Advising FAQ’s
Use these helpful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) to help you navigate through your time at SMCC.
Q: Why should I meet with an advisor before registering?
A: Meeting with an advisor before registering helps students stay on task and graduate on time. An advisor can work with you to ensure you’re taking the right courses, and help you plan ahead.
Q: When does registration begin?
A: Registration for Fall begins in March, and registration for Spring begins in November. Check the Academic Calendar for specific dates. Check the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Q: Why should I register early?
A: When you register for your classes early, you have the opportunity to select the courses that meet your program requirements and your interest. You also have a better chance to create a schedule that fits your responsibilities apart from SMCC.
Q: How do I find out which credits have transferred in?
A: You can see transferred credits on your degree audit.
Q: What is the portal?
A: The portal is where you will find important information that will support you in making the most of your time at SMCC. It includes academic information and supports(tutoring/library), information on your financial aid and student bill, and information on getting involved on campus.
Q: What is a degree audit?
A: A degree audit is a personalized program worksheet that keeps track of courses you’ve taken or courses you need to complete to earn your degree.
Q: Where can I find my degree audit?
A: Once logged in to your student portal, your degree audit can be found by clicking on “Academics” then “Degree Audit”.
Q: What classes do I need to graduate?
A: Your degree audit is an overview of what you have taken, and what you have left to complete your degree.
Q: What are Fine Arts/Humanities and Social Science Electives?
A: Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Science electives are courses offered from select departments. Find the Electives section in your degree audit for details.
Q: How can I find my course schedule?
A: Once logged into the portal, click on “Academics” then “Course Schedule”.
Q: How can I drop a course?
A: You can drop courses through your student portal. Note that courses can only be dropped during the posted add/drop period.
Q: I registered for a course that meets online. What do I need to know?
A: Some courses offered online are asynchronous, meaning you will see no scheduled meeting times for the course. Others have required times to meet online as a class. Most courses require some portion of your work to be accessed/completed online.
The materials for your course will be posted on a regular basis throughout the semester and you will be responsible for regularly checking your email and the Brightspace page for assignments and updates.
To access Brightspace, log on to the student portal and select Brightspace from the menu at the top of home page.
Q: Who should I speak with if I feel I have disability related needs that affect my ability to keep up in class?
A: Contact the Disability Services Office at smccdisabilityservices@mainecc.edu or 207-741-5923.
Q: Where do I go for tutoring?
A: The Learning Commons has tutors for many courses at SMCC—especially math, English, and lab sciences. The Learning Commons is located on the second floor of the South Portland Campus Center, and can be emailed at smcctutoring@mainecc.edu.
Q: Where am I on a health science waiting list?
A: Connect with our Admissions Office directly: smccadmissions@mainecc.edu.