Modesto Junior College, one of the oldest community colleges in the state, was organized in 1921 to serve the first junior college district established under a State Legislature Enabling Act. Modesto Junior College was established to meet the needs of the community. Today the college strives to maintain the same objective—that of dedication and service to the community.

The College began with a charter enrollment of 61 students. Through the years registration has increased until today more than 18,000 day and evening students are enrolled each semester. In addition, more than 8,000 community participants take advantage of classes and programs offered through community education. To complement student growth, the campus has grown as well.

The college holds the distinction of having erected the first junior college classroom building in the state. From this modest beginning, MJC has grown until it now provides an outstanding learning environment on two sites: the original MJC-East on College Avenue and MJC-West on Blue Gum Avenue in northwest Modesto. In addition to the two sites, more than 20 community sites are used to meet particular educational needs.

The area boundaries have also changed. In 1964, by action of the electorate, the boundaries were enlarged to include nearly 4,000 square miles, encompassing high school districts in Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties, the Ripon High School District in San Joaquin County, the Gustine and Hilmar High School Districts in Merced County and the Harney Elementary School District in Santa Clara County. The district also includes the Bret Harte 10 Union High School District, the former Copperopolis Elementary School District and the former Salt Spring Valley Elementary School District in Calaveras County.

A Board of Trustees was elected in 1964 to govern the affairs of the expanded district. In 1965 the name Yosemite Junior College District was selected. It was later changed to Yosemite Community College District. The Yosemite Community College District also includes Columbia College, located in Columbia, California. Visit About MJC to learn more.

Academic Calendar

The official MJC academic calendar can be found on the website: Academic Calendar

Campus Maps

Visit Campus Maps to view the maps for Modesto Junior College.

Campus Safety

See the Campus Safety website at: Campus Safety

Accreditation

Modesto Junior College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234 by the authority of the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation provides assurance that education earned is of value to the student; acceptable to employers, trade or profession-related licensing agencies; and other colleges and universities can accept a student’s credential as legitimate.

Mission Statement

Empowering students to discover opportunities and reach their goals through access to and inclusion in higher education.

MJC les da poder a los estudiantes para descubrir oportunidades y alcanzar sus metas mediante el acceso y la inclusión a la educación superior.

Vision Statement

As investors in our society, Modesto Junior College will create and promote equity in education for every member of our diverse community.

Como inversionistas de nuestra sociedad, MJC creará y promoverá una educación equitativa para todos los miembros de nuestra diversa comunidad.

Values

At MJC, we value integrity, responsibility, professionalism, compassion, and empathy to achieve:

• Access: We value an inclusive approach to education through technology, programs, and open resources that lead to opportunities.
• Affordability: We value making higher education available to all by actively seeking resources to support students.
• Building Community: We value and respect the diverse collective of individuals who shape our programs and services, participate in decision-making, reinforce collaborative relationships, and promote civic engagement.
• Transformation & Innovation: We value willingness to accept growth and embrace change to continuously improve our processes, curriculum, and services to be relevant to the needs of our students and community.
• Stewardship of Resources: We value the investment our community has entrusted in us to further the college mission and enhance lives through state-of-the-art education.

En Modesto Junior College valoramos la integridad, la responsabilidad, el profesionalismo, la comprensión y la empatía para el logro:

• Acceso: Valoramos un enfoque inclusivo a la educación a través de la tecnología, de los programas y de los recursos abiertos que conducen a las oportunidades.
• Accesibilidad Económica: Valoramos hacer la educación superior accesible para todos mediante la búsqueda de recursos para apoyar a los estudiantes.
• Comunidad: Valoramos y respetamos el diverso grupo de personas que forman partte de nuestros programas y servicios, participan en la toma de decisiones, fortalecen las relaciones de colaboración y promueven la participación cívica.
• Transformación e innovación: Valoramos la disposición de aceptar el crecimiento y de adoptar cambios para mejorar continuamente nuestros procesos, currículo, y servicios de manera que sean relevantes para las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes y de nuestra comunidad.
• Administración de recursos: Valoramos la inversión que nuestra comunidad nos ha confiado para promover la misión de la institución y mejorar vidas a través de una educación de última generación.

