1. What is Common Course Numbering between community and
technical colleges?
Washington State created the Common Course Numbering (CCN) system, which has
renumbered and renamed courses that are commonly shared among Washington
community and technical colleges.
2. Why is this information important to me?
It is important to you if you have taken courses at BCC prior to summer quarter 2008
because hundreds of course numbers and titles have changed and you do not want to
accidentally repeat the same course. Remember: be careful when picking classes if you
have previously taken courses at BCC.
3. I am a new student who has never taken classes at BCC…
do I need to use the course change list and continue reading?
Only if you have previously taken classes at another Washington State community and
technical college.
4. I am a continuing student who has taken classes at BCC…
do I need to
use the course change list to check to make sure I don’t accidentally
repeat the same course and continue reading the information?
Yes.
5. What does this mean to me as a student when choosing coursework
for my degree or certificate?
If you have taken any BCC classes before summer 2008, it is very important for you to
check the list of course changes to ensure you do not accidentally take the same course
twice as result of the new course number/title changes.
6. How will I know when a course is part of the common course group?
The courses identified as common between community and technical colleges are
denoted with a “&” behind the course prefix (for example, SPCH 200 is now CMST& 210).
BCC has created a Course Change List which can be found in this pamphlet, quarterly
class schedule, 08-09 catalog and online at: www.bellevuecommunitycollege.edu/ccn
7. Does this affect how classes transfer to a university?
No. Common course numbers and titles were changed to simplify transferring between
community and technical colleges; not between community/technical colleges and
four-year colleges and universities. For example, UW will accept either Speech 200 or
Communication Studies 210, but not both (SPCH 200 is now CMST& 210).
8. So I only have to check the Course Change List when I see a course
number showing the “&” sign?
NO! As a result of common course numbering system, BCC had to change some other
course numbers and titles that are NOT common among the state community/technical
colleges. However, all BCC courses with changed course numbers and/or titles are
clearly denoted on degree planning worksheets, quarterly course schedules and the
college catalog, and throughout the college catalog. Please read these materials carefully
before registering!
9. How will I know if a course number and/or title have changed?
BCC has created a master list of all courses that have changed. In addition,
the degree and certificate planning sheets have a symbol (▲ and/or &) to alert you
that the course has undergone a change.
Here are the symbols that you will see in the catalog and on degree and certificate planning
worksheets to help identify course changes (or know when you need to use the course
change list).
& – A common course identifier recognized among Washington State
Community and Technical Colleges.
▲ – Course number and/or title change begins Summer 2008.
Courses with previous number/title are still applicable.
10. What about courses that are not on the Course Change List?
Do they still transfer?
Many courses not on the Course Change List continue to be considered transferable
coursework under the Direct Transfer Agreement between community and technical
colleges and universities.
Note: Unchanged BCC courses that were transferable prior to common course
numbering continue to be transferable as always. In addition, courses that were not
transferrable before the change still are not. It is recommended you check with the
receiving institution as the transferability of individual courses is the sole prerogative
of the receiving school.
11. How will this be reflected on my BCC transcript?
All classes taken prior to summer quarter 2008 will remain the same. Classes taken
thereafter will use the new course number and/or title. You will see a message on your
transcript to denote the beginning of the Common Course Numbering program as of
summer quarter 2008.
12. Where can I get help or ask more questions?
If you have any questions or would like some assistance, please do not hesitate to contact
the Educational Planning Advising Center at (425) 564-2212 or your advisor (if you need
help locating your advisor, please call us and we will connect to your advisor).
13. Is this information available online?
Yes. You can look at the Common Course Numbering Advisory website (this site). You can also visit the State Board
of Community and Technical Colleges site: http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu/college/e_commoncoursenumbering.aspx.
14. Does Common Course Numbering affect how I register online?
The online registration will not catch that the item number for a CCN course is for as the cours
you have already taken under the former prefix, title and/or number. You must cross-reference CCN
courses against the course change list.
Note: When using the online schedule planner, you will need to add the “&” to the
common courses as they are listed in the schedule and catalog. For example, CMST&
210 (not CMST 210).