Dual Enroll/Early College Handbook

Table of Contents

 

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North Central Michigan College Mission

North Central Michigan College provides exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education of and for the community.

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Vision for North Central Dual Enroll/Early College (DEEC)

Since its founding in 1958, North Central has been a partner to the local high schools in providing a pathway to college opportunity for students throughout our region. DEEC is an expansion of the earlier vision. The vision of DEEC is to provide students and parents in the region an exceptional academic experience that promotes student success through achieving college credits while reducing the time and expense of college education beyond high school.

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Dual Enroll/Early College

Dual Enroll/Early College Provides three pathways for students to earn college credit while attending high school –traditional dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment and Early College. In all three pathways, students must meet eligibility requirements as determined by the State of Michigan Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act of 1996 and/or the Career and Technical Education Preparation Act of 2000.

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Dual Enroll/Early College Definitions

Dual Enroll/Early College focuses on dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students.

Dual enrollment courses are offered at North Central Michigan’s campus in Petoskey or at its Centers in Cheboygan and Gaylord. Dual enrollment students are incorporated into regularly offered classes with other college students.

Concurrent enrollment courses are offered in area high schools in specially designated sections that cover the same college course content while eliminating travel barriers for students. Both dual and concurrent enrollment offer students the opportunity to earn semester-based college credits that will appear on a North Central Michigan transcript and that may be transferred to any public university in our state.

Dual Enroll/Early College Early College is a program for high school students in the northern Michigan region which allows students to receive both their high school diploma and associate degree after their fifth year of high school. Students will complete their course work at their high school and at North Central Michigan College’s locations.

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Benefits of Dual Enroll/Early College

1. Financial Advantages
2. Improved student opportunity for success in college
3. Familiarity with college application, registration process, policies and procedures 
4. Students can graduate from high school with college credits and an established North Central transcript
5. Create a pathway to college degree completion
6. Creates a smoother transition to college
7. Builds confidence for college success
8. Provides flexibility in four year college options and the opportunity to graduate from college early, study abroad, pursue a second major, seek additional internships in college, and/or begin a graduate degree program early.

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Academic Readiness

Any student enrolled in an approved Dual Enroll/Early College course is eligible to receive college credit for the course(s) in which he/she is registered. The high school is responsible for determining if the student is academically ready to participate in the Dual Enroll/Early College dual enrollment and concurrent program. All students must demonstrate course readiness by meeting all prerequisites for each course as determined by the College Catalog. Students in general dual enrollment courses will need to complete one of, or a combination of, the following tests to determine course readiness – PSAT/SAT or the Accuplacer Course Placement Evaluation.

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Qualifying Scores for Dual Enrollment Eligibility

The MME, ACT, SAT, and Accuplacer scores are designed to indicate whether a student is ready for college success. The ASPIRE scores are designed to indicate whether a student is on track to be ready for college success. In approving a student for dual enrollment, high school counselors and principals use the guidelines provided by the Michigan Department of Education and their assessment of the student’s readiness for such work. At a minimum, federally-based ability to benefit scores of 19 in SAT English/Writing and 14 SAT Reading (Accuplacer Reading = 55; Writing = 2)) should be used to qualify students for participation in Dual Enroll/Early College. Using the information provided in the state and federal guidelines, the high school counselor or principal can determine the student’s eligibility for participation in Dual Enroll/Early College The endorsement of the high school principal is a requirement for enrollment in dual or concurrent courses.

Table 1 shows the Michigan Department of Education’s qualifying scores used to determine eligibility for dual enrollment courses. Please note that students must also meet college course prerequisites listed in the North Central College Catalog or Class Schedule in order to receive college credit.

Table 1: MDE Dual Enrollment Qualifying Scores 

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College Prerequisites

Students can meet college prerequisites either by obtaining qualifying scores on PSAT, ACT, SAT or the college’s Accuplacer Placement Evaluation or by successfully completing a college course.

Table 2 identifies the appropriate college courses as determined by students’ scores on PSAT, ACT, and COMPASS. 

Table 2: Prerequisite Scores for College Courses 

 

ENGLISH - Overall highest test score is used for placement. Students need to take the NCMC Writing Assessment if High School transcript, SAT, or ACT is not available. Dual/Concurrent students may take the ACCUPLACER if the SAT or ACT is not available. Tests are available in Learning Support Services. RETESTING OPTIONS — Students cannot retest to improve English placement. We use the highest test score available.

 

 

MATH = ACCUPLACER math and reading tests can be taken at one time, or individually at various times. Retests cost $10.00/section. Only 1 retest in a 12 month period.

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Dual Enroll/Early College Tuition and Fees

Participating high schools in the state of Michigan and in the college’s Service Area will be charged tuition and fee rates for the Dual Enroll/Early College program. The following examples demonstrate the Dual Enroll/Early College tuition and fee structure using rates from the 2017-2018 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change at the discretion of the North Central Board of Trustees.

