Most courses offered through Butte College have some type of prerequisite or recommended preparation. These are used to establish a student's readiness for the content to be covered within a course. Prerequisites and recommended preparation include previously completed coursework or achievement of a specified skill level established from an assessment test.

Prerequisites

There are two types of prerequisites at Butte College:

1. Courses that require a previously completed course as the prerequisite (e.g., French I for French II). These are indicated in the class schedule with an asterisk (*) symbol. The Catalog and the Counseling Office (530-895-2378) can provide more information on this type of prerequisite.
2. Reading, English, math and ESL courses require either satisfactory completion (grades of "C" or better) of the prerequisite course or qualifying eligibility established from an assessment test. The assessment test has a five year time limit; after that, course eligibility drops back by one level. These courses are indicated in the class schedule with a check () symbol. To use prerequisite courses or test scores from other colleges for placement in reading English, and/or math classes, contact the Assessment Office for an evaluation. Allow two days for the evaluation to be completed.

Recommended Preparation

Most courses have specified basic skill placement levels as "recommended preparation." These levels are listed in the college catalog with the course descriptions and are shown as Recommended Prep. The faculty have established recommended placement levels for their courses to inform students of the basic skills (i.e., reading, writing and math skills) needed to perform satisfactorily, that is, receive at least a "C" grade. The placement levels for most courses are: Reading IV, English III. Some courses have higher or lower levels and certain courses have math levels as recommended preparation. Levels are established by performance on the Basic Skills Assessment or completion of college reading, English, and/or math courses. Recommended preparation is advisory.

Corequisites

Some courses require a "corequisite," that is, concurrent enrollment in an additional specified course or courses. This means all of the indicated courses need to be taken during the same term.

Challenging Prerequisites (Special Permission)

For information on how to challenge a prerequisite for a reading, English or math class, contact the Assessment Office (530-895-2350). Student challenges to their course eligibility in reading, English, and math classes, that have been established through assessment testing, may also be pursued through the Counseling Office. Students also may challenge other types of prerequisites or a corequisite for a course. The student will bear the initial burden of showing that grounds exist for the challenge. The challenge should be directed to the department which offers the course.

The following is a list of the grounds under which a challenge may be pursued:

1. The student has the knowledge or ability to succeed in the course despite not meeting the prerequisite (documentation required).
2. The student will be subject to undue delay in attaining the goal of his or her educational plan because the prerequisite or corequisite course has not been made reasonably available (Ed Plan must be on file).
3. The prerequisite or corequisite is not valid because it is not necessary for success in the course for which it is required (documentation required).