Advising Center

Frequently Asked Questions

E-mail

You have a free Jefferson State email account.  It is accessible once you logon to  JSCC Pipeline.  Please check your email frequently as many offices will be communicating with you via email.

My JSCC Pipeline

What information is available through My JSCC Pipeline?

You can check for new email, review your grades, class schedules and register via Campus Pipeline.  You log onto Campus Pipeline using your user name and PIN.  To avoid having to wait to have your pin reset test your pin before you need to get into pipeline.  Email help@jeffstateonline. com to have your pin reset.

What is my user name and PIN for Campus Pipeline?

If you have forgotten your username, you can look it up using the "What is my user name?" link on the Pipeline homepage.

Your initial pin number is your birthday (MMDDYY).  If you continue to have problems, contact Help at help@jeffstateonline. com.

BlackBoard

I am enrolled in an internet course. How do I access BlackBoard?

Log in to My JSCC Pipeline.  On the right side of the welcome page you will see the Online Services area.  Select Access your Blackboard Courses.  Contact webcthelp@jeffstateonline.com if you are not able to access your Blackboard courses after logging in to My JSCC Pipeline.

Admissions

I am a first-time student. How do I apply for admission to Jeff State?

It's easy! Whether you are planning to enroll at Jefferson State as a first-time freshman, returning student, transfer or transient student you will need to complete an application for admission. You may access the application from our homepage.  Submit the application online or fax to (205) 856-6070 or mail to Enrollment Services.

Note: If you are a returning student, you should print the admissions application (using the PDF Adobe Reader File) and fax (205) 856-6070) or mail it to Enrollment Services. (The mailing address is in the upper right-hand corner of the application.)

I want to take classes while still attending high school.

For information on our dual enrollment and accelerated program for high school students, please contact the Coordinator of Dual Enrollment at (205) 856-7923 or email dualenrollment@jeffstateonline.com

I am a transient student. How do I apply for admission?

Go to our homepage. Choose perspective student and click Admissions.  Complete the application (online or printed and faxed (205) 856-6070) or mail the traditional way. You may also submit your application online.  You will need to complete a new application for each term that you attend as a transient student.  The new application must be on file before you will be allowed to register for class.  Ask your advisor to complete a transient letter showing the courses you are approved to take at Jefferson State. You will not be allowed to attend without an official transient letter with the appropriate courses and signatures. The transient letter protects you when you transfer the courses back to your other school. After completing the term, you must request an official transcript an official transcript to be mailed to your returning school.  You may mail your completed application and transient letter to:

Enrollment Services
Jefferson State Community College
2601 Carson Road
Birmingham, AL 35215

I am an international student. How do I apply for admission?

All prospective international students must apply for admission to Jefferson State. The admissions process must be complete prior to the issuance of the Form I-20 and before enrolling in classes. You may access the admissions forms and requirements by logging onto our homepage. Click International Students. You may also pick up an admissions package from the International Office at the Jefferson Campus or the Reception Desk at the Shelby-Hoover Campus or send an e-mail request to international@jeffstateonline. com.

When is the next term to register for classes?

Jeff State is on a semester calendar. The fall semester generally begins in August. The spring semester starts in January and the summer term generally begins the end of May or first of June.  For specific dates and events, click here to view a detailed Calendar.  

When will the class schedule be available?

The class schedule is available from our homepage and at both campuses. It is generally available 6 weeks before the next term.

How do I request to have my transcript sent to another college?

You may complete an online request through Campus Pipeline to have your transcript sent.  Click Access Your Online Services/Student Records/Request Printed Transcript.  You may also fax or mail a transcript request. You will need to include the following information in your request: full name, your current mailing address, your daytime phone number, social security number, date of birth, dates of attendance, name and address of where you want the transcript sent, and your signature. Your signature is the legal release for us to mail your transcript. The fax number is (205) 856-6070. You may also complete a transcript request in Enrollment Services at either the Jefferson, Shelby-Hoover, Pell City, or Clanton locations. Email requests cannot be accepted.

