Academic Catalogs

Prerequisites/Corequisites/Advisories

A Prerequisite is a requirement which must be met before enrollment in a course.

A Corequisite is a condition of enrollment consisting of a course that a student is required to simultaneously enroll in with another course.

An Advisory (Recommended Preparation) is a condition of enrollment that is advised, but is not required to be met prior, or in conjunction with, enrollment in a course or educational program.

Prerequisite Courses

Some courses require special permission or have mandatory prerequisites. If a student is planning to enroll in one of these courses one of the following must be met:

  1. Coast Community College District placement results
  2. Completion of the prerequisite course at GWC after 1989 with a grade of "C" or better or be currently enrolled in it at the time of registration and subsequently earn a grade of "C" or better, or
  3. Completion of the prerequisite course at another college with a grade of "C" or better.  Proof of successful completion must be submitted to Admissions & Records. 

An online Prerequisite Clearance Request must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the registration appointment. Students should allow 5 to 7 business days for processing. Students can upload any necessary unofficial documents (transcripts, AP scores, etc.) with the online request found at: https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/pclearance

Note: a “C-” academic grade does not meet the “C” grade or better requirement as defined for this purpose.

Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge

A prerequisite/corequisite challenge requires written documentation which includes an explanation of alternative course work, background or abilities which adequately prepare the student for the course. A Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Form can be obtained from the Counseling Office for all courses that have a prerequisite. Reasons for seeking a Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Form may include one or more of the following:

  1. A prerequisite/corequisite is not reasonably available;
  2. The student believes the prerequisite/corequisite was established in violation of Title 5 regulations or in violation of the District-approved processes; the student believes the prerequisite/corequisite is discriminatory or being applied in a discriminatory manner; or
  3. The student has the documented knowledge or ability to succeed in the course without meeting the prerequisite/corequisite.

Note: a grade lower than a “C” in a prerequisite course may NOT be challenged through this Pre-requisite/Corequisite Challenge process.

The college will respond to students filing the Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Form via email. If the challenge is upheld the student will be cleared to register for the class. If it is not upheld, the student will need to meet the prerequisite before enrolling in the class.

Any questions on Prerequisite Clearance Request, please contact Admissions and Records specialist, Jorge Quiroz Moreno jquiroz1@gwc.cccd.edu.

The form can be found by visiting, https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/pclearance.