Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Student Handbook

What is Dual credit/dual enrollment?

Dual Credit

Students are concurrently enrolled in high school and college while taking some college classes for high school and college credit.

Dual Enrollment

Students are concurrently enrolled in high school and college while taking some college classes for college credit only.

The Dual Enrollment program provides the opportunity for high school students to jump start their college education by enrolling in college level courses while still in high school.  To take advantage of this opportunity, students must have completed their sophomore year, be at least 16 years old, meet established criteria, and have permission from appropriate high school personnel, parents/guardians and Sauk personnel.  Students requesting to participate in Sauk’s Dual Enrollment program must satisfy the course placement policy by taking the Sauk placement test or providing Sauk with ACT or SAT scores.

High school students interested in Dual Enrollment should:

• Meet with a high school counselor to discuss course options for Dual Credit and obtain the necessary forms.
• Meet with a counselor in Sauk's Office of Recruitment (ext. 421) to register for courses and bring the following:
  • A completed Student Information Form and High School Dual Enrollment Application.
  • A copy of high school transcripts.
  • A copy of ACT scores and/or appropriate placement results.

Sauk Identification Number

Sauk Valley Community College provides a Sauk identification number to each student for college identification and administrative purposes. A Sauk identification number is issued after the student information form is processed by the Office of Admissions and Records. Students will be notified by mail of their Sauk identification number. This number will be used for all transactions at Sauk Valley Community College.

SOAR (Sauk Online Access to Records)

SOAR is Sauk Valley Community College’s online record system that students may access with a Sauk ID number and PIN. Students are able to access records anywhere and at anytime as long as they have Internet access. Students can view personal information, grades, class schedule, billing information, and an unofficial transcript. 

Assessment and Placement Policy

Sauk Valley Community College is committed to placing students in courses that reflect their ability in order to provide them the greatest chance of success.   Accurate and proper placement is the goal of the assessment program.  All degree- or certificate-seeking students must be assessed prior to registration and all non-degree-seeking students tested as required for the courses in which they plan to enroll.

An assessment will determine students’ skills in three basic areas:  English usage (writing), reading, and mathematics.  Assessment will place students in either developmental (skill-building) courses or 100 level or higher college credit courses.  Students who score below the specified level on the reading section of the assessment will be required to take developmental reading course(s), designated by the college, concurrently with other courses. Students who score below the specified level on the English and/or mathematics placement will be required to successfully complete developmental courses prior to enrolling in English or mathematics. Developmental courses cannot be applied as credit toward a transfer degree and do not qualify for tuition waiver through grant funds.

Students may take the assessment test no more than two times per year and a minimum of 48 hours is recommended between exams. The highest score achieved by the student is used for course placement. Test scores are good for three years. 

Students with documented disabilities will be accommodated on an individual basis. These students should make an appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Support prior to assessment and/or enrollment.  

What about students with ACT scores?

 For students who have completed the ACT assessment within the last three years and provide documentation, SVCC will utilize ACT scores.

Payment Options

 Upon availability grant funds may be used to assist students and their families with part of the course tuition. Students are responsible for remaining tuition, course fees, and book charges. Grant funds may only be used for college level academic, transfer, and vocational courses.

Tuition and fees may be paid through the Business Office or online. Students may pay by cash, check, credit card, or apply for the deferred payment plan. For more payment information, contact the Business Office. 815-288-5511, Ext. 295 or visit www.svcc.edu.

Students who have financial obligations to the College, including parking and library fines, may not register for the next semester or obtain a release of transcripts until the financial obligations have been met.

Registration Change/Withdrawal

During the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, students may make changes in their course schedule of classes by filing a program change with the Office of Recruitment at ext 421. This applies to classes taken for college credit only.  Students wishing to withdraw from classes being taken for dual credit must contact their high school counselor prior to filing a program change with the Office of Recruitment (ext. 421).

Any request for a refund of tuition must be made by the following schedule:

• Fall and Spring Semesters:
  • 100% refund period – through the first week of the term.
  • 80% refund period – the second week of the term.
• Summer Semester:
  • 100% refund period – first day of class and the following business day
  • 80% refund period – third and fourth business day

A student’s failure to withdraw properly may result in a failing grade of “F” in the course.

Transfer of Credits

SVCC is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement among colleges and universities in Illinois. This initiative allows transfer of General Education Core Curriculum between participating institutions. To find more facts and resources about SVCC’s top transfer schools and download a transfer guide, visit http://www.svcc.edu/students/counseling/transfer.html .

It is the responsibility of the student to select a transfer institution and follow transfer requirements.

Services for Students Needing Disability Support

 Sauk Valley Community College provides accommodations and services to students with disabilities.  These accommodations and services are offered in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.  For more information, contact the Coordinator of Disability Support at Sauk Valley Community College.  815-288-5511, Ext. 246

Learning Assistance Center (LAC)

 This drop-in center exists to help meet the academic needs of students by supplementing their classroom instruction with free tutoring, instructional materials, equipment, and testing.  815-288-5511, Ext. 293

Learning Resource Center (LRC)

Located on the third floor, the Learning Resource Center contains materials and professional services offered by the library at Sauk Valley Community College.  Books in the collection are available for check-out by all residents of the district. 815-288-5511, Ext. 247

Bookstore

 Located on the first floor, the bookstore sells textbooks, school supplies, and college apparel.  Used textbooks are bought and sold as well. Visit the bookstore online at www.svcc.bkstr.com . 815-288-5511, Ext. 304

Cross-Cultural Services

 Cross-Cultural Services provides assistance to minority students and their families throughout the Sauk Valley Community College district in reaching their educational and career goals.  Our goal is to promote minority achievement through college education.

Some students have a clear idea of what their concerns are before seeking help; many others simply feel that some things are not going as well as they had hoped.  Either way, the Cross-Cultural Coordinator is there to help.

Students and parents are invited to call or visit the Cross-Cultural Services office at Sauk Valley Community College.  Bilingual services are available (English/Spanish).  815-288-5511, Ext. 432