Frequently Asked Questions

What is GRAD Plan?

GRAD Plan is a web based tool to help students and advisors monitor a student's progress toward degree completion. GRAD Plan combines PCC's degree requirements and completed coursework with easy-to-read worksheet to help students see how completed courses count toward degree requirements. Ultimately, students can see courses and requirements still needed to graduate.

Important! GRAD Plan includes UNOFFICIAL information that may be used for academic planning. It is not an official transcript, nor is it official notification of program completion. It is highly recommended that students contact an academic or program advisor to review their GRAD Plan. Information regarding Academic Advising can be found online at www.pcc.edu/advising.

I can't access my GRAD Plan. What do I do?
To access GRAD Plan, you must be currently enrolled and taking credit courses at PCC and access it from the "Login to GRAD Plan" link from your MyPCC My Courses tab. If you were unable to open GRAD Plan, it may be that you need to change your MyPCC password in order to obtain access. Various symbols used in your MyPCC password (such as @, #, $, %, &, *) do not allow for GRAD Plan to load. 

After logging into MyPCC, you can change your MyPCC account password by going to the "My Account" link at the top left corner of your MyPCC account. Your account preferences are located there to change your password. After changing your MyPCC password you will need to logout and then log back in again using your new password. Then, try the link to "Login to GRAD Plan" from your MyPCC My Courses tab.

GRAD Plan and other online services are updated nightly, so if you try to access GRAD Plan between 10pm and 2am you may get an error message. Please try again during normal business hours. If you are still unable to access GRAD Plan email us at gradplan@pcc.edu.

When should I use GRAD Plan?
  • Before an academic advising session, go to MyPCC and print out your degree audit.
  • Before registration, print out a degree audit and use it to plan courses for the term.
  • After registration, confirm that courses selected complete the necessary requirements.
  • View the audit after grades are posted.
  • Before filing for graduation, review your academic record.
Who can use GRAD Plan?

All currently enrolled credit students can use GRAD Plan. Students that attended PCC in previous years may not be included in GRAD Plan until they are registered for a current or future term.

Additionally, select advisors, faculty, and staff who have a primary role providing academic advising can use GRAD Plan.

Advisors: Why can’t I find a specific student in GRAD Plan?

The most likely reason for not being able to find a student in GRAD Plan is because the student is not currently enrolled or has not been enrolled for an extended period of time. As an example, a student who last enrolled in 2008 might not be loaded in the GRAD Plan database. The number of students loaded into GRAD Plan has been limited in order to improve system performance. Students will pull into the GRAD Plan database the day after they have registered for a future or current term.

When searching for a student in GRAD Plan, it is best to search by G-number (make sure to include the G in the Student ID field). If you search by name from the Find icon, you can use the “@” symbol as a wildcard within the name field.

How do I access GRAD Plan?

GRAD Plan is available through your MyPCC account. Students have access to GRAD Plan from the My Courses tab > Planning My Degree channel. If a degree audit does not display for you when you login to GRAD Plan, you can use the "What If" link on the far left to process a degree audit using degrees, majors, and academic years that you designate.

Advisors: If you have been designated to have access and have completed GRAD Plan training, you can also access GRAD Plan from your Employee tab > Tools channel.

How do I read the degree audit?

The audit appears in categories:

Student Information – is information about the student that is separate from the degree choice and program requirements. This section includes items such as: Degree, Major, Student ID and Overall GPA.

For students pursuing a degree option, rather than a certificate, the following appears:

Degree Block – At the top of the audit, high level requirements are listed. This section includes: Academic Year for the catalog requirements, Credits Required, GPA, and Credits Applied. As requirements are fulfilled, the box next to each requirement is checked off.

General Education Requirements – This block indicates the courses that will fulfill the general education requirements for the degree. As requirements are fulfilled, the box next to each requirement is checked off.

Major Requirements – Each major will be displayed in a block indicating the program requirements, the courses that may be used to fulfill the requirements and/or the courses already taken to complete the requirement.

