St. Clair County Community College 2005-2006 Catalog

ENROLLMENT SERVICES

Registrar

123 Acheson Technology Center (ATC), 810-989-5500

The Enrollment Services Office provides the following services:

• Maintenance of student academic records

• Collection and distribution of grades

• Certification of Athletic Eligibility

• Evaluation of transfer credit

• Advanced standing credit (i.e. AP, CLEP, etc.)

• Verification of degrees/certificates

• Calculation of academic honors

• Distribution/collection of admission related materials

• Distribution/collection of class schedules and other registration related materials

• Registration of students (including drops, adds and withdrawals)

• SC4 official/non-official academic transcript requests

• SC4 enrollment verifications

• Residency verifications (used for billing purposes)

• Name and address changes

CAMPUS TOURS

SC4 campus tours are provided free of charge to any individual upon request. Prospective students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an admissions representative so they have an opportunity to visit classes, buildings and programs of specific interest to them. Requests for tours should be made to the Recruitment Office at 810-989-5502 or enrollment@sc4.edu.

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Admission to St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is open to all applicants who are high school graduates or who have successfully completed the General Education Development (G.E.D.) test. Students who have stopped attending high school can be considered for admission if their high school class has graduated by their intended semester of enrollment.

SC4 strongly encourages students to submit a Social Security Number on the application for admission. The Social Security Number is used as the single unique identifier that facilitates the coordination of a student's academic record, especially those submitted by external institutions. Without the Social Security Number, the college cannot provide tuition related Federal Tax Credit information and may have difficulty providing the accurate coordination of academic records.

DIRECTIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

High school seniors should complete and submit the SC4 Application for Admission to their high school counselor. The high school counselor will attach a copy of an official academic transcript and will forward the materials directly to the Enrollment Services Office at SC4.

Others may send the aforementioned materials, along with official transcripts of other previously attended colleges and/or universities, directly to the Enrollment Services Office. Applications may be obtained through the SC4 website at www.sc4.edu or by contacting the Enrollment Services Office directly at 810-989-5500.

Note: The high school transcript should be requested at the time the application is submitted even though graduation may not have occurred.

Within a week of receiving the application, a letter of acceptance will be mailed detailing the next step(s) in the enrollment process.

ABILITY TO BENEFIT ADMISSION  (No H.S. Diploma or G.E.D.)

Adults who did not graduate from high school or complete the General Education Development (G.E.D.) may qualify to be admitted to SC4 as an Ability to Benefit student.

Ability to Benefit students will be required to follow the same enrollment requirements as those students attending SC4 for the first time following high school graduation. For additional information contact Enrollment Services at 810-989-5500.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES FOR NEW STUDENTS

(First-time enrollment following high school graduation)

1. Application:

Anyone wishing to apply for admission as a full-time or part-time student must complete an SC4 Application for Admission. Applications are available from high school counseling offices by contacting the SC4 Enrollment Services Office directly at 810-989-5500, or through the SC4 website (www.sc4.edu).

A record of high school grades, and/or G.E.D. scores if applicable, is required to be submitted with the application. This record can be obtained by contacting the high school from which graduation occurred. If for some reason the high school is no longer in existence, students are encouraged to contact the Michigan Department of Education for further information.

Transfer students wishing to have college-level course work evaluated for transfer credit to SC4 should request that an official transcript of their academic records be sent to:

Enrollment Services Office

Attn: Registrar

St. Clair County Community College

323 Erie Street, PO Box 5015

Port Huron, Michigan 48061-5015

2. Assessments:

SC4 supports the concept that its students should be competent in reading comprehension, writing, and math skills in order to succeed in both their college courses and their lifelong career choices. Recognizing the college's commitment to quality education for its students and the communities they represent, SC4 requires students enrolling in SC4 for the first time following high school graduation to complete either the SC4-administered Compass assessment tests or the ACT (valid tests are those completed within the last three years). These assessments are used to develop an educational plan tailored to the skills of each student.

The Compass assessment tests are given free-of-charge on campus and at off-campus centers.

Applications and information regarding the ACT can be obtained by contacting the high school counseling office or by contacting the SC4 Academic Achievement Center at 810-989-5567. To schedule the Compass assessment, call the Enrollment Services Office at 810-989-5500 or Academic Achievement Center 810-989-5555.

3. Orientation:

New students attending SC4 for the first time following high school graduation are required to complete an orientation session prior to enrollment. Orientation provides students with important information on SC4 requirements and procedures and prepares students for their academic advising appointment with a counselor. As a convenience to students, orientation sessions may be completed online at www.sc4.edu. Those students that prefer to attend a "live" session on campus may contact the Enrollment Services Office at 810-989-5500.

