Frequently Asked Questions: Dual Enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions: Dual Enrollment

What is the enrollment process?

CVCS does offer some dual enrollment classes on campus. Two English classes are taught by our faculty here through Harrisburg Area Community College, and students can earn six college credits by taking both of those courses at a greatly reduced rate. The enrollment process varies by school, but it includes filling out either an online or paper application. The high school guidance counselor assists students with this process.
We have a list of some colleges that offer dual-enrollment courses, although you may have your student enroll at any accredited college of your choice. You will need to speak with the college your student has decided to attend (virtually or on campus). You will need to let CVCS know which course your student has chosen so it can be substituted for the CVCS equivalent, or added to the high school transcript if it does not have a CVCS equivalent. You will still need to pay for the high school credit. Please note: dual-enrollment classes run one semester, which is usually 16 weeks (some classes run 8 weeks long). This means that a dual-enrollment class will count for only half a high school credit. You may then take another dual-enrollment class the following semester.

What is the cost?

There will be no deduction on your CVCS bill, and you will need to pay the college’s fees for the course. However, you will save hundreds of dollars at the college level as courses are often offered at a rate that is significantly lower than normal college tuition.

Can I keep track of my student’s grades?

To view grades for Dual Enrollment you will need to work with the college. Policies may vary. However, once we receive the official grade from the college, we will enter it onto your student’s high school transcript.

What if my student doesn’t like online school?

Colleges often give a student a certain amount of time to drop a class; if the class is not dropped by the “drop” deadline, you may lose a portion or all of your money.

How are classes graded, and how heavy is the workload?

The grading scale for college classes may vary from college to college. The assessment tools and work load will also vary; many schools use a point system throughout the course as opposed to a percentage grade.

Will I have to pay for textbooks?

Yes, you will have to find whatever textbooks are required. You can find most books at the library or online, but you will have to purchase or rent some books. Textbooks are supplied for the two English classes taught here at CVCS.

Will my student be responsible to anyone in a virtual class?

While a teacher is monitoring and working with the student, the student is ultimately responsible to turn in homework. Dual Enrollment requires a self-motivated student. Most colleges will not directly work with parents; therefore, the responsibility to keep up with classwork and turn in assignments on time lies with the student. Additionally, many college professors will not accept late work, even if it is submitted one second after the deadline.

Will the virtual class have a live teacher?

Not in most cases. Online college classes are much like CVCS online classes. The teacher is not virtually with the student every day but is available by email to answer question.

How do high school and college credits work out?

College courses run in semesters (Aug.-Dec. & Jan.-May). Most online college courses run anywhere from 8 weeks to 18 weeks. Because college courses run half a school year, college courses count for half of a high school credit. If your student takes a college course, he/she is exempt from the CVCS equivalent course for that half of the year.