Center for Academic Planning and Support

Advising and persistence support services are available to students and community members through the Center for Academic Planning and Support (CAPS).  Most services are available both in-person and remotely.  Services include: assessment; academic advising (including international student advising); disability support and accommodations; success coaching; peer and professional tutoring; career coaching; single parent, first generation, and ELL (English Language Learner) support services; web-based instruction; and workshops.  In addition, the Center maintains a computer lab, study/tutoring space, career development resources, computer training room, assistive technology station, and testing rooms.  Students are encouraged to visit CAPS during their first week of classes to familiarize themselves with the services and staff.  CAPS services are free of charge to students.  Community members may access the Center and its services by purchasing a Community Access Card.

For more information about any CAPS service or to receive a brochure, email CAPS at greatbaycaps@ccsnh.edu, visit the website at Great Bay CAPS, call 603-427-7715, or drop in during open hours.  CAPS is in Room 210 on the Portsmouth Campus. 

Academic Advising

The goal of academic advising at Great Bay Community College is to assist students in creating academic plans that will help them achieve their educational goals on time.  Advising is a process in which the student and the advisor collaborate to set individual objectives for the student’s college experience.  Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to determine the path and meet their academic goals. Whether the goal is to earn a degree or certificate, transfer to another institution, or just take a few classes, the advisor will assist in developing a plan to achieve the goal.

Professional Academic and Transfer Advisors in CAPS, work with all students new to the College, regardless of major*, to select classes for their first semester.  In subsequent semesters, the advisors work with various students including Liberal Arts majors and non-matriculated students.  The program faculty advise other students in the specific disciplines.  A complete list of faculty advisors can be found in the Advising and Transfer Center or online at the Advising & Transfer Center.  All GBCC students are welcome to contact Advising and Transfer with any academic advising, transfer questions, or concerns.  For more information, email greatbayadvising@ccsnh.edu or call 603-427-7728. 

*Faculty advisors advise first-semester Nursing students.

Transfer Advising

Advising services include assistance with exploring colleges for transfer, the transfer application process, and course selection based on future transfer goals. 

As a comprehensive community college, Great Bay Community College develops partnerships to enable seamless transfer to baccalaureate colleges and universities across the state and beyond.  Some of these colleges and universities include:

• Berklee College of Music
• Franklin Pierce University
• Keene State College
• Maine College of Art
• New England College
• New Hampshire Institute of Art
• Plymouth State University
• Purdue University
• Rivier University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• St. Joseph's College of Maine
• University of New England
• University of Massachusetts, Lowell
• University of New Hampshire, College of Professional Studies
• University of New Hampshire, Durham
• University of New Hampshire, Manchester

Transfer articulation agreements have been developed with the University of New Hampshire to guarantee transfer into the following colleges:

• The College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
• The College of Engineering and Physical Science
• The Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

New Hampshire Transfer Program

Application to the NH Transfer Program is free.  The program offers a seamless process for all CCSNH students who want to transfer to a University System of New Hampshire (USNH) college or university.  Visit www.nhtransfer.org for more information. 

SNHU Dual Admission Program

Great Bay Community College (GBCC) and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) have developed a transfer agreement that allows students who have completed an associate degree program at Great Bay Community College to transfer to SNHU to complete their bachelor’s degree automatically.  Participation in this dual admission agreement can take place at the time of the student’s acceptance or any time before graduation from Great Bay Community College.  All academic coursework in which a student has earned a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) or grade of C- or higher in individual courses is fully transferable. 

For more information on these and other transfer opportunities, please contact the Advising and Transfer: greatbayadvising@ccsnh.edu or 603-427-7728.

Academic Alerts

Academic Alerts are an early intervention system designed to support student success by identifying academic concerns early in the term. Faculty may submit an alert when a student is experiencing challenges such as attendance issues, low academic performance, or difficulty adjusting to course expectations. When an alert is issued, the Alert Coordinator proactively reaches out to students to discuss concerns and connect them with appropriate campus resources. The goal of Academic Alerts is to provide timely support and help students remain on track toward their educational goals.  For more information explore the What is the Academic Alert System at GBCC? page of the website or connect with the Alert Coordinator at (603) 427-7622. 

Success Coaching

CAPS Success Coaches work with students at any point in their program to design personalized strategies for academic success. These strategies can include but are not limited to: time-management planning, organizational skills development, identifying and accessing support resources (e.g., tutoring services), and assistance managing school-life balance. Specialty support is available in the areas described below, and students may work collaboratively with faculty and CAPS Success Coaches around these topics.  When appropriate, students are referred to outside agencies for further assistance.  Students referred to CAPS through an Academic Alert from a faculty or staff member will be contacted to receive these services. More information is available on the College website at: Success Coaching or contact CAPS at 603-427-7715 or greatbaycaps@ccsnh.edu. 

