How to Enroll

1. New Students
   Contact Admissions & Records at 815-835-6273 for Enrollment Assistance
   (Planning to Complete a Degree or Certificate)
   1. Complete a Student Information Form. Submit a Student Information form to Admissions & Records. Forms are available at the College and on the College website www.svcc.edu/soar.
   2. Learn about SVCC Program/Class Information. SVCC offers many types of programs to assist students in reaching their goals. This includes career and transfer programs, and individual class enrollment.
   3. Satisfy Course Placement Requirements.  Multiple placement options in English/language arts and mathematics are available for all students wishing to register for any English/language arts class, mathematics class, or any other college class requiring a specific ENG/ELA/MAT co-requisite or prerequisite. College staff will discuss required placement areas and options (i.e. ACT/SAT scores, SVCC placement test results, review of credit earned at the College level, review of high school transcript, GED score.)
   4. Submit Other Academic Records. Students should submit their official high school transcripts, GED scores, and college/university transcripts from institutions previously attended. Students submitting college transcripts should also file a Transcript Evaluation Request Form in Admissions & Records. Official transcripts must be delivered in a sealed envelope from the previous institution.
   5. Learn About Tuition Costs & Payment Options. SVCC tuition is charged per credit hour based on residence. Course fees are assessed per credit hour based on the type of course. Students are encouraged to apply for financial assistance, scholarships, and/or veterans benefits as early as possible.
   6. Meet With an Academic Advisor.  Students will need to meet with an academic advisor to discuss their career plans, placement results, and course/program requirements.
   7. Register for Classes. Students register for classes with Admissions & Records staff. Summer/Fall registration begins in April; Spring registration begins in November.
   8. Learn About SOAR, Sauk E-mail & Other On-line Tools. Go to svcc.edu/student-login for assistance with accessing student accounts at SVCC.
   9. Pay Tuition & Fees. Students may pay by check, credit card, or apply for the deferred payment plan online at svcc.edu/soar. Students who have applied for financial aid should contact Financial Assistance to confirm eligibility. Students may also pay by cash, check or credit card in the Business Office.
   10. Attend New Student Orientation.
   11. Buy Books & Supplies. Visit the SVCC Bookstore to buy textbooks, supplies and other important items.

New Students Registration Guidelines

In an effort to promote student success, students without previously earned college credit must be registered prior to the start of classes. Please contact 815-835-6273 for specific dates/times and registration options

2. Returning Students
   After a two year separation from the College (non-enrollment), a Student Information form needs to be submitted to update personal information, enrollment term/plan, and intended program of study.
   1. Meet With an Enrollment Specialist.
   2. Meet with an Academic Advisor. Students will need to meet with an academic advisor to discuss their career plans, placement results, and course/program requirements prior to enrolling.
   3. Pay Tuition & Fees. Students may pay by check, credit card, or apply for the deferred payment plan online at svcc.edu/soar. Students who have applied for financial aid should contact Financial Assistance to confirm eligibility. Students may also pay by cash, check or credit card in the Business Office.
3. Continuing Students:
   1. Choose one of the following options (1-4)
      1. Academic Advisor Pre-Approval: Students should schedule an appointment with an academic advisor before registration begins to plan courses for the upcoming semester.
      2. Academic Planning Sheets: Students who are following an advisor-approved academic plan can bring a copy of the plan along with a completed registration form to Academic Advising for approval.
      3. Academic Advisor Approval: Students meet with an academic advisor during the registration period to discuss recommended course work and gain approval to register.
      4. Self-Registration: Students who have met registration guidelines can register online or on campus. Visit www.svcc.edu/soar for registration guidelines.
   2. Pay Tuition and Fees. Students may pay by check, credit card, or apply for the deferred payment plan online at svcc.edu/soar. Students who have applied for financial aid should contact Financial Assistance to confirm eligibility. Students may also pay by cash, check or credit card in the Business Office.
4. Students Enrolling for Personal Interest or Professional Development
   (Not planning to complete a degree or certificate)
   1. Submit a Student Information Form to Admissions & Records.
   2. Course Placement/Academic Advising: Students wishing to register for any English/language arts course, math course, or any other college course requiring a specific co-requisite or prerequisite, must satisfy course placement requirements and meet with an academic advisor for approval.
   3. Register for Classes:  Students can register on campus through Admissions & Records or via the Internet (SOAR - Sauk Online Access to Records), if eligible.
   4. Pay Tuition and Fees through the Business Office or online at www.svcc.edu by a specified date. Students may pay by cash, check, credit card, or apply for the deferred payment plan.

