FAQs

Below you will find answers to the most popular questions students ask of the Registrar's Office.

• Where is the Registrar's Office?
  The office is located in Room S310, on the balcony just above the main lobby.
  
  
• What hours is the Registrar's Office open?
  Please read carefully.
  When classes are in session, the office is open:
  Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 7 pm and
  Friday from 9 am - 12 noon.
  
  When classes are not in session, the office is open
  Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 5 pm and
  Friday from 9 am - 12 noon.
  
  However during summer hours (late June - early August) the office is open: Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 6 pm.
  The office is CLOSED on Fridays.
  
  
• What is the Registrar's Office phone number?
  (212) 220-1290 or (212) 220-1291.
  
  
• When is registration?
  Registration is as follows*
  

  	Fall Semester	Spring semester	Summer Semester
  Early Registration	Late April	Late November	Late April
  Regular Registration	Late August	Late January	Week before first day of classes
  Late Registration	1st week of classes	1st week of classes	First day of classes




• When can I get the Schedule of Classes?
  The schedule of classes is available on the web prior to early registration.
  
  
• What is advisement? Do I have to be advised?
  During the advisement period, you will meet with a faculty or academic advisor to plan your academic program. You must be advised in order to register.
  For more about the advisement process see Advisement Directions.
  
  
• How do I know when I can register?
  The Registrar's Office sends letters and emails advising you of the advisement and registration dates. In addition, there will be notices in the main lobby and on the college's web site.
  
  
• Do I have to register in person?
  No. In fact, we encourage you to register yourself on the web.
  Learn more about Panther.
  
  
• I am unable to register at my scheduled time. Can I register earlier?
  No. You can register at your scheduled time or at any registration period after that.
  
  
• Why do some students get to register earlier than others?
  Registration appointments are based on credits completed as well as GPA. Students with a GPA of 2.0 or higher are registered earlier based upon their credits.
  
  
• What if I haven't been immunized?
  You will not be permitted to register if you have not been immunized. Contact the college nurse in room N303.
  
  
• Are grades mailed to me each semester?
  No. Grades are no longer sent to students by regular mail. Grades are emailed to students at their BMCC student email account. Students can also get their grades on the web by logging on to Panther.
  
  
• What do I do once I have registered for my courses?
After you have completed registration, a confirmation of your classes will be given to you. Please verify that it is accurate. The confirmation is also your BILL. It may be paid at any time on or before the due date indicated on top. All students must go to the Bursar's Office or the Web (Panther) to verify their bill. Even if your tuition is paid by financial aid, and you have a "0" balance due, you must still be validated by the Bursar. Your registration is not complete until this is done.


• What must I do if I no longer want to take a class for which I am registered?
  You can drop a course without penalty any time prior to the first day of classes. Once classes begin, you must officially drop or withdraw from a course that you no longer want to attend before the deadlines (check your academic calendar for specific dates). This can be done either in person at the Registrar's Office or on the web through Panther. Please make sure you receive a receipt from your transaction. If you do not take action on the course, you will receive a grade of "WU" which counts as a failure in your GPA and may have financial repercussions.
  
  
• When I drop a course, how do I get my refund and when?
  If you drop a course during the refund period, your refund will be mailed to you or credited back to your credit card depending on method of payment. Please allow 6 weeks for payment by check after the drop has been processed.
  
  
• Can I take a class at another CUNY college. What are the steps?
  BMCC students who wish to take courses at another CUNY College while attending BMCC must follow the procedures below to obtain a CUNY e-Permit.
  
  1. Students must have a GPA at BMCC of at least 2.0 and may not have more than 30 transfer credits. Note: A permit will not be issued or approved for newly matriculated students (1^st term) or non degree students.
  2. Be matriculated and currently attending BMCC.
  3. Courses must apply to your degree at BMCC.
  4. Each student will need to set up a user name and password to access the CUNY portal. Logon to www.cuny.edu and select register. Select e-Permit and follow the directions given.
  5. Once the student creates the e-Permit application with all necessary information, it is then forwarded to the home college approver.
  6. The student will receive an approval or rejection via email. Students should make sure that a current email address appears in their profile.
  7. If approved, the sstudent must register for their course at the Host college on the designated registration dates (please contact Hoste college for dates). An approved e-Permit does not guarantee your registration in the course.
  8. If you decide not to attend the Host college, you will need a letter from that college saying you are not registered. Bring the letter to the Registrar's Office in S310.
  9. Payment in full is required. Students are responsible for settling their bill. If not, registration including e-Permit will be canceled.
  