Tuition for Dual Enroll/Early College Dual Enrollment:

• Student comes to North Central campus and/or takes the class online

In-District Tuition (Emmet County) 2017-2018: $113 per contact hour /per student/plus applicable fees

Out-of-District Tuition (All other Michigan counties) 2018-2019: $160 per contact hour/per student/plus applicable fees

• Student takes the class at high school with North Central Faculty

In-District Tuition (minimum of 10 students) 2017-2018: $113 per contact hour/per student/plus applicable fees

Out-of-District Tuition (All other Michigan counties) 2018-2019: $160 per contact hour/per student/plus applicable fees

• Student takes the class at high school with high school teacher

In-District Tuition (minimum of 10 students) 2017-2018: $33 per contact hour /per student/no fees

Out-of-District Tuition (minimum of 10 students) 2017-2018: $38 per contact hour/per student/no fees

Tuition and applicable fees are billed directly to the participating school district or ISD. Students are responsible for any costs not covered by the district or ISD. If the balance is left unpaid, students will be placed on a business hold and ineligible to enroll in future college courses until the bill is paid.

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Refunds

Participating schools will not be billed for courses and fees if students drop prior to the 100% refund period. Schools and/or the ISD will be charged for tuition and applicable fees if courses are dropped after the refund deadline. According to state law, students are responsible for reimbursing high schools if the drop occurs after the refund date or if the student fails the course. It is the high school’s responsibility to collect this reimbursement from the student.  

Refund dates for classes offered on the North Central campus are posted on the Academic Calendar. Because high school start dates may vary, the Registrar or Director of Student Outreach and Engagement will provide refund deadlines to the high school liaison prior to each term.

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Textbooks

According to the State of Michigan Public Act 131 of 2012, eligible students shall have required textbooks paid by the school district if the amount of foundational money generated for the course is enough to cover the expense. Participating schools may determine the method for purchasing textbooks, and textbooks then become the property of the school district. If the dual enrollment or concurrent course is offered at the high school, the textbook must be the same textbook used for courses taught at the college or must be approved by the Associate Dean. 

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Technology

NC Portal:

Dual Enroll/Early College students are required to access the NC Portal for resources at North Central.  Students will be notified of the username and password via the email address they supply on their application to the college.  If a student needs to reset his username or password, there is a recovery link next to the login.

Brightspace:

Brightspace is an electronic learning management system found within the Student and Community Portal which provides a wide variety of online learning services to students in traditional classrooms and online course offerings.  Dual Enroll/Early College students are expected to access Brightspace to obtain their syllabus, participate in class, and monitor their grade throughout the semester.

MyMail:

The College requires students to use a free email account, MyMail, to communicate with the college, with instructors, and with fellow students. North Central will use MyMail for all college communication including alerts and notifications to the students.

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Student Services

Dual Enroll/Early College students have access to the same services as traditional students:

• FREE tutoring: Students may contact the Learning and Support Services to schedule an appointment with a peer tutor. Walk-in tutoring is available during specified days and times. Online tutoring is also available for Math and English.
• Library Resources and Services: The North Central Library serves students, faculty, staff, and community members. In addition to hard copy books and periodicals, the library hosts an extensive online catalog and provides access to various databases and the Michigan eLibrary (Mel). Students have access to computers, a printer, study carrels, and a copy machine in the library.
• SCRC Gym: The SCRC gym offers students availability to three full-size courts and walking track with current student ID. A student may obtain a student ID card in Student Services free of charge.
• Disability Services: Students with documented disabilities may receive certain accommodations to assist them in college classes. Students must contact the Director of Learning Support Services to schedule an appointment and must provide documentation of the disability.
• Academic Advising: Students may meet with an academic advisor to discuss career plans, select courses, and create an academic plan in addition to other services. They should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in Student Services.
• Campus Life: North Central Michigan College offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities to add to a student’s college experience including the Lecture Series, movie nights, Winterpalooza, Summer Send-Off, and much more. In addition, there are many different student clubs and organizations throughout campus which present students with chances to broaden the scope of their educational experiences, and have fun while doing it. Dual Enroll/Early College students have full access to Campus Life.

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The Application and Enrollment Process

Students who are interested in Dual Enroll/Early College courses should apply online through the College’s website, www.ncmich.edu, by completing the “Attending North Central WHILE in High School Application and should seek the endorsement of their high school principal. Once the student is accepted to North Central, the high school must submit the Dual/Concurrent Enrollment Registration Request Form to be enrolled in classes. Only those students who have received the principal’s endorsement will be enrolled in the selected dual or concurrent course. A North Central representative will visit each concurrent enrollment class in the first weeks of the academic year to ensure that the enrollment process is complete and to review the expectations of the College for all its students.

