Academic foundations-level (developmental) courses are available for students who need additional preparation in math or language skills before entering their program of study. Typically, students complete foundations-level courses prior to taking core courses in their degree program. However, in some cases, foundations course material can be taken in conjunction with program-level coursework or the foundations material may be integrated into another course, such as ENG 101A Intensive English Composition 1, MAT 105A Intensive Quantitative Reasoning, and MAT 131A Statistics 1 with Support.
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.
The course numbers for Developmental and ESL (English as a Second Language) courses begin with a zero (0). 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:
| 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.
The course numbers for college-level courses that integrate foundations-level material or provide additional support for students enrolled in the course include the letter "A". These courses meet graduation requirements for English and Mathematics in programs that require the same course without the "A" designation. Also, they are used in calculating a student’s grade point average (GPA).
| ENG 101A | Intensive English Composition 1 | 4 |
| MAT 105A | Intensive Quantitative Reasoning | 4 |
| MAT 131A | Statistics 1 with Support | 4 |
Mathematics Boot Camp
Students who wish to take more advanced Math courses than indicated by initial advising recommendations have the opportunity to prepare for higher level courses by participating in week-long, individualized "boot camp" mini-courses that build confidence and refresh 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 be prepared for English Composition 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 in person or virtually, using Zoom.
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 in person or virtually, using Zoom.
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, including reading, study skills, and computer skills. Tutoring 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 in person or virtually, using Zoom.
Online Tutoring
The Writing Center provides assistance for English Composition courses in all online sections. Additional 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
Mandatory Advising
Students are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for their first two semesters. In some cases, students may be required to meet with an advisor each semester prior to registering for classes until all prerequisite coursework has been completed for admission into their major.