For students pursuing a certificate option, the following appears:

Certificate Block – Each certificate will be displayed in a block indicating the program requirements, the courses that may be used to fulfill the requirements and/or the courses already taken to complete the requirement.

There was a change on my student record. When will it appear in my audit?

The database is updated each night so changes will appear the next business day.

Can I see a list of the classes I have taken?

Yes. On the Worksheet tab, click on the “Class History” link at the top for a printable list of courses taken at PCC, as well as courses you have transferred in from other schools.

What should I do if I think the audit is incorrect?

Always consult with an advisor if you have any questions about your audit. They can explain any difference between the audit and the advice you are receiving. While we have done everything we can to make sure that your worksheet is correct, it would have been impossible for us to predict every unique situation or problem. We want to work with you to correct any issues as soon as possible. The first step is to contact an advisor to clarify what information you believe is wrong. For contact information go to www.pcc.edu/advising.

Why does my audit say I am missing one credit from a degree requirement, but I've taken all the classes required for the degree area?

It may be that you took a 3-credit course that is now considered a 4-credit course. Talk to an advisor to discuss course options you can consider to fulfill that requirement. For contact information go to www.pcc.edu/advising.

How can I update information?

If you need to update personal information such as your name, degree, major, or program of study go to any PCC Admissions/Registration office or call the Registration Helpline at 971.722.8888, option 2. You cannot update information in GRAD Plan.

The degree worksheet placed one of my courses in two places. Is that okay?

In most cases, yes. GRAD Plan is programmed to recognize that some courses can “double fulfill” requirements, such as writing-enhanced courses, intercultural courses, and some required support courses. Be sure to look through requirements for your major in the PCC Catalog to make sure that this duplicate placement is appropriate. If you have any questions, contact an advisor. For contact information go to www.pcc.edu/advising.

What should I do if GRAD Plan placed a course in one section, when I wanted to use it in another?

Speak with an advisor to discuss whether or not a change is necessary.

Catalog / Academic Years

Why is the system only using catalogs published since Fall 2009?

The effort it takes to input information into GRAD Plan is very time consuming and over time PCC will have fewer students using earlier catalogs. If you attended PCC prior to the 2009-2010 academic year, please speak with an academic or program advisor about your options for using an earlier catalog. Contact information for academic advising can be found at www.pcc.edu/advising.

How do I know which catalog or academic year my GRAD Plan is auditing from?

If you were admitted and attended PCC starting during the 2009-2010 or previous academic years, and have been enrolled for at least one credit class each academic year, your degree or certificate will audit from the 2009-2010 academic catalog.

If you were admitted and attending starting the 2010-2011 academic year, your degree or certificate will audit from the 2010-2011 academic catalog. Please speak with and academic or program advisor to confirm which academic or catalog year is best for you. Contact information can be found at www.pcc.edu/advising.

Changing Degree / Majors

What is the difference between the various degrees and/or certificates?

Information regarding PCC degrees and certificates can be found online in Panther Tracks. From the Panther Tracks website you can research the different degree options by clicking on the appropriate "paw". It is also recommended you speak with an academic or program advisor regarding degree options.

My degree/major is incorrect, what should I do?

You can access the Change My Degree/Major link in MyPCC from the MyPCC Home tab, under the Registration Services channel. Unless you are currently admitted as a high school student or are in, or seeking entry into, a limited entry program, this new web form is the quickest and easiest way to change your degree or major program. Call Admissions / Registration at 971-722-8888 (option 2) if you are unable to use the online form. You will not see the change within GRAD Plan until the next term, but can use "What If" to select the appropriate degree/major until your GRAD Plan updates..

I'm thinking about changing my major. How will my current courses be applied toward my new major?

Use the "What If" feature to select your proposed degree and major. The requirements for your selection will appear and you will see how your coursework may be used for the degree or certificate you are considering.

If I use the "What If" feature, does this mean that I have changed my major?

No. The “What If” feature just gives you a snapshot of the courses necessary for the degree and major you chose. You have to formally change your major through the PCC Admissions / Registration office or from the Verify or Change My Degree link on the MyPCC Home tab, under the Registration Services channel.

