The Matriculation Process

The matriculation process (application, assessment, orientation, advisement, and development of an education plan) starts students on the right path by assisting them in choosing, planning, and achieving their educational goals.

The process also provides essential information for planning a successful college experience. New students enrolling in the fall must complete at least an abbreviated education plan to earn priority enrollment, and they must complete a comprehensive education plan within two semesters to maintain priority.

All matriculation services are free for MiraCosta College students. Students who are new to college and plan to transfer, earn an associate degree or a vocational certificate, or improve basic skills, or who are undecided about their goal, should follow this process.

Students new to college (first-time freshmen) or new to MiraCosta College should complete the matriculation process when they apply or as soon as possible thereafter. Students who matriculate may 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. Those who refuse, however, are not entitled to early enrollment privileges.

Important!

• Students must have an Application for Admission on file before taking the assessments unless they are testing for another college. (A fee is charged if testing for another college.)
• Appropriate photo ID is required to take the assessment(s) and to pick up assessment scores.
• English/ESL and/or mathematics assessments do not require an appointment.

Steps to Becoming a Matriculated Student

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 are assigned a SURF ID number that they will use the entire time they attend MiraCosta.

SURF is an online enrollment and student information system that allows students to manage their school-related activities. To access SURF, students use their SURF ID and a self-created password.

Step 2: Assessment (Testing)

Review Before You Take the English/ESL and/or Mathematics Assessments (optional)

The English/ESL and mathematics faculty of MiraCosta College strongly encourage students to review before they take the English/ESL and/or mathematics assessment. Students choosing to brush up on math can review for the Algebra Readiness, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and Pre-Calculus assessments online at http://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/testing/brushup.html . Review packets for mathematics assessments may also be purchased in the college bookstores. English and ESL assessment sample questions and answers may be viewed on the Testing Services webpage .

About the English/ESL and Mathematics Assessments

English and ESL assessments are offered on a drop-in basis at the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses and at scheduled sessions at the Community Learning Center. In order to have sufficient time to complete the assessments, students should arrive as early as possible. Students with a disability who need an accommodation should arrive in the morning to maximize the time available to them; an extended-time referral is not required as there is no time limit for the English or ESL assessments.

Students will be asked to select one of the following assessments to determine their English or ESL course eligibility:

1. English Assessment: This assessment measures reading and writing skills of native speakers of English. This is the assessment to take if English is the student's first (native) language. This includes:
   • Students who have grown up in an English-speaking home.
   • Students who have been educated in all-English schools from elementary through high school.
2. ESL Assessment: This assessment measures reading, writing, and listening skills of non-native speakers of English. This is the assessment to take if the student's first (native) language is NOT English. This includes:
   • Students who have grown up in a home in which English was NOT the primary (main) language.
   • Students enrolled in the International Student Program (IIP), or students who have completed Noncredit ESL (continuing education) or English Language Development (ELD) classes in high school.

The mathematics assessment must be completed within the 75-minute time allotment. Students will choose one of four computerized multiple-choice assessments to demonstrate their skills in pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra or pre-calculus. Students may take just one level on a given day; they may re-test or take another math assessment level on another day if they wish. (See re-test policies.)

Guidelines to help decide which math assessment to take are available in the Testing Office in Bldg. 3300 on the Oceanside Campus, in the Testing Center in Room 101 on the San Elijo Campus, or on the Testing Services webpage at www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/testing . The mathematics assessment is offered on a drop-in basis at the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses and at scheduled sessions at the Community Learning Center. Students will be served on a space-available basis.

Students should allow at least 1.5 hours to complete the math assessment process. Referrals from Disabled Students Programs and Services are necessary for students with a disability needing an accommodation. ESL students may request extended time for the math assessment from testing staff. Contact the Testing Office, 760.795.6685, for information. Students who have extended time authorization should arrive before 2 p.m.

Obtaining the Assessment Score Report

Students will receive an assessment score report immediately after they complete the assessment. Additional assessment score reports are released to the examinee only—photo identification is required. Included with the assessment score report is a placement recommendation for English, ESL, and/or math. The recommendation will be entered into SURF on a nightly basis, allowing students to enroll in the appropriate class.

