Concurrent Enrollment Program Student Handbook

Melissa Cornejo-Nell
Director of K-12 Partnerships & Perkins Grant
melissa.cornejo-nell@nhcc.edu / 763.488.0283

Candice Bartelle
Assistant Director of Admissions
Candice.Bartelle@nhcc.edu / 763-488-0268

What is Concurrent Enrollment?
Concurrent enrollment is a college course made available through the PSEO program, offered at a high school and taught by a high school teacher. Concurrent enrollment courses enroll only high school students in order for them to earn both high school and college credit. Students get the opportunity to experience the academic rigor of college curriculum and strengthen their study skills in a high school environment.

What to Expect:
Before applying and registering for a concurrent enrollment course, students should discuss this option with a high school counselor and parent/guardian. Students will want to confirm they meet the eligibility requirements, identify if the course would apply to their high school graduation requirements, and make sure they are ready for the rigor of a college-level course. 

Students will then go through the process of applying and registering for the course by utilizing our step-by-step resource guide found on the NHCC Concurrent Enrollment webpage. 

NHCC’s Concurrent Enrollment Program courses follow the same guidelines, outcomes, objectives, assessments, and grading standards of that on campus. Feel free to utilize any of the student resources on campus to help you successfully complete the concurrent enrollment course.

It’s important to understand that the grade students receive in the concurrent enrollment course will be part of their permanent college transcript. This is the same grade that students will receive on their high school transcript. The concurrent enrollment course is a real college-level course, so students should do their very best!

Feel more prepared for full-time post-secondary coursework.
Concurrent enrollment alumni report that after taking concurrent courses, they feel more confident in their ability to be successful in postsecondary coursework when they enroll as full-time students. Students who participate in concurrent enrollment are more likely to graduate high school, enroll in college, persist in college, and complete a college degree or credential.

Stay in a familiar environment.
Since concurrent enrollment courses are offered at the high school, students are able to learn in an environment that they are familiar with and comfortable in. They have additional support from their peers, teachers, counselors, and family members.

Accredited program
NHCC’s concurrent enrollment program is accredited through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). This accreditation requires course alignment, so students will learn, and instructors will teach university-level courses, not simply high school courses that offer college credit. Learn more about NACEP accreditation and the standards for our campus and K12 partners.

Free College Credit on Your Path!
Students earn free college credit in classes that put students on the path to nearly 30 different certificates, degrees, or transfer pathways. On average, taking one 3-credit concurrent enrollment course saves students approximately $630!

Holistic student support
Even though you’ll be in your high school, you’ll still have access to free access to campus resources –many you can access remotely: academic advising, counseling, tutoring, student organizations, access services, and campus food cupboard.

To participate in North Hennepin Community College’s Concurrent Enrollment Program, students must

meet the eligibility requirements:

• Junior, with a class rank in the top one-third or 66th percentile of graduating class, OR
• Senior, with a class rank in the top one-half or 50th percentile of graduating class, OR
• Overall GPA of 2.0 or higher for courses that do not require a prerequisite or college-level placement.

Most concurrent enrollment courses offered through NHCC do not require a prerequisite or Accuplacer placement test to register. However, if students register for a course with a placement level, they will be required to take that portion of the Accuplacer or provide ACT scores. A staff member from the program will work with students if a prerequisite is required.

All concurrent enrollment students must apply and register online. Application, signature form, transcript, and registration must happen within the first 10 business days of the concurrent enrollment course starting.

On the Concurrent Enrollment Program webpage, NHCC has provided several resources to help students apply and register. This includes a step-by-step video and document. Students should activate their StarID and apply to NHCC during the first week of class so that NHCC has time to process applications for registration. During the second week of class, students should plan to register for the class through eServices. Students and their parent/guardian will also need to complete our short, virtual online orientation video and signature form indicating their awareness and understanding of the implications of the concurrent enrollment course.

NHCC staff are available if any student needs support with this process.

Before adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a course, it is highly recommended that students meet with their high school counselor. Some high schools require a meeting before students can adjust their schedule. Students should see their school counselor for details.

Students may add or drop a course through the 15th business day of the term.

Students are allowed to withdraw from a course after the 15th day through approximately 80% of the term. Withdraw courses appear on a transcript as a “W” and have a direct impact on academic standing but not GPA.

Concurrent enrollment courses follow the same grading scale and standards as those at North Hennepin. NHCC awards whole letter grades (A, B, C, D, F).

The student’s transcript is a permanent college record; therefore, students must follow our academic standards guidelines. These include maintaining a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 67% completion of all classes that a student registers for. Dropping below either of these could result in an academic warning or suspension. A suspension will follow students to all Minnesota State colleges and universities and may affect their admission and financial aid.

This is not an opportunity to try college; this is real college.