4. Advising:

All new students attending SC4 for the first time following high school graduation are required to meet with an SC4 advisor in the Student Success Center. The purpose of the appointment will be to develop an educational plan consistent with career goals and to select classes for their first semester of enrollment. To schedule an advising appointment contact the Student Success Center at 810-989-5520.

5. Registration:

Upon completion of all requirements, students will be allowed to register for classes by selecting the days and times they would like to attend.

Classes are offered at a variety of different times, including day, evening and weekend. In addition, some classes are offered via the Internet/online, and in accelerated or short-term formats. Once class times have been selected, students will be free to register either online via www.sc4.edu/wave or in person. Once the student's registration information has been processed, a printed registration statement will be provided that details class schedule and billing information.

EARLY ADMISSION HIGH SCHOOL GUEST ENROLLMENT

The Early Admission _ High School Guest program affords high school students and age-appropriate homeschooled students the opportunity to get a head start on college by allowing them to take college credit courses prior to graduation.

High school juniors and seniors and age-appropriate homeschooled students may be admitted to SC4 on a semester-by-semester provisional basis upon completion of the following admission procedure:

1. Early Admission Application

High school juniors and seniors and age-appropriate homeschooled students must submit a completed Early Admission Application prior to each semester of enrollment to the SC4 Enrollment Services Office. (Students planning to attend SC4 starting with the summer session, which begins annually in June, following high school graduation will also be required to submit the SC4 Application for Admission as a new student.) The application must bear the signatures of the designated high school official if enrolling under the Dual Enrollment payment option, parent/legal guardian (if under 18 years of age), and student. In addition, the application must list the course(s) in which the applicant intends to enroll.

2. ACT Scores or Compass Assessment Scores

High School Guests planning to register in an SC4 college credit English and/or math course(s) are required to complete the appropriate assessment tests prior to registration in one of these courses. If the ACT test has been completed, a copy must be sent to SC4 Enrollment Services Office in order to fulfill the assessment requirement. If the ACT has not been completed, the student must schedule an appointment to complete the SC4 COMPASS assessment test(s) prior to registration.

Assessment tests may be taken on campus in Port Huron by calling Enrollment Services at 810-989-5500, the Academic Achievement Center at 810-989-5555, or at the off-campus centers.

3. Course Prerequisites

It is the responsibility of all High School Guests to meet course pre-requisites prior to registration. Guests who have not met required course prerequisites will not be allowed to register.

4. Dual Enrollment

High school juniors and seniors may qualify to register as High School Guest students at SC4 under the Dual Enrollment Program established by the State of Michigan. Dual Enrollment is a form of payment whereby the student's high school pays for college tuition, books, etc.

Eligibility will depend upon whether a student in grades 11 or 12 has met the requirements for an endorsed high school diploma in one or more subject areas of the MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) High School Proficiency Test. In addition, the student must enroll in academic courses not offered by the high school, and the courses enrolled may not include hobby craft, recreation, physical education, and/or divinity/religious education subject matter. It is the responsibility of the student/parent to pay tuition/fees in excess of what Dual Enrollment will cover.

Note: Additional questions regarding Dual Enrollment should be directed to the student's local high school official or to the Michigan Department of Education at 517-373-4213.

5. Registration

High School Guests are required to register in person either in the Enrollment Services Office or at one of the off-campus centers located in: Algonac, Bad Axe, Imlay City, Peck or Yale. For specific information regarding registration times, please refer to the Schedule of Classes for the semester you intend to enroll or see the SC4 website.

COLLEGE GUEST ADMISSION

College students attending another college/university in Michigan may be admitted to SC4 as a College Guest on a provisional basis by submitting a completed Michigan Uniform Undergraduate Guest Application. These applications are available in the Registrar's Office at each Michigan college/university and in the Enrollment Services Office at SC4.

College Guests must submit a completed Undergraduate Guest Application prior to each semester of enrollment and the application should bear the official signatures of the college/university home school where the student is enrolled. Failure to obtain the appropriate signatures could result in SC4 classes not transferring back to the student's home college.

College Guest students are not required to meet with an SC4 advisor prior to registration or to complete assessment tests. Registration for classes may be completed online via www.sc4.edu/wave, in person in the Enrollment Services Office, or at one of the off-campus centers. For a complete listing of courses and registration information, please refer to either the Schedule of Classes or the SC4 website. To review transfer course equivalencies, please refer to the (MACRAO) Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers website at www.macrao.org.

Note: It is the position of SC4 that College Guests have met all SC4 course prerequisite requirements and will therefore be allowed to register accordingly.

