Who pays for the courses, textbooks, and other fees?
The school district pays for the cost of tuition for most courses taken during the school year. Course textbooks are provided by Southwestern and the school district. The course syllabus may outline additional supplies or fees needed for the course (background check for clinical experience, art supplies, etc.) and students are responsible for those purchases.
Which calendar do I follow, the high school or SWCC?
Generally, most classes taught online, through video conferencing, or face-to-face at the Creston campus, Osceola Center, or Red Oak Center, all follow the SWCC college calendar. Most courses taught only at the high school follow the host district’s calendar. College instructors will also be able to answer these questions for students for their specific course or Career Academy.
Does SWCC have an attendance policy?
Attendance policies in college are different than what you’ve experience in high school; it is important to communicate early and often! Southwestern’s attendance policy for school-sponsored activities will be outlined in your course syllabus, as well as the college catalog and handbook.
Regular class attendance and consistent study habits are essential to success in college and are expected of all students at Southwestern. Experience has demonstrated that absence and tardiness contribute to academic failure. Instructors will hold all classes as scheduled, and students are expected to be in attendance. If a student is absent, the instructor is in the best position to judge the effect of that absence on the student’s progress.
Will the courses transfer?
Southwestern Community College is a great to place start your college education. Transfer agreements are in place with many state and area colleges and universities. How credits specifically transfer may be determined by your major, so it is important to discuss transfer questions when selecting courses.
Talk to your high school counselor, Southwestern academic transition advisor, or a SWCC admissions representative for more information. Students may also reference SWCC’s Areas of Study (https://www.swcciowa.edu/academics) and Transfer Planning (https://www.swcciowa.edu/academics/transfer-planning) resources.
What should a student consider when deciding which courses to take?
There are a variety of reasons students make course selections, primarily to meet high school graduation requirements, support their future career goals and interests, or to make progress on future college degree requirements. Students should communicate with their high school counselor and Southwestern’s academic transition advisor to ensure they are enrolling in courses that meet their goals.
What is FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and what does it mean?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student records. This means SWCC will not provide private information concerning high school students to anyone, including parents. SWCC is able to provide information to the student’s school district. Once registered for classes, students have the ability to add FERPA permissions to release information to parents or guardians.
Who do I call if I have a concern about my academic progress?
Students are highly encouraged to communicate with their instructors regularly about their concerns and needs. Students enrolled in college courses while still in high school are considered college students by all college staff; therefore, SWCC is limited in the information it may share with a parent or guardian. However, the SWCC secondary programs staff provides students and high school counselors with grade checks and early alerts for students of concern. Students are then provided with tutoring resources and other support tools to work toward successful completion of the course.
What if I decide to drop a SWCC course?
You should contact your high school counselor and they will contact SWCC to verify the date that you drop. Depending upon when the course is dropped, there are three possible consequences at SWCC:
- The course will be dropped from the student’s record with no grade penalty (within the first few days).
- The transcript will show a “W” for withdrawal. There will be no grade penalty at the college, but a student should check with their high school counselor regarding how a W shows on the high school transcript. In some cases, it may show as an F on the high school transcript.
- The college transcript will show a grade of F if dropped during the final week of the semester.
Your high school may also have policies that apply if you decide to drop a course to ensure a student meets the required course schedule and stays on track for high school graduation. All college schedule changes must route through the school counselor.
What help is available to students after they enroll at SWCC?
Once students begin classes through SWCC, they are considered a college student and eligible for all services provided to all other students. There are many benefits, including accommodations for students with special needs, student email, a student ID card, discounts at area businesses, and access to computers, Monday through Friday. Students have access to online tutoring through Brainfuse and in-person tutoring through TRIO-SSS.
When and where do I pick up my textbook(s)?
Students should read their syllabus for details regarding their textbook and course required materials. Textbooks come in a variety of formats: physical books, embedded digital books, and some requiring a code to access materials. Students will receive their books from their school counselors or their instructors the first day of class. Students will receive their digital books within Canvas, the online learning management system. Students will receive their access codes from a Southwestern advisor. Students are encouraged to read any announcements and syllabi directions within Canvas regarding their textbooks and stay in communication with their school counselors to obtain their textbooks. Physical textbooks are to be returned to the school district and Southwestern once the semester has ended. If you do not return the textbook, there is a chance you may be charged for the textbook.
If I decide to enroll at SWCC after high school graduation, do I need to do anything more since I’m taking this class?
Yes, you need to complete a full application for admission, participate in a new student orientation, and submit any required placement test scores.
What if I plan to attend another college after high school? How do I get my transcript?
You may order your SWCC transcript online through the National Student Clearinghouse. Please visit www.swcciowa.edu/transcripts.