How do I change my major?

Complete a Major Change form. This form is available from our homepage. Under Enrolled Students, click Forms. Print the form (using the PDF Adobe Reader File). You may mail or fax (205) 856-6070 this form to Enrollment Services. You may also complete this form in person in Enrollment Services at the Jefferson, Shelby-Hoover, Pell City, or Clanton locations.

How do I change my information?

Complete a Student Information Change form. This form is available from our homepage. Under Enrolled Students, click Forms. Choose Student Information Change form. Print the form (using the PDF Adobe Reader Program ). You may mail or fax (205) 856-6070 this form to Enrollment Services. You may also complete this form in person in Enrollment Services at the Jefferson, Shelby-Hoover, Pell City, or Clanton locations.

How do I check my grades?

You can review your grades via Campus Pipeline. To avoid having to wait to have your pin reset please try to log on to pipeline before you actually need to (to see your grades). If you have a problem email help@jeffstateonline. com to have your pin reset.  Be sure to include your full name in the email.

I need a copy of the College Catalog and Student Handbook.

You may access our College Catalog and Student Handbook from our homepage

Financial Aid

How do I apply for Grants and Loans?

To apply for Federal Aid you can use the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov or complete a paper copy and mail the information to the federal government. To complete the federal application you will use the income records for the calendar year prior to the academic year for which you are applying for financial aid. You will also need our school code (001022) to have your financial aid application sent to Jefferson State. Before receiving financial aid, students must have all official transcripts on file. Transcripts must be mailed directly from the sending institution. Hand delivered transcripts will not be accepted. All transcripts must be on file even if you did not receive financial aid at that institution.

When are scholarship applications available?

Scholarship applications are available in January and February each year with a March 1 deadline. These scholarships are for the up coming school year. Please contact Financial Aid office for more information. 

How will I know if I qualify for federal aid?

Once the Financial Aid Office receives your SAR (application) back from the Federal Government they will send you in-house papers that you will need to complete. When the Financial Aid Office receives the in-house papers, they will send you an award letter stating how much and if you qualify for grants or loans only. Before receiving financial aid, students must have all official transcripts on file.  

Distance Learning

What is distance learning?

Distance learning consists of two types of classes; internet courses and videoconferencing. Internet courses are online classes.

These courses typically include a textbook, occasional study sessions conducted by the instructor, and an on-campus final examination. To take advantage of an on-line course, each student must have access to a computer with an Internet account.

Videoconferencing allows a student to enroll in a class at one campus while physically being on the other. The students and instructor see and hear each other through live, interactive television. 

Is distance learning right for me?

If you are interested in distance learning courses visit the Distance Education Department.  Also, contact the division or instructor for that specific course or see an advisor.

Do I have to come to campus?

Typically, a student will have to attend an orientation for the distance learning class as well as take tests on campus. For more information, contact the specific instructor or that division.

Who will my instructor be and how will I contact him/her?

The division under which the class falls will determine the instructor. You should contact the division for the instructor's name and contact number. 

How do I take my tests?

Tests are administered on campus for distance learning classes. 

General Information

How much is tuition?

Click Here for current Tuition and Fees

Who is my advisor?

If you are undecided, you can go to the Advising Center in Allen Library room 100. If you have declared a major, your advisor will be located in the division under which your major falls. A list of advising locations and majors are available from the Advising section. 

What is an official transcript?

An official transcript is one that is mailed from the secondary institution to Jeff State. The student will have no contact with the transcript.  

Students will not be eligible for Financial Aid if all official transcripts are not on file before the first day of class.

Students from Home schooled, religious affiliated schools and non-accredited high schools must have a minimum ACT score of 16, pass the GED, or pass the Alabama High School Graduation Exit exams to be eligible for admission.

What is the Placement test? When is it given?

Students enrolling for degree programs are encouraged to take the Compass assessment test to place them in the appropriate level of math and English courses. Students may also use their ACT English and math subtest scores for placement provided that the student is enrolling within three years of high school graduation. The placement test is given, at no cost, each Thursday at the Jefferson and Shelby-Hoover Campus from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Students must present picture identification and have an application for enrollment on file in Enrollment Services in order to take the test.  

