Standard Operating Procedure: Program Planning Worksheet (Alexander College)

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) serves as the definitive guide for students and academic advisors at Alexander College to navigate the Program Planning Worksheet process. The purpose of this document is to ensure accurate course mapping, adherence to graduation requirements, and efficient credit transfer management. Following this SOP minimizes the risk of enrollment errors, ensures students remain compliant with institutional policy, and streamlines the path to degree completion.

Phase 1: Pre-Planning & Resource Preparation

• Access the current Alexander College Academic Calendar to identify specific degree requirements.
• Download the official Program Planning Worksheet (PPW) for your specific credential (e.g., Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, University Transfer).
• Obtain a copy of your unofficial transcript via the Student Portal to track completed credits.
• Verify prerequisites for all intended courses using the "Course Descriptions" section of the college website.
• Confirm your current academic standing; students on academic probation must consult with an advisor before finalizing their selection.

Phase 2: Course Selection & Credit Mapping

• Input all previously completed Alexander College courses into the 'Completed Credits' section of the PPW.
• Identify pending transfer credits; ensure these have been formally evaluated and posted to your record.
• Select courses for the upcoming term, ensuring a balance between program requirements (breadth/depth) and elective credits.
• Cross-reference course selection against the BC Transfer Guide to ensure courses are transferable to your intended target university (if applicable).
• Document the specific course codes (e.g., ENGL 100, PSYC 101) and ensure they satisfy the required categories (e.g., Science, Arts, Quantitative).

Phase 3: Validation & Finalization

• Perform a "Graduation Check": Total the credit hours to ensure they meet the minimum requirement for your credential (typically 60 credits for an Associate Degree).
• Check the "GPA Requirement" section; ensure your current GPA meets the minimum threshold for your specific program.
• Submit the finalized PPW to an Academic Advisor for review during a scheduled appointment or via the official email submission channel.
• Obtain a digital or physical copy of the approved/signed worksheet for your personal records.

Pro Tips & Pitfalls

• Pro Tip: Always prioritize "Core" courses first to ensure you have the necessary foundations for upper-level electives.
• Pro Tip: Use the "Notes" section of the worksheet to track correspondence with advisors regarding course substitutions or waivers.
• Pitfall: Do not assume a course automatically satisfies a requirement without verifying it in the current Academic Calendar; requirements change annually.
• Pitfall: Avoid "overloading" your semester; if your PPW suggests a 15-credit load, ensure you have the capacity to handle the workload before registering.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if a course I need is full? A: Use the waitlist function in the student portal immediately. If you are near graduation, contact your academic advisor to discuss potential course substitutions or alternate sections.

Q: Does the PPW update automatically as I finish courses? A: No. The PPW is a static document. You must manually update your worksheet at the end of every semester to reflect your new grades and earned credits.

Q: Can I change my program after I have started a PPW? A: Yes, but you must request a "Program Change" form from the Registrar’s Office. Your previous credits will need to be re-mapped to the requirements of the new program, which may result in some courses becoming "electives" rather than "core" requirements.