The Road to College Success: Matriculation

The Matriculation Process

Matriculation is a process that assists students in choosing, planning, and achieving their educational goals. New students who plan to transfer, earn an associate degree or a vocational certificate, improve basic skills, or are undecided on a goal should matriculate, as should students who are returning from a long absence, because the process provides essential information for planning a successful college experience. All matriculation services are free of charge and open to all.

At MiraCosta, new students (first-time freshmen) should complete the process when they apply to the college or as soon as possible after enrolling in classes. Students who matriculate can enroll earlier than non-matriculated students (this does not apply to concurrently enrolled high school students). Although all students should matriculate, any applicant to the college may expressly refuse to participate in any matriculation service; however, those who refuse are not entitled to early enrollment privileges.

A matriculated student is one who has completed the following application, assessment, orientation, and advisement process.

Step 1: Application

Students complete and submit an online Application for Admission or a paper application, which is available in the Admissions and Records Office. After their application is processed, students receive a SURF ID number, which they will use the entire time they attend MiraCosta. SURF is an online enrollment and student information management system that allows students to manage their school-related activities. To access SURF, students use their SURF ID and self-created password.

Step 2: Assessment (Testing)

At a minimum, this process includes measuring current English and math skills to help students select appropriate MiraCosta classes. Students choose one of the following assessment methods for English and one of the following methods for math to establish their English and math skill competencies:

1. Take the English Assessment (EA) or English as a Second Language Assessment (ESLA) and the Math Competency Examination (MCE) at MiraCosta. The MCE offers a choice of four test levels (algebra readiness, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and pre-calculus) in order to assess a student's current skills. Each semester's class schedule as well as the Testing Department's website lists specific times and locations for testing.

Note: Adaptive math testing is available to students who are referred by Disabled Students Programs and Services, and extended time on the math test is offered through Testing Services to students who are non-native speakers of English.

or

2. Bring a copy of another California community college's placement recommendation to the Admissions and Records Office.

or

3. Take documentation that proves one of the following minimum scores for English and one of the following minimum scores for math to the Testing Office and fill out an Alternate Test Review Request form. The dean of Admissions and Student Support will review the documentation and other factors to determine placement.

English Tests (one of the following):

• An Advanced Placement Program English Test with a score of three or higher
• The International Baccalaureate Higher Level English Examination with a score of five or higher
• The California State University English Placement Test with a score of 151 or higher
• UC Analytical Writing Placement Examination (previously the Subject A Examination) with a passing score

 

Math Tests (one of the following):

• An Advanced Placement Program Calculus Test with a score of three or higher
• A College Level Examination Program general or subject examination in mathematics with a score at or above the 50th percentile
• Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test with a qualifying score of 50 or higher

or

Provide the Admissions and Records Office with a transcript from another college to show the completion of a prerequisite English/math class with a grade "C" or better.

or

Take a bachelor's degree transcript or diploma to Admissions and Records for English course placement at the 200 level and math course placement at the 100 level.

or

Challenge the prerequisite.

For further information about testing, students should call 760.795.6685 or visit the department's website: www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/testing.

Step 3: Orientation

Students who have their SURF ID and password complete an online orientation that introduces them to MiraCosta's academic programs and student services. It also provides an overview of how to enroll in classes and tips for a successful college experience. At the end of the online orientation, students take a quiz to test their understanding of the material. When students pass the quiz, their records are automatically updated, usually within 24 hours, to show completion of the orientation component of matriculation.

Step 4: Advisement

Students who have their SURF ID and password complete online academic advisement, which has two presentation options: Transfer Advisement or Associate Degree & Career and Technical Education Advisement. Both presentations cover educational planning and class scheduling, and both provide suggestions for those who are undecided about their goals. (Students may complete both presentations, but only one is needed to satisfy the matriculation requirement.)

Students need an official report of their English and math placement test results to use as a reference for completing either presentation. At the end of the presentation, students take a quiz to test their understanding of the material covered. When students pass the quiz, their records are automatically updated, usually within 24 hours, to show completion of the advisement component of matriculation.

Note: The Counseling Center provides optional group follow-up information sessions for students who have additional questions after completing online orientation and advisement. The dates and times of these follow-up sessions are published in each semester's class schedule.

Step 5: Enrollment

Upon completion of the above steps—application, assessment, orientation, and advisement—students receive a priority enrollment date and time. Concurrently enrolled high school students may enroll two weeks prior to the start of the fall or spring terms and one week prior to the primary summer term.

Exemption from the Matriculation Process

To be exempt from the matriculation process at MiraCosta, a student must meet one of the following conditions:

• The student was exempt during a previous semester.
• The student has earned an associate or higher degree from an accredited institution.
• The student has previously attended another college and has indicated one of the following as an educational goal:
  • Discover or formulate career interest, plans, goals
  • Prepare for a new career (acquire job skills)
  • Advance further in current job or career (update job skills)
  • Maintain a certification or license (e.g., nursing, real estate)
  • Personal interest; no intention to use credit for certificate, degree, or transfer
  • Complete credits for high school diploma or GED.

 

Exemption from Assessment (Testing) Only

To be exempt from the assessment component of matriculation, a student must meet one of the following conditions:

1. The student has completed the prerequisite course with a grade of "C" or higher at another college for any math or English course(s) in which he or she wishes to enroll (transcript or grade report required).
2. The student has taken an approved assessment test at another California community college that can be used to meet the prerequisite for the math or English course(s) in which he or she wishes to enroll.

 

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students have the right to challenge or appeal any step in the matriculation process by contacting the dean of Counseling and Special Services. To challenge a course requisite, students should contact the Admissions and Records Office. Students may refuse to participate in any matriculation service; refusal, however, does not entitle them to early registration privileges or any course requisite waivers.

Each student is responsible for identifying at least a broad educational intent upon admission and for declaring a specific educational goal by the time he or she has completed 15 semester units. Each student also is responsible for attending class, completing assignments, receiving counseling, and maintaining progress toward his or her educational goal (per Title 5 §55530).

From MCCCD Board Policy/Administrative Procedure 5050