Dual Credit/Enrollment Students

Sauk Valley Community College offers academic, career, and technical education courses to qualified high school students. The Dual Credit program provides the opportunity for high school students to jump start their college education by enrolling in college level courses while in high school.

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.

To take advantage of this opportunity, students must have permission from appropriate high school personnel, parents/guardians, and SVCC personnel. Students requesting to participate in SVCC's Dual Credit/Enrollment program must satisfy the course placement policy.

High school students interested in Dual Credit Enrollment must:

1. Meet with a high school counselor to discuss the course options for Dual Credit and obtain the necessary forms.
2. Submit the following:
   • A Student Information Form. Complete at svcc.edu/apply
   • Dual Credit Student Registration Form - Complete at svcc.edu/dual-credit
   • A current copy of high school transcripts
   • An official copy of appropriate placement results

Contact either a high school counselor or SVCC Dual Credit staff at 815-835-6240, for more information.

International Students

Contact the International Student Advisor at 815/835-6390 for more information.

Pursuant to applicable regulations [8CFR 214.2(f)] Sauk Valley Community College has been authorized to enroll non-immigrant international students into approved programs of study. 

International students are defined as any individual admitted to the United States on an F-1 student visa and/or students issued the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (S.E.V.I.S.) Certificate of Non-immigrant Eligibility (Form I-20).

International students attending Sauk Valley Community College on F-1 visas are required to comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, as well as all policies guiding student conduct, academic standards, and other policies described in Sauk Valley Community College's academic catalog.

International Student Process for Form 1-20 Issuance:

1. International applicants are required to have completed the equivalent of a high school education;
2. English language testing:  International applicants are required to have achieved a minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum scores are as follows: 61 on the Internet based test, 173 on the computer based test, or 500 on the paper based test;
3. Provide a photocopy of the student's passport or birth certificate in order to validate date of birth and citizenship;
4. Submit a completed Student Information Form;
5. Provide official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. A foreign credential evaluation from a NACES member institution is required for credit evaluation;
6. Provide evidence of adequate financial support to include a financial sponsor affidavit and bank statement or official bank letter that is dated within 6 months of the application for admission;
7. Meet all requirements for admission into the United States set forth by United States Customs and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S.);
8. Comply with all other requirements established by Admissions and Records and the Sauk Valley Community College academic catalog.

Online Course Enrollment Limitations

No more than three credits of online courses may be applied toward the full-time enrollment of international students.

Course Load Requirements

International students are required to carry a full-time course load of a minimum of twelve credit hours in the fall and spring semesters, unless authorized to drop below a full-time course load by a Designated School Official (D.S.O.).

International Student Orientation Program

All International students enrolled at Sauk Valley Community College are required to attend a yearly international student orientation conducted by the institution's Designated School Officials.

Transfer

Currently enrolled international students wishing to transfer to another Student Exchange Visitor Program (S.E.V.P.) approved institution should provide his or her D.S.O. with a letter of full admission to that institution, as well as the date upon which the student is requesting transfer of his or her Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (S.E.V.I.S.) record. Students wishing to transfer to Sauk Valley Community College from another S.E.V.P. certified institution will be required to meet all admissions requirements outlined in the international student admissions process, in addition to submitting a copy of Form I-20 issued by the student's current institution verifying valid F-1 status, copy of student visa, and copy of I-94 arrival/departure record in order to be considered for admission.

