Academic Foundations
Academic foundations-level (developmental) courses are available for students whose placement criteria indicate a need for additional preparation in the areas of reading, writing, and/or math skills before entering their program of study. Typically, students complete developmental courses prior to taking core courses in their degree program. However, in some cases, developmental courses can be taken in conjunction with program-level coursework.
Students who need developmental courses should work closely with their assigned academic advisor, who assists the student in selecting appropriate coursework and monitors the student's progress toward meeting program admission requirements.
Developmental courses include English (ENG) and Mathematics (MAT) courses with course numbers that begin with a zero (0), and ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. These courses are counted in the total number of attempted hours on student transcripts, but they are not used to calculate a student’s grade point average (GPA).
Even though grades in developmental courses do not affect the GPA, they can affect financial aid eligibility. In addition, developmental courses cannot be counted toward meeting graduation requirements.
The following developmental courses are offered regularly:
| ENG 080 | Fundamentals of College Reading and Writing | 5 |
| MAT 093 | Math Literacy | 5 |
| MAT 096 | Beginning and Intermediate Algebra | 5 |
| ESL 051 | English as a Second Language Level 1 | 4 |
| ESL 052 | English as a Second Language Level 2 | 4 |
| ESL 055 | English as a Second Language: Grammar | 2 |
| ESL 060 | English as a Second Language: Pronunciation | 2 |
Students may be advised to take other developmental courses not listed above to meet specific program preparation needs.
English and Mathematics Boot Camps
Students who wish to take more advanced English or Math courses than indicated by initial placement recommendations have the opportunity to prepare for higher level courses by participating in a week-long, individualized "boot camp" mini-course for English or Math that builds confidence and refreshes skills. The schedule for Boot Camps is available from the Humanities & Sciences Division office (Main 232, Clifton Campus).
ESL Courses
English Language learners who successfully complete courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) are considered to have completed developmental writing and reading courses. Additional developmental writing and reading courses are not required.
Math Center
The Math Center in Room 228B of the Main Building (Clifton Campus) offers instructional support at no charge to any Cincinnati State student whose coursework includes mathematics-oriented assignments. Math Center faculty are credentialed STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) instructors who provide guidance to students in courses including Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Workshops on study skills and note-taking are available throughout the year. Math Center assistance is available on a walk-in basis
Writing Center
The Writing Center in Room 235 of the Main Building (Clifton Campus) offers instructional support at no charge to any Cincinnati State student whose coursework includes written assignments. Writing Center faculty are credentialed writing instructors who provide guidance to students in all facets of the writing process. The Writing Center offers workshops on writing and research topics throughout the year. Writing Center assistance is available by appointment using Starfish and on a walk-in basis.
Tutoring Center
The Tutoring Center is located in Room 261 of the Main Building on Clifton Campus. Individual or group tutoring is available to Cincinnati State students in a variety of subject areas and is free of charge. Instruction is provided by qualified faculty or by student tutors who are recommended by faculty. All tutors receive training in practices that promote independent learning.
Tutoring appointments can be requested in person at the Tutoring Center or through Starfish. Drop-in tutoring and tutoring by appointment are available for students who need assistance.
Online Tutoring
The Writing Center provides assistance for English Composition courses in all online sections. Online tutoring is available at https://www.etutoring.org. From the first page of this website:
- Click the "Select College" button
- Then choose Ohio eTutoring Collaborative
- Then choose "Cincinnati State"
- Log in with your Cincinnati State username and password
Academic Advising
Academic advising assists students in reaching their academic and career goals at Cincinnati State. Program chairs, academic advisors, other faculty members, and some staff members are assigned to guide students through activities such as:
- Setting academic goals
- Developing educational plans
- Selecting courses
- Providing information on transfer credits
- Understanding and meeting requirements for graduation
- Clarifying career and personal goals
- Explaining academic policies and procedures
- Addressing academic challenges
- Making appropriate referrals to campus support services