Admissions

As an "open door" institution, Muskegon Community College welcomes applications from all who wish to attend. The information requested on the application is used solely to help us serve your educational needs more effectively.

Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to all courses and programs within the College. The special admission requirements to certain courses and programs may be obtained from appropriate sections of this catalog or by inquiring at the departmental office in question.

Students wishing to enter the Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, or Massage Therapy programs must submit additional applications.  Applications for these programs may be obtained from the main entrance receptionist, or on the MCC website.

Change of Name or Address—Students should promptly notify the Records Office of any change in name or address that occurs while they are enrolled at the College. Name changes must be made in person. Legal proof of name change is required (drivers license, marriage license, social security card, voter registration card).

Student Identification Card—All students will be issued a matriculation card which should be carried at all times. This serves as an I.D. card. It is needed when registering for classes, when borrowing books and materials from the Learning Resource Center, and to obtain student admission rates for athletic and cultural events. It must also be presented when selling used textbooks to the bookstore.

Full-time Student—The term denotes a student who is enrolled for 12 or more credit hours during the Fall or Winter semester or who is enrolled for six or more credits during a Spring or Summer Session. Note, however, earning the associate degree (62 credits) in four semesters will mean carrying an average of 15 ½ credits per semester. Full-time students who wish to graduate in two years must carry more than the 12 hours each semester or plan on attending Summer sessions as well.

Part-time Student—The term denotes a student who is carrying less than 12 credit hours per semester. Those enrolled for 9-11 credit hours per semester (or five credit hours during the Spring or Summer session) are classified as "three-quarter" time. Six–eight credit hours per semester or three-four hours per session makes one a "half-time" student. If you are applying for financial aid as a part-time student, you should consult the Financial Aid Office for details on just how much help is available to you each semester or session.

REGULAR ADMISSION

If you are seeking admission to Muskegon Community College, obtain an application from your high school counselor or from the Enrollment Services Office at the College. Applications are also available on the MCC website.  If seeking regular degree admission, submit evidence of high school graduation, successful completion of the General Educational Development tests (G.E.D.), or appropriate testing (call 231.777.0394 for information).

Applications should be submitted well in advance of the semester you choose to enter. (Note that some classes on campus, such as community service and apprenticeship classes, do not necessarily begin with the regular starting date of each semester.)

Transfer Students— from other colleges need to submit an application form and have all official transcripts forwarded for evaluation. Transfer students who wish to receive a degree from Muskegon Community College must complete no less than 30 or the last 15 credit hours at MCC and attain a 2.0 or better overall grade point average.

Apprentice Students— will also use the regular application form. Regulation of the number of apprentices in any trade is a negotiated item in labor contracts or is set by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training; it is not a decision of the College. Questions regarding approval for apprenticeship programs should be directed to the Internship Coordinator (231.777.0216).

HIGH SCHOOL GUEST ADMISSION

High school students may be permitted to enroll as guests while still enrolled in high school, with the written consent of their principal or the principal’s designee. Such students must submit a regular application for admission, along with a high school transcript.

High school guest admission must be renewed each semester. High school guests desiring to attain regular student status at the College after completing high school must submit an eighth semester transcript for regular degree status.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

The State School Audit Act PA 148, under Section 216, requires local school districts to use funds allocated by the Act to pay the tuition and fees of a high school junior or senior attending a public or private degree-granting post secondary institution when certain conditions are met. Interested students should contact their high school principal or counselor for further information.

COLLEGE GUEST ADMISSION

Students from other colleges within the state may be admitted as guests by filing a Michigan Uniform Guest Application, which can be obtained from their home institution. Guests should develop a program of study with an advisor at the home institution to insure proper course selection and credit transfer. College Guest status must be renewed each semester.

COMMUNITY GUEST ADMISSION

Individuals who have not completed high school or the G.E.D., or who wish to take selected courses without the intent of earning a degree, diploma, or certificate, may be admitted as Guest (non-degree) applicants. Guest students are eligible to change to regular admission status upon having their high school transcript, G.E.D. test scores or appropriate test results submitted to the Admissions Office. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the change to regular admission status.

RE-ADMISSION
Regular admission to the College is a one-time activity once you have registered for a class. You may register for additional classes without repeating the admission process. If you have not attended within the past five years, please submit an application to update your records. You are also encouraged to consult with a counselor to discuss course selection.

RESIDENCY POLICY

Determination of residency status is governed by the following:

To qualify as a district resident, you must have lived within the confines of Muskegon County for six consecutive months prior to the first day of classes for any term.

To qualify as a state resident, you must have lived within the confines of the State of Michigan for six consecutive months prior to the first day of classes for any term; students previously registered as nonresidents may change to district resident status upon satisfying the requirements above. A person in the military service of the United States and his/her spouse or minor children shall be considered Michigan or district residents in accord with the requirements above, regardless of where they are stationed. Recently married persons shall be deemed district and/or Michigan residents if the spouse satisfies the requirements above. Initial residency status and change of status shall be determined by the Admissions Office.