Students taking concurrent enrollment courses at their high school are considered NHCC students. Concurrent enrollment students have the same level of access to learning resources and are beholden to the same rules, policies, and procedures as all other students. Thus, they are expected to follow all rules, policies, and procedures that pertain to NHCC students. It is imperative that high school administrators are aware of this. You can find a full listing of North Hennepin Community College’s current official policies and procedures at this webpage.

Policies in place include:

• Student conduct, such as academic dishonesty
• Computer and/or technology misuse
• Discrimination or harassment
• Code of Conduct
• Disruptive or disorderly conduct
• Hazing
• Failure to comply/falsifying information
• Gambling
• Solicitation
• Theft
• Damage or misuse of college or personal property
• Threatening and/or harmful conduct

Violations of federal, state, and local laws and Minnesota State Policies are all subject to disciplinary action.

All concurrent enrollment students have the same level of access to learning resources as traditional students at NHCC. Below is a list of a few learning resources that are available. For a complete listing of student resources, visit this webpage.

Access Services: Access Services is dedicated to ensuring equal access to the College for students with physical, learning, psychiatric, and other documented disabilities. The Access Services department can be contacted at 763-493-0555.

Advising: Academic Advising is available to help with registration, course planning, and transfer. The Advising Center can be reached at 763-424-0703.

Tutoring: Tutoring services are offered through the Math Center, Writing Center, and Peer Tutoring space, all inside the Library in the Learning Resource Center. Peer tutoring is available weekdays and several evenings each week to help students with a variety of courses.

Counseling: During the academic year, it is not uncommon for students to experience a range of issues dealing with personal crisis, relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, depression, difficulty concentrating, and/or lack of motivation. The NHCC Community is committed to the health and well-being of all students. NHCC’s Counseling Center provides free and confidential services to all NHCC students. Appointments: 763-493-0554.

Student Life: Whether you're interested in student government, leadership development, clubs and organizations, sports, or fine arts, NHCC has a group or activity to fit your interests. There are always opportunities to enhance your college experience!

After high school, we strongly encourage students to continue taking courses at NHCC. We have a variety of degree pathways which can be found at this webpage. Students must apply as an undergraduate student in order to continue taking classes at the college.

NHCC, along with other Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, are committed to making transfer as seamless as possible for students. Transfer agreements and pathways have been formalized with several institutions to simplify transfer procedures for students and to ensure transfer of credits from NHCC to other colleges and universities.

NHCC also offers baccalaureate programming on campus through a variety of universities. More information about our 4-year programs on the NHCC campus can be found at this webpage. 

After graduation, if a concurrent enrollment student enrolls at a Minnesota State College or University, they will not need to request an official transcript from NHCC as our systems are connected. If a student is attending any college in the University of Minnesota system, private college system, or out-of-state, they will need to request an official transcript from NHCC. Students should follow the directions on our Request Transcripts webpage.  

Q: What if I need help activating my STARID, applying, or registering?
A: You can find our step-by-step resource guide online, ask your teacher, counselor, or coordinator at your high school for help, or contact an NHCC concurrent enrollment staff member. 

Q: How many college credits can I take per semester?
A: Students can take up to 16 college credits.

Q: What materials do I need for a successful application?
A: You must apply online as a concurrent enrollment student, submit your official high school transcripts, submit your completed signature form, and register online for your course.

Q: What if my parent(s) want to talk to my high school teacher about my progress in the concurrent enrollment course?
A: Students must sign off on a FERPA form found on our website if they want their high school teacher to talk about any aspect of the concurrent enrollment course with parent(s).

Q: I have questions about how this course fits into college programs of study, my course load, or grading standards. Who do I talk to for advising issues?
A: Students should connect with their high school instructor on these topics. Your high school instructor is partnered with a college faculty mentor who can assist in answering these questions. Concurrent Enrollment Students also have access to Academic Advising at NHCC to support their overall post-secondary planning.

Q: I need accommodations to ensure my success in my concurrent enrollment course. What should I do?
A: Please communicate your request for accommodations with your high school instructor. North Hennepin Community College is committed to providing equal access to meet the physical, instructional, and technological needs of all of its students, staff, faculty, and guests. To that end, North Hennepin continues to strive to ensure that its campus, website, and online course offerings meet the requirements set out in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. 

Should you encounter any challenges with access at North Hennepin Community College, please contact Access Services at 763-493-0555 or via the Minnesota Relay (1-800-627-3529) or by email at: Disability@nhcc.edu

Q: How do I get my transcript after I complete the course?
A: Follow the directions on our Requesting Transcripts webpage. 

Q: How will my concurrent enrollment courses transfer?
A: The transfer of courses is always subject to the receiving institution. Students should contact the college they plan to attend to see how their concurrent enrollment courses will transfer. They can also speak with their high school counselor or visit www.transferology.com.