Handbook: Academics

Placement tests must be completed

Before you schedule classes for the fall, we need to get an assessment of some of your skills. You’ll need to complete two placement tests: math and foreign language. Yes, even if you haven’t taken a foreign language or do not plan to have a major at York that requires one, we still need you to take the test. Sometimes, plans and/or majors change, and we don’t want to wait long after high school to find out what you know. The exam results are only used to help us decide what level course you are prepared to take.

In June, you are sent information about how to take the test. You’re welcome to take the tests now if you have your York College account access available. You’re required to have both complete before you arrive on campus for New Spartan Days summer orientation or thereafter for when you schedule classes.

For math, complete these steps:

1. You can access the assessment link at: www.ycp.edu/newspartan 
2. Read the information under the “Math Placement Assessment” section completely to determine which assessments you need to take before you begin.
3. Enter your MyYCP username and password. Your MyYCP network account is your access to campus computers and MyYCP (my.ycp.edu). If you did not receive your YCP network account or your password is not allowing you to log in to MyYCP, please call the LTS Help Desk for assistance at 717.815.1559.
4. The test instructions are included on the test page.
5. Students will not be able to schedule required math courses without having first taken the math placement test.

For language, complete these steps:

1. Access the placement test by visiting www.ycp.edu/newspartan
2. Go to the “World Language Placement Assessment” tab.
3. Provide your name, YCP email (please note that it is not your personal email), your student ID number, and create a unique password for this account.
4. Select the appropriate language. If you haven’t taken a language, just pick whatever you feel comfortable with. Again, it’s okay if you have limited knowledge. You’re just helping us gauge your knowledge level.
5. Complete the short survey and try the practice question. Once you submit your answer, the real test begins!

TIP: Need information on how to get credit for college work you did in High School? Contact the Registrar's Office at 717.815.1273 or registrar@ycp.edu.

Student Accessibility in the Classroom

York College provides academic accommodations for students with various disabilities and health conditions to ensure equal access to their education. Some examples of possible accommodations students may be eligible for include:

• Extended time on tests
• Testing in our Testing Center environment
• Copies of class notes or recording lectures
• Assistive Technology
• E-Text
• Accessibility accommodations

Student Accessibility Services adheres to federal and local legislation including the American with Disabilities Act (ADAAA) and 504 Rehabilitation Act. Disability information is kept confidential and the use of accommodations is always voluntary on the part of the student. For more information about the process to request accommodations, please visit the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) webpage at www.ycp.edu/sas or contact Student Accessibility Services at sas@ycp.edu.

TIP: Students with previous accommodations and IEP/504 plans are encouraged to meet with Student Accessibility Services to discuss the various supports, services, and resources available on the York College campus for students.

Supporting you outside of the classroom

Academic Support Center

The Academic Success Center focuses on improving your strengths as a student, while shoring up your weaknesses. You can meet with a tutor for assistance in a variety of courses, mostly STEM, but other disciplines too, in a comfortable space. You’ll have access to review sessions, as well as one-on-one and group tutoring sessions. If there’s any way to help you perform better in class, we’ll help you find it.

You can meet with a tutor, consult with an Academic Coach about study skills, and more. It’s a center you’ll want to get familiar with, regardless of your major. 

Writing & Communication Studio

What kind of citation format should I be using? What am I supposed to write about on this topic? Can you help me find grammar errors? These are just a few of the topics that the Writing & Communication Studio can help with. Tutors can help with any type of writing at any stage of the writing process. Some professors even give extra credit if they are informed you’ve used the studio! 

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center exposes students to career development concepts throughout their education - not just during their senior year. Our staff guide students through the process of exploring academic and career directions, identifying and securing internships and related experiences, preparing résumés, developing interviewing skills, locating full-time employment opportunities, and applying to graduate and professional schools. The Plan to Succeed program, Spartan Career Path, and bi-weekly email newsletters are some of the ways we help students succeed academically and professionally starting in their first year.

Helping you adjust to college. Helping you see how academic disciplines connect to deepen your learning.

First-Year Seminar

We want you to thrive at York, and that means helping you transition from high school to college. Our First-Year Seminar class and the Common Hour it’s paired with help you do just that.

First-Year Seminar lets you explore a wide range of topics while also developing skills you need to succeed as a firstyear student and in your college career. All first-years take this course, and you’ll have a First-Year Fellow (a trained student mentor) to guide you, along with your professor. You’ll meet with them both during Fall Orientation, which means you’ll already know a professor before class begins!

The Common Hour is paired with FYS that gives you an in-depth look at commonly encountered challenges for first-year students — such as student habits and sleep — and offers practical advice.

You’ll be picking your FYS class during New Spartan Days summer orientation, but we give you a preview of course offerings at Accepted Student Days so you can start making a mental list of a few prime options.

Note: Certain majors have specific FYS courses. Also, certain FYS courses are part of a Learning Community, which means you will be studying, and perhaps living with, your classmates.

Generation Next

You’re heading to a liberal arts college, which means we want you to have a well-rounded education that works with and complements your major. At York, we call that approach Generation Next (Gen Next). We help you design an educational plan of courses and experiences in and outside of the major that will help you have a fulfilling career and personal life.

Every semester, you’ll be taking courses from your major requirements, your electives, and your general education requirements. These help you toward your bachelor’s degree and any potential minors. Your advisor will help explain all of this, too!