Admissions Policies and Procedures

Admissions

Admissions Policy

Joliet Junior College maintains an open-door admissions policy; applicants are eligible for admission if they are one of the following:

1. High school graduates or those with a high school equivalency (GED, HiSET, or TASC) certificate
2. Applicants who have completed a home-school course of study. (These students will need to furnish the following documentation in support of their admission application.)

• A transcript listing the courses taken while engaged in home study.
• The grades for the courses attempted and completed.
• Attendance records for the period covered during the home study program.
• An explanation of the grading scale employed for the home study program.

The above information should be prepared and certified by the individual who administered the principal instruction or the administrator in charge of the home school program. The above information is consistent with transcripts compiled by private schools in the state of Illinois. Home schooling is considered by Illinois law to be consistent with private school education.

• Anyone 18 years of age and older or transfer students from other colleges and universities who meet one of the above criteria.

In addition, the following categories of students may be admitted with the approval of the Director of Admissions and Academic Affairs:

• High school students 16 years of age who obtain prior approval from the high school in which they are currently enrolled.
• Young adults 16 years of age who have severed all connections with the high school district in which they are a legal resident.
• Students less than 16 years of age in a gifted or accelerated program who obtain prior approval from their high school district and from Illinois Community College District 525.

Additional information regarding early-entry enrollment may be obtained from www.jjc.edu/info/early-entry.

All students must fill out an application. Admission to the college does NOT guarantee entrance into a particular course or program of study. The college reserves the right to establish selective admissions procedures and to give preference to residents of Illinois Community College District 525.

Students who intend to pursue a B.A. or B.S. degree at a state university in Illinois must meet minimum admission requirements as set forth in Illinois Public Act 86-0954. Students who meet these requirements on the basis of their high school record and/or on the basis of the placement tests in the case of English/mathematics will be admitted as baccalaureate candidates.

The specific requirements that students must meet on the basis of their high school record are as follows:

1. At least 15 units of high school coursework from the following five categories:
   1. Four (4) years of English (emphasizing written and oral communications and literature);
   2. Three (3) years of social studies (emphasizing history and government);
   3. Three (3) years of mathematics (introductory through advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry or fundamentals of computer programming);
   4. Three (3) years of science (laboratory sciences); and
   5. Two (2) years of electives in foreign language, music, vocational education or art.
2. Up to three of the 15 units of coursework required may be distributed by deducting no more than one unit each from the categories of social studies, mathematics, sciences and electives and completing those three units in any of the five categories.

Getting Started at JJC

Visit www.jjc.edu/admitted-students for a full list of steps with active links.

Step 1: Submit an application for admission and other required credentials

• Complete an online admission application at www.jjc.edu/info/admissions. New students will receive an acknowledgment letter in the mail and a follow-up email to their JJC email account with detailed information on the admission and registration processes.

Step 2: Look up your MyJJC username and create your password.

• MyJJC is where students view information that pertains to them including class schedule, important dates and deadlines, ad so much more. Your account is created 24 - 72 hours after applying to JJC.

Step 3: Complete the New Student Presentation located in MyJJC (requires JJC username and password) so you can learn how to become a successful JJC student.

Step 4: Submit your most current official high school transcript or equivalency record (GED, HiSET, or TASC). 

• Please contact your high school and have transcripts sent to the Admissions Office (1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet IL, 60431 or admissions@jjc.edu). If you are still in high school, a current copy of your transcript will be accepted. These must be on file for appropriate math and science placement. 
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalency is required for selective admissions programs.

• Note to students with foreign transcripts: To prove U.S. high school equivalency, you must have your foreign transcript evaluated. JJC accepts and evaluates foreign transcripts from independent and private foreign educational credential services in the US that are members of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES) www.naces.org. Evaluations of High School credentials only can be general evaluations. Evaluations reports submitted to JJC must be in English. In lieu of an evaluation, students may submit official transcripts showing they passed the U.S. high school equivalency (GED, HiSET, or TASC).

Step 5: Did you earn credit from another college or university?

• Be sure to submit official college transcripts to the Registrar’s Office and complete a Transfer Credit Evaluation Form.

Step 6: Complete placement testing and/or submit your eligible scores to the Admissions Office. 

• All new degree-seeking students, or those planning to take a course with placement prerequisites, must take the JJC placement exam or have an alternate testing measure on file with the college. 
• ACT and SAT scores must be submitted directly from the testing company. Visit Testing Services for additional information regarding JJC placement exams. 
• The Joliet Junior College Placement Exam is offered at the following locations: Main Campus (A-1135 in Campus Center), Romeoville Campus (RMA-1039), and City Center Campus (room JCTR-6002). See “Placement Testing Information”.
• Students who submit current, eligible ACT, GED, HiSET, PARCC, or SAT scores may waive the Placement Test. Please call (815) 280-2613 to learn more.
• The placement tests are all untimed, the accommodation of having extended time is not necessary. If you feel you may need additional accommodations on the placement test, please contact Disability Services at 815-280-2230 or disabilityservices@jjc.edu to discuss what accommodations are needed.

Step 7: Review Cost and Payment options. Also, consider applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships.