Graduation

Do I automatically graduate if everything is checked off?

No. In order to graduate, you must file an Application for Graduation which can be found at www.pcc.edu/graduate.

Registration

Can I register for classes in GRAD Plan?

No. GRAD Plan is a snapshot of your academic history and planned courses. To register for classes, you need to access Registration Services via MyPCC, go to a PCC Admissions / Registration office, or call the Registration Helpline at 503.977.8888, option 2.

How do I know what courses to register for?

Review your audit worksheet. Look for areas that are not complete and say “Still Needed” in red text. Meet with an academic or program advisor to develop a plan that meets your schedule and educational goals. For contact information go to www.pcc.edu/advising.

Substitutions / Exceptions

My advisor told me that a course I took would be substituted or waived for a requirement. Why doesn't this information appear in my audit?

Speak to an advisor and be sure that the official course substitution or waiver form has been properly completed, signed, and submitted to the Student Records office. Contact information for academic advising can be found at www.pcc.edu/advising.

Transcripts

Is my degree audit the same as my PCC transcript?

No. Your PCC transcript is arranged by terms and is the final and official documentation of your academic record at the college. You can order your official transcript online via the MyPCC Home tab or by submitting a Transcript Request Form to an Admissions / Registration office.

Transfer Coursework

Why isn’t my transfer coursework meeting a course requirement?

There could be two reasons. First, the course did not meet either the minimum number of credits and/or minimum grade requirement for use in your program of study. Second, all requirements have been met and this course is simply not needed.

I have a previous degree. Why does my audit show that I need Writing, Math, or Reading competency?

You need to have your transcripts evaluated by PCC Student Records in order for it to show on your degree audit. You can still meet with an advisor for a class override, but this competency will not be reflected on your audit until you have your transfer credits evaluated by PCC Student Records. To have your transfer credits evaluated complete follow the instructions located on the Transfer Credit Evaluation website.

Does the audit show all my courses even if I have taken them elsewhere?

Yes, but you need to have your transcripts from other institutions evaluated by PCC Student Records in order for it to show on your degree audit. All courses transferred in from other colleges, taken in the military, on permit or in study abroad should show on your degree audit. Certain courses may not be applied to your degree or certificate if you have exceeded the allowable number of credits under the residency requirement. For more information about how to transfer credits to PCC from other institutions visit http://www.pcc.edu/resources/student-records/transfer.html.

Fall Through / Electives, Insufficient, Not Counted

What does it mean if I have a class listed under “Fall Through / Electives”, “Insufficient”, or “Not Counted” headings?

“Fall Through / Electives” refers to courses that were passed with a D or better, may or may not apply to your degree, and are counted in your GPA. ”Insufficient” refers to courses that were not passed, do not apply to the degree, and are counted in your GPA. “Not Counted” refers to courses that were passed with a passing grade of D or better, do not apply to your degree and are counted in your GPA. If the course was repeated, non-passing repeats may appear in the "Not Counted" section.

Why aren’t some courses applied to the degree requirements?

Courses listed in the “Insufficient” or “Not Counted” sections do not meet any of the program requirements. Please meet with an academic or program advisor to clarify questions you may have. Note: Courses below the 100-level are considered developmental courses and may not apply toward your graduation requirements.

In Progress

How are In-Progress courses used to create my audit?

Courses you are currently taking or have registered for in a future term are included in your degree audit. These courses also are applied into the requirement block where they meet a specific requirement. While in-progress they are assigned an "IP" until the courses is graded. They are also grouped at the bottom of the audit in a section titled "In-Progress".

If I am waitlisted for a course, will GRAD Plan show that course as In-Progress?

No. Only after you have been officially added to the course and taken off the waitlist, will the course show as "In Progress".

What If

What is the “What-if" feature?

This feature allows you to create a hypothetical degree audit for a different degree, certificate, or academic year using your current academic history. You can use this feature if you are considering declaring or changing your degree and would like to view how your completed courses apply. This feature does not officially change your degree or certificate, you must do so through the PCC Admissions / Registration office or through the Verify or Change My Degree link on the MyPCC Home tab, under the Registration Services channel. Changes to your degree/major will not be available through GRAD Plan until the next term..