RETURNING STUDENTS

Former students who have not enrolled in SC4 college credit courses for two consecutive calendar years are required to complete an SC4 Returning Student Update Form in order to reactivate their student file. The information provided is used to update the student's demographic and academic information. Once a completed form has been processed by the Enrollment Services Office, a student may register online via www.sc4.edu/wave, in person in the Enrollment Services Office, or at one of the off-campus centers.

Former students are not required to see an advisor prior to registration but are encouraged to do so due to continuous changes in the SC4 curriculum and Michigan college/university transfer information. Students may contact the Student Success Center directly to schedule an appointment at 810-989-5520.

TRANSFER ADMISSION

Transfer students, those who have attended another college/university following high school graduation, are required to submit an SC4 Application for Admission to the SC4 Enrollment Services Office. Applications may be obtained through the SC4 website or by contacting the Enrollment Services Office directly at 810-989-5500. In addition, official high school transcripts must be submitted along with any college/university transcripts that the student wishes to be evaluated for transfer credit to SC4. For more information regarding the transferability of courses, students may access the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO) website at www.macrao.org or may contact the Registrar at 810-989-5550.

Upon submission of the completed application, transfer students are required to meet with an SC4 advisor prior to enrollment. Once the appointment has been completed, students are free to register for classes online via www.sc4.edu/wave, in person in the Enrollment Services Office, or at one of the off-campus centers.

COLLEGE GRADUATE ADMISSION

(Students with an associate degree or higher)

Students seeking admission to SC4 who have completed an associate, bachelor's, master's, or higher degree may do so by completing the SC4 Application for Admission. Students with a college degree are not required to see an SC4 advisor prior to registration but may schedule an appointment with the Student Success Center at 810-989-5520.

Once the application has been processed by the Enrollment Services Office, students will be allowed to register online via www.sc4.edu/wave, in person in the Enrollment Services Office, or at one of the off-campus centers.

Note: College Graduates are required to meet course prerequisites prior to enrollment.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICANTS

123 Acheson Technology Center (ATC), 810-989-5500

St. Clair County Community College welcomes the participation of students from other countries. Applicants from other countries will be admitted on an individual basis.

Canadian students planning to commute must obtain an I-20 form from the Enrollment Services Office each semester. The I-20 INS form is used to cross the Blue Water Bridge. Canadians living within 75 miles of the U.S. border may attend either part time or full time.

CANADIAN RESIDENTS

All Canadian residents must apply for admission to the college through the Enrollment Services Office.

Lambton County residents are charged tuition at the same rate as a Michigan (out-district) resident. However, St. Clair County Community College participates in a Tuition Reciprocity Agreement with Lambton College that allows Lambton County residents to be charged at in-district tuition rates. To qualify, students must enroll in a program at SC4 that is not offered at Lambton College. Students must receive approval from the Lambton College Registrar and submit the Tuition Reciprocity form to the Student Success Center, 123 Acheson Technology Center, in order to be re-assessed at in-district rates. Contact Enrollment Services (810-989-5500) or Lambton College (519-541-2403) for additional information.

All Canadian residents living outside of Lambton County are charged foreign student rates.

Students living farther than 75 miles of the border or those who are planning to live in the U.S. must follow the requirements A-E below.

ALL OTHER FOREIGN COUNTRIES .

A.  Apply for admission at least two months before the desired semester begins.

B. Demonstrate an adequate proficiency in the English language. This may be accomplished by submitting satisfactory results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or E.L.S. Language Center test score at Level 109. To schedule TOEFL testing contact www.toefl.org. An official record of the results is required with a minimum TOEFL computer-based score of 153.

C. Submit a certified English translation of school records.

D. Submit a notarized statement of financial solvency, or an Affidavit of Support while in the United States for the amount of $12,000.

E. Submit a completed health examination form. The examination is at the student's own expense. This is for the purpose of supplying records in case an illness should occur.

F. All international students are required to purchase health insurance. Proof of health insurance coverage for the first academic year is required prior to initial enrollment in classes.

G. Applicants must pay a $100 fee (effective September 1, 2004) when they are initially issued a From I-20. If you need a visa to enter the United States (Visa exempt countries include Citizens of Canada or Bermuda), you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before going to the United States embassy or consulate for your Visa interview.

You may complete the form and make payment by using the following options:

ONLINE - this is the fastest option

• Go to www.fmjfee.com - Payment via credit or debit card is required. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted credit cards. Debit cards must contain the logo of either Visa or MasterCard.

