New Students
Overview of Program
Students who complete the Automotive Technology field of study will be able to develop the following skills required by the NATEF to enhance their employment opportunities and advance their career goals.
- Diagnose brake system, ABS systems, power booster systems, and suspension components; perform alignment; steering component diagnosis and repairs.
- Utilize scan-tools, scopes DVOM’s and other test equipment in trouble-shooting engine and transmission drivability problems.
- Diagnose fuel system problems; service emission controls; diagnose fuel injection and Powertrain Control Module problems.
- Diagnose electrical system problems; use test meters; overhaul electrical components.
- Diagnose and repair manual transmission systems, drivelines, differentials and 4-wheel drive/all wheel drive systems.
- Diagnosis and repair automatic transmission/transaxle systems, torque converters.
- Diagnose and repair heating and air conditioning systems includingautomated systems.
- Learn the structure and functions of an internal combustion engine; perform engine overhaul processes and diagnosis of mechanical engine components.
- Develop mathematical skills to use in analytical problem solving.
- Function as a shop service manager, shop foreman, or supervisor; learn safety management.
- Operate a Computer Customer Records System; perform service manager functions.
- Develop effective communication skills.
How to Enroll
Enrollment Priorities
As part of the Student Success Act 2012, Cypress College priority registration is changing. To guarantee eligibility for Priority Enrollment for Fall 2015, all New and Returning Students must meet the following three requirements:
- Complete the assessment process — math and English placement tests (or equivalent)
- Attend an orientation session
- Complete a one semester education plan
First Semester:
Returning and Continuing Students must meet the following three requirements:
- Be in good academic and/or progress standing — not have been placed on academic dismissal and not on probationary status for twoconsecutive terms
- Have completed 75% or more units with A, B, C, CR, and P
- Have not earned more than 100 degree-applicable units (at Cypressand Fullerton), excluding basic skills courses.
Registration
Registration appointments are established for each student according to enrollment priorities and the date and time the student submitted the online admission application. Although students can register after their assigned date and time, registering on their specific date provides a better selection of classes; however, enrollment is not guaranteed into any class.
A registration email is sent to all new, returning and continuing students. The email indicates the earliest date and time the student can register for classes. Students can also view their registration date and time under Personal Announcements of myGateway’s student tab. Certain registration and admission deadlines must be established. These deadlines are necessary in order to comply with state attendance laws and must be followed by faculty and students. Failure to comply with these deadlines may mean that the student will not be allowed to attend or receive credit for classes.
Returning Students
To be eligible for priority enrollment all students must meet the following requirements: complete the assessment process — math and English placement tests (or equivalent), attend an orientation session (in-person or online), and complete a one semester education plan. In addition, returning student must be in good academic and/or progress standing — not have been placed on academic dismissal and not on probationary status for two consecutive terms, have completed 75% or more units with A, B, C, CR, and P, and have not earned more than 100 degree-applicable units (at Cypress and Fullerton), excluding basic skills courses. Any student who does not meet all of the above requirements will receive a registration date and time, but it will not be a priority registration date.
Continuing Students
Continuing students are given priority registration based on completion of units and the following required criteria: must be in good academic and/or progress standing — not have been placed on academic dismissal and not on probationary status for two consecutive terms, have completed 75% or more units with A, B, C, CR, and P, and have not earned more than 100 degree-applicable units (at Cypress and Fullerton), excluding basic skills courses. Any student who does not meet all of the above requirements will receive a registration date and time, but it will not be a priority registration date.
What to Take
New students entering the general automotive program need to take the prerequisite courses before enrolling in any of the 12 units core classes. These prerequisite courses are:
New students wishing to enter the Toyota T-TEN program need to take AT 109 Intro to Toyota in the summer session prior to the Fall semester.
Expectations
The automotive technology courses at Cypress College are a combination of class time, lab time and outside of class time that create a learning environment that allows working on real cars, whether they are customer vehicles (“live”), lab vehicles or student cars and automotive instruction units in the shop. Our goal is to simulate operating conditions similar to those found in actual automotive service-repair and dealership facilities. However, since the real product of this environment is “Student Learning” and not automotive service, certain “educational” regulations will prevail. Your lab time will be scheduled to include various multimedia demonstrations, lectures, and other activities to provide you with the necessary technical information needed to service the modern complex automobile. One of your goals should be to learn how to work efficiently by using your time in the lab wisely. Good work habits will serve you well in your future as an Automotive Technician. All students are expected to participate in class and lab sessions. Each instructor will explain what “participation” means. Failure to participate in all aspects of each course every week will result in dismissal from the course. Be prepared for each session, every day!
