You can also download a printable version of this guide.
Step 1: Get Ready
Find your CNC Username and Password
Before you can access Student Planner, you need your
CNC Connect login credentials. You can find these using the CNC Account Tool.
Understand Required vs. Elective Courses
Some programs have two types of courses:
- Required Courses: These courses are mandatory for the
completion of your program.
- Elective Courses: These are the optional courses that you
choose, based on interest, from an approved list to meet your
program's credit requirements. Some programs require elective
courses from specific subject areas.
Get Familiar with Student Planner
Login to your CNC Connect account and select Student Planner to
view:
- Your progress throughout the program, including completed
coursework and any remaining course requirements.
- Your grades and GPA.
- Links to detailed course descriptions.
- A summary of the courses you've taken at CNC.
You can watch more tutorial videos on how to use CNC Connect. Watching these videos will help you to navigate this system and help to make course registration smoother.
Step 2: Meet with an Academic Advisor (Optional)
Getting help from an Academic Advisor is recommended if you find
yourself unsure at any point. An Advisor can help you plan which courses
to take and answer any questions you have about your program.
Step 3: Know the Important Dates
Fall and Spring Semesters
- Course schedules available: Late April
- Meet with an Academic Advisor: Early May
- Registration opens: Mid-May
Intersession (Summer)
- Course schedules available: Late February
- Meet with advisor: Late February/Early March
- Registration opens: March
Step 4: Register for Your Courses
Once registration opens, you'll be assigned a specific date and time
to register for your courses.
Find your Registration Time
Login to CNC Connect and view Student Planner. Select “Schedule” to
view your assigned registration date and time.
Plan Ahead
Plan your courses once the course schedules become available, so
you are prepared when your registration opens.
Register During your Assigned Time
Login to CNC Connect again during your assigned time and select your courses.
Courses fill up fast, so register promptly.
Register for Multiple Semesters at Once
If registering for multiple semesters, register for all during your
assigned time. This helps you to secure your seat in the courses you
want to take.
If You're Waitlisted
Check your email (including junk/spam) regularly for a seat offer.
If you receive one, you'll have a deadline to register.
Step 5: Prepare for College
View Your Timeline
Go to the Timeline tab in Student Planner to see your courses by
semester, along with your grades and GPA.
Drop or Withdraw from a Course
Please note the different deadlines for dropping or withdrawing from courses:
- Financial refund deadline: The last date to withdraw and still
receive a financial refund.
- Withdraw without academic penalty deadline: The last dates to
withdraw from a course without it affecting your grades and GPA.
When you successfully withdraw from a course, it shows a "W" on
your account.
If you don't withdraw by the deadline and receive an "F" grade
instead, the "F" remains on your transcript and affects your
cumulative GPA.
Quick Facts
Program Timelines
- Diploma programs: 60 credits
- Certificate programs: 30 credits
- 2-year completion: 5 courses per semester (Fall and Spring only)
- 3-year completion: 4 courses per semester (Fall and Spring only)
- Finish sooner by taking Intersession courses (May–July)
Cohort vs. Non-Cohort Programs
- Cohort: Set schedule and course sequence (Trades, Medical, Civil
Engineering)
- Non-cohort: Flexible schedule (Associate, Business Programs)