Tutoring Services 

Both peer and professional tutors are available in various subject areas to help students gain greater knowledge/confidence in their learning strategies, develop organizational skills, and complete assignments successfully. Tutoring options include drop-in on campus, drop in remote through zoom and 24/7 online tutoring through Brainfuse. Schedules are updated each semester, available on the website at Great Bay Tutoring and located under 24/7 Tutoring in Canvas. Services are free of charge for GBCC students enrolled in classes. The tutor program is licensed and certified through the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) and offers Level 1 Tutor Certification for tutors who complete training.  For more information about receiving tutoring or becoming a tutor, contact the Tutor Services Coordinator at (603) 427-7623.

Disabilities Support Services

It is the mission of CCSNH to provide equal educational access, opportunities, and experiences to all qualified students with documented disabilities who register with their home college’s Accessibility Services Office. Assistance is provided collaboratively to help students develop strong and effective independent learning and self-advocacy skills, as they assume responsibility for reaching their academic goals. In compliance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the College does not discriminate against students with disabilities in terms of program admission and/or opportunities for academic success.  Students are entitled to equal access to programs and services for which they are otherwise qualified.

Although students are not obliged to disclose their disability, in doing so, they become eligible to receive support services that promote retention and success.  As each student’s needs are unique, the provision of services is designed each semester individually.  The nature of the disability, the requirements of the curriculum and specific classes, and the timeliness of the request determine reasonable accommodations.

To access services, students must provide recent documentation of their disability to the Accessibility Advisor & Services Coordinator.  All information is kept confidential.  For more information, contact the Accessibility Advisors & Services Coordinator at 603-427-7625, or visit our website at Great Bay Accessibility Services.

Additional support is available to students with documented disabilities in career and technical programs through the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Educational Grant.  For more information, contact the Academic and Community Support Coordinator at (603) 427-7724.

Grievance Policies and Procedures Appeal Process for a Student Denied Disability Services: Students denied disability services may submit a written appeal of the decision.  Appeals should be sent to the Director of the Center for Academic Planning and Support (CAPS) and the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) within ten (10) working days of receipt of the decision from the Accessibility Advisor & Services Coordinator.  The CAPS Director and VPAA will research the appeal and provide a decision to the student within ten (10) working days of receipt of the appeal letter.

If the student disagrees with the decision of the CAPS Director and the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the student may submit a written appeal to the President of Great Bay Community College.  The original documentation and recommendation of the Accessibility Advisor & Services Coordinator will be reviewed by the President (or designee), who will communicate his/her decision in writing within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of the written appeal.  The student may then appeal this decision to the Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire if desired.  Inquiries may also be directed to the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, 8^th Floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-3921; (617) 289-0111; email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov.

Single Parent Support

GBCC recognizes the unique challenges associated with being a student who is also a single parent, single pregnant person, or displaced homemaker. Along with personalized academic support for these students, CAPS Success Coaches can facilitate access to community service providers who specialize in meeting the needs of families and children. For more information, contact the Academic and Community Support Coordinator at 603-427-7724.

First-Generation/Low-Income Student Support

GBCC recognizes the challenges facing students from low-income backgrounds, especially if they are the first in their families to attend college. CAPS provides support to complete the enrollment process, to understand college terminology, to manage barriers as they arise, and to maintain academic success. Please contact the Academic and Community Support Coordinator for more information by calling 603-427-7724.

English Language Learners (ELL) and International Student Services

ELL and international students receive specialized academic support and advising services, which include skill development in oral and written communication, reading, study skills, test preparation, tutoring, and more.  Other supports include advising regarding immigration status, employment eligibility, health insurance, taxes, travel, and legal referral.  For more information, contact the ELL and International Academic Support Advisor in CAPS.  For more information, call 603-427-7626.

Testing

CAPS provides a range of testing services which include, but are not limited to, proctored exams for distance learners, alternative testing services for faculty, student assessments for academic and career purposes, CLEP exams, Credit by Examination testing, ATI-TEAS testing for prospective Nursing students, and placement testing for new students.  CLEP exams and placement testing are described in more detail under Academic Policies.  Please see the Academic Policies section of this catalog, under sections IX. Completion of Course Credits – #3 College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and VIII. Academic Placement Policy.  

Career Development Resources

A Career Coach in CAPS provides prospective and current students and alumni assistance with career interest exploration, resume and cover letter development and job and internship search strategies.   Help is available remotely and in person. Computers are available for accessing a career interest assessment tool and the College Central Job Board. Events around job search skills, interviewing, and networking are held on an as-needed basis, as determined by expressed student interest. For more information, visit Great Bay Career Assistance, email GBCCCareers@ccsnh.edu or call 603-427-7699.

Workshops 

The Center for Academic Planning and Support works collaboratively with other departments throughout the College and outside partners to offer non-credit workshops in a variety of subjects relevant to students and faculty.  Dates and times are posted in the College events calendar and/or through promotional materials.  Community members may attend workshops for a fee or with the purchase of a Community Access Card.