Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about various aspects at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  If you cannot find the answer to a question, please feel free to contact the Student Success Center at any one of our locations.

How many credits do I need to be considered “full time”?
Twelve or more credit hours is considered full time status.  Anything under 12 credit hours is considered part-time.  Please know that many of our students are part-time students due to work or other obligations.

How long is a semester?
Fall semester and Spring semester are 16 weeks.  Summer term is 10 weeks.  Many classes are offered in shorter formats (for example 8 weeks in fall or spring).  These are noted in the Schedule of Classes.

What type of degrees can I earn at JSRCC?
We offer Associates in Arts and Associates in Science which are designed to transfer to a 4 year college.  We also offer Associates in Applied Science degrees which are designed to prepare students for the world of work.  Our Certificates and Career Studies Certificates are designed to help students build specific skills for the job market.  A complete list of our degrees can be found at http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/curriculum/Default.htm

Who do I go to if I don’t know what I want to major in?
Our Centers for Career, Employment and Transfer has Specialists and a Counselor to assist you in that process.  This assistance is available at PRC and DTC.

Can I take classes at any campus?
Yes, but be certain to schedule enough time to travel between campuses. A shuttle service is available between Parham Road and Downtown campuses during the day.

When should I register for classes?
Registration usually begins 6 weeks before the start of classes.  Registering early is important because it lets you get the classes you want at the time and location you desire.

What is a developmental class?
Many students place into developmental English or Math classes.  These are courses designed to give you the skills you need to move into the higher-level math that your major requires.  Students who place into developmental courses should try to complete these courses very early in their program.

How do I know what classes to take?
Students who have fewer than 30 semester hours may receive advising from the Student Success Centers on each campus.  Students who are non-curricular (have not declared a major) receive advising from the Student Success Centers, also. 

Students who have 30 or more credit hours receive advising through their School. Each major with the list of required courses for that major is also in our College Catalog.

 How do I find out the name of my Advisor?
Students with fewer than 30 hours go to the Success Center.  Students with 30 or more semester hours can find this information in their Student Information System, or through their School Office.

How do I know what classes are offered when?
Each semester the College publishes a Schedule of Classes.  This is on our website at http://www.reynolds.edu/_schedules/default.htm and hard copies are available in the Success Centers.

What are TBA and Staff in the Schedule?
TBA means that the classroom is To Be Announced.  “Staff” is what is used when the Instructor for that particular section has not been determined at the time of printing.

How do I actually register?
You should go online to your “MyJSRCC” account, which is found on the website.  The link to this is found on our webpage.  Tips for setting up and using “MyJSRCC” are found at http://www.reynolds.edu/computing/Default.htm  Please be certain that you go into “New to the College” the first time you access “MyJSRCC”.  You may also call the Help Desk at 804-371-3000 for assistance.

The computer won’t let me register.  What should I do?
If you have not registered for classes for more than 3 years, you may need to fill out a new application to the College..  Also, please check your “User Preferences on “MyJSRCC” to make certain that you are registering for the correct semester.  Information on how to do this is at http://www.reynolds.edu/computing/SIS/pdf/7StepsToWeb%20Reg.pdf under “Check User Preferences”.

What is a “drop” and a “withdrawal”?
A drop is permitted during the first 15% of the class.  Students may receive a refund for a dropped class.  Withdrawals are done after the 15% mark until the 60% mark.  No refunds are granted for withdrawals.  Both dropping and withdrawing can be done through the Student Success Centers.

Please be aware that courses that meet for differing amounts of time (ie: 8 weeks) have different drop and withdrawal dates.  Please check with the Success Center concerning these deadlines if a question arises.

Can I withdraw from a class online?  What if it is after the deadline?
No, students may drop classes online, but cannot withdraw online.  Because there may be Financial Aid repercussions, students must withdraw in the Student Success Center.

If you need to withdraw after the deadline, you will need to provide documentation as to why you were unable to withdraw by the posted deadline and include documentation of the extenuating circumstances.  Granting of late withdrawals are not automatic.

What if I go to the class and I am not on the roll?
It is possible that you were backed out.  That means that you were dropped from the roll due to non-payment (or the lack of your Financial Aid to clear in time) If it is after the last day to drop, you may have been dropped due to non-attendance.  You should check with the Student Success Center in order to determine the cause.