How do I use the “What-if” feature?

Follow these steps to view how your courses count in a different degree, certificate, major, or academic catalog:

  • Click on “What-if”
  • Select the degree, certificate, and/or major you are considering
  • Select the appropriate catalog year
  • Click “Process Audit”
  • Review how your courses would be applied to this new program of study
  • Discuss this new program of study with an academic or program advisor
  • If you decide you want to change your major, you must do so through PCC Admissions / Registration or through the Verify or Change My Degree link on the MyPCC Home tab, under the Registration Services channel. Changes to your degree/major will not be available through GRAD Plan until the next term.

Important! In order to have a “What If” scenario display a complete audit, you must select all three: Degree, Major, and Academic Year from the picklists.

Will I be able to see how my current classes fit into changes I make with “What If”?

Yes. The “What If” function will perform an audit based on the hypothetical degree, certificate, and/or major and will show how your completed, current, and planned coursework meets the requirements of the hypothetical degree, certificate, or major.

What does it mean if I get a message that says ”MAJOR = **** block was not found but is required” in my audit?

This means a Major was not chosen from the picklists prior to processing the “What If”. When you process a “What If” scenario you must select a Degree, as well as a Major, from the picklists for all degrees. This is also true for the Associate in General Studies, Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer, Associate of Science Oregon Transfer, and Associate of Science degrees.

What does it mean if I get a message that says “No requirement blocks were found for this student.”?

This may mean that the student is “Undeclared” with no degree or major. Additionally, when processing a “What If” scenario, if a Degree, Major, or Catalog Year have not been selected from the picklists, this message will display.

Can my advisor see my “What If” scenario?

Since “What If” scenarios are not stored on GRAD Plan, your advisor can only see your results if the two of you work through a “What If” procedure together or if you save your “What If” scenario.

Can I view multiple “What If” scenarios on the same screen?

Yes. GRAD Plan will allow you to select more than one major at a time within the same degree option. For example, you can select the Associate of Applied Science Degree and choose multiple majors or programs of study (such as Interior Design and Accounting) to see how your classes apply within each. However, you cannot view multiple What If scenarios on the same screen for two different degrees, such as Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer and Associate of Applied Science.

Can I save “What If” audits?

You cannot save “What If” audits in the system, but you can print them using the "Print" link located in the header of GRAD Plan.

If I like what I see in a “What If” scenario, how do I initiate the changes?

Always speak with an advisor first. Contact information can be found at www.pcc.edu/advising. After consulting with an advisor you will need to initiate changes to your academic degree or program of study through the PCC Admissions / Registration office or through the Verify or Change My Degree link on the MyPCC Home tab, under the Registration Services channel. Changes to your degree/major will not be available through GRAD Plan until the next term..

If I use the "What If" feature, does this mean that I have changed my major?

No. To officially change your degree/major you will need to contact PCC Admissions / Registration or through the Verify or Change My Degree link on the MyPCC Home tab, under the Registration Services channel. Changes to your degree/major will not be available through GRAD Plan until the next term.

My advisor told me that a course I took would be substituted or waived for a requirement. Why doesn't this information appear in my “What If” audit?

Speak to an advisor and be sure that the official course substitution or waiver form has been properly completed and submitted to PCC Student Records. For contact information go to www.pcc.edu/advising.

Look Ahead

How do I use the “Look Ahead” feature?

“Look Ahead” allows you to enter a list of classes that you are considering taking and see where the classes might apply to your degree. You need to enter classes with the abbreviated subject code (i.e. PSY, MTH, WR) and include the number of the course in the number field (i.e. 101, 237).

Why do the classes I enter in “Look Ahead” not display accurately in my audit?

There could be a number of reasons for this, but here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “Look Ahead”.