I am a student with a disability.  Whom should I contact for assistance?

Students with disabilities should contact the Director of Accommodations, in the ADA Office for assistance.

I plan to transfer to a four-year school.  How do I know if my courses will transfer?

The Alabama General Studies committee guarantees that courses listed in the STARS/AGSC guide will transfer from JSCC to participating four-year state colleges and universities. Transfer check sheets are also available. If you plan to transfer to private and out-of-state colleges or universities, you must contact that institution for specific information on which courses they will accept to meet general education requirements.  

What is the difference between regular courses and Session I and Session II classes?

A regular course will begin when the semester begins and ends approximately 16 weeks later. In the summer, regular courses are approximately 10 weeks long. A Session I class will begin when the semester begins and end after 8 weeks. The Session II class will begin in week 9 and continue through the end of the semester. 

What is the difference between a community college and a university?

A community college is designed to offer two-year career programs (Associate of Applied Science) and the core courses needed to apply toward a Bachelor's Degree (Associate of Science/ Associate of Arts). Certificate programs are also available.  Universities offer a Bachelor's degree. 

Can I register online without seeing an advisor?

Students are strongly encouraged to talk with an advisor before registering online. You may do this in person, via email or telephone. You should carefully review your course selections to ensure that you have chosen the correct time and the correct campus. Make sure you are aware of the schedule adjustment (dropping and adding of courses) period for each semester.  Remember Financial Aid only pays for courses within your program of study on record with Jefferson State.  To check the major we have on record for you through Campus Pipeline, click Access Your Student Records/View Student Information.  Complete a Major Change Request Form if your major is not correct.

What is a credit hour?

Credit hour is the standard unit for measuring college credit. Jefferson State awards semester hours. An Associate's Degree requires approximately 64 semester hours. 

What courses should I take?

The courses you select will depend on your Placement or ACT test scores and your chosen major. Your advisor can provide the core curriculum requirements for your specific major. This information is also available through STARS/AGSC guide for students planning to transfer to a four-year Alabama state college or university.   Students planning to pursue a career program should contact the appropriate program advisor. If you are undecided, contact the Advising Center immediately.

I have to take developmental courses. Will they transfer?

Students receive institutional credit at Jeff State. They do not transfer; however, they may affect your transfer GPA. These courses are not part of the requirements for a certificate or degree at Jeff State.  

Can I earn an Associate Degree if I plan to transfer?

Yes. Jefferson State awards the Associate in Arts/Associate of Science degree for students who plan to transfer and pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year school. You can access  Transfer check sheets to view the specific requirements for your major. You should contact the Advising Center or the Director of Articulation, pptunam@jeffstateonline.com. if you have additional questions.

How many courses can I transfer?

You may not transfer more than 64 semester hours.

How do I calculate my GPA?

You may access the GPA Calculator to assist you in calculation your GPA.

Will a "D" transfer?

You must contact your transfer institution for their policy on the transfer of a "D". However, keep in mind that most colleges do not accept courses in which a grade of "D" has been earned.  

What GPA do I need to transfer?

Most colleges require a minimum GPA of 2. 0; however, the GPA requirement for acceptance in your major may be higher. You must contact your transfer institution for their policy on transfer GPA.

What degree will I earn if I choose a career program?

You will earn the Associate in Applied Science Degree. Contact your Program Advisor for detailed information on the degree requirements for your major. This information is also available in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.

What extra-curricula activities are available at Jefferson State Community College?

The college has several student organizations and activities. The names of organizations and their advisors are listed in the College Catalog and Student Handbook. Please go to our homepage.  For more information, contact the Student Activities Office, Rodney Thompson, rthompson@jeffstateonline.com (205) 856-7914 at the Jefferson Campus or Cindy Bobo, cbobo@jeffstateonline.com (205) 983-5915 at the Shelby-Hoover Campus.