It is your responsibility to notify the Records Office, prior to the first day of classes for any term, of any change in residence that would affect your residency classification. THE BURDEN OF PROOF LIES WITH THE STUDENT. The above applies only to American citizens, permanent residents and refugees. At least ONE of the following items is required as proof of residency:

Michigan Driver’s License or State-issued I.D. and one of the following:
• Voter’s registration
• Vehicle registration
• Vehicle insurance
• Property tax receipt
• Property lease
• Utility bill
• Notarized verification from an in-county or Michigan resident stating that you have resided with him/her/them for at least six months prior to the start of the semester/ session

Residency Status for Military Personnel and Dependents -- Residency is based on the location of the present domicile of the applicant with the six-month requirement waived if the applicant can provide any of the following documents. This waiver is extended to the dependents (spouse and children) of the person named on the Department of Defense 214 or 899 who reside at the same address.

A. Department of Defense 214, Separation from Active Duty Form, showing separation date within 120 days from the first day of the semester;

B. Department of Defense 899, Change of Station Form, showing the Muskegon area as the duty station;

C. Department of Defense 899, Change of Station Form, showing a change of duty station for the head-of-household to an overseas destination or as the result of an emergency mobilization.

FOREIGN STUDENT ADMISSION

Foreign student applicants (F-1) must file a separate Foreign Student Application, which may be obtained from the Admissions Office. Official translated high school transcripts and official documents of financial ability must be submitted before an admission decision can be rendered. Applicants under a status other than F-1 and M-1 may be granted admission for a limited period of time for taking classes. Additional information and validation of required documents can be obtained from the Admissions Office.

S.A.M. TUITION WAIVER

(STUDY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS AND MATURE CITIZENS)

Any legal resident of Muskegon County, 60 years of age or older before the first day of the semester in which admission is sought, is eligible to receive a S.A.M. tuition waiver which allows them to register for college credit or continuing education classes which are eligible for state reimbursement. These students may be degree or non-degree seeking.

The S.A.M. waiver does not cover registration fees or any special class fees which are charged in addition to, or in place of the tuition charge, nor does it cover the cost of books, supplies, or other instructional materials not included in the tuition charge. The S.A.M. waiver is not retroactive. Presentation of proof of age and residency to the Admissions Office prior to registration will establish eligibility for the program. Additional information and validation of residency/age can be obtained at the Admissions Office.

NON-CONVENTIONAL CREDIT

Some course requirements may be met by methods other than completing courses. Students may wish to explore with an academic counselor the following options:

Advanced Placement: The College recognizes the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (commonly called AP). Students who complete an AP course in high school should take the appropriate examination and submit scores to the Records Office.

CLEP Examination: The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is designed for those who have acquired knowledge through work or personal studies and who wish to receive credit for their experiences through testing. There are over two dozen tests available; students who pass a test are granted credit for certain courses. There is a fee for each test (currently $50.00, but subject to change). For information, see a counselor or call the Testing Center (231.777.0394).

Life Experiential Learning: Credit may also be granted to students who are unusually well prepared in a particular discipline if they can demonstrate that preparation through a process called the Life Experience Assessment Program (LEAP). Consult a counselor for information. Applications are available from the Instructional Affairs Office. There is a $100 fee for every eight hours attempted.

Proficiency Examination: Credit may be granted for students seeking credit by departmental examination. Applications are available from department chairpersons and the Instructional Affairs Office.The $10 test fee is applicable toward credit tuition.

Articulated Credit: College credit may be granted for high school vocational classes where agreements have been signed. Applications are available at area high schools. Please consult a counselor for more information.

INDIVIDUAL STUDY COURSES
Students may work with a faculty member in designing special courses to meet their individual needs. A form is available from the Academic Affairs Office to apply for such an individual study course. The criteria for approval are also available in that office. A student should not begin work on such a course until all approvals are completed and tuition has been paid.
A student may take, as part of his or her regular program, a maximum of ten (10) credit hours in “individual study.” The application of these credits towards a given major or minor will be judged by the institution accepting these credits. Each Individual Study Course will carry variable credit (1/2 – 5) as contracted between the faculty member and the student. INDIVIDUAL STUDY COURSE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE: To replace existing coursework for the purpose of meeting graduation requirements, to provide additional opportunities within a discipline to a student who has taken all available courses or their equivalent in a subject area, or to supplement transfer credit to meet program requirements.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Muskegon Community College recognizes that there are important elements of business and industry, which cannot adequately be taught in the laboratory or classroom. Therefore, the college has established the Cooperative Internship Program. The goal of the internship program is to provide the student with on-the-job experiences supervised by successful, experienced professionals. This experience shall directly support the development of a student’s technical skills, knowledge and career path. The employer shall gain a reliable, flexible and enthusiastic potential employee while assisting in the student’s career preparation goals. Students wishing to participate in the Internship Program should contact the Cooperative Internship Office at 231.777.0216 to schedule an appointment. Your future can be much brighter with the right work experiences.

JOB SHADOW PROGRAM
The Job Shadow program at MCC offers students an opportunity to receive first-hand knowledge and expereince in exporing a chosen career. Students “shadow” a professional, observing them at their place of business, and asking the questions that will help with career decisions. Students can get assistance and more information by calling 231.777.0216 or visiting Room 204.