Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any pre-requisites or co-requisites for courses offered in ESS?

Please check the website listing of courses (under Programs) for specific information. Most lecture courses are open to all students without any prerequisites. Certain laboratory courses require either completion of or concurrent enrollment in the corresponding lecture. Beginning in Fall 2020 certain lecture/lab courses in Geography and Geology will be merged into one course.

Which ESS class should I take?

Due to the abundance of classes available, students are highly encouraged to enroll in an ESS course of interest. Please keep in mind that if you are trying to fulfill Associate Degree, CSU Breadth, and/or IGETC requirements, you may need to take an accompanying laboratory course along with its corresponding lecture.

The class that I need is full and closed. What can I do about that?

The best thing that you can do is join the waitlist for the class. If there are openings before the semester begins, you will be automatically added to the class. You will be notified by email, so you should check your email regularly so that you will know if you are added and can arrange to pay your fees. If you are still on the waitlist and the term is beginning, you should attend the first day of class. Students on the waitlist will be added (in the order they appear on the waitlist) if enrolled students do not attend the first day. If you do not attend the first day, other students who are not on the waitlist but who did attend the first day will be allowed to add if there is room. You should also consider alternative days/times/locations that the course is offered. If there is an open space in another section even if it is not at your preferred day/time or location that is often a better choice than staying on a waitlist, especially if you are not among the first few students on the waitlist. The further down the waitlist that you are, the more unlikely it is that there will be room for you to add the class. If you really need the class, you should sign up for a section that has space available.

How do I drop/add an ESS class?

To add or drop a class, you may come to the counter in Admissions & Records or visit my.canyons.edu, log in, and select the appropriate link. However, remember that after a class has started, any student wishing to add a class needs to obtain an Add Code Form first from the instructor.

Where on campus can I get help if I'm struggling with an ESS class?

Contact your instructor for office hours. There may be multiple venues for students to solicit tutoring assistance while on campus, including the TLC and the Zone. In addition, you are encouraged to form study groups with your classmates. Studies have shown that this can be an extremely effective method for quiz and exam preparation. Also remember that all full-time faculty members have weekly office hours, and you can always email as well.

Where on the Internet can I get help if Im struggling with an ESS class?

There are several online sites that can serve as great tutorials for the various topics outlined in our ESS courses. Contact your instructor for more information.

I don't have much time, and I heard online ESS classes are easier than onsite classes. Are they?

Online classes at College of the Canyons are not easier or harder than onsite classes. The key difference between the two delivery formats is that online courses tend to require more self-directed study. Your learning style will determine what is best for you.

Is it necessary to purchase or rent the textbook for lecture courses?

Yes, it is expected that all students will have an assigned textbook. If money is an issue, speak to your instructor. Many times, a book may be available for borrowing. Books are occasionally on reserve in the Reserve Section of the College of the Canyons Library. The information you need will be available either when you register for the class in My Canyons or from your instructor.

Do we need to purchase the study or solutions manual that accompanies the textbook?

Ask your instructor.

How much study time is required to succeed in an ESS course?

As in most college classes, you are expected to study 2-3 hours outside of class for each hour of lecture. Knowledge in the various ESS courses takes a great deal of practice and some memorization. These are cumulative knowledge courses, and it is especially important to keep up. Take time to study often. Work out the problems assigned by your instructor. Ask for help often so you do not get behind. If you miss lecture, it can be difficult to catch up since new information is given at most lectures.

Are the labs dangerous?

Labs at a two-year college are specifically chosen to avoid most dangers. If you follow directions and use common sense, you should avoid injuries or other related incidences. Most of the materials will not cause problems when used correctly. If you are pregnant or have special medical problems like respiratory illnesses, please let your instructor know. The instructor will be ready to advise you and may choose an alternative assignment if a particular lab may cause you potential problems.

Can I make up a lab that was missed?

Ask your instructor.

I have a complaint about my instructor. To whom should I complain?

You should first make sure that you have discussed the issue with your instructor. It could be that there is a misunderstanding, and speaking to your instructor about it can help to resolve the issue. In the event that you are not able to resolve the issue with your instructor, your next step would be to contact the department chair, who will work with you and your instructor to come up with a solution to the problem. The department chair can advise you regarding additional options if necessary.

Are there any scholarship opportunities available through ESS?

Please check with your instructors as scholarship opportunities arise periodically throughout the academic school year.