Academics as an International Student

International students are required to meet with their Academic Counselor once per semester. This is to ensure that graduation requirements and academic progress is being met and aligns with their Form I-20.

Maintaining a Full-Course Load 

All international students with an I-20 must maintain a full-course load each spring and fall semester. 

• Enroll and complete 12 units each fall and spring semester. 

• New students starting in summer, must enroll and complete a minimum of 6 units. 

• Intersession and Summer sessions are optional for continuing students. 

• W’s (withdrawals) do not count towards a student’s full-time status. 

• Only one 3-unit online class can count towards a student’s F-1 status. 

• Winter Intersession and Summer session are optional for continuing students. 

Online Courses 

• International students with an active Form I-20 must have at least 9 units of on-campus/hybrid coursework.  
• Students are limited to using one 3-unit course towards a full-course load for maintaining F-1 status. If an online course is more than 3 units, only 3 units will count towards a full-course load. 

• Students in their final semester and on a Reduced Course Load (RCL) cannot be enrolled fully online. 

Comprehensive Student Educational Plan (SEP) 

All international students must have a comprehensive SEP before the end of their first semester.  

• Make an appointment by calling the Counseling Department at 714-628-4800—have your SCC ID ready. 

• Every semester, review your Comprehensive SEP with an academic counselor. 

• Your SEP is viewable at any time from Self-Service and is a great tool to stay on track to meeting your graduation requirements. 

Honors Program 

The SCC Honors Program offers an enriched learning environment for high academic achievers. International students considering the Honors Program should discuss it with their academic counselor. 

Benefits: 

• Smaller classes  

• Innovative instruction 

• Enriched environment  

• Unique learning community Research Opportunities  

• Earning a special honors designation on your transcript   

• Transfer agreements with a variety of universities 

• Pre-selection for Honors classes  

• Specialized Honors Counseling  

• Access to Honors Scholarships 

Visit the Honors Program website to learn more about applying: SCC Honors Program Website 

Pass/No Pass (P/NP) 

Pass/No Pass (P/NP) is a grading option that allows students to take courses outside of their major without affecting their grade point average (GPA). This is a strategic option for those who do not want a general education course to negatively impact their GPA. 

Not every course can be taken for P/NP.  

Students must get signed approval from an academic counselor. 

The deadline to submit the P/NP form is the date of the last class meeting.  

Course Overload Petition 

A course overload petition is required when a student wants to enroll in more courses than the normal number of courses in a term. 

• Fall & Spring = 18 units; Maximum with counselor approval = 23 units 

• Summer = 9 units; Maximum with counselor approval = 11 units 

• Intersession = 6 units; Maximum with counselor approval = 9 units 

Transferring Credits to SCC 

It is highly recommended to speak with an SCC academic counselor prior to translating your international transcripts. Many times, international college credits are not applicable towards graduation requirements in the US.  

If you are transferring credits from a U.S. institution, please visit this site for details on sending official transcripts: Transcripts. 

Graduation 

Students need to submit a graduation petition to be awarded degrees, certificates, or general education. It is recommended to submit the petition the semester before you graduate.  

UCs & CSUs verify that their incoming transfer students complete IGETC certification/CSU General Education Certification. A graduation petition is required to receive these designations on your transcript.  

There is one graduation (commencement) ceremony each year and takes place in June. 

Visit the Graduation webpage at: www.sccollege.edu/graduation for detailed information relating to degree and certificate awards and graduation.