• You are responsible for payment of tuition and fees by due date after registering for classes.
• To avoid the risk of being dropped from classes for non-payment, students must pay in full or enroll in the college’s automatic, online tuition payment plan by their due date.
• Financial aid applicants must have completed the FAFSA application and demonstrated eligibility in order to be awarded prior to their tuition due date. If the amount of the financial award does not cover the balance due, students must either pay the difference in full or enroll in the college’s automatic, online tuition payment plan by their tuition due date.

Step 8: Now you are ready to sign up for classes!

• Remember to sign up for an Advising Session (requires MyJJC username and password) Here you will meet with an Advisor to plan and register for your first semester schedule. 

• JJC offers accommodations to students with verified disabilities. Students needing accommodations should contact Disability Services as soon as possible. For further information please call (815) 280-2230 or visit the office in Campus Center room A-1125.

Pay tuition and fees by their tuition due date

• To avoid the risk of being dropped from classes for non-payment, students must pay in full or enroll in the college’s automatic, online tuition payment plan by their due date.
• Financial aid applicants must have completed the FAFSA application and demonstrated eligibility in order to be awarded prior to their tuition due date. If the amount of the financial award does not cover the balance due, students must either pay the difference in full or enroll in the college’s automatic, online tuition payment plan by their tuition due date.

Placement Testing Information

All new degree-seeking students, or those planning to take a course with placement prerequisites, must take the JJC placement exam or have an alternative testing measure on file with the college. 

• Students must fill out an online application before completing the Placement Test at www.jjc.edu/info/admissions.
• Students must bring a photo ID and may bring a calculator (nothing greater than a TI-86). Examinees may borrow a four-function calculator for the ALEKS placement test.
• One retake is permitted with the Writing and Reading test each semester. Retakes are available at Main Campus, Romeoville Campus, and City Center Campus. There are no retake fees. Students may retake the math exam even after beginning their sequence.

The Placement Test is offered in Testing Services at Main Campus (A-1138 in Campus Center), the Romeoville Campus (RMA-1039),  and the City Center Campus (JCTR-6002). Visit www.jjc.edu/placement for more information. Testing times may vary depending on sections taken. Students who wish to review for the Placement Test should call the Tutoring and Learning Center. Review materials are also posted at www.jjc.edu/tlc.

To obtain information regarding test dates, times and locations, call:

Note: The Placement Test is an untimed, computerized test. Students with verified disabilities who need test accommodations beyond extended time should contact Disability Services at (815) 280-2230.

Important information for students enrolled in prerequisite courses for English or mathematics: Initial placement is based on Placement Testing Scores. Note to students registered for future semester(s): Once final grades are in, those who have not earned a “C” or better grade in prerequisite English writing or mathematics courses must drop the higher-level course. The English writing sequence is ENG 098 , ENG 099 , and then ENG 101 . The reading sequence is ENG 020 , ENG 021 , and then ENG 101 . The English writing and reading sequence for students who place in both ENG 099  and ENG 021  is ENG 096 , and then ENG 101 .

Effective September 1, 2013, Placement Scores expire after 48 months.

• Two attempts at English testing is permitted each semester if a student has NOT already begun the respective English course sequence (i.e. reading and writing).
• Once a student begins the English course sequence, the Placement Test cannot be retaken.
• Retakes are available at Main Campus, Romeoville Campus, and City Center Campus. For more information, please contact the Academic Skills Center at (815)280-2261 or (815)280-2284.

English Placement for Students Transferring to JJC

Students who have completed the equivalent of ENG 101  at another college with a grade of “C” or better may enroll in ENG 102  or any literature course. Courses with an IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) number of CI 900 are equivalent. Courses from private and out-of-state institutions must be evaluated individually by the department chair or through the transcript evaluation process. Students must submit proof of the prerequisite course to the instructor at the first class meeting. Reading and writing placement test results from another institution may also be accepted if they are current. Effective September 1, 2013, Placement Testing scores will only be accepted if they are less than four years old. Official Placement Testing Score Reports should be sent directly to Testing Services in room A-1138 (Campus Center) at Main Campus.

Math Placement for Students Transferring to JJC

Students that have completed a college math course at another institution with a grade of “C” or better can email unofficial transcripts to the Math Placement Specialist at cajackso@jjc.edu to register for subsequent math courses. Official placement test scores can be sent to Testing Services in room A-1138 at Main Campus.

My JJC Portal and Student Information Kiosks

Serving as the portal for all online resources available at Joliet Junior College, the My JJC Portal (https://my.jjc.edu/) provides students access to their academic records, such as student profiles, grades, unofficial transcripts, course schedules, payment of tuition and fees, good driver discount, verification of enrollment, and academic summaries. Students also have access to online registration and financial aid information via eResources and can apply of job-training grant vouchers.

Students can access the MyJJC Portal from any Internet capable computer or can utilize special kiosks on campus. These kiosks are located in the Campus Center, J-Building, Library, D-Concourse, and T-Building. 

Check out myJJC, your one-stop shop for:

• Focused communications
• Class schedule
• Registration
• Grades
• Financial aid
• Paying your tuition and fees

New Students with Earned College Credit

• Submit an official high school/high school equivalency (GED, HiSET, or TASC) to the JJC Admissions Office at Main Campus room A-1020.