Concurrent Enrollment

International students in valid F-1 status in attendance at other S.E.V.P. certified institutions may enroll as guest students over the summer term at Sauk Valley Community College. A copy of the student's Form I-20 and verification of valid F-1 status at the student's home institution are required prior to registration.

Immigration Policy Compliance

All international students attending Sauk Valley Community College are responsible for understanding and following the rules associated with maintaining their visa statuses, and for compliance with all federal immigration regulations. SVCC's Designated School Officials (D.S.O.s) are responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with the regulations of the United States Customs and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S.). D.S.O.s monitor compliance with regulations and report as appropriate through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (S.E.V.I.S.). Designated School Officials are available to assist students in their understanding of, and compliance with, regulatory requirements, as well as with cultural adjustment issues. International students seeking information related to full-time course enrollment requirements, valid passport and Form I-20 requirements, procedures for transfer, practical training, successful academic progress standards, tax filing requirements, travel outside of the United States, and who are considering or have questions about employment of any type should consult a D.S.O. In addition, students are encouraged to consult a D.S.O. if they are experiencing academic challenges, are considering dropping classes or taking time off from school, are experiencing issues with cultural adjustment, or have any other concerns related to studying in a host culture or complying with federal regulations.

Support Services for International Students

International students may access the same student success and support services offered to U.S. citizens at Sauk Valley Community College's campus, including, but not limited to, advising and support services, academic support, student activities, disability support services, and athletics. D.S.O.s also provide services designed to assist with the acculturation process, compliance with immigration regulations, and other unique needs of international students.

Cultural Support Services

SVCC recognizes that there are challenges as well as opportunities inherent in living and studying abroad. Designated School Officials are available to assist with cultural adjustment issues, community and campus integration, as well as to provide practical information, such as processes for obtaining driver's licenses and social security cards.

Veteran Students

Pursuant to Illinois Public Act 098-0316, Sauk Valley Community College will offer service members and veterans the earliest possible enrollment opportunity offered by the college, (advance registration).

In order to qualify for this Advance Registration opportunity, the student must not be on hold for any debt owed to Sauk Valley Community College, must be a resident of Illinois and must either be:

1. A current service member-a member of any component of the U.S. Armed Forces, including any reserve component, or the National Guard of any state, who is eligible to receive military education benefits (as verified by the Veterans Services Advisor) or;
2. A veteran-a previous service member who has received an honorable discharge, a general discharge or an other than honorable discharge (as verified by the Veterans Services Advisor).

Service Members and Veteran students do not have to be using Veterans Educational Benefits at Sauk Valley Community College to qualify, but must provide the Veterans Services Advisor the necessary documentation to show that they meet either (1) or (2) above. This may include the Member 4 copy of their DD214, a copy of a current Certificate of Eligibility for educational benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs or other appropriate documentation.

In accordance to H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, Sauk Valley Community College will bill student Veterans and qualifying dependents at a rate not to exceed the current in-district rate. For these purposes, SVCC defines-

A student Veteran as:

• A student who has served on active duty, for purposes other than training, for at least 90 days who has an other than "Dishonorable" discharge;
• A student who has served on active duty for at least 30 days and was discharged for a service connected disability or;
• A student who is currently serving on active duty, regardless of length of service

A qualifying dependent as:

• The child of a service member who died in the line of duty serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 or;
• The recipient of transferred Post 9/11 G.I.Bill benefits.

Students who reside out of district or out of state will be assessed the actual out of district or out of state charges at the time of registration and will be coded as such for reporting purposes.

The student must self-identify and indicate that they are a veteran who meets the requirements of this policy by providing the Veterans Services office a copy of their DD214, Member 4 (if a student Veteran) or proof that they are a qualifying dependent (including, but not limited to, documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs). If the student meets these requirements, a waiver will be applied to their account for the difference between their actual tuition and the in-district tuition. Tuition charges billed to the student, the VA and/or the State of Illinois will reflect the appropriate in-district tuition.

