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Frequently Asked Questions - Dual Credit / Enrollment

Academics

Dual Credit / Enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment?

Dual Credit means you receive both high school and college credit for the Parkland course(s) you take.

Dual Enrollment means you only receive college credit for the Parkland courses you take.

PAPERWORK/REGISTRATION PROCESS

What are the eligibility requirements for dual credit / enrollment students?

The student must be at least 16 years of age, a junior or senior in high school, meet the GPA requirement for the course(s) requested, and meet assessment requirements (may be met with ACT/SAT scores).

How do I get my son/daughter signed up for dual credit or dual enrollment? What’s the paperwork process?

The Dual Credit / Enrollment office has designed a “map” of the process that we refer to as the Gameboard. Please request one from us or download it from the link in the main menu. It will be incredibly helpful when going through the dual credit registration process.

Where do I send the paperwork/transcript?

Please send these items directly to the Dual Credit / Enrollment office, X208 at Parkland. Make sure the envelope is addressed to the Dual Credit / Enrollment office, X208. This will result in much faster processing and registration for your student.

Have you received my transcript/ACT scores?

Please call the Dual Credit / Enrollment office at (217) 353-2663 to see if your transcript has been sent.

What is the deadline for my paperwork?

The absolute last day we can receive paperwork and still register your student is the Tuesday before classes begin. In order to get through the sometimes lengthy registration process in a timely manner, we recommend registering as early as possible.

What can I expect when I meet with the dept chair?

The department chairs are very focused on student success. The meeting is to make sure that you understand what will be required of you as a college student; to review your assessment scores and/or high school transcript to insure you’re prepared for the course; to help you identify the best course to meet your goals; and to answer any questions you may have about the course or the college.

How do I find my way around Parkland?

Maps of Parkland

When should I purchase books?

Go to your first class meeting. Your instructor will let you know which textbooks to purchase.

When is the next class schedule coming out?

Class schedules are mailed to every household in the district for each semester. However you can also access the class schedule online. The schedule is usually online before it hits your mailbox.

ADVISING/CLASS CHOICE

What classes can/should I take?

The Dual Credit / Enrollment office, in partnership with the Parkland Department Chairs, has prepared two booklets of courses that we recommend to dual credit students. If you need further assistance choosing a course, please see your high school guidance counselor or contact the dual credit office at 217/353-2663.

What classes transfer?

Parkland course numbers are a clue. Generally, a course with an even middle digit (i.e. PSY 101, BIO 121) will transfer to a four-year public institution in the state of Illinois. We strongly recommend that you contact the advising office at the institution you plan to transfer to.

How do I find out if there are seats open in my course section?

You can go to the Parkland Connection and check course availability.

What’s the typical class size at Parkland?

The average is 25. The maximum is typically 36.

What dates does the class run (i.e. January 9 – May 4)?

This changes each semester. Check the Parkland Course Schedule for the semester you’re registered for.

MINIMUM GPA REQUIREMENT

Why do I have to meet a GPA requirement when my high school counselor approved my application?

Parkland has a commitment to seeing students succeed. The required GPA was determined by the department chair as the benchmark for high school student success in college courses. A student who is struggling with high school coursework is not ready for college-level coursework.

My son/daughter failed PE (or chemistry or math or English). What summer courses do you have available?

The Dual Credit / Enrollment Program is designed to give high school students a jump start on college. The program offers only college level courses. Due to the minimum GPA required for Dual Credit / Enrollment courses, a student who has performed poorly has not demonstrated readiness for college level work.

ASSESSMENT

Do I need to take an assessment?

Most courses require the student to be at college-level reading and/or English. The Assessment Center website can help you determine if your ACT/SAT scores meet the requirement. If your transcript was sent to the Dual Credit office, we will notify you if you need to assess.

What’s on the English/reading/math assessment?

Assessment Center website

TUITION/FINANCIAL AID

How much is tuition?

This changes year to year. The current cost is available in the Parkland College Catalog.

When is the tuition due?

After you register, Parkland’s Business Office will mail you a statement showing when payment is due.

Where can I pay tuition?

Credit card payment may be made by telephone using Your Parkland Connection, 217/373-3700, or online by visiting the Parkland Connection website. If you can't remember your PIN (Personal Identification Number) or your PIN has been compromised, you may still pay online under MAIN MENU-select TUITION PAYMENT. Then enter social security number or student id number and birthdate.

