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:

• The test link here.
• 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.
• The test instructions are included on the test page.
• Students will not be able to schedule required math courses without having first taken the math placement test.

For language, complete these steps:

• Access the placement test by visiting WebCAPE Placement Exam and using the password: spartans
• Select the appropriate language. If you haven’t taken a language, just pick whatever you feel comfortable with. Again, it’s OK if you have limited knowledge. This is only to help us gauge your knowledge level.
• Provide your name, YCP ID number, and YCP email address (note that it's not your personal email address!).
• Complete the short survey.
• Try the practice question. Once you submit your response, 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 disabilities and health conditions to ensure equal access to their education. Examples of accommodations include:

• Extra time on tests
• Separate room testing
• Copies of class notes or recording lectures
• Wheelchair accommodations

Disability information is confidential and diagnoses are not automatically shared with faculty. Use of accommodations is always voluntary on the part of the student. For more information about eligibility and the process to obtain accommodations, please visit the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) webpage or contact Linda Miller, SAS Director at sas@ycp.edu.

TIP: When it comes to accommodations, don't take the "wait and see" approach! Linda Miller, SAS Director, says it’s better to get accommodations set up so they’re available if you need them than to struggle and have to rush to get them later.

Supporting you outside of the classroom

Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center focuses entirely on improving your strengths as a student while shoring up your weaknesses with guidance from math, science, and other tutoring experts — peer and professional — in a comfortable space. You also get access to study groups, study skills help, review sessions, and more. If there's a 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. Take time to learn more about the Academic Support Center. 

TIP: It’s never too early to ask for help! Students often say they wish they could’ve gone back and sought help sooner.

Writing Center

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 Center 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 center! Learn more about the Writing Center.

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 to help you do just that. First-Year Seminar lets you explore a topic — the topics are truly wide-ranging. You'll also develop skills you need to succeed as a first-year student and for your college and professional career. All first-year students take this course, and you’ll have a First-Year Fellow (a trained student mentor) to guide you along with your professor. You’ll be meeting with them both during Fall Orientation, which means you’ll already know a professor before class begins!

The Common Hour is a one-credit course 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. Learn more about FYS courses and Living Communities.

Gen 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 GenNext. 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! But right now, know that when you come to York, you’re going to get so much more than just a set of skills in your major.

Helpful things to keep in mind as you start school

TIP 1: Don’t wait until you’re past the point of no return. If you feel you’re starting to struggle, reach out right away. York College offers warning grades early in the semester, so students who are in danger of failing get a heads up. There’s still time to catch up! We are here to help you.

TIP 2: New Spartan Days registration opens up around May 1. We have two weeks at the end of June available; you only need to attend one day. Keep an eye on your email around May 1 for registration info.

TIP 3: Before you show up for New Spartan Days (when you’ll make your fall schedule), take a look at your potential major in the college catalog. Go to the major’s page, and scroll toward the bottom for the catalog link. In it, you’ll find the required courses. This will give you a general idea so you’re not caught by surprise!

TIP 4: Commuters have to attend New Spartan Days summer orientation, too! And everyone attends fall orientation, held the weekend before classes start.

TIP 5: When scheduling classes, remember to factor in practice time (if you’re a NCAA or club sport athlete!) or hours you’ll be spending at a part-time job. Let your advisor know if you have these kinds of obligations. You don’t want to overload a day and leave no time to study or sleep!

TIP 6: If you take a class and realize it’s not working out, we have a Drop/Add period covering the first week of the semester. You are allowed to swap out a class without a penalty.