Jump Start! FAQ
FAQ for Prospective Students
Got a question about how Jump Start! works? Here's pretty much everything you need to know.
Concurrent Enrollment Student Handbook
1. What are Jump Start! classes ?
Jump Start! refers to ALL opportunities for high school students to take community college courses while they are still in high school. These may be Career and Technical courses or Arts and Sciences courses offered in a variety of ways:
- Jump Start! Career Academy (Career and Technical) or Jump Start! Arts and Science are SCC courses scheduled specifically for area high school students. Location of these courses could be at an SCC attendance center or your local high school. Community members may enroll if space permits. Check with the local high school counselor for more information.
- Students may sign up for SCC classes at SCC centers in the region. These are referred to as PACE (Post-Secondary Accelerated Credit Experience) Jump Start! Courses. High school students drop into a "regular" section of SCC courses. These courses would be taught even if no high school studint participated.
- PSEO courses: ICN courses may also be available.
For any of these SCC courses, students fill out Concurrent Enrollment Application for Admission to SCC, which may be submitted via the SCC website.
2. What are the advantages of students enrolling in these SCC college credit courses?
- You'll save time and money with the chance to get a jump start on college.
- You'll gain experiences that lead directly to degrees, diplomas, certification and/or apprenticeship.
- You'll receive SCC privileges, including use of the library and free admission to Blackhawk sporting events.
- With proven success in your classes, you'll have increased opportunities to earn scholarships from SCC and other colleges or universities.
3. How are the SCC college credit course offerings determined?
Offerings are determined in a variety of ways. High school personnel give input on the type of offerings they would like to see for students, SCC faculty and administration present options to school districts, and business and industry partners identify their needs for a trained workforce. Check with your high school counselor for the courses that would be available.
4. Who teaches the SCC courses?
SCC hires instructors to teach the SCC college credit courses. Each instructor must meet the community college credential requirements. Instructors may be an existing SCC faculty member, an adjunct SCC instructor, or a high school teacher who meets all of the credential requirements.
5. What about the curriculum for the SCC courses taught?
The curriculum/textbook, etc. is the same as what is taught in the traditional college courses.
6. Who pays for the courses?
School districts in the region fund these opportunities for their students. If a district has minimum requirements for participation and a student doesn't meet that requirement, an option for students to pay on their own may be possible. Students and parents should check with their local districts for clarification, if applicable.
7. Who pays for the textbooks?
Districts determine policies for textbook costs. check with your high school counselor to see what your district policy is.
8. If I decide to enroll, what else should I know?
Ask your counselor or scroll down to read about FAQ for Concurrent Enrollment Students. That will address the most frequently asked questions from students who decide to enroll.
Clink the link for a printable version of FAQ for Prospective Students.
Clink the link below to see some sections that may be offered in your high school or at an SCC center. Articulation Validation Form
FAQ for Concurrent Enrollment Students
Congrats on making this choice to get a jump start on your college career! This is a fantastic opportunity that your school has given you and your family. Since you’re taking a concurrent enrollment class, you are now an SCC Student.
You may have some questions, including…
1. If I’m a college student now, does that mean I have any additional responsibilities?
You may need to take on some additional responsibilities for your own learning. Classes will be rigorous and the expectations for assignments, etc. will be the same as a “traditional” course on SCC’s campus. As a college student, it is your responsibility to keep SCC informed of enrollment and/or address changes. In addition, you will want to make sure you have met any pre-requisite or placement score requirements for classes you intend to take.
2. Do I get any privileges as an SCC Student?
Yes! You will be admitted to SCC Athletic Events at no cost, you may use the campus library, have access to computer labs, and you will have an SCC e-mail account.
3. Where can I find specific information about pre-requisites, academic policies, course load, grading standards, etc.?
The SCC Concurrent Enrollment (CE) Student Handbook is available on SCC’s website. Continuing Enrollment students are strongly encouraged to access the handbook and become familiar with the information.
Go to www.scciowa.edu/highschool and click on the jump start logo to find the CE Handbook.
4. Why does SCC need my Social Security number?
The last 6 digits of your Social Security number make up your password for HawkNet, on-line classes, e-mail, etc.
5. Since I will get a grade, does that mean I’ll also have a transcript at SCC?
Yes, you will have a permanent transcript at SCC.
6. How will I get my grade for my SCC class?
There are a variety of ways in which you can keep track of your progress. Your instructor will submit mid-term and final grades to the SCC Registrar’s Office and then grades will be shared with your high school counselor for your report card. You may also, at any time, visit with your instructor to request information on your grade. Additionally, you will be able to access information through HawkNet, the portal for students at SCC. You may access your HawkNet account from the SCC website.
7. Will SCC’s grade count on my high school or college grade point?
Your grade will be part of your cumulative grade point at the college level. Please check with your high school counselor to verify the policy at your district.
8. If I decide to go to SCC after high school graduation, do I need to do anything more since I’m taking this class?
Yes, you will need to complete a full application for admission, participate in orientation, and submit any required placement test scores, if you have not already submitted those.
9. What if I go to another college after high school? How do I get my transcript?
You will need to request that your transcript be sent to the college from SCC’s Registrar. SCC does not charge a fee to send transcripts to another college.
10. Will my SCC credit transfer to any college?
To determine how SCC credit will transfer to the college you select, it is best to contact that college personally to have them review the classes you have taken. Policies vary depending upon the college and program in which you are interested. SCC’s website (www.scciowa.edu) also provides information on college transfer information for numerous colleges.
11. What if I decide to drop this class…what’s the policy and who should I contact?
You should contact your high school counselor and they will contact SCC to verify the date that you drop. Depending upon when the course is dropped, there are three possible consequences at SCC: a. The course will be dropped from the student’s record with no grade penalty (within the first few days). b. the transcript will show a “W” for withdrawal. There will be no grade point penalty. c. The transcript will show an F. (This usually happens at the 2/3 point and beyond). Your high school may also have policies that apply if you decide to drop a class. Please check with them, as well.
12. Are there any long term consequences of dropping a course?
If a student has a number of W’s or F’s on their SCC transcript, it could impact their success of getting financial aid in the future.
13. Who should I contact for more information?
Please contact your high school counselor for more information about SCC concurrent enrollment courses.
Clink the link for a printable version of FAQ for Concurrent Enrollment Students.