• Note to students with foreign transcripts: To prove U.S. high school equivalency, you must have your foreign transcript evaluated. JJC only accepts World Education Services (WES) www.wes.org or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) www.ece.org evaluations for review. Please have your evaluation translated into English – can be general evaluation. In lieu of an evaluation, students may submit official transcripts showing they passed the U.S. /high school equivalency test (GED, HiSET, or TASC).

• Request official transcripts from the college(s) previously attended and send to: Joliet Junior College, Academic Credentials office, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431-8938.
  • To prove college/university equivalency: Have your college level international transcript evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) www.naces.org/members.html approved organization such as Education Credentials Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES).  JJC only accepts “course-by-course” evaluations. 

• Submit a JJC transcript evaluation request form online. For more information, visit Office of the Registrar web page .

Determining course placement

• If a student plans on taking an English, math, or world language course, or a course requiring a prerequisite, he or she must have earned a “C” or better in 15 hours of liberal arts and science courses or take the placement test prior to enrollment. See Placement Testing information.
• Students who have attended another college or university prior to entering Joliet Junior College and/or those students who begin a course of study other than a transfer program may meet these requirements on the basis of having achieved a grade of “C” or better in 15 hours of liberal arts and science courses, which must include courses comparable to JJC ENG 101, math at the 100 level (excluding BMAT 101, TMAT 107and TMAT 108), laboratory science, social science, and a course in humanities/fine arts.
• Eligible ACT, HiSET, PARCC, and SAT scores may be used if they are current (less than four years old). Official testing reports should be sent directly to the Admissions Department in room A-1020 (Campus Center) at Main Campus.
• Placement Test results from another institution may also be accepted if they are current. Accuplacer and ACT COMPASS scores will only be accepted if they are less than four years old. ALEKS scores must be less than two years old. Official Placement Testing Reports should be sent directly to the Academic Skills Center secretary in room A-1138 (Campus Center) at Main Campus.

Any student who wishes to have transcripts from other colleges/universities evaluated for credit at JJC must submit an official transcript from each college/university attended. To ensure an evaluation is performed, the student must complete a Transfer Credit evaluation request form available on the Registration and Records website under the Transfer Credit Evaluation link at www.jjc.edu/student-resources/registrars-office. Upon completion of the evaluation,  credits will be posted to the student’s academic record. Upon request, copies of the evaluation can be made available to a JJC faculty adviser with whom the student may be involved in educational planning. Questions concerning the evaluation may be addressed to the academic credentials specialist in the Registration and Records office. Transfer transcripts will be held for 60 days pending receipt of a completed transcript evaluation request form in the Credentials office.

Credits may be granted according to the following conditions:

• The collegiate institution previously attended must be a regionally accredited institution awarding college credit.
• Credit may be transferred to JJC for courses earning credit and successfully completed with a grade of “D” or above if the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 2.0 or above (“C” average) at the previously attended institution. However, certain JJC courses require students to have achieved a “C” or better in prerequisite coursework to enroll. The student’s work at each institution is evaluated independently if several institutions were attended. Credits accepted by Joliet Junior College are not necessarily applicable to all degrees. If the student’s cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 at a previously attended institution, credit may be transferred for courses earning credit and successfully completed with grade of “C” or above.
• Credit may be transferred, but the grades earned at other institutions are not transferred nor are the grades included in computing GPA at JJC. (Exception are the special admissions programs that may consider the grade earned in a transfer course towards the admissions requirements.) Only the number of credit hours accepted will be posted to the student’s academic record.
• Credit may be transferred to JJC for courses at the 300 level as electives and if the course is equivalent to a general education course it will be treated as an out of state course.
• JJC stamps the GECC statement on all official transcripts for students that have met IAI GECC requirements.
• Credit may be awarded for advanced placements exams and CLEP exams. The results of these tests form the basis for awarding college credit to those students who have passed one or more tests with satisfactory grades. Students who have taken these examinations should request that their official scores be sent to the academic credentials specialist in the Registration and Records office.
• In some cases, the college will award course credit for relevant credentials, licenses, or certifications. It is recommended that interested students contact the appropriate academic department chairperson for additional information. A credit authorization form must be forwarded to the academic credentials specialist in the Registration and Records office.
• Credit for four semester hours of physical education and three semester hours of BIO 103, Health is awarded for military service experience to former members of any of the branches of the armed services who served honorably on active duty for one year or more upon submission of a copy of DD Form 214 (or other evidence of honorable discharge) to the Financial Aid/Veterans office.
• JJC accepts and evaluates military transcripts from Joint Services. Students with military credits through Joint Services should request that their official Joint Services Transcript be sent to the academic credentials specialist in the Registration and Records Office.
• JJC accepts and evaluates foreign transcripts from independent and private foreign educational credential services in the US that are members of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES) www.naces.org/members.html. JJC only accepts “course-by-course” evaluations.

Residency

Requirements for proof of residency

Student residency classification will be in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois Community College Act and the administrative rules of the Illinois Community College Board. Joliet Junior College will establish procedures in accordance with same to implement this policy.