  
• Can I take a class at a non-CUNY college?
  Yes, but you must complete a non-CUNY Permit Application. You can may pick one up from the Registrar's Office or download it from the web site.
  Download a non-CUNY permit application.
  
  
• I need to take time off from Borough of Manhattan Community College. What should I do when I want to return to the College?
  If you leave within the first three weeks of school, you must go to the Registrar's Office to drop your classes. If you leave in the middle of the semester, you must officially withdraw from your classes. When you return, you must go to the Office of Admissions (Room S300) to complete a Readmit form. There is no need to file a readmit application if you return the following semester.
  Find out more about how to withdraw from your classes.
  
  
• How do I change my curriculum?
  You may pick up a change of curriculum form from the Registrar's Office or download it from the web site. The form requires both a counselor's and a chairperson's signature, so you must come to BMCC to complete the process.
  Download a change of curriculum form.
  
  
• What is an "INC" grade?
  An "INC" grade is a grade that is assigned by the instructor when a student is doing passing work but may be unable to complete the course on time.  It is an opportunity for the student to make up any missing work to earn a passing grade.
  
  
• What is a "FIN" grade?
  An "FIN" grade is equivalent to a failing grade. The Registrar's Office changes the temporary grade of "INC" to a failure on the deadline date, unless the instructor has submitted a change of grade form with the earned grade. If you receive an "INC", be sure to follow up with your instructor to ensure that your new final grade is submitted to the Registrar's Office. See the academic calendar for deadlines.
  
  
• I failed a course last semester, can the "F" grade be taken off my record?
  An "F" grade is an earned grade that remains on your record. However, if you repeat the course, the "F" grade will not be computed in your grade point average, the higher grade will.  This can be done for a maximum of 16 credits.
  Find out more about BMCC's repeat policy.
  
  
• Can I get Financial Aid to pay for my tuition?
  You may be eligible for financial aid to pay for your tuition. Contact the Financial Aid Office, located in room N340.
  See Financial Aid for more information about applying.
  
  
• If I have a loan, how is my bank notified that I am enrolled?
  Borough of Manhattan Community College participates in sharing student data with the National Student Clearinghouse, which processes most requests for enrollment. We supply Clearinghouse with our student enrollment three times each semester. Banks and other lending agencies get the enrollment information directly from Clearinghouse. The data requester is carefully screened and information is carefully given out, in accordance with all Federal and State rules regarding privacy issues.
  
  
• I have completed military duty, am I eligible for any educational benefits?
  If you have completed active military duty within the last ten years, or if you qualify for a reserve educational contract, you may be eligible for a monthly stipend from the Veteran's Administration. Go to the Registrar's Office for more information.
  For more about our Veteran's benefits, see our Information for Veteran's.
  
  
• What is an official transcript?
  An official transcript is a record of your grades, which bears the official seal of the College and the Registrar's signature. Official transcripts are not given to students. They are sent directly to other schools or places of business. Learn more about transcripts
  
  
• What is a student copy transcript?
  A student copy transcript is a record of your grades. It does not bear the official seal of the College or the Registrar's signature. Student copy transcripts can be given directly to students once the appropriate fee is paid. Keep in mind that current students can access Panther to view their academic records at no charge.
  
  
• What is an impound?
  An impound is a restriction that is placed on your record for failure to fulfill financial or other obligations to the College. All impounds must be cleared before you register, or before records are released.
  
  
• How long does it take for a change of grade to be processed?
  Normally, change of grades submitted to the Registrar's Office are processed within 5 business days of receipt of the change.
  
  
• Are my records kept at the college indefinitely?
  Yes, your academic record is retained for the life of the College.
  
  
• How can I block the release of information about my student record to those who are outside of BMCC? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guarantees students certain rights with respect to their educational records.  You can request in writing that access to your directory information be denied to any outside parties. You can read about the Student Records Policy and printout a Non-Disclosure form. The form must be handed in to the Registrar's Office each semester.