See Veteran Benefits under Financial Assistance.

Call to Active Duty

Sauk Valley Community College is committed to offering our military veteran students several enrollment options if the student is called to (non-voluntary) active military duty while participating in courses during an ongoing semester. Option 1 is for the student to request an early completion of the course and to have a grade assigned. This option should be in consultation with the instructor and be based on a reasonably expedient completion of the course. Option 2 is for the student to be fully withdrawn from all courses with no grade assigned and no assessment of tuition or fees for the enrolled courses. The student must provide to Admissions & Records a copy of the military orders clearly identifying the dates of active duty. The date of activation must occur within the semester of the course participation. Option 3 is for the student to request an extension of time to complete the current course work under the normal guidelines of the college. This option requires a completed "Incomplete Grade" contract identifying a plan and deadline for completion of the course. Option 4 is for the student to request an extension of time to complete the current course work. This option requires the student to supply the above mentioned activity duty military orders and a completed "Incomplete Grade" contract identifying a plan and deadline for completion of the course. If the military veteran student does not complete the course within the timeline a grade of "W" will be assigned for the course. Once an option is selected by the called to duty military veteran student it is considered final and may not be changed.

Registration Change Period

During the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, students may make changes in their class schedule. *During the first week of the semester, students may add and drop classes without prior written consent from the instructor. During the second week of the semester, students must receive written consent from the instructor to add classes; during this period the students can drop classes without instructor consent. Students may change their schedule via www.svcc.edu/soar during the 100% refund period (as published in the Academic calendar) or by submitting an ADD slip to Admissions & Records or a DROP via the online DROP form. After the 100% refund period, schedule changes must be submitted to Admissions & Records on a ADD slip or via the online DROP form at www.svcc.edu/admissions.

*The length of the Registration Change period for the summer semester or a shorter session is prorated (contact Admissions & Records for specific dates). Full tuition will be charged for any course added after the designated Registration Change period. Reinstate fees are non refundable.

Students who receive financial assistance or veteran benefits should consult Financial Assistance before dropping or adding courses.

Fines and Financial Obligations

Students who have financial obligations to the College may not register for the next semester, or obtain a release of transcripts until the financial obligations have been met. Contact 815-835-6267 for more information.

First Year Experience

First Year Experience (FYE 101) is a one-credit hour course designed to facilitate the self-development of the student and introduce students to the expectations of the college community. This course is required first semester of incoming degree-seeking students.

FYE 101 is required of degree-seeking students their first semester. Students in good standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher), who have accumulated at least 16 SVCC semester hours or transferred 16 or more semester hours prior to enrolling as a degree-seeking student at SVCC are not required to take this course. Students already awarded an Associate's degree or above are also exempt from FYE.

Orientation (new student)

Sauk Valley Community College is committed to providing students with effective support systems to facilitate their success and empower their learning. All students new to Sauk Valley Community College whether on campus or online are required to participate in a New Student Orientation. New Student Orientation is a program that connects students to valuable resources, tools, and critical individuals on campus prior to their first semester. Students will be assigned to New Student Orientation at the time of registration. Contact the Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar for more information (815) 835-6378.

Semester Class Schedules

The class schedules for the upcoming semester will be available on Monday following midterm of the previous semester. The schedule can be found on the College website, www.svcc.edu/schedule or through SOAR at www.svcc.edu/soar.

Student E-mail Accounts

Students registered for classes at Sauk Valley Community College will be provided an SVCC email account. The email will be active the day following initial registration. All official email correspondence from SVCC will go to the SVCC email address.

Student Photo ID Cards

Student photo ID cards are available in Admissions & Records and are valid for the current academic year. New ID cards are issued each academic year. Replacement cards are available for a fee.