A person shall be considered an in-district-resident student and be charged in-district tuition and fees who:

1. Has attained his or her full majority (age 18 or married) and resides in Illinois Community College District 525 for at least 30 days prior to the start of the term or
2. Lives with his or her parents or legal guardian in Illinois Community College District 525, who lives in-district for at least 30 days prior to the start of the term or
3. Is an emancipated minor* and resides in Illinois Community College District 525 for a least 30 days prior to the start of the term or
4. Is a non-citizen applicant who lives in-district of Illinois Community College District 525 for at least 30 days prior to the start of the term and resides in the district for reasons other than attending Joliet Junior College.

No student shall become a resident on the basis of attendance at Joliet Junior College.

*An emancipated minor is an individual who has been determined by a court in their state or legal residence to be an emancipated minor.

A student’s legal and permanent place of residence determines the amount of tuition paid to Joliet Junior College. An in-district resident is a person whose residence is within Joliet Junior College District 525 or one whose intent is to establish permanent residence in District 525. Residence is defined as the place where the student lives and is considered the student’s permanent home. The residence must be owned or occupied for a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of the term.

Resident status is determined during the processing of a student’s application for admissions and is subject to further review and/or revision by the director of admissions and recruitment or designated staff. Factors used in residency determination may include current address, length of time at that address, high school attended, and date of graduation. The applicant is responsible for furnishing information, evidence, or documents deemed necessary to accurately determine residency guidelines and a list of possible proofs of residence.

Employment in the District

Persons who are not residents of District 525 but who are employed full time (35 hours per week) in the district are eligible for in-district tuition and fees. To qualify, a letter must be on file in the Admissions office each semester prior to the student’s registration. This letter must be written on company stationery and must be signed by either the owner/manager or the director of human resources.

Fraudulent submission of records regarding residency will result in remaining in an out-of-district status and be reported as a violation of the Joliet Junior College Code of Conduct.

Persons without United States Citizenship

To be eligible for residency as a non-citizen, an applicant must have permanent resident status with the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service and must meet and comply with all of the other applicable requirements and regulations. All students on F-1 visas and those who do not have a legal permanent residence, or F-1 student visa status, are required to pay out-of-state tuition.

Senior Citizens

District 525 residents 65 years of age and older may enroll, tuition free, in college credit or general interest courses. Senior citizens will be required to pay for all other mandatory fees associated with the course(s). The Student Accounts & Payments office must be informed of senior status each semester when making payments.

Special Admissions

Selective Admissions

There are many JJC programs that have competitive or restrictive admissions processes. Competitive admission programs are Nursing, Radiologic Technology, CNA, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Orthotics and Prosthetics Technology, Operations Engineering, Operations Engineering Technician, and Veterinary Technology. Restrictive admission is required for particular programs whereas the student must be employed in the particular field to be enrolled. Restrictive admission programs are Process Instrumentation Technology, Process Operations Technology, and Carpenters Apprentice Program. The application processes for some programs are listed under “special admissions” at www.jjc.edu/info/admissions. For further information, contact JJC’s admissions office at (815) 280-2493.

Early Entry Students

Students 17 years or younger who still attend an accredited high school or those students who are pursuing high school-level curriculum through home schooling or other means may be considered for enrollment in credit courses. Students must complete an application for admission, an early-entry enrollment form containing the written consent of their high school principal or counselor, and meet the prerequisites for the credit course, including any required Placement Testing and/or acceptable ACT, SAT, or PARCC scores.

High school students younger than 16 who wish to be admitted to a college credit course must complete an application for admission, an early-entry enrollment form containing the written consent of their high school principal or counselor, and meet the prerequisites for the credit course, including any required Placement Testing and/or acceptable ACT, SAT, or PARCC scores. Additionally, these students must obtain approval from the course instructor, the department chair, and the appropriate dean.

High school students are required to meet the same standards as all other college students and are awarded the same college credit for courses successfully completed. These credits will appear on the students’ permanent college transcripts regardless of the grades earned. For more information, visit www.jjc.edu/info/early-entry.

Dual Credit

This program allows students from participating high schools and career centers to earn both high school and college credit upon the successful completion of dual-credit courses. These classes are a part of the student’s regular high school schedule, taught at the high school, by the high school instructors. JJC waives tuition and fees for these courses. Grades appear on the student’s permanent college transcript as a college course and credits are transferable to most state colleges.

To enroll in the dual-credit program students must:

• enroll in the appropriate high school course
• complete the JJC Dual Credit online application
• Meet the prerequisites for the credit course, including any required Placement Testing and/or acceptable ACT, SAT, or PARCC scores.
• complete the JJC class registration process through their high school dual-credit instructor

For more information, contact the Office of Dual Credit at (815) 280-1527 or (815) 280-1528.

Out-of-State Students Taking Online (Distance Education) Courses

JJC has been approved by the state of Illinois to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Participation allows JJC to accept out-of-state students from states also participating in SARA. For further information, including a listing of participating states, please visit http://jjc.edu/online-learning.