Students who have questions about their placement after advisement and/or retesting should see a counselor. Counseling offices are located in Bldg. 3700 on the Oceanside Campus, 760.795.6670 and in the Administration Building on the San Elijo Campus, 760.944.4449, x6670.

Retesting & Assessment Fee Policies

MiraCosta College students may take the English, ESL, or any of the four mathematics assessments only two times. Once this maximum is reached, students will not have the option of further retesting. (Tests given through MiraCosta's high school outreach testing program will not be counted toward the maximum.)

For English, ESL, and mathematics assessments, students must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. Students who do not intend to enroll at MiraCosta College but wish to take an English or ESL assessment or any of the four mathematics assessments will be charged $30.

Alternatives to Taking MiraCosta College’s Assessments

1. Take your transcript from another college showing completion with a grade of “C” or better in a prerequisite English/math class to the Admissions and Records Office; or
2. Take your English/math assessment results from another California community college to the Admissions and Records Office and submit with a “Matriculation: Alternatives to Assessment” form (available in the Admissions and Records Office or at miracosta.edu/forms). Your document must state the course in which you are eligible to enroll. A score alone is not sufficient; or
3. Take the transcript or diploma of your bachelor’s degree to the Admissions and Records Office for English course placement at the 200 level and math course placement at the 30 level; or
4. If you have achieved one of the following minimum scores, take documentation to the Testing Office and fill out an “Alternate Tests Review Request” form. The documentation, along with other factors, will be reviewed to determine placement.

English

• Advanced Placement (AP) Program English (language or literature) test with a score of three or higher.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level English Examination with a score of five or higher.
• California State University system Early Assessment Program (EAP) result stating: “Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level English courses.”
• California State University system English Placement Test (EPT) with a score of 151 or higher.
• Passing score on the UC Analytical Writing Placement Examination.

Math

• Advanced Placement Program calculus test (AB or BC) with a score of three or higher.
• College Level Examination Program examination in mathematics with a score of 50 or higher.
• California State University system Early Assessment Program (EAP) result stating: “Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level mathematics courses.”
• California State University system Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test with a score of 50 or higher.

NOTE: Classes in other subject areas may also require English and math competencies.

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

Step 3: Orientation

Students who have a 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 a 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 will use their English and math placement results as a reference when 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.

For further information about orientation, advisement, or follow-up opportunities with a counselor, students may call 760.795.6670 or visit the department's website: www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/counseling .

Step 5: Education Plan

One of the best ways students can keep their education and career goals on track is to create an education plan with their counselor. An “ed plan” gives students a roadmap for how to achieve their academic goal, including a list of courses and requirements, important dates and deadlines, and relevant transfer and career information.

Beginning fall 2014, new to MiraCosta College students are required to complete an education plan to earn and maintain enrollment priority. Students will complete an abbreviated (one or two semester) education plan when they complete online advising.

Students are encouraged to develop a comprehensive (four or more semester) education plan with a counselor as soon as possible but no later than the end of their second semester at MiraCosta to maintain their priority enrollment. New students who matriculate may be eligible to receive an early counseling appointment time to develop a comprehensive education plan.

Step 6: Enrollment

Upon completion of the above steps—application, English and mathematics assessment, orientation, advisement, and education plan—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:

1. The student was exempt during a previous semester, or
2. The student has earned an associate or higher degree from an accredited institution, or
3. 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.

Exemption from assessment and/or matriculation does not automatically give students priority enrollment privileges. Exempted students who want priority enrollment are encouraged to participate in the matriculation and/or assessment process.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students have the right to challenge or appeal any step in the matriculation process by contacting the dean of Counseling and Student Development at 760.795.6892. To challenge a course prerequisite or corequisite, students must contact the Admissions and Records Office on either campus.

Students may refuse to participate in any matriculation service; however, refusal will not entitle students to early-enrollment privileges or to waive course prerequisites or corequisites.

Students are responsible for expressing broad educational intent upon admission and for declaring a specific educational goal by the time they have completed their second semester. Students are also responsible for attending class, completing assignments, arranging counseling appointments, and maintaining progress toward their educational goal.

(Sources: Title 5 §55530; MCCCD Board Policy/Administrative Procedure 5050. All MiraCosta College board policies and administrative procedures are located on the Board of Trustees webpage .)