Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend MiraCosta College?
Anyone may attend MiraCosta College who is:
- 18 years of age or older or
- The holder of a high school diploma or equivalent or
- Currently attending high school as a sophomore, junior or senior. High school students are required to obtain a Concurrent Enrollment Permit Form Package signed by their high school principal and a parent. International students wishing to attend MiraCosta College on a F1/M1 visa must apply for admission through the Institute for International Perspectives.
When do classes start?
- 2009 Spring Session: January 20
- 2009 Summer Session: June 1 (early start classes)
How much does it cost?
Required fees:
- Per-unit enrollment fee is set by the state legislature for all community colleges and is subject to change. The current fee is $20 per unit for identified California resident students.
- State-mandated health services fee is $17 (during the summer session, it is $13). There will be no health fee for the Winter Intersession.
- Student Center fee is $1 per unit but no more than $10 in a fiscal year (summer 2008 - spring 2009).
- Materials fees. Some courses require a fee for class-related materials. Specific materials fees are included in the course description.
- Tuition for identified non-residents of California is $181 per unit, in addition to the $20 per-unit enrollment fee. Active duty military and dependents may be exempt from the residency requirement.`
Optional fees:
- Parking: All vehicles parking on campus are required to display
a valid parking permit: four-wheeled vehicles--$35 per semester (during the summer session, it is $17.50); extra cars, motorcycles,
motor-driven two-wheeled vehicles--$17.50 (during the summer session, it is $9.00). Exception: vehicles displaying a valid California disabled placard are not required to purchase a parking
permit.
- Student ID card is $6. The student ID card supports a variety of college services such as using computer and language labs, and writing checks in the college bookstore. A valid student ID card serves as the MCC library card, expediting access to the library circulating collection and academic reserve collections. Students without a valid MCC student ID card will be asked to provide proof of current semester registration along with a government-issued photo ID and proof of current address. ID cardholders also receive discounts at various North County businesses such as movie theatres. ID cards and replacements are issued at the Student Activities offices on both campuses.
How long do I need to be a resident of California before I qualify for the in-state enrollment fee?
The residency rules as established by Title V of the California Code of Regulations require a one-year physical presence in the state of California prior to the first day of the semester, combined with one year of evidence of intent and ability to establish residency in California. Students may be required to present evidence regarding their residency. Some exceptions and limitations to the residency requirement exist; please call the Admissions and Records Office, (760) 795-6620 or (760) 634-7870, or e-mail admissions@miracosta.edu if you have questions about residency requirements.
How do I pay fees?
Required fees must be paid on the day of enrollment whether you enroll online or in person. You are not officially enrolled in your classes unless you have paid all required fees. Make payment online with MasterCard or VISA. If you enroll in person at the Admissions and Records Office, you will immediately pay fees at the Student Accounts Office. You may use cash, check, MasterCard or VISA at the Student Accounts Office. If you want to enroll online but do not want to use MasterCard or VISA, you may pre-pay at the Student Accounts Office. If you are receiving financial aid or a BOGW, make sure the Financial Aid Office has cleared you to enroll.
If you are receiving a scholarship, you must process your paperwork in the Scholarship Office located in the Oceanside Student Center, Bldg. 3400, before registering. For more information, call or stop by the Scholarship Office, (760) 795-6895.
Do I have to submit an application every semester?
No. If you are currently enrolled at MiraCosta and are planning to enroll in the next full semester or summer session, your records are active and you may enroll in classes using SURF online. If you are a new student or a former MiraCosta student returning after an absence of at least one semester, you must complete an Application for Admission to activate your records in the online system. Click here to apply online.
What is my enrollment appointment date/time?
First Priority Enrollment - Continuing students are assigned a specific enrollment date and time based on the number of units completed (not including current semester) at MiraCosta College. New students who have completed testing, orientation and advisement are also assigned a first priority date and time.
Second Priority Enrollment - Students, who do not have a specific enrollment appointment date/time assigned, may enroll using SURF online or in person beginning this date.
Note: You can go to the Admissions & Records Office Home page and click on the specific Enrollment Schedule for details.
How do I add or drop a class?
During the first week of classes you may drop and add classes using SURF or by completing an official add or drop card. You must make payment for any additional units at the time you add the class. Classes may be added or dropped online at SURF up until the last day designated to add or drop. Add and Drop cards are available at the Admissions and Records Office.
Can I get a refund for classes I drop?
Yes, you may get a refund for required fees. Optional fees (parking and ID card) are non-refundable. You must officially drop to receive a refund. State regulations allow refunds during the first two weeks of a semester-length class or by the 10 percent point of short-term courses. Refunds will be automatically mailed to you or credited to your credit card. You may still drop classes after the refund date and before the final withdrawal date, but you will not receive a refund. If you enrolled in a class that is cancelled by the college, you will receive an automatic refund (no need to drop the class).