Goals

1. Modesto Junior College will continue to foster the success of all students by providing access to a broad array of quality, relevant teaching and learning programs, and appropriate services.
2. MJC will tie Program Review, including all instructional and student services programs, to resource allocation decisions: staffing, technology, instructional equipment, and facilities.
3. MJC will develop and assess Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) used for student learning improvement, at the course, program, and institutional levels.
4. Leadership responsible for governance at MJC will create a climate that empowers all MJC employees to be engaged in the campus community and that encourages respect, trust, and integrity through open communication and professional development.
5. MJC will collaboratively develop a staffing plan that includes realistic outcomes of program review for both instructional and student services programs, including attention to potential growth areas, program decline, and impending retirements.
6. MJC will expand and enhance outreach to business, industry, and the community based on identified needs and opportunities.
7. MJC will create a culture of evidence and measurable improvements.
8. MJC will expand and enhance the learning environment and delivery options for students.
9. MJC will develop a plan to increase student engagement in order to improve overall student success.
10. MJC will improve the planning and budget process to foster an environment of informed participation and budgetary understanding.

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO’S)

Modesto Junior College has five broad Institutional Learning Outcomes with distinct characteristics:

Communication 

• Students will generate and develop capabilities for creative expression and effective communication. Students will be able to:
• Articulate ideas through written, spoken, and visual forms appropriately and effectively in relation to a given audience and social context.
• Utilize interpersonal and group communication skills, especially those that promote collaborative problem-solving, mutual understanding, and teamwork.
• Mindfully and respectfully listen to, engage with and formally respond to the ideas of others in meaningful ways.
• Plan, design, and produce creative forms of expression through music, speech, and the visual and performing arts.

Information and Technology Literacy

Students will develop skills to effectively search for, critically evaluate, and utilize relevant information while demonstrating technological literacy. Students will be able to:

• Effectively access information and critically evaluate sources of information.
• Analyze, synthesize and apply information practically and ethically within personal, professional and academic contexts.
• Identify, utilize and evaluate the value of a variety of technologies relevant to academic and workplace settings.

Personal and Professional Development

Students will develop skills that aid in lifelong personal growth and success in the workplace. Students will be able to:

• Identify and assess individual values, knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to set and achieve lifelong personal, educational, and professional goals.
• Practice decision-making that builds self-awareness, fosters self-reliance, and nourishes physical, mental, and social health.
• Apply skills of cooperation, collaboration, negotiation, and group decision-making.
• Exhibit quality judgment, dependability, and accountability while maintaining flexibility in an ever-changing world.

Creative, Critical and Analytical Thinking

Students will develop critical and analytical thinking abilities, cultivate creative faculties that lead to innovative ideas, and employ pragmatic problem-solving skills. Students will be able to:

• Analyze differences and make connections among intellectual ideas, academic bodies of knowledge and disciplinary fields of study.
• Develop and expand upon innovative ideas by analyzing current evidence and praxis, employing historical and cultural knowledge, engaging in theoretical inquiry, and utilizing methods of rational inference.
• Utilize the scientific method and solve problems using qualitative and quantitative data.
• Demonstrate the ability to make well considered aesthetic judgments.

Cultural Literacy and Social Responsibility

Students will be prepared to engage a global world while exhibiting a broad sense of diversity, cultural awareness, social responsibility and stewardship. Students will be able to:

• Interpret and analyze ideas of value and meaning exhibited in literature, religious practices, philosophical perspectives, art, architecture, music, language, performance and other cultural forms.
• Describe the historical and cultural complexities of the human condition in its global context, including the emergence and perpetuation of inequalities and the interplay of social, political, economic and physical geographies.
• Analyze and evaluate the value of diversity, especially by collaborating with people of different physical abilities and those with distinct linguistic, cultural, religious, lifestyle, national, and political backgrounds.
• Demonstrate a pragmatics of ethical principles, effective citizenship, and social responsibility through cross-cultural interactions, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

Open Enrollment at MJC

Unless specifically exempted by statute, every course, course section or class, the average daily attendance of which is to be reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the district, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the college and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter II, Division 2, part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, 51820-51823. Exception to this policy will be made where health, safety, legal requirements, or the facility is a limiting factor in the conduct of the course. Students denied enrollment by this policy may appeal to the Vice President of Student Services.

Notice:

The information contained in this catalog details the anticipated programs, courses, rules, regulations, and fees of Modesto Junior College. The college disclaims liability for any unintended errors in this publication and reserves the right to discontinue or postpone courses, and correct errors and omissions. All enrollment fees are subject to change. This catalog sets forth college policies for all college programs and services in accordance with the California Education Code, California Code of Regulations (Title 5), and District and college policies.