International Students

International students must provide the following documentation to the International Student Services Coordinator or the Admissions Office for a Form I-20 from JJC:

1. Submit a completed international student application.
2. Provide proof of English proficiency as outlined on the International Admissions website, http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions.
3. Provide official high school or high school equivalency and college transcripts and credentials.
   • To prove U.S. High School equivalency: Students to provide official credentials in a sealed envelope from their high school / secondary education institution along with an English translation. JJC reserves the right to request additional documentation, for example an evaluation by an educational credential services that is a member of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES) www.naces.org.
   • To prove college / university equivalency: Have your college level international transcript evaluated. JJC only accepts “Course-by-Course” credential evaluations conducted by a NACES approved organization such as Education Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES). 
4. Submit a clear photocopy of passport. Passports must be valid for at least six months into the future.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all documents arrive in the JJC Admissions office prior to the deadline for the semester desired.

Once a student has submitted all of the necessary documents for admission and a letter of admission has been issued, the following documents must be provided to the International Student Services Coordinator before an I-20 can be issued for purposes of obtaining an F-1 student visa:

1. Evidence of Financial Support, for at least one academic year, as outlined on the International Admissions page: http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions.
2. An Affidavit of Support form, available for download from the International Admissions page: http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions.
3. A copy of the student’s passport in addition to copies of the passports for any additional dependents.

Note: The Department of Homeland Security’s SEVIS database and USCIS receive all information concerning your application and documentation sent to JJC for a Form I-20.

For tuition rates, access the international student admissions website at www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions. International students pay the out-of-state tuition rate per credit hour. Joliet Junior College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. 

New Start Policy

Joliet Junior College affords returning students a one-time opportunity to correct poor past academic performance in order to reach new educational goals and objectives.
After re-enrollment, the following criteria must be met for the student to be eligible for the new start policy:

1. The student cannot have attended any post-secondary educational institution for a minimum of 36 months immediately preceding re-enrollment at Joliet Junior College. After re-enrollment, the following criteria must be met:
   • The student earns at least 12 credit hours of 100-plus level Joliet Junior College courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0
   • The student completes a formal new-start policy application, including a short essay that includes statement of the new commitment to success in their current educational endeavor. The student may share his/her reasons for past academic failure in this essay.
2. Once the eligibility criteria have been met, the college’s designated administrator will review the application and, if appropriate, formally approve the recalculation of the GPA excluding the courses to be forgiven.
3. Under the new start policy, all previous grades and credits earned at Joliet Junior College prior to the minimum credit requirements will be forgiven, regardless of grades earned.

Students’ transcripts will be adjusted as follows:

• “Forgiven” grades will remain, but flagged as forgiven so the grade is not included in the GPA.
• Transcript will clearly explain how new GPA is calculated within the new start policy.

Registration

Your method of registration is determined by your enrollment status. Please follow the guidelines below to determine your method of registration:

• First-time JJC student must follow the steps highlighted at jjc.edu/admitted-students.

• Currently enrolled students, full-and part-time, are eligible to register using eResources, telephone registration or in-person registration.
• Returning and reverse transfer students must complete a current online application to receive their username/password in order to access MyJJC. They are eligible to register using MyJJC, telephone registration or in-person registration.

Note: New students will receive an acknowledgment letter in the mail and a follow-up email to their JJC email account with detailed information on the admission and registration processes. Future correspondence regarding admissions and registration information will be sent via the student’s JJC e-mail account.

Methods of Registration

1. MyJJC (online registration)

• Access the MyJJC Portal at my.jjc.edu.
• Select “Login” and enter user ID and password information.
• If you are having difficulty using MyJJC, contact the Student Tech Support Hotline at (866) 281-3638 or from a campus line at ext. 6699.

2. In-person registration

In-person registration is available at Main Campus, Romeoville Campus, and City Center for special programs and Morris Education Center.

3. Telephone

Telephone registration is for students who desire assistance with the registration process. Please call (815) 744-2200 to speak with a registration specialist. For more information, please visit www.jjc.edu/info/registration.

Course Load

A full-time course load is 12 or more credit hours. Full-time course load for summer is 6 or more credit hours. Students can register for up to 18 credit hours for Fall and Spring semesters and up to 12 credit hours in the summer. A student who expects to do satisfactory work should plan to spend adequate study time outside the classroom. Some courses require two or more hours of preparation outside of class for each hour in class.

In cases in which two or more 0-level courses are required in the basic skills area, it is recommended that the student limit the course load to 12-13 semester hours. For those with jobs, the following guide will be helpful:

Students are allowed to register for up to 18 credit hours in Fall and Spring and up to 12 credit hours in Summer using the online registration system. Students who seek to register for more than 18 credit hours (Fall/Spring) or 12 credit hours (Summer) must complete a Course Overload Request Form and meet with an advisor who will then make a determination utilizing professional judgment guided by the following criteria to determine approval.

• Be in Good Standing academically
• 67% completion rate for all previous coursework
• 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA OR
• 3.0 most recent full time semester GPA with 100% completion

Course Formats

Joliet Junior College offers courses in multiple formats to best suit the demands and schedules of students. Registration, financial aid eligibility and transferability are the same for online and hybrid courses as they are for on-campus face-to-face courses. Tuition charges are at in-district rates for all online courses while hybrid courses are billed in the same manner as face-to-face courses. Course fees vary by format. Joliet Junior College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students should check with transfer institutions regarding transfer details.

