Academic Regulations and Policies

The following Skyline College academic regulations and policies are developed in alignment with state and federal regulations, as well as local and district policies.

Unit Deficiency Due to Quarter to Semester Unit Conversion

Students who transfer in coursework that involves quarter units should carefully review their transfer credit evaluation to see how their quarter units are being converted to semester units and whether any deficiencies exist. Unit deficiencies may be addressed in multiple ways in order to ensure requirements are met.

Course Substitutions

Course substitutions are used to meet missing requirements in a degree or certificate, including for individual courses and unit deficiencies. Through this process each course is evaluated for course equivalency toward requirements of certificate programs, associate degrees, and Cal-GETC.

Evaluation of Upper-Division Coursework

In general, non-California Community College courses applied to general education requirements, degrees or certificate major requirements, or Cal-GETC (California General Education Transfer Curriculum) should be classified as lower-division. However, there are instances when a course that is listed as upper division by a baccalaureate college or university may be applied to a degree and/or certificate (Title V 55062). 

The request for evaluation of upper division courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Upper-division, baccalaureate-level coursework completed at institutionally accredited colleges outside of the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) may be considered to meet certificate and degree requirements. 

The application of upper-division coursework to meet Associate for Transfer degree (ADT) major requirements follows the guidelines outlined in the C-ID/TMC/ADT Handbook. 

An approved upper division course generates credits/units that are applied toward the lower division goal. To request that an upper division course be considered to meet a degree and/or certificate requirement, students should submit a Course Substitution Petition. 

Meet with a Skyline College counselor for assistance.