Catalog rights refer to the right of every continuing student to choose one, and only one, catalog under whose course requirements the student is to be evaluated for the purpose of determining whether the student meets the requirements for MJC graduation, certificate, or certification of general education. The continuing student may select the catalog which was in effect when the student initially enrolled at MJC or any catalog in effect thereafter through and including the semester when the student applies for graduation or transfer certification.

Continuous Enrollment and Catalog Rights

A student remaining in continuous enrollment will retain catalog rights for graduation under the year of initial enrollment. Any academic record symbol entered on a MJC transcript (A through F, P/NP, I, W, MW, SP) shall constitute a record of continuous enrollment. Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in at least one term (summer, fall or spring) of the academic year. Students should consult with their counselor for current information. For evaluation purposes, the college will use the terms listed in the catalog’s Academic Calendar to determine a student’s catalog rights.

Past Catalogs

Need info from a past MJC Catalog? You can find older catalogs on our catalog archive page.

Enrollment Services (Admissions)

Angelica Guzman, Director, Admissions & Records, East Campus: Student Services, Building, Room 102, West Campus: Yosemite Hall, Phone: (209) 575-6853, Website: Enrollment Services

Eligibility For Admission

• Any person who meets at least one of the following requirements is eligible to attend Modesto Junior College:
• Has graduated from an accredited high school, including students who have received high school certificates of completion (or equivalent) but did not pass the California High School Exit Exam.
• Has passed the California High School Proficiency or the GED test.
• Is a non-high school graduate 18 years of age or older, who is no longer attending high school and able to benefit from instruction.
• Is a K-12 student who is at least 13 years old, who has met all established special conditions set forth in the policies of Yosemite Community College District, has written permission from the high school principal (or junior high school superintendent) and parent or legal guardian.
• Is an international student who has completed admission procedures for international students.

Steps To Enroll

1. Complete a free online application for admission at the MJC website.
2. Complete the online college orientation (core step)
3. Assessment – identify English/ESL and Math skill levels (core step)
4. Complete an Ed Plan by scheduling an advising appointment (core step)
5. Apply for financial aid
6. Register and pay for classes

Concurrently Enrolled Columbia College Students

Students who are concurrently enrolled at Columbia College and who wish to enroll at MJC should consult with the Columbia College Admissions Office. Columbia students may use Columbia College assessment scores and/or course completions to satisfy MJC assessment requirements. See Intradistrict Course Equivalencies Between Modesto Junior College and Columbia College for more information.

California Residency

It is not necessary to be a resident of California (as defined in the Education Code) to attend MJC. New and returning students are classified as either a California resident or a California nonresident for tuition purposes. In order to determine California residency during the reclassification process, students are required to submit copies of USCIS documentation and/or documentation proving physical presence and showing intent to make California their permanent residence. Students must be residing in California at the time the request for consideration is made. The burden of proof to establish residence is on the student. For more information, visit the enrollment services residency information page.

AB 540/AB 2000: Non-Resident Tuition Exemption

Consistent with AB 540/AB 2000, non-resident and undocumented students who meet all of the requirements can be exempted from paying non-resident tuition. Students who are exempted from paying non-resident tuition (pursuant to Section 68130.5 and Section 68130.7 of the California Education Code) do not become residents for eligibility purposes for any state-funded program. The exemption is not available for students who are absent from California, and are taking distance education classes from California community colleges.

Admission of Special Part-Time Students (Must be at least 13 years of age)

Advanced admission is granted for academically superior K-12 students who are at least 13 years old by the start of the semester for which they are applying. Students must have met all the established special conditions set forth in the Yosemite Community College District Board Policy & Procedures, as well as California Education Code Sections 48800, 48800.5, 48802, 48802, 76001, and 76002. The school district principal or designee must determine that the petitioner is capable of benefitting from advanced scholastic or vocational (college-level) work. Special part-time students who wish to enroll in more than 11 units will be required to pay their enrollment fees.

• Submit on-line college application for admission;
• Submit high school special admission petition with signed parental or guardian consent and signed approval of his/her principal;
• A parent or guardian of a pupil who is enrolled in a charter/home-school may petition directly without the signature of a principal, and present a copy of the affidavit submitted to the State or County Office of Education to document the student’s involvement in an educational process;
• Meet the academic prerequisite for the class; including the required placement level for any math, reading, or English class.
• Enroll in courses as outlined in Education Code or physical education courses;
• Ability to benefit from advanced scholastic or vocational work as determined by high school district
• The college will waive the enrollment fee (for California residents established within California Law) of students who enroll as special part-time students.

