New students are encouraged to attend an orientation session the first semester that they enroll. These sessions are designed to give you important information on academic procedures, student responsibilities, and available student services. You can access the dates of the next orientation session on the Curriculum Calendar.

To view an online orientation, click here:

The Alamance Community College Student Handbook is also a valuable resource and can be obtained in the Student Development office or download it from the link on the left.

Specific information you should know is included under the following:

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know what courses to take for my major?

Each student is assigned an advisor when enrolling. You are expected to provide placement tests results or transfer credit information to your advisor. The advisor will work with you each semester in planning which courses to take to keep you on target for graduation. Ask your advisor for the semester-by-semester course plan for your curriculum.

When can I register for classes?

An early scheduling period is announced for each semester. During this time, current students can contact their advisor for scheduling. Early scheduling allows you to get the class reservations you want and avoid long lines and closed-out classes on registration day.

How do I change my schedule?

Up until classes begin, contact your advisor for schedule changes. Once the semester begins, there is a 3-day drop/add period for currently enrolled students. Only department heads can approve schedule changes during this time. It is extremely important during this drop/add period to make changes to your schedule during the same session, as changes to schedules once classes begin can involve additional tuition charges.

How do I contact my advisor?

During the first semester you are enrolled, you will be sent information on How To Contact Your Advisor. If you are unsure of your advisor's name, you may contact Student Records office for this information. Advisors post their office hours on their doors.

How much will I be charged for tuition?

Tuition charges are set by the North Carolina General Assembly. You are charged by the credit hour. Access the Tuition page for current charges.

Can I get a refund?

Refund policies are set by the General Assembly. Students may receive a refund of 100 percent of their tuition payment before the first day of the semester and 75 percent of their tuition until the 10 percent point of the current term. Details of the refund policy are printed in the course schedule and college catalog, or a printed copy of the policy may be obtained from the Student Records office.

What is the Attendance Policy?

ACC keeps attendance records and expects students to attend the classes in which they are enrolled. A student can be dismissed from class for absences. In some cases, a student's grade can be affected by absences. Check the student handbook for general policies and the instructor's syllabus for each of your classes for specific expectations.

What do I do if I know longer attend a class?

Students should formally drop a class by filling out a drop-add form obtained in Student Records. Failure to fill out a drop-add form could result in a failing grade in the class you are no longer attending. The student handbook details drop-add procedures.

How do I contact my instructor?

Instructors put their office hours in their class syllabus. Often they provide additional information on how they may be contacted by students. If you are having difficulty contacting your instructor outside of class, contact Student Development or visit our College Directory.

What is a GPA?

Your GPA is your Grade Point Average. It is figured each semester on the basis of hours completed and grades earned. It is also accumulative from semester to semester. It affects your academic standing as to honors recognition or probation. The student handbook outlines the grading system and scholastic standing of the College. If you have questions concerning your GPA, contact a counselor in Student Development.

Can I be placed on academic probation?

Yes. The hours you have attempted and the GPA that you have accumulated determine this probation. It is noted on your permanent college transcript. If a student is on probation, a counselor in Student Development will contact him/her for a conference. Details on academic probation can be found in the student handbook.

Will I be recognized for academic achievement?

Yes. The College has three scholastic honors designations: President's List, Dean's List, and Part-Time Honors. These are awarded on a semester basis and determined by hours earned and GPA. The award is noted on your permanent college transcript. Details on scholastic honors can be found in the student handbook.

How can I change my major or my personal information?

Change of Student Information forms must be filled out to change from one major to another. Once your major has been changed, you will be assigned a new advisor. This form will also change your directory information. Additional documentation is required for name changes. Most forms can be printed from Student Records, Transcripts & Other Forms or located in Student Development and Student Records.

Where can I purchase my books?

A college bookstore is located on campus. Bookstore hours are published each semester in the course schedule. Arrangements can be made for purchasing your books through the mail. Contact the bookstore at

How do I transfer credits from another college or university?

Official college transcripts must be sent to ACC Admissions from each postsecondary school attended. Transfer credit is awarded by an admissions counselor following guidelines approved by the various academic departments. Students are notified by mail of the transfer credit they have received. Questions regarding the evaluation should be directed to the department head.

Counseling Services

A variety of counseling services is available in the Student Development office.

Academic Counseling:

Students placed on academic probation are invited to discuss strategies to improve their academic performance. A variety of help services is available to students needing assistance outside of the classroom.

Career Counseling:

Students unsure of career plans can find help through various career inventories or counseling sessions. Information on appropriate academic majors for specific career paths is also available.

Job Placement Counseling:

Students needing part-time employment while enrolled at ACC may use the College's job bank. Assistance in writing resumes and practicing interviewing techniques is also available. The College will actively help students find full-time employment after graduation. Contact Steven Reinhartsen for additional information.

Personal Counseling:

Nationally certified counselors are available on staff. Students experiencing problems associated with personal issues can make an appointment with a counselor to discuss their difficulties and get direction on the help that they need.

Special Needs Counseling:

A special needs counselor, Monica Isbell is available in the Student Development office to assist students with their requests. Students requesting accommodations must provide documentation supporting their requests.

College Policies

The Alamance Community College Student Handbook has detailed information on the College's policies such as release of student information, student messages, smoking, sexual harassment, acceptable computer usage, loitering, drug-free environment, reporting criminal activity, and students' rights and responsibilities. Familiarize yourself with these expectations.

Campus Security

The campus has 24-hour security coverage. In an emergency, ask any College faculty or staff member for assistance or contact the College's main information desk to reach security.

Transfer Information

A transfer counselor,

Graduation Information

ACC grants certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. Students should work closely with their advisors who will help them monitor their progress towards graduation. At the beginning of the semester in which you will finish your graduation requirements, you must complete an application for graduation. Your advisor has graduation applications or you may fill out an application in the Student Records office.

Support Information

If I cannot come to ACC's campus and want to locate assistance in my community, what can I do for the following?

Personal Counseling/Therapy

Contact a mental health center, talk to your personal physician, call the information center at your local hospital, or refer to the directory under "counselors" in your local telephone directory.

Physical Health Issues or Problems

Contact your personal physician, consult the telephone book's yellow pages for walk-in clinics, call the health center under your county's listings in the telephone book's white pages, or go to the emergency room at your local hospital.

Spiritual Needs

Contact the church, mosque, or synagogue of your choice and ask for a counseling appointment. Religious counseling centers are also listed in the directory of your telephone book.

Recreational Activities

Private fitness centers, county or city recreation departments, and the YMCA and YWCA are good contacts. Also universities, colleges, and community colleges publish activities or classes that are available to the community. Various support or interest groups may also be available through libraries, schools, hospitals, and business organizations.

Financial Planning and Assistance

Local banks, insurance companies, and investment brokers are good places to seek initial information.

Career and Job information

Consult the local branch office of North Carolina Employment Security Commission. Large organizations will have human resources offices that post job listings. Colleges and universities have placement offices that list available positions. Personnel agencies that hire for temporary positions are also a good way to see what is available in the job market.

Consumer Concerns

Contact Better Business Bureau, federal or state agencies that help with consumer concerns (telephone book yellow pages) or the local chamber of commerce.

Legal Concerns

Contact legal aid organizations (telephone book yellow pages), local attorneys, law enforcement personnel or your local district attorney's office.

Meeting People

Contact civic clubs, singles' organizations sponsored by recreation departments or local churches, investment clubs, travel clubs, and volunteer services through local service organizations.

Volunteer Opportunities

Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, homeless shelters, local schools and hospitals, various youth sponsoring organizations, food banks, and adult literacy programs welcome volunteers.