R&C FAQ for Students

Beginning with Tele-BEARS for fall 2012, R&C seats will be restricted to freshman and sophomores only. Upper-division students who have not satisfied the requirement will face enrollment blocks that only a college advisor can remove, after an in-person meeting in which the student presents a clear plan for satisfying the requirement. Options include Summer Sessions or community colleges, to the extent that seats are available. (We are also advising students to check ASSIST to confirm that community-college classes they are considering do meet our requirement.)

Registration blocks have been placed for Fall 2012. If you received a block, the College of Letters and Science Advising Office strongly encourages you to visit us in 206 Evans Hall during drop-in hours or a scheduled appointment to discuss your academic plan, prior to the start of Tele-Bears on April 9th. Skype and phone appointments are also available. Please dial 510-642-1483 to schedule an appointment with a college adviser or drop by during the following hours: M, T, Th & F 9am-2:30pm and W 1-3pm.

Common Questions:

1. I know I already satisfied this requirement but I am still being blocked. Who can I speak with to get my record updated?
   Please see a college adviser to ensure that your DAR accurately reflects completion of R&C. If you know you satisfied R&C by taking a course elsewhere, please check with the Office of the Registrar that they have an official transcript on record. If your DAR Academic History shows the course and the ASSIST website indicates the course(s) is equivalent to Berkeley's R&C, please submit a DAR Correction Form to 206 Evans Hall.


2. How were blocks determined? I just finished my fourth semester but took a reduced study list and still have sophomore standing. Will I be blocked?
   Blocks were based on terms. Any student that is completing (or has completed) their fourth term without completing R&C will receive a block. Please note that Summer Session does not count as a regular term.


3. I am registered with the Disabled Students' Program and believe my situation warrants an exception.
   All students are required to complete R&C during the first two years. Please discuss an appropriate program plan with your DSP specialist to determine the best manner in which to complete the requirement.


4. I have a registration block on my fall 2012 registration, how can I get it lifted?
   If you received a registration block, please see a college adviser prior to the start of Tele-Bears on April 9th. You will need to have a feasible plan to complete R&C in order for the block to be removed (e.g. plan to take R&C this summer or at a community college concurrently in the fall term).


5. What if I fail to follow my program plan and I do not complete my R&C requirement?
   If you fail to complete your R&C requirement, a second block will be placed on the following semester's registration. You will be required to meet with a college adviser and demonstrate your plan to fulfill R&C. This may require proof of registration in R&C before the block can be removed.


6. Is there a way to waive the requirement? My friend was able to obtain a waiver for the second half of R&C. Is this still an option?
   Waivers of any college requirement are extremely rare and require proof of an extenuating circumstance that prevents you from completing the requirement.
   The petition to waive R1B based on writing experience is no longer an option beginning Fall 2012. All students will be required to complete the requirement.


7. I am a graduating senior. Will I be able to convince an instructor to let me into an R&C course?
   Instructors will not allow any student with junior or senior standing to enroll in an R&C course.  Seats have been restricted to students with freshmen and sophomore standing, regardless of whether a student is graduating. A limited number of seats may become available to juniors and seniors during the Adjustment period, but this outcome should not be counted on: you are strongly encouraged to enroll in a summer sessions course to be sure of a seat. 


8. I didn't receive a passing grade during my first attempt. I am now a junior. Will I be able to repeat the class at Berkeley?
   For students in their junior or senior year, the most reliable option for repeating an R&C course is through Summer Sessions. A limited number of seats may become available to juniors and seniors during the Adjustment period, but this outcome should not be counted on: you are strongly encouraged to enroll in a summer sessions course to be sure of a seat. 


9. I have completed less than four semesters, but took coursework at a community college during high school. Tele-Bears will not allow me to register for an R&C course because of my units. Help!
   Please see a college adviser. They will review your transcript and assist you in gaining access to a course if the restriction is in error.


10. I plan on taking the course at a community college during fall or spring semester while I am enrolled at Berkeley. How do I go about getting credit for satisfying the requirement?
    Concurrent enrollment is an option. Please discuss the process with a college adviser, as you need approval from the college. You will also need to submit an official transcript to the Office of the Registrar, Attn: Records.


11. I am moving home for the summer. How would I determine an appropriate course for completion of R&C if it is not on the ASSIST website?
    If it is not on ASSIST, please contact the Evaluation Unit in the College of L&S. An evaluator can be reached at 510-642-7391.


12. I am planning to study abroad in my junior year. Will I need to satisfy R&C beforehand?
    Yes! One of the criteria for studying abroad through the UC program is completion of R&C.
    If you study abroad through a non-UC program and are a junior or senior, your readmission application will not be approved unless R&C is fully satisfied.


13. I am planning to apply for re-admission for Spring 13. Will I need to have R&C completed?
    If you are beyond your fourth semester, then yes you will need to have R&C satisfied for your re-admission to be considered. This change is effective Spring 2013, although it is highly recommended for any junior that doesn't have R&C satisfied to do so prior to returning to Cal.