Face-to-Face (sometimes referred to as Traditional)

Face-to-face courses are held on the Main, City Center, and Romeoville campuses, as well as at our education centers, high schools, and other locations in the district. Face-to-face courses often make use of the college’s online iCampus site for course information, posting of grades, and other class activities. With face-to-face courses, all instruction occurs with students and faculty in the same physical location.

Online

JJC offers a broad range of courses and degree programs that utilize the iCampus site to deliver teaching and learning online. Students enrolled in an Online Course do not attend class on campus; however, some online courses may require campus visits for exams. An Online course is not a correspondence course, meaning that it is not possible to complete an Online Course entirely at your own pace; however, Online Courses do allow for some flexibility that falls within prescribed due dates and other requirements. The academic outcomes of Online Courses are the same as face-to-face courses. The difference is that the assignments and activities can be performed from a distance, via an Internet-connected computer. With online courses, all instruction occurs online.

Hybrid (formerly Blended)

Hybrid courses are taught partially online and partially in a face-to-face classroom setting. Hybrid Courses reduce the amount of time spent in class on campus by moving lectures, course work, and other activities online. JJC Hybrid Courses deliver up to 74% of course instruction online with the remainder occurring face-to-face. The academic learning outcomes of online courses are the same as traditional courses.

iCampus

iCampus is JJC’s Distance Learning Department. iCampus courses allow students to complete all or a significant portion of their course work off-campus in an online environment using educational technology over the Internet. Further information, including a listing of fully online degree programs and information for out-of-state students, is available at www.jjc.edu/online-learning.

All students taking an online or hybrid course must complete a one-time iCampus orientation. This orientation course introduces the student to the colleges Learning Management System and the most common tools and procedures found in most online and hybrid courses.

iCampus has Online Retention Specialists available to help you be successful with your online and hybrid coursework. Available resources include Smarthinking (online tutoring), SmarterMeasure (online readiness indicator), counseling/advising referrals, and more. We encourage you to contact a specialist at 815-280-6700 to discuss available resources.

iCampus is committed to course excellence and participates in the Quality Matters program. Further information can be found at www.jjc.edu/online-learning.

Refund Policy

Students who drop a course(s) on or before the refund date as indicated on their schedule or bill receive a full refund. Every course has its own refund date.

• A 100 percent refund will be given for any course canceled by the college. The college reserves the right to cancel any course with insufficient enrollment or for other appropriate reasons.
• Calendar days include weekends; business days are Monday through Friday only.
• To qualify for a 100 percent refund, follow the refund schedule below:
  • Classes meet seven weeks or more: refund within the first ten calendar days of the beginning of the course.
  • Classes meet six weeks or less: refund within the first two calendar days of the beginning of the course.
  • Special programs**: refund one business day prior to the start of the course (Nursing, Vet Tech, EMS, FSCI, DMS and RADT).
  • Corporate and Community Services: refund three calendar days prior to start of the course.
  • Nurse assistant, lifelong learning: refund one business day prior to start of the course.
• If your refund falls on a non-business day, your withdrawal will be honored on the next business day.
• Refunds for short-term or specialized classes may vary; refer to your schedule or bill.
• Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal in a course nor qualify for a refund.
• No refunds will be granted when a student is dismissed or suspended from college for disciplinary reasons after the refund date.
• Late entry into a course(s) does not alter the refund date.
• The college reserves the right to make the final decision on all refunds.

** Special programs use selective admissions for making enrollment decisions.

Withdrawal Policy

Students may withdraw from a course(s) by processing an add/drop form during regular office hours through the Registration and Records office at Main Campus or the Student Services office (RMA-1024) at Romeoville Campus, or by phone at (815) 744-2200. Please note the withdrawal dates listed on your bill or student schedule.

A student who is on a college payment plan and who withdraws or is dropped from a course is responsible for making payment.

Failure to withdraw properly may result in a failing grade of “F” in the course.

Special Student Withdrawals

Late withdrawal: Students requesting a late withdrawal must complete a general petition form available online at Procedure for General Petition and submit it prior to the end of the term in which the late withdrawal is requested. Documentation that will support this request is required. General petition appeals are not always granted.

Instructor-initiated withdrawal: The instructor may withdraw a student from class on or before the midterm date for poor attendance or poor academic performance. The registrar will send a letter to these students informing them of the withdrawal.

Students being withdrawn for academic dishonesty or behavioral issues must be referred to the Dean of Students. The students have due process rights for permanent removal from courses when it involves behavior or academic dishonesty.

Appeal process for instructor-initiated withdrawal: A student who does not agree with an instructor-initiated withdrawal recommendation has the right to appeal. The student should discuss the reasons for withdrawal with the instructor. If the instructor decides to reinstate the student in the course, he/she must sign the reinstatement form and the student must bring it to the Grades and Transcripts office located in the Campus Center, room 1020 (Enrollment Center).