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU
To learn automotive technology repair you must perform automotive repairs, and you must invest your time and energy to become a skilled technician. You must plan your time to include completing reading and homework assignments, review your notes and study the related content in order to receive the maximum benefit. It is your responsibility to manage your time during and outside class time wisely. All students are expected to participate in class and lab sessions. Each instructor will explain what “participation” means. Failure to participate in all aspects of each course every week will result in dismissal from the course. Be prepared for each session. Active participation in class and lab is expected and required. You should expect to perform service and repair work worth up to thousands of dollars each semester. However you will not receive cash for your services but will receive the value of the training and experience necessary to prepare you to maximize your earning potential in the automotive field. You need to realize that you will succeed monetarily when you learn to utilize your time to its maximum. Idle time means you are not earning money.
WHAT WE EXPECT YOU SHOULD BE
The following is a list of desirable attitudes and habits that will contribute to your success in life. Only YOU can develop them, and you should consciously practice them until they become fixed habits. Poor habits can be replaced with good ones with dedication and diligence.
- INDUSTRIOUS -This means a habit of careful, thoughtful work, without loitering or wasting time.
- COOPERATIVE -This means an attitude of readiness to assist others when they need help and to join in group undertakings.
- CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS -This means a thoughtful attitude in the matter of making things easy and pleasant for others, such as keeping things in order, putting tools away in good condition and always doing your full share of work where others are involved.
- SELF-RELIANT -This attitude is a very important factor in success. It means that you should develop the habit of planning your tasks carefully and thoughtfully and carrying them out with the least possible assistance. Be sure the problem is too difficult for you before you call for help.
- READINESS TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY -This means that you should not refuse to undertake a task because is difficult, and when once undertaken you should carry it through to completion. If you or your team performs a procedure incorrectly, or something breaks, let your instructor know. Your instructors understand you are here to learn and that issues will come up, whether you received the wrong part or a bolt is cross threaded. These issues are learning opportunities, and while we all work to keep them to a minimum, it is imperative that you and your team members alert your instructor when a problem occurs.
- Buy and read the required textbooks and materials for the class.
- Participate in class; complete weekly assignments, actively engage in class and lab exercises, be prepared for each class meeting, etc.
- Obey the automotive technician’s lab regulations.
- Provide yourself with the regulation student lab uniform and wear it to every session (lab and class).
- Students are not required to bring personal hand tools, however students are expected to participate in the various tool purchase plans available at Cypress College and buy hand tools which will assist in building a tool set when completing the program, since technicians must have their own hand tools to become employed.
- Purchase and wear safety glasses at all times. Eye protection is mandatory for all classes. All students will be required to wear eye protection at all times. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate safety glasses. Eye protection must be properly worn by wearing over the eyes. Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the facility.
- Wearing appropriate protective gloves during training is suggested. They may be Nitrile, Latex, Vinyl, and Cloth. While wearing gloves is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to protect students from chemical absorption through the skin. We provide latex and/or Nitrile gloves in classes that have a lab fee.
- It is recommended to wear suitable ear protection when in the lab facility. These are not provided for you.
- Students need to bring paper and writing instruments for classroom activities. A 3 ring binder with pockets is suggested to hold handouts and your notes from class. Many instructors require a notebook in their respective course syllabus.
- Use of tobacco products or E cigarette products is not allowed within 20 feet of the buildings or within the automotive compound. Smoking tobacco or use of e cigarettes is allowed on the grass on the west side of parking lot 2 or beyond the 20 foot boundary on the north side of the building. Please demonstrate courtesy to others by placing waste material in a trash can. Also spitting on the ground is not allowed.
- Light blue shirt
- Short or long sleeve
- Shirts must be tucked in pants
- Name badge over left pocket is optional
- Dark blue uniform type – No blue jeans!
- Long Pants – No Shorts or overalls.
- Black, Hard top work type shoes
- Non-skid soles
- Steel toe optional
- Approved safety eye wear only
- Goggles or glasses
- Optional but recommended
- If requires due to chemical use/dust or particle creation
- Regular attendance and prompt arrival to class and laboratory sessions is expected of every Cypress College automotive student. Experience has shown that students who are careless about attendance perform poorly in class. They also exert an unfavorable influence on class morale and reputation. Students, therefore, should be thoroughly informed of and should comply with the following college attendance regulations:
- Regular attendance is expected of every student. Attendance at the first class meeting is strongly recommended since a full period of instruction begins the first day of the class. If a student does not attend the first class meeting the instructor will drop the student.
