Class registration is one outcome of an advising meeting.

Q: Where do I find my registration code?

Your registration code is provided to you by your advisor.

If you are a new student, you will see an advisor in Enrollment Advising.

If you are a current student, you will need to see your Academic Advisor. You may find your Academic Advisor's name and contact information in Pathway under the Student Tab in the Advising section.

Q: Do I need to see an advisor to register?

Yes, all students must meet with an advisor before they register.

Q: How do I change my major?

You must meet with an advisor to change your major and be advised under your new major. Please reach out to your current advisor if you intend to change your major so they may direct you to another advisor in your chosen major.

Please be aware that when you change your major, you are subject to the requirements listed in the College Catalog in effect at the time of the change. 

Q: Can I have a double major at PTC?

A student cannot be coded under two majors. However, a student may earn one associate degree, diploma, or certificate, and then complete another degree, diploma, or certificate. Once you complete one program, you will then be coded in the second program as you continue to earn credits.

Please remember that only courses required for a student's declared major will be used to calculate Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

Q: Where do I go if I am having trouble being successful in a class?

You should first speak to your instructor, who can help you determine the areas you need to work on, and can make suggestions for improving your performance.

If you need tutoring assistance, please access the Tutoring Center home page to learn more about this service and to set up an appointment. Tutoring is available in a variety of subjects. We also have NetTutor available for students within our D2L course management system. 

Remember, too, you may make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to discuss other possible solutions.

In addition, there are may services available through the Student Success Center and the Career Planning and Counseling department. Whether you need help with your courses, some study tips, or just someone to talk to, visit the Student Success Center in Room 101A or call 864-941-8356. Learn more at ptc.edu/resources.

Q: What do I do if I'm not able to continue attending my classes?

This depends on when you decide to stop attending.

If you need to drop the class within the drop/add period, you may do so in your PTC Pathway account by clicking on the Student tab, then clicking on the “Manage Your Classes” link located under Student Tools. The course will not appear on your transcript, and this may impact your tuition and financial aid calculation. Please check with Financial Aid if you have any questions.

After the Add/Drop period, you must withdraw from a class. When you withdraw from a class, a "W" will appear on your transcript. Please be aware that withdrawal from courses can have an impact on your financial aid. 

If you have determined and accepted the risks and consequences involved in withdrawing from your course(s), you may withdraw from all but one of your classes via Pathway. To do this, click on the Student tab in Pathway, then click on "Manage Your Classes" under Student Tools. There are instructions for adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses under the Manage Your Classes link. To withdraw from the last course, please contact your advisor to complete the Semester Withdrawal Form. 

Q: How do I transfer courses to Piedmont Technical College from another college?

You must have an OFFICIAL transcript sent from your previous institution directly to Piedmont Tech’s Student Records Office. You will need a transcript for each institution where credit was earned. The transcript can be mailed or e-mailed. If mailed, it must come in a sealed envelope. If the transcript has been sent to you, keep the envelope sealed and take it to Student Records. 

Your coursework will be evaluated, and you will be awarded equivalent transfer credit. For a course to be transferable, it must be from an accredited college or university, have a grade of C or better, and be equivalent to a PTC course in content.

A student may transfer in a maximum of 75 percent of credits toward an associate degree program at PTC.

Q: Can I repeat a course?

In general, the College allows a student to repeat a course for any reason more than once. All attempts and grades will show on the transcript, but only the highest grade will be used in calculating cumulative GPA.

In Health Care programs, a student may repeat certain courses only once. Talk to your advisor for details.

Note that Financial Aid may have limits on payment for repeat coursework, so be sure to check with the Financial Aid office before registering for a repeat class.

Q: I don't know which career or major to choose. Can anyone help me?

Yes. PTC offers a number of career-exploration resources as you try to make these decisions.  The Career Planning and Counseling Center offers a number of Career Services. 

Individual counselors and advisors are available to meet with you to help you use the materials listed above as well as clarify your goals, areas of interest, and abilities. Contact the Career Planning and Counseling Center if you are unsure of your career goals or need additional academic assistance at 864-941-8356 to make an appointment.

Q: Does everyone have to take the English, reading, and math placement tests?

No, many students are exempt from placement testing. You will be notified of your admissions requirements by the Enrollment Services department. Once you have been admitted to the college, you will be ready to meet with an Enrollment Advisor.  Refer to the Placement Policy to determine if placement testing is necessary. If you have a question about placement testing, contact the Admissions Office at 864-941-8369.

 

Q: Most of PTC's programs are laid out in a certain sequence. Can I take the courses in a different order?

Piedmont Tech has developed graduation plans for each degree, diploma, and certificate. Graduation plans detail the courses required, and recommend when courses should be taken. Many courses have prerequisites or are offered only during certain semesters; the graduation plans are laid out with these in mind.

It is best to ask an advisor if you have questions about what sequence will work best for you.

You and your advisor may also develop a degree plan that will help guide you in choosing your classes each semester.