Nursing withdrawals: Students enrolled in nursing practicum courses may be withdrawn immediately from nursing courses if the student’s clinical performance contributes to either the physical or emotional jeopardy of clients. Students may appeal this withdrawal by using the established department and college appeal procedures. The college shall retain authority to withdraw any student from on-the-job training or clinical areas whose grades, work, conduct, or health may have a detrimental effect on the student, Joliet Junior College, customers, clients, or patients of the employing, sponsoring agency.

Military Personnel Called for Active Duty

Any student called up for active military duty during the semester will be offered the following options:

1. If the semester is near completion the student and the faculty member(s) may discuss possible methods for the student to earn the credit from the class(es). Included in this discussion might be time extended; working on an incomplete grade status; writing of papers or other such activities; and other methods that are suitable for determination of a final grade. Whatever method is determined to be the best option for the course will be the course of action to be taken. Students may not come back after the fact to ask for another method of completion. The faculty member(s) must report to the department chair, the Registrar, and the appropriate vice president in academic affairs the method chosen.

2. If the faculty member(s) deems that the best solution for the student is to take a withdrawal from the class the student may withdraw and receive a refund of tuition and fees for the impacted course(s). The faculty member must report this recommendation on the add/drop form and notify the department chair and Registrar of this decision. The refund will be directed to the individual or agency that paid the tuition and fees for that semester. (If the Illinois Veterans Grant paid the refund will be directed to IVG).

Note: To qualify for the options listed, the student must present a copy of the “Active Duty Orders” to the Office of the Registrar prior to leaving for active duty.

General Petition for Late Refunds Due to Extenuating Circumstances

Courses must be dropped prior to appeal. Students requesting a late refund must complete a general petition form available online at Procedure for General Petition https://my.jjc.edu/student-services/registrar/registration/Pages/General-Petition.aspx and submit it prior to the end of the term in which the late refund is requested. Appeals received after this date will not be considered. Documentation that will support this request is required. General petition appeals are not always granted.

Tuition, Fees and Payments

Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year. For the current list of tuition and fees, visit www.jjc.edu/info/tuition.

Students are responsible for making payments by their scheduled payment due dates. A student that decides not to attend the course(s) in which he/she is registered for, is responsible for dropping the course(s) by the refund date of the course(s) (found on my student schedule) to avoid any financial liability to the college. Full payments may be made online at my.jjc.edu or by mail. In-person payments can be made at the Main Campus Student Accounts & Payments office, Campus Center room A-1020 (Enrollment Center), (815) 280-6688, or at the Romeoville Campus Student Services Office (RMA-1024), (815) 886-3000. JJC also offers an online automatic tuition payment plan (See “Tuition Payment Plan” below).

Tuition Payment Plan

Having a solid plan for covering the cost of college is an important step toward graduation. Joliet Junior College is pleased to offer an online, automatic payment plan to help make the process easier for you. There is no interest or finance charge assessed, and there is no credit check. Refer to the JJC website for current payment schedule and specifics regarding the payment plan. www.jjc.edu/info/automatic-payment.

Student Restrictions

A restriction (also known as a ‘notification’ on the portal or may be referred to as a ‘hold’) may be placed on a student’s record for various reasons. A student with a past-due balance will have a restriction placed on the student’s record which will result in college registration and services being withheld in accordance with college regulations. Delinquent debts may be reported to a credit bureau and referred to collection agencies and/or litigated. The student will be responsible to pay any and all costs associated with collecting unpaid charges, including attorney fees and court costs.

If you have an outstanding obligation to the college access to your grades, transcripts, registration and various services within eResources/MyJJC will be blocked. Please contact the department which has placed the restriction on your account for further information.

Transcript Requests

Transcripts can be requested online through Transcripts Ordering Services, by toll-free number, 1-847-716-3005, or in person, providing all their financial obligations are fulfilled. There is a charge for each transcript requested. If grades or degrees/certificates have NOT been posted when placing the order, the student is responsible for checking “hold for grades” or “hold for degree” on the request form. Refunds/resends are not given because grades or degrees/certificates have not been posted to the academic record when placing the transcripts order. There is a charge for each transcript requested.

The student is responsible to ensure grades are in, degrees/certificates are posted prior to ordering transcripts. If grades or degrees/certificates have NOT been posted when placing the order, the student is responsible for checking “hold for grades” or “hold for degree” on the request form. Refunds/resends are not given because grades or degree/certificates have not been posted to the academic record when placing the transcript order.

Validation of student demographic records is mandatory to request an online transcript. If the criteria are not fully met, an e-mail authorization form is sent to the student for written signature to be faxed to the online provider.

When requesting records prior to 1976, the Records Office needs 72 hours to locate the appropriate microfilm and process the transcript.

For any questions or concerns please contact the Transcripts office at transcriptsinfo@jjc.edu.

