The process by which a student and College advisor work together to determine course selection, establish an educational plan, and identify key resources that will enable a student to accomplish academic and personal goals at WCC

A long-term plan of study designed to assist a student in reaching educational goals and degree/certificate requirements.

The second stage of administrative action in which a student has not met academic progress standards. In this stage, a registration block is placed on the student’s account and the student is alerted of low academic achievement and encouraged to seek assistance from various College resources.

An official College policy outlining requirements for satisfactory academic performance, including maintaining a quarterly and cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.

The final stage of administrative action in where a registration block is placed on the student's record and students are restricted to enrolling in one class equal to 5 credits or less. 

The first stage of administrative action in which a student has not met academic progress standards. In this stage, the student is alerted of low academic achievement and encouraged to seek assistance from various College resources.

A registration process in which a student officially adds or drops a class.

A part-time instructor.

The process of applying to be accepted for enrollment at the College.

A self-governing body that represents the interests of all students on various issues at the College and state levels.

Enrollment in a class for which a student does not receive credit nor a grade. 

A program typically scheduled around finals weeks when the Campus Store buys back used textbooks at reduced rates.

WCC's official Learning Management System used to access the courses you're enrolled in.

A compilation of college information degree and certificate requirements, course descriptions, student rights and responsibilities, and more. The catalog serves as the College’s contract with students and is available online annually.

A student services resource, that offers employment information, job search assistance, career assessment, and labor market information whatcom.edu 205 to assist students in making thoughtful career/ educational decisions.

A course taken more than one time.

A few courses are repeatable for credit; look for that information in the course description.

For other courses, a student may repeat a course twice (three times in all). Credit is awarded only once. All attempts will appear on the student's transcript, but only the highest grade will be used to compute the student's GPA.

Course repeats may not be funded by financial aid. See a financial aid representative in Orca Central for more information. 

Each credit represents one 50-minute period of class time each week for the duration of the quarter. For example, a 5-credit class meets 5 x 50 (250) minutes of class per week.

The official records management system that students and employees use to access information. ctcLink connects students across all 34 community and technical colleges in the state of Washington.

Quick advising designed to answer questions, problem-solve current issues, or learn about resources without making an appointment.

A process in which a student is administratively removed from classes because tuition and/or fees were not paid.

A student success system in which faculty identify students who are having difficulties with academics or attendance in class. Students receive email notifications and personalized support through phone calls and advising or coaching appointments.

Academic and Career Advising student services are located in Orca Central. In person or virtual appointments are available.

Advising appointments in which students and WCC advisors design tentative long-term plans and/or plan for university transfer. 

Optional courses that fulfill degree or certificate requirements while also giving flexibility in course selection. Different degrees and certificates have different allowances and restrictions for elective credits.

Full-time or part-time WCC instructor.

A federal law that protects the privacy of students’ academic information.

Federal, state or local funding for students with financial need that typically does not need to be repaid. (Example: Pell Grant)

Need-based funding awarded to students, usually at a low-interest rate, with expectations of repayment. (Example: Subsidized loan) 

Online federal form that must be completed in order to apply for federal financial aid.

A full-time student is one who enrolls in 12-18 credits per quarter. (To earn an associate's degree in two years, a student must average 15 credits per quarter of 100- and 200-level courses.) For financial aid purposes, a student must enroll in at least 12 credits to be considered full-time.

An average of your overall academic performance. Grade point averages are calculated by dividing grade points earned by the credit hours attempted.

The Honors Program is a supplemental program designed to recognize academically talented students and to provide them with a variety of challenging opportunities. A student who completes the program's requirements will have their participation noted on their transcript.

A one-stop center for tutoring and academic support with drop-in tutoring for math and writing, plus one-to-one and group tutoring by request for some college subjects. Tutoring is free to enrolled students.

Carefully selected courses within the transfer degree that reflect the student’s intended university major. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university in Washington state should complete their transfer degree with major preparation while at WCC.

Find resources and information on student network accounts, printing balances, and opting in for WCC texts.

A student services area that provides student growth opportunities while meeting the needs of the campus community through student leadership, clubs, activities, athletics, and more. 

Your one-stop for services and support.

Departments: Academic Advising & Career Services, Financial Aid, Running Start, Student Services, and TRIO Student Support Services.

A campus facility that promotes health and wellness through exercise. Available to current students free of charge with photo ID.

The official honor society for two year colleges. Membership to PTK has eligibility requirements of a 3.5 GPA and membership opportunities be shared with eligible students.

Math and English courses are required for nearly all degrees and certificates. To find your starting point in math and English, complete the placement process using one of the methods available at whatcom.edu/placement-info 

A required preparatory course taken before enrolling in subsequent courses.

WCC’s academic year is divided into four quarters/terms summer, fall, winter and spring. Fall, winter, and spring quarters are approximately 11 weeks, while summer is generally 8 weeks.

Academic advising that occurs during course registration periods with the primary goal of establishing class schedules for the upcoming quarter.

An official college process by which students sign up for classes, either online or in person.

A statewide program for high school juniors and seniors to earn tuition-free college credits at Community and Technical Colleges.

Starfish is our current student success platform that helps students succeed and graduate by connecting you to many resources that Whatcom Community College has to offer! 

• Appointment scheduling with advisors, coaches, and some faculty
• Degree planning
• Allows you to track your progress
• View kudos and flags raised by instructors during early alert progress surveys

A computer lab on the bottom floor of Heiner Center dedicated to student use with printing capabilities.

Individual student computing accounts used to access computers, wireless internet, and other computing resources on campus. Usernames and passwords are personalized to each currently enrolled student.

A document students usually receive from faculty on the first day of class outlining the dates the class will meet, course topics, grading criteria, attendance policies, instructor office hours, and contact information. It also covers course expectations, textbook and reading requirements, assignments, due dates, and class-specific information.

Central building on campus that houses the Campus Store, Orca Food Pantry, the Syre Auditorium, Office of Student Life, International Programs, and classrooms.

A student services area that provides a variety of testing services to support students in their success at WCC, including faculty makeup exams, GED testing.

A student’s official academic record that includes all courses attempted, all credits/grades earned, and all degrees/certificates earned.

An application for Washington state financial aid, for students who are not able to, or do not wish to, apply for federal financial aid.

The process by which a student officially withdraws enrollment from a class by an established deadline. A “W” is posted to the student’s transcript. It is important that students talk with an advisor before withdrawing from a course.