- After a student accumulates in any class more than a week’s absences (more than the number of times the class meets per week), consecutive or nonconsecutive, an instructor may drop the student according to the drop deadline dates.
- A student will be considered “absent” if is there is no evidence of participation in an academically-related activity for the course for more than one week or if the student accumulates a consecutive or non-consecutive lack of academically-related activities of more than a week that is more than the number of times the class meets per week. For example, in a three-unit online class that would typically meet on campus three hours a week, one week’s worth of missed academically-related assignment(s) or activity(ies) could be grounds for dismissal. A student who has not submitted assignments or participated in an academically-related activity for one week may be dropped from the course.
- Any student who must miss one or more classes because of a field trip or other authorized activity, such as athletics or music groups, will be issued an Authorized Absence Excuse (available in each division office) by the instructor under whose supervision the activity will occur. The student shall have this excuse signed by the instructors of the classes that will be missed before the absence occurs. It is recommended that these transactions be carried out at least two days before the activity. The signed excuse must be presented to the instructor in charge of the activity, who shall in turn file it with the Admissions and Records Office upon the conclusion of the activity.
- No absence excuses a student from making up class work missed. Students should realize that undue absences may adversely affect their grades.
- In the event a student is absent for a prolonged period of time it is expected that contact will be made with the respective instructors immediately to advise the instructor of this absence and the reasons for it. The instructor may then decide whether or not the student may continue in the class or withdraw. It should be noted that failure to make this contact and follow through with the decisions made at this time could result in the student receiving a grade of “F” or “NP” in the class.
- While an instructor may drop a student who has poor attendance, it is the student’s responsibility to officially drop the class through myGateway. Failure to officially withdraw within the published dead- lines may result in the assignment of a substandard grade. Refer to the Class Schedule for further instructions on “How to Add/Drop a Class.”
IMPORTANT EXPECTATIONS IN EVERY COURSE IN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY:
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE REGULATIONS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CLASS OR LAB SESSIONS. FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS OR LAB SESSIONS WILL LEAD TO DISMISSAL FROM THE COURSE.
ANY AND ALL CYPRESS COLLEGE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY STAFF MEMBERS HAVE THE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO ENFORCE THE ABOVE REGULATIONS. STUDENTS NOT FOLLOWING THE ABOVE EXPECTATIONS WILL BE GIVEN AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE AND BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE FACILITIES.
ALL INSTRUCTORS AND AUTOMOTIVE STAFF WILL ENFORCE THESE RULES.
Uniforms
The following rules about dress and appearance are a part of your training. All students are required to adhere to the following rules for proper attire. All instructors and staff will enforce this dress code. Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the lab. NO EXCEPTIONS FOR ANY STUDENT!
Rules for Student Lab Uniform:
Work Shirt
Pants
Shoes
Eye Protection
Ear Protection
Breathing Protection
Important: Jeans, such as Levis, etc. will not be worn. You will be shown the proper clothes and you will wear these clothes at all times (lab and class). Even if you are not scheduled to be in the lab/shop, all of our classroom and computer lab areas are accessed through shop areas, therefore the uniform is required. Those persons not wearing the proper work uniform will be dismissed and will be marked absent for that day. No Exceptions. Students employed in a Toyota, Lexus dealership or other auto dealer/repair shop may wear the two-piece work uniform worn at the dealership. Overalls, coveralls or shop coats are not to worn by students at any time. Jewelry that is considered unsafe must not be worn.
CLEANLINESS: Work clothes will be kept clean and changed at least once a week.
I. Hair and beards:
This subject is your discretion; however, you are expected to keep yourself well groomed. When working in the shop, long hair must be tied or kept in such a manner so as not to create a safety hazard. Long hair/facial hair can be a safety and fire hazard.
II. Personal Hygiene:
You are expected to maintain your personal hygiene. Failure to do so is unacceptable and will result in dismissal from class.
III. Hats:
If you wish to wear a hat, only the baseball type may be worn as long as they are worn properly. All hats are to worn with the bill facing forward. Other hats such a confederate broad brim, cowboy, or any other such creations will not be worn in the shop. Slogans on hats that are deemed inappropriate will not be allowed. The Instructors will determine if hats are appropriate.