What is “crashing” a class?
Some classes fill quickly. While you can keep checking SURF for a spot to open in a closed class, we recommend instead that you substitute another section or a different course altogether. If, however, you want to try "crashing" a closed class (all spaces in the class are filled), you must go to the first class meeting, preferably early. Let the instructor know you are not enrolled and wish to "crash" the class. You will need to wait while the instructor introduces the course and calls the roll. If there are no-shows (enrolled students who don't claim their seats) or withdrawals (enrolled students who decide the class is not what they want), you may be allowed to enroll. The instructor will issue you a permission number which may be used to process your enrollment using SURF or in-person at the Admissions & Records Office. Be ready to process your add immediately and pay fees to claim your spot in the class. There are no guarantees, but students often succeed in getting into a class by “crashing.”
Note: Although SURF may indicate a wait list, that function is not currently available.
Online courses have the same enrollment limits as the equivalent "traditional" sections. To crash a closed online course, follow these steps:
- BEFORE classes begin, consider enrolling in another section of the course if the online section you wish to add is closed. You should also talk to a counselor about other courses that meet your needs and requirements. Check the CyberCosta web site to see if the instructor has posted information or instructions for crashing.
- BEFORE classes begin, check enrollment on SURF daily because space may become available before the first day. You may be able to add on SURF if there is space. DO NOT e-mail or call the instructor before the first day of classes because you may not receive a response.
- AFTER classes begin, e-mail the instructor at his/her e-mail address for permission to add. Include your full name, your SURF ID, and the specific course you'd like to crash. If there is space and the instructor consents, you will receive an e-mail response with a permission number to add. Use the permission number in SURF or print the entire e-mail and take it to Admissions and Records (in person) before the enrollment deadline to enroll and pay for the class.
What if I miss the first class meeting—will I be dropped from class?
If the class is closed and has students waiting to crash, it is likely the instructor will drop you from class. If your absence is unavoidable and you are able to contact the instructor before class, you should do so by e-mail or telephone. It is at the discretion of the instructor whether or not to drop you from class. If you are dropped, you may try to “crash” at the next class meeting or try to get into another section of the same class.
How do I get my grades?
Final grades are available approximately 2-3 weeks after the end of the semester. Grades are accessed on the SURF online enrollment system at https://surf.miracosta.edu. You may print your unofficial grade report from SURF. We do not mail out grades.
How do I get my transcript?
You may view and print your unofficial transcript on the SURF online enrollment system at https://surf.miracosta.edu. Due to federal privacy laws, your signature is required to release your official transcript (an official transcript has the college seal affixed and is often required by transfer institutions, employers, etc.). A parent, spouse or other relative may not request your transcript for you.
Can I take a class for Pass/No Pass?
You may petition to take a class with the Pass/No Pass grading option, which means you will not receive a letter grade for the class. If you earn a “C” or better, you will receive a grade of “P” for “pass.” Students planning to transfer should consult with the University Transfer Center, (760) 795-6880, to determine if taking a class for pass/no pass will affect their transfer program. The deadline to petition for pass/no pass is by the 30% point of the class.
The class I want to take has a prerequisite. How can I get into the class?
Some classes have a prerequisite and students not meeting the prerequisite will not be able to enroll in the class (the online system will prevent enrollment). English and math prerequisites may be met by taking the English and math tests and following the placement recommendations; for details go to the Testing Office. Prerequisites for English, math and other courses may also be met by completing the prerequisite course at MiraCosta or the equivalent course at another school, or by demonstrating skills and knowledge to succeed in the class. Students also have the right to challenge the prerequisite requirement. Click here to print the Request for Requisite Review Form.
Can I repeat a class?
There are two types of courses where students may be allowed to repeat. The first are activitiy, performance and skill classes which have been designated as repeatable. Notice the symbol + in the class schedule. These classes may be taken several times (usually a total of four) and each grade will count. Students do not have the option of improving substandard grades for these repeatable courses.
The second option is for repeating regular courses (those that don't have the repeatable designation) when the first grade(s) are substandard; F, D, NC or NP. In these cases the student may repeat substandard grades twice in order to raise the GPA. Students must enroll in person in the Admissions & Records Office beginning with the second repetition.
Can I audit a class?
Auditing is sometimes allowed for students who wish to repeat a credit lecture course or a repeatable performance, skill or activity course when the opportunities for repetition have been exhausted. Approved auditors will not receive credit for the class. Auditors will pay a non-refundable audit fee of $15 per unit and will also be charged for all instructional materials. Students enrolled in 10 or more units may audit an additional three or fewer units without paying the fee. Students may obtain an audit form at the Admissions and Records Office and must secure approval of the instructor and chair of the department. Instructors and/or department chairs reserve the right to approve or disapprove any request for audit according to their discretion, and their decisions are final.
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