The computer won’t let me register.  What should I do?
If you have not registered for classes for more than 3 years, you may need to fill out a new application to the College.  Also, please check your “User Preferences on “MyJSRCC” to make certain that you are registering for the correct semester and are registering for classes at JSRCC.  Information on how to do this is at http://www.reynolds.edu/computing/SIS/pdf/7StepsToWeb%20Reg.pdf under “Check User Preferences”.

May I add a class late?
Students may only attend classes for which they are registered, and registration ends the first week of class.

When I tried to register, I got a message saying “Pre-Requisites not met”.  What do I do?
Check the schedule of classes to see if you are trying to add a Learning Community class.  If so, you must add both classes.  If that is not the case, contact the Student Success Center to determine what pre-requisite you should take (if any).

My class has moved.  Where is it?
Because of all of the current renovations, classrooms frequently move.  Please print a current schedule from your “MyJSR” on the first day of classes.  That will always have the most up-to-date information.  Also, the first week of classes, there will be tables with people who can help you in each building.

What career and job placement services does the college provide?
Each campus has a Career, Employment, and Transfer Center.
 
Career Services include career assessments, career exploration assistance, and preparation for entering the job market.  This preparation includes assistance with writing a good resume and interviewing skills.

Employment Services include posting job openings, organizing an annual job fair and inviting area employers to come to campus frequently.

Transfer services include assistance for students interested in furthering their education at a 4 year college after leaving JSRCC.  This office can help you identify potential 4 year colleges, and make certain you are taking the correct courses to transfer to the college of your choice.

Does JSRCC offer accommodations to students with disabilities?
Yes.  If you have documented special needs, contact the office of Student Accommodations.  Information on this office is found at http://www.reynolds.edu/studentaffairs/accom.htm

How do I get a tutor for my class(es)?
Tutoring is available for most subjects on each campus through the Student Support Centers.  Students can get up to two 50 minute sessions per week per subject.  This service is free to students.  Find further information on this service at http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/jsr_asc/

Do I need a parking permit and a student ID?
Yes, each new student must get a parking permit from the Office of Police and Security located on each campus.  Permits are issued during the first two weeks of classes. 

Student IDs are acquired through the Office of Police and Security.  IDs are generally made after the first week of class.  Days, times and locations are posted on each campus.

I don’t have a computer.  How can I complete my assignments?
Each campus has an open computer lab with computers and necessary software for all courses at the College.  Internet access is available here too.  You must have your student ID to use this facility.

Why does the College have its own bookstore?
The College bookstore sells all books and supplies used in JSRCC classes.  They can “bundle” your books for easy pick-up;. and Financial Aid can be used at the Campus Bookstores.  For more information go to   http://jsr.bncollege.com/

I was dropped from all of my classes due to non-payment.  What do I do?
If you have a copy of your original schedule you can go onto MYJSRCC and attempt to re-create it.  However, there are no guarantees that your original classes will still be open.

You can also go to the Success Center for assistance with re-registering for classes.

How do I get a transcript sent from JSRCC to another school?
You can go into “MYJSRCC” and request a transcript, or go to any Student Success Center.  Transcripts are free, and require at least 10 business days to be received.

How do I know what my grades are in a class?
Grades are posted at the end of each semester on your “MYJSRCC” account.  It is your responsibility to check these on a regular basis.

What should I do if a grade is missing or I think I received an incorrect grade?
Contact your Instructor or the School office that offers that course first.  If no agreement is reached there is a grievance procedure which is located at http://www.reynolds.edu/studentaffairs/policy.htm

How do I know what my academic status is?
Students who receive honors such as Dean’s List or are on Academic warning, probation or suspension receive a letter from the College sent to their official address.  It is also noted in the grades on “MYJSRCC”

What should I do if my transfer credit is not showing up on my student record?
Contact Admissions and Records for assistance at 523-5029.

How do I get verification that I am enrolled as a full-time student?
The Success Center on any campus, or Admissions and Records can assist you with this after the last day to drop a course for a refund in any given semester

How do I know which credits from my previous College will transfer?
If you have an official transcript mailed to the College, Admissions and Records will evaluate them.  If you bring unofficial transcripts to an advisor, they can use that for advising purposes, but an official transcript must be sent to the college in order for anything to transfer in.  This form can be found at http://www.reynolds.edu/_forms/