Guest Student

If you are enrolled at another college or university and want to take classes at JJC for the Semester in order to transfer them back to your primary institution, you are considered a guest student. To enroll simply complete these steps: 

• Complete a JCC application.
• Obtain your JJC username and password, which will allow you to access your JJC e-mail account and student portal.
• If the course(s) you want to take have prerequisites that you have met at your primary institution, please obtain an unofficial transcript showing prerequisite course(s) with passing grade or in progress.
• Be sure to confirm with your college or university that the courses you select to take at JJC will transfer back. 
• The pre-requisite(s) may be waived upon receipt of an unofficial transcript, allowing students to register online at my.jjc.edu. All prerequisite waivers are considered on a case by case basis and are not guaranteed.
• Register for classes

To see if you are eligible, you can meet with an advisor. For your appointment, please bring in a copy of your unofficial transcript for review.
–OR–
You may send your unofficial transcript to transfercredit@jjc.edu as well as the following form.
**If you choose this method, your prerequisite waiver request may take between 4 and 6 weeks to post.
Please remember, this is not the same as a Transfer Credit Evaluation. If you intend to complete a degree or certificate at JJC, or are planning to attend for more than one semester, or you need transfer credit posted for any reason, you must follow the steps listed under Transfer Credit Evaluation found on the Registrar’s Office page.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit

Any student who wishes to have transcripts from other colleges/universities evaluated for credit at JJC must submit an official transcript from each college/university attended. To ensure an evaluation is performed, the student must complete a transcript credit evaluation request form available on the Registrar’s website under Additional Information at Transfer Evaluation Form.

Upon request, copies of the evaluation can be made available to a JJC faculty adviser or counselor with whom the student may be involved in educational planning. Questions concerning the evaluation may be addressed to the credentials analyst in the Registration and Records office. Transfercredit@jjc.edu.

Credits may be granted according to the following conditions:

• The collegiate institution previously attended must be a regionally accredited institution awarding college credit.
• Credit may be transferred to JJC for courses earning credit and successfully completed with a grade of “D” or above if the student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 2.0 or above (“C” average) at the previously attended institution. However, certain JJC courses require students to have achieved a “C” or better in prerequisite coursework to enroll. The student’s work at each institution is evaluated independently if several institutions were attended. Credits accepted by Joliet Junior College are not necessarily applicable to all degrees. If the student’s cumulative GPA is less than 2.0 at a previously attended institution, credit may be transferred for courses earning credit and successfully completed with a grade of “C” or above.
• Credit may be transferred, but the grades earned at other institutions are not transferred nor are the grades included in computing the GPA at JJC. Only the number of credit hours accepted will be posted to the student’s academic record.

Student Records and FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. Students are informed of their rights under this act through the college catalog, the student handbook, or at Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) https://my.jjc.edu/student-life/academic-and-behavior-standards/Pages/ferpa.aspx.

Directory information may be released by the college to a third party requesting such student information without first obtaining the student’s consent. A student has the right to refuse to permit the college to release directory information, as limited by law, by following the process outlined by the registrar.

a. JJC hereby designates the following items as “directory information” which may be disclosed by the College at its discretion:

• Student’s Name
• Student’s Hometown
• College Email Address
• Enrollment Status - Full time/Part-time
• Field of Study
• Dates of Attendance
• Awards or Honors Received
• Officially Recognized Sports
• Height & Weight of Athletes

b. To have any or all of the above “directory information” withheld, the student must give JJC written notice by submitting the attached Request to Withhold Disclosure of Directory Information form to the Office of the Registrar, Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL 60431 by the 15th day of classes of the first semester in which the student has enrolled during an academic year. Such a request shall be valid for the current academic year. A student may opt out of disclosure of directory information by providing written notice to the Registrar’s office.

A student who wishes his/her course attendance, test scores, English or math placement and/or academic progress discussed by the instructor or counselor/adviser with another person(s) whom the student designates, must complete and present a copy of the form to the course instructor prior to the discussion a release of information form (FERPA). Students may also use the FERPA form to give parents access to other information such as financial aid information. This form may be obtained online or from the Registration and Records office. This form should be signed at the Registration and Records office when the student returns it for processing.

Enrollment Verification for Students

The Registration and Records Office located on Main Campus (Room A-1026) issues an enrollment verification letter, bearing the registrar’s seal, to verify academic record information to insurance companies or other student benefit organizations or programs. Academic record information is available for verification of prior and/or current enrollment and enrollment status. Note: The Registration and Records office does not send enrollment verification via fax or e-mail. Contact Records at wwwrecords@jjc.edu.

Student Planning

Registration is easier when you have a plan! Introducing the Student Planning Tool that combines degree audit information and the upcoming schedule of classes so students can easily plan and register for courses that fulfill their degree or certificate requirements. Student Planning builds on My Degree Progress and allows JJC students to chart a clear path to graduation in partnership with their Advisor to create an educational plan mapping out their path to graduation. Student planning is a web-based self-service tool that makes it easy to know what classes are needed for your degree or certificate and in which semester to take them. For questions about Student Planning, visit the Advising Center at Main, Romeoville, or City Center campuses or call 815-280-2673.

My Degree Progress

With JJC’s My Degree Progress software, JJC students can do two things: keep track of their academic progress and see what class requirements would change if they decided to change their major. My Degree Program makes it easy for students to see what classes they have already taken and what classes they need to take to complete their major. For questions about My Degree Progress, visit the Counseling department in A-1155 or call 815-280-2673 or 815-886-3000 (Romeoville Campus).

Click here for My Degree Progress video