PACE FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I become a PACE student?

 A: All Pierce College students can become PACE students.You should attend a PACE orientation or come to the PACE office to sign-up for the program. Please see the “Orientation” tab for upcoming orientation dates. 

Q: Are PACE classes the same as classes offered at Pierce College or any other Community College?

 A: YES! PACE classes are regular Pierce College courses offered in an accelerated format (8-weeks in length -- hybrid or online). 

Q: What if I have already taken one of the classes listed under PACE?

A: Do not repeat the course. Be sure to meet with a counselor to create your Student Ed Plan. See "Counseling" link on the PACE webpage. 

Q: Can I take regular Pierce College classes (or other community college classes) if I am a PACE student?

A: Yes! You can mix and match courses that fit your schedule. PACE gives you another way to access the classes you need. 

Q: Are PACE classes online?

A:  PACE offers many fully online classes. Face-to-face PACE classes that are not fully online are hybrid (a portion of the course is online through Canvas). 

Q: After filling out the PACE application, when will I be able to register for classes?

A:  You will be grouped as a PACE student in approximately 48 hours (if you are currently registered as a Pierce College student). To register for classes, you must wait for your Pierce College Registration Appointment.

Q: How long is the PACE semester?

A: The regular Pierce College semester is divided into two PACE sessions/quarters: 8 weeks in the 1^st quarter and 8 weeks in the 2^nd quarter. Some of the PACE hybrid classes also meet 2 or 3 Saturdays in every quarter; Saturdays are not optional.

Q: How do I meet with a PACE Counselor?

A: Go to the "Counseling" link on our page to complete a form to make an appointment. 

Q: How do I add a PACE class?

A: The PACE office cannot enroll you in a class. If you are a PACE student, you can enroll in a class through SIS. There is a PACE drop down menu in SIS under "Class Search Type."   

ADDING A CLASS: If you are trying to ADD a PACE class after the semester has started, you need to attend on the first night of class. If the instructor has space to add, they will give you a Permission Code. PACE Permission Codes expire earlier than 15-week classes. Be sure to submit your code through SIS as soon as possible. If you have any enrollment issues, please go to Admissions and Records for helping clearing them.

Q: Can I major in any area & be in the PACE program?

A: Yes! PACE helps students complete their General Education requirements for all degrees & transfer.

Q: How do I apply for Graduation?

A: Ready to graduate? Please go to the Graduation Office site and download the Petition to Graduate. Be sure to check DUE dates in order to be part of the Graduation ceremony. All petitions submitted to the graduation office must be approved by a counselor. Please make an appointment to meet with a counselor. When the Petition is complete, print the form and mail it to the Graduation Office or take it to the Graduation Office in person. 

Q: Where can I find drop dates?    

A: Important dates, including last day to add and drop, are listed in the class detail section of the course in SIS. After searching a course in SIS, click on the class section number to open the class and view the class details. At the bottom of that page you will find the "Important Dates" section.