FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
WCC’s Dual Enrollment options are designed to provide current high school students, who are enrolled in the 9th grade or above, the opportunity to get an early start on their college education. Students are able to complete college courses while still attending high school. Below is a guide to some common questions regarding Dual Enrollment.
Q: What is Dual Enrollment?
A: The term “dual enrollment” refers to students being enrolled in two different educational institutions. This means a high school student may also be dual enrolled at a local institution of higher learning, in this case Woodland Community College. Upon completion of a course (with a passing grade), students will receive credit that may be applied toward their high school graduation requirements and/or toward a WCC college degree or certificate.
Q: How do I know if my student is prepared to take a Dual Enrollment course?
A: Although Dual Enrollment is a great opportunity, participating in a dual enrollment class is an important decision and should involve a conversation between the student, parent(s) or guardian, and high school counselor. In fact, all students must first complete the High School Recommendation form which requires authorization (signatures) from all three parties.
Q: Will my student have to travel to the college campus to take these classes?
A: Currently, due to COVID-19 and social distancing measures, courses are mostly being held online. Instruction and attendance expectations will be determined by the high school or WCC campus at which the course is taking place.
Q: What classes are offered at my student’s high school for dual enrollment?
A: Course offerings differ at the high schools throughout our three service areas, spanning three counties. We encourage students to check with their high school counselor to see what dual enrollment courses are offered and which work best with their goals. Currently, the following participating high schools are offering courses on their high school campuses: Colusa High School; Lower Lake High School; Maxwell High School; Middletown High School; Pierce High School; Pioneer High School; Woodland High School; and Williams Junior Senior Early College High School.
Q: How much does each class cost?
A: Dual enrollment courses are tuition-free for high school students! The $46 per-unit tuition fee is waived for high school students enrolled in 11 units or less.
Q: Are textbooks also free?
A: If the class requires it, students may need to cover the cost of textbooks and/or materials. However, there are courses that do not require any textbooks or offer low-cost textbook options.
Q: How is the course work different from a regular high school class?
A: It’s important to keep in mind that dual enrollment courses are taught to the rigor of a college course. Students will be covering college-level content. As such, please be aware discussion topics and course materials may be designed for adults. Assignments will be graded using college rubrics and standards. The final grade received in a dual enrollment class will be recorded on an official Woodland Community College transcript. For these reasons, it is important to recognize the commitment a student is making before enrolling in a dual enrollment course.
Q: How will this help my student?
A: There are many advantages to participating in dual enrollment. These include:
- Students who participate in dual enrollment throughout their high school years may be able to attain an Associate’s degree at the same time or shortly after graduating high school. Now that’s a head start!
- Students can accumulate college credits during high school FOR FREE which means they’ll have less classes to take and pay for later! Dual enrollment is a cost-efficient way to get ahead!
- Taking dual enrollment courses can also better prepare young students for the transition to college. Students can enroll in one or two college courses and get experience what college coursework is like.
Q: As a parent, how involved can I be with my student’s enrollment and course participation?
A: Parental involvement will be significantly different at the college level. Although students are still young adults, enrolling in college courses means they will be treated as college students. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents higher education officials and instructional staff from releasing any information to family, friends, family, or others without a written release from the student, even if the student is a minor. Additionally, we encourage student empowerment and expect students to advocate for themselves by communicating with instructors and/or college staff.
Q: What is the process to enroll for a class?
A: The steps for registration depend on whether a student is enrolling in a dual enrollment course taken at their high school or through a WCC college campus. For specific steps, please select from the two dual enrollment options outlined on our main Dual Enrollment page.