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Withdrawing from a College Course

To withdraw from a college course offered on campus or at a high school, the student must complete a Change of Schedule Form. These forms are available in the high school guidance office or you may do this online. If students officially withdraw from a college course by the 90% refund date as defined on the academic calendar, no grade appears on the student’s academic transcript. Students who withdraw after the 90% refund period will receive a grade of W (Withdrawal) on their transcript. Withdrawals are not calculated into a student’s grade point average. Registration deadlines (drop, add, and withdrawal dates) are located on the academic calendar. Because high school start dates may vary, the Registrar or Director of Student Outreach and Engagement will provide refund deadlines to the high school liaison prior to each term.

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Options for State-Approved Private High Schools

Michigan private schools may also participate in the Dual Enroll/Early College Dual Enrollment Program. The college will bill the State of Michigan Department of Treasury the cost of tuition and applicable fees as determined by the State of Michigan Public Act 131 of 2012. Students are responsible for any costs not covered by the state. If a student fails the course or withdraws from the college course after the published 100% refund deadline, the student is responsible for reimbursing the Department of Treasury.

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Grades

At the end of each enrollment period, the course instructor will enter a grade into the college’s Gradebook system for each class for which the student is registered. Final grades will be entered on the official North Central transcript and also be sent to high schools for their record keeping. Students may access their final grades through the North Central Portal. Grades are not mailed or emailed to students.

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Family Education Rights Policy Act (FERPA)

For Dual Enroll/Early College students, the same FERPA policies and procedures apply as they do for all other college students. According to the AACRAO 2013 FERPA Policy Guide:

“A FERPA-related college education record begins for a student when he or she enrolls in a higher education institution. At a postsecondary institution, rights belong to the student in attendance, regardless of the student’s age.”

North Central strongly encourages parents of concurrently enrolled courses to respect the student’s ownership of his or her education record at the college level and seek ways to gain that information while safeguarding the student’s rights and responsibilities. Faculty teaching concurrent enrollment courses will communicate with and through the student, as an important maturation point for the college student. We ask that parent communication is made first with the student, then, only as necessary, with the Registrar or Director of Student Outreach and Engagement at the college. The information being requested will be given to the high school principal or counselor and they may distribute as they see fit. The student may also give written authorization to North Central to release his or her student records/information to a parent or guardian by submitting the “Student Release of Records Authorization Form” available from the Registrar’s Office at the college.

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Transferring College Credit

Upon completion of a dual enrollment course, students will have earned college credit recorded on a North Central academic transcript. This credit may be used to complete a certificate or degree program at North Central or may be transferable to other colleges and universities. To successfully complete a course for transfer credit, students must obtain a 2.0 © or greater in the class. If students plan to transfer to another institution, please keep in mind the receiving institution determines how credit is awarded when transferred. We urge students and counselors to contact the Registrar’s Office at the receiving institution to determine how dual enrollment courses will transfer. Colleges may ask for course descriptions or course syllabi to determine equivalency. Course descriptions are located in the College Catalog. The syllabi are provided to each student for each class and are found in their Blackboard course.

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Transcript Requests

If students choose to attend North Central after graduation, they do not need to take additional steps to transfer credits as these credits are a part of their North Central transcript. If students choose to transfer credit to another college or university, they will need to request an official transcript be sent to the college or university they plan to attend. Transcript Request Forms may be found in Student Services or online. A student’s signature is required for a transcript to be released. All transcript requests are free.

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Attending North Central After High School Graduation

Dual or concurrent enrolled students wishing to attend North Central after high school graduation need to submit a new application, Former Concurrent & Dual Enrolled Student, at www.ncmich.edu.

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Student Code of Conduct

When a student enrolls at North Central Michigan College he/she agrees to abide by all college regulations. Violations of any rules will result in appropriate disciplinary action. The code of conduct applies specifically to student and visitor behavior while at any college facility or while attending any college function.For a complete listing of this policy, please refer to the College Student Handbook.

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Helpful Web Links

• North Central Michigan College homepage
• Dual Enrollment Orientation and Information
• North Central Michigan College Curriculum Guide
• North Central Michigan College Policy Guide
• Transfer Equivalencies
• Academic Calendars (for students taking courses at North Central)
• North Central Course Schedule

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  Important Phone Numbers

• Director of Admission (Liaison for Dual Enroll/Early College Programs) - 231-439-6349
• Registrar - 231-439-6347
• Vice President of Student Affairs - 231-348-6618
• Student Services - 231-348-6605
• The College Bookstore - 231-348-6606
• Cashier’s Office (Billing) - 231-348-6803
• Admissions Specialist (registration) - 231-348-6626
• Learning Support Services - 231-348-6682
• IT Help Desk - 231-348-6617