Does the high school pay for tuition?

Very few schools pay for your dual credit classes. Check with your high school guidance counselor.

I was dropped for lack of tuition payment. Now what?

If there are seats open in the course(s) you were enrolled in, we can re-enroll you. Tuition is due the same day you’re re-enrolled or you’ll be dropped again.

Are there scholarships or discounted tuition for Dual Credit / Enrollment students?

The P-16 Grant may available to all students who receive a grade of C or better. P-16 results in discounted tuition. If you paid for your tuition, you’ll receive a check a few months after you complete the course. If your school pays your tuition, the school will receive the refund. NOTE: The status of the P-16 Grant for the 2008-2009 academic year is uncertain at this time. There is a possibility it may not be available.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is not available for Dual Credit / Enrollment students. A separate handout on financial aid is available in the Dual Credit / Enrollment office.

Will Dual Credit / Enrollment have a long term effect on my financial aid eligibility?

The Dual Credit / Enrollment office has an informational handout that explains this in detail.

POLICY (DUAL CREDIT / ENROLLMENT AND PARKLAND)

How many classes can I take?

While a student is still enrolled in high school, a student may take up to seven credit hours at Parkland each semester.

Why can’t I take below-100-level courses?

Typically, a course number that is below 100 (example: ENG 098) is below college-level. The purpose of the Dual Credit / Enrollment Program is to give high school students the opportunity to begin their college experience.

Will I get college and high school credit for my college course?

The high school determines if you will receive high school credit or not. Check with your guidance counselor or principal before enrolling.

My son/daughter isn’t receiving high school credit. Why do we have to go through the Dual Credit / Enrollment office?

According to Parkland policy, any student still in high school must enroll through the Dual Credit / Enrollment office whether or not they’re receiving high school credit.

I received a letter stating that I’ve been accepted to Parkland. Why can’t I register online?

High school students have a hold placed on their accounts until they graduate from high school. You must complete the paperwork process through the Dual Credit / Enrollment office.

Why do I have to meet with the department chair?

Since you’re underage, the department chair wants to discuss the course content with you and what will be expected of you as a college student. Also, the department chair must sign off on your Dual Credit Application form.

Can I overload a section or be wait-listed?

Dual Credit / Enrollment students have earlier registration deadlines than regular college students. For you, registering can be a long process. Therefore, we typically don’t wait-list or overload dual credit students because you must be registered at least four business days before the course begins.

My Spring semester of high school starts two weeks after my Parkland class –OR- My high school is closed Monday. Should I go to my Parkland class?

If you’re taking a course on the Parkland campus or online, you’re required to follow Parkland’s calendar. Therefore, you must attend unless Parkland has a holiday or is closed.

We’re taking a summer vacation. Is it okay for my son/daughter to miss a class or two that week?

No. Summer courses are shorter sessions than fall or spring classes. The course work is so condensed that Dual Credit / Enrollment students must attend the entire session. Early or late summer courses are offered; perhaps one of those courses would better match your schedule.

What does S/U/P/Y on a grade report mean?

S = satisfactory. U = unsatisfactory. P = passing. Y = see instructor. If you receive a U or Y at midterm, department chairs will typically not approve your registration until your final grade is received or your instructor emails the office stating that your work has improved to an A or B level.

What do I need to do to withdraw from a dual credit / enrollment course?

You must notify the Dual Credit office in writing by the withdraw deadline, www.parkland.edu/cs.html. Please send an email to dualcredit@parkland.edu, fax us at 217/373-3865, or mail the request.

OTHER OFFICES YOU MIGHT NEED

Can I get my son/daughter’s grade/transcript for the current dual credit class they are enrolled in?

Information on how to obtain transcripts.

How do I get started in an online class?

Information about online classes.

How do I get a Parkland email account?

Look up your Parkland email account here.

How do I get a Parkland student ID?

Take a state-issued photo ID to the Student ID office in X161A.

How do I get disability services for my son/daughter?

Contact the Disability Services office at 217/353-2620

What do I do if I’m sick or can’t get to class?

Email or call your instructor to let him or her know that you won’t be attending and to find out how to make up the work.