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Frequently Asked Questions


General Questions:

When are you open?

  • During the Fall and Spring Semesters: Mon - Thur. 8:00 am to 9:00 pm      Fri. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Does my class come with a lab? 

  • The following courses have required lab components: 

    Eng. 50, Eng. 51, Rdg. 50, ESL 50B, ESL 51, all foreign language courses.
    Students enrolled in these courses have automatic access to the ASC Lab; they do not need to add a lab.

How many hours do I need to get credit for the ½ unit and 1 unit Independent Study Labs?

  • All ½ unit (course ID—97) labs require 27 hrs by the end of the semester.
    All 1 unit (course ID—98) labs require 54 hours.
    Note: Some courses have additional requirements, check with the instructor.

I don't need a lab; can I just sit here and study?

  • No. You must be enrolled in an appropriate lab section or a course with required lab work to use any ASC services.

Can I have a drink by the computer if I leave the lid on?

  • No. Food and drink are not allowed near the computers.

Can my child stay in the lab while I work?

  • Unfortunately, no. Because the College’s insurance policy only covers enrolled students, no one else is allowed in classrooms or labs.

If I sign up for a Tutoring Lab (ASC 100), can I use all lab services?

  • Yes. When you sign up for ASC 100 that only gives you access any of the labs. 

Can I use your phone?

  • Only in emergency situations.

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Assessment Questions:

Do I have to take the assessment test?

  • All new students are expected to take the test, except those who have completed English Composition and Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better at another accredited college or university.

I took the test three years ago. Do I have to repeat it?

  • A repeated test may not be necessary. Speak with a counselor if you have any questions.

Can I get my assessment scores over the phone?

  • We cannot give test scores over the phone. The student must come to the ASC to pick up scores or send a letter of request with the following information: student’s name, date of birth, social security #, and approximate date they took the test. (If someone else is picking up scores (i.e. a parent), they must be named specifically in the letter.)

If I don’t have a Photo ID, what ID can I use for the assessment test?

  • The student can use any ID with their photo and their printed name (e.g. employment card, school ID, passport or visa, green card). If they don’t have any of these, they must provide two forms of ID, such as a birth certificate and social security card.

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Writing/Reading Lab Questions

Do I have to have a memory stick or diskette for the Lab?

  • Yes. They should be memory sticks or high density IBM formatted disks.

Can I work on a document that was first written at home or in another lab?

  • Yes. However, the ASC labs are using Microsoft Word for word processing. If your document was created using a different word processing program, you may have to revise the formatting.
    Important:   If your word processing software at home is older than Word 2000, any changes you make using our software may not be readable on your home PC.

I just need to type a paper. Do I have to be enrolled in a lab?

  • Yes.  You must be enrolled in lab section or a course with a required lab to use any ASC services.

I just need to see the English instructor or tutor. Do I have to be enrolled in a lab?

  • Yes.  You must be enrolled in lab section or a course with a required lab to use any ASC services.

Can I just study in the lab, or do I have to use the computers?

  • While you do not have to use the computers, lab time must be spent on class assignments. However, if you are in a class with required lab (i.e., Eng. 50) most instructors require you to complete certain computer software assignments. Be sure to ask your instructor about your lab assignments.

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Language Lab Questions

How many hours are required for my class?  

  • Instructors set the number of hours you need to complete for your foreign language class, American Sign Language class or Intensive English Academy courses. For your English as a Second Language Developmental Education course you must complete at least 10 hours.

How do I get audiocassette tapes for my courses?

  • Audiocassette tapes are available in the Language Lab. Some of these tapes go along with your workbook or textbooks. You must supply a blank 90-minute tape at the beginning of the course and bring it to the lab. This tape will be used for the rest of the semester to record practice lessons. Blank audiocassette tapes are available for you to purchase in the College Book Store.

How do I get audio CDs for my courses?

  • Audio CDs are available for some of your textbooks and workbooks. Just bring a CD-R, 700mb, 80 minutes and we will make copies of the audio CDs you need. Blank audio CDs are available for you to purchase in the College Book Store. 

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Internet Use Questions

Can I use the Internet at the lab?

  • Internet services are available in the Language Lab and the Writing Lab. Students enrolled to use those labs may use the Internet. We only require that you agree to the provisions of the ASC Internet Use Agreement (Internet). Internet services are intended for research and other academic related uses.

Can I get e-mail at the lab?

  • No. Currently no e-mail services can be accessed in ASC labs.

Can I download software from the Internet?

  • No.

Can I use the Internet for shopping?

  • No.

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Tutoring Questions

I signed up for a Tutoring Lab (ASC 100), can I use all lab services?

  • Yes. Enrollment in ASC 100 gives you access to services in any ASC lab as well as to the Tutoring Center.

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