  • Only use abbreviated PCC subjects codes (i.e. use “BI”, not BIO or BIOL for Biology; use “MTH”, not MA or MT for MATH). You can view a full listing of abbreviated subject codes by clicking on the "Find" icon.
  • Do not type the full course subject (i.e. use “PSY”, not Psychology; use “WR”, not Writing)
How will the classes I enter into "Look Ahead" apply to my audit?

The requirements for which your classes are placed may not be the requirements they will fulfill after you complete and receive a grade for the class. Classes you enter that are not valid will not be applied to any requirements and will end up in the "Not Counted" section of the report.

GPA Calculators

What is the difference between overall GPA and institutional GPA?

Overall GPA includes any transfer credit you may have. Some departments use the overall GPA for acceptance into their programs of study. The institutional GPA is based on the courses you completed at PCC. The institutional GPA is used to determine graduation eligibility.

What is the Graduation Calculator?

This calculator can be helpful in determining the average grade you must achieve in all of your remaining classes in order to achieve a desired final GPA. Current GPA is filled in for you. Credits remaining are the number of credits that you still must complete in order to graduate. This information is available on your Audit. Credits Required is the number of credits required to graduate. This information is also available on your Audit. Desired GPA is the GPA that you would like to achieve by the time you graduate.

What is the Term Calculator?

This calculator will help you determine what your GPA will be at the end of the current term based on grades that you anticipate receiving in your current courses. Each of your current courses is listed, along with the number of credits that course is worth. Select the grade you think you will receive in each course, and click Calculate.

What is the Advise Calculator?

This calculator will tell you the minimum number of credits that you must take in order to raise your GPA to a specific level. For example, if you currently have a 3.45 GPA, you can use this calculator to determine how many credits you must take (and get an A in) in order to achieve the 3.5 GPA required to graduate with honors. Simply enter the desired GPA and click Calculate.

Is the calculated GPA guaranteed?

No. This is an estimate only.

Why can't I select a grade of "P" or "Pass"?

“P”or “Pass” grades do not count in your GPA. Remove courses for which you expect to receive a “P” from your course list before calculating GPA.

Planner

What is the Planner?

The Planner is a tool for you and your advisor to arrange course requirements into future term blocks. This can help you forecast your academic career. It is recommended that advisors create active plans and keep them up-to-date, as this information may be used by administrators to determine the demand for various courses each term.

If I have a course listed in my plan, am I automatically registered for that course?

No. The planner is for planning purposes only. Students need to register themselves via MyPCC or in-person.

Are the courses planned for future terms guaranteed?

No. The planner is for planning purposes only. Course schedules are available to students online before registration from www.pcc.edu/schedule. If you discover that a planned course is not being offered, you should identify an alternative course to take and have your advisor move the original course, if still needed, to a future term.

How do I create a plan?
This document provides information regarding Planner features and how to create student plans.
Will putting courses in a planner change the way an audit looks?

No. Nothing entered on the Planner will affect the actual audit. You can, however, see how the courses you have entered in the planner will apply to an audit by checking the boxes next to the semester blocks that you wish to include (check all of the boxes to see how the audit will look if the student completes the entire plan) and then clicking on "Load". In the audit on the left-hand side of the screen, you will see how the planned courses applied to the various requirements.

Are there any Pre-Defined Plans in the system?

No. Plans need to be created using drag-n-drop from the left frame audit or entered manually.

Can I create multiple plans?

Yes; however, only one plan at a time may be kept as an active plan. Advisors should mark Active and Locked the plan that the student to follow.

Will plans be saved?

Yes. GRAD Plan will allow you to save many plans; however, only one plan may be marked as active.

Need Help?

What do I do if I have additional questions about GRAD Plan?

If you have a question specific to your degree, certificate, and/or the courses you need to take, you will need to speak with an academic or program advisor. Contact information can be found at www.pcc.edu/advising.

If you have a technical or How do I...question, you can use Ask the Panther from your MyPCC account or from www.pcc.edu/search. From any of the Frequently Asked Questions in Ask the Panther you can use the "Ask a Question" tab to submit your question.

Additionally, you can submit your question to gradplan@pcc.edu.

Last updated November 2012