BY MAIL

• Complete the paper version along with your Check or Money Order (do NOT send cash) payable to "I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee" and mail to:

I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee
P.O. Box 970020
St. Louis, MO 63197-0020
United States

Go to www.fmjfee.com or www.ice.gov for more information. You may also contact SC4 at 810-989-5500.

All papers (A-E) must be received by the following deadline dates for semesters indicated:

Fall Semester July 1
Winter Semester November 1
Spring and Summer Sessions March 1

PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Students interested in enrolling in college credit classes at SC4 for the purpose of personal enrichment or interest may do so without having to complete the admission requirements of first-time college students. Students interested in enrolling for the purpose of personal enrichment are required to submit an SC4 Application for Admission. On the application, they will designate their "major" as PERPE _ Personal Enrichment. The only remaining requirement is that the student must meet all course prerequisites prior to registration, including assessment tests if required.

NOTE: Financial aid dollars cannot be used toward the completion of courses taken for the purpose of personal enrichment.

VETERANS INFORMATION (updated 9-26-2005 to reflect new location)

The college maintains and staffs an office for veterans' services where veterans, dependents, and selected reservists are provided information about educational benefits available to them.

APPLICATION (updated 9-26-2005 to reflect new location)

Students are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date. The Application for Education Benefits (22-1990) is available from the Veterans Certifying Official, 123 ATC. In addition, depending on your individual program, the following documents are also required.

Chapter 30 _ Montgomery GI Bill copy of the DD-214 (separation papers) is required for submission along with the Application for Benefits. If you have had more than one enlistment, a DD-214 must be submitted for each separation.

Chapter 1606 _ Selected Reserve, Montgomery GI Bill

The Notice Of Basic Eligibility (NOBE), DD-2384 is obtained from your Reserve Unit and must be submitted along with the Application for Education Benefits.

Chapter 35 _ Survivors' and Dependents' Education Benefits spouse must submit a copy of the marriage certificate and a child must submit a copy of their birth certificate. Survivors and dependents must also submit a copy of the death certificate or a copy of the designation of 100% disability status, whichever applies.

Chapter 31 _ Vocational Rehabilitation

This program is available to veterans with a service-connected disability. For more information you must contact the VA Regional Office (28), Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building, 477 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 or call 1-800-827-1000.

EARNED CREDITS  (Update 06-07-2005 -- heading added)

If students have previously drawn educational benefits, a "Request for a Change of Place and/or Program" form 22-1995 must be filed. A transcript from other colleges must be sent to SC4 for evaluation of credit as soon as possible. Benefits can be suspended if credits granted for previous training are not reported to VA.

PAY RATE

Monthly rates vary according to which VA program is providing the assistance and the student's course load: full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours); three-quarter time (9-11 credit hours); half-time (6-8 credit hours); less than half but more than one-quarter (4-5 credit hours); one-quarter time (3 credit hours). During spring and summer session, 6 credits is considered to be full-time.

ADVANCE PAY AND PAYMENTS  (updated 9-20-2005)

New and former student veterans, and veterans wishing advance payment should apply at least 60 days prior to the first day of classes. Advance payment cannot be requested for consecutive semesters. There must be a full calendar month between dates of attendance to request advance pay. The advance check covers the number of days in the first month of the semester, plus the following month of school. This first check is sent to the college. Subsequent checks are mailed to the student's home address.

Chapter 30 veterans are required to verify their attendance at the end of each month for benefits to be received. This is done by calling toll free 1-877-823-2378 or online at www.gibill.va.gov and click on WAVE.

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS FOR VETERANS

Students receiving VA benefits need to understand the college's policy regarding academic probation. They must maintain a GPA equal to or better than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (C average). A 2.0 GPA is required to meet graduation requirements. If the GPA falls below 2.0, students will be placed on probation with VA. Failure to raise the cumulative GPA to 2.0 within two consecutive semesters will result in termination of VA educational benefits. The college will inform the Department of Veterans Affairs and the student in writing of this fact. The student can be recertified in the future under one of two conditions: (1) the cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0 or (2) a request for resumption of educational benefits is submitted to the VA and the VA reinstates benefits based on evidence supporting the student's claim.

GUIDELINES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Individuals may register only for courses required to satisfy graduation requirements for specified majors.

2. VA payment is not ordinarily allowed for repeating a previously passed course.

3. Any changes in program of study, course load, address, etc., must be reported to the Veterans Office.

4. Report to the Veterans Office when changing an "I" (incomplete) grade to a punitive (A,B,C) grade.

5. If a student receiving VA benefits withdraws from a class after the first thirty days of a regular semester, the student may have to repay the money received for the class unless the withdrawal was due to circumstances beyond the student's control.