Home-study students, who are at least 13 years old by the start of the semester for which they are applying, must include with their admission packet (see above) a certification letter (Private School Affidavit) from their County Schools’ Office or the State of California.

All special part-time students are subject to all college regulations regarding attendance, conduct, scholarship and fee payment. Courses attempted and units earned will be recorded on the student’s permanent record and may be used toward meeting graduation, transfer, or certification requirements at Modesto Junior College.

Note: It is expected that all special part-time students enrolling in college courses have the maturity to function effectively on a college campus. No special arrangements for additional supervision of underage students are available. College courses are designed for adult students. In a very small number of disciplines, course content may be unusually frank in order to deal with scholarly discussion of behavioral, artistic, human or other issues. Unlike K-12 schools, colleges do not contact parents in advance to inform them of these issues. Parents are hereby notified that it is their responsibility to assure that their child is able to handle the college environment, as well as the content of the courses in which the student enrolls. Parents may wish to investigate the curriculum prior to enrolling their student if they have any questions or concerns.

Admission Into Special Academic Programs

Programs such as Nursing, Respiratory Care, Medical Assisting, and the Fire Academy require special program admission in addition to college admission. After submitting a completed Admissions Application to the Enrollment Services Office, contact either the Allied Health Division (209) 575-6373 for information about admission into Nursing, Respiratory Care, and Medical Assisting, or contact the Public Safety Department at (209) 548-5706 for information about the Fire Academy.

Readmission After Dismissal

A student who has been academically dismissed may petition for readmission by meeting with a counselor and completing a Petition for Readmission during Counseling Department deadlines after receiving notice of dismissal. Forms are available in the Counseling Center. Petitions will be reviewed by the Dean of Student Services and counselors. The student may be readmitted if there is strong evidence showing promise of success.

The Dean of Student Services, and/or a counselor, upon granting readmission to a dismissed student, may impose certain restrictions, such as unit load, periodic grade reviews, etc., which are felt to be in the best interests of the student. A readmitted student is subject to immediate dismissal should he/she fail, at any time, to meet the conditions stipulated by the Dean of Student Services. If the petition is denied, the student may apply for readmission after one year has passed since dismissal. 

Required Core Steps (Orientation, Assessment, Advising & Educational Planning)

Students must complete the core services, (orientation, assessment process, abbreviated ED plan) by the college established deadline in order to be eligible for priority registration. The College deadline is available on the College website.

Orientation

Website: College Orientation

Phone: (209) 575-6789

All new and returning students, who do not have an associate degree or higher and who have not previously attended an MJC college orientation are required to attend orientation prior to their registration date and time. Orientation familiarizes each new MJC student with campus policies, procedures, and student rights and responsibilities. Arrangements can be made for students with disabilities and limited English-speaking students who require accommodations. To make accommodations, students should request accommodations 10 days before they plan to attend a workshop.

Online Orientation Is Available At: College Orientation

In person Orientation workshops are scheduled before each new and returning student registration period. Go to the MJC Website to find current orientation/advising workshop sessions. Reservations are required for in person orientation. Service is on a first come first serve basis.

Assessment - Placement Options

MJC Testing Center Phone: (209) 575-7728 West Campus, Yosemite Hall, Room A117 Website: Testing Center

About Assessment

Students who have graduated from high school in the last 10 years will receive an English and Math placement automatically upon completion of the online admission application (CCCApply).

If you do not have a high school record from the last 10 years, you will take the self-guided placement. Self-Guided Placement is an activity that provides an opportunity to choose the course(s) most suitable for you.

For more information about English and Math placement options, visit Testing Center.

AB 705 (New Assessment Policy)

AB 705 is a law that requires California Community Colleges to maximize the probability that a student will enter and complete transfer-level coursework in English and Math within a one year time frame. MJC will (place students into English and Math courses) advise students to enter specific English and Math courses using one or more of the following measures:

• High school coursework
• High school grades
• High school grade point average
• Self-Guided Placement

Current students are also eligible to re-place using (with) these new placement methods. If a current and/or returning student has already started the English or Math sequence and receives a higher placement using the new placement methods, they will be allowed to enroll in the higher level course.

How To Participate In ELIC Assessment

To be admitted to a test session, an admissions application must be on file in the Enrollment Services Office. Picture ID will be required for test admittance. Seating in the Testing Center is determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Tests begin promptly, and students may not enter after a test has begun. All tests are computerized except for the CASAS test. Students will be admitted to the Testing Center as computers become available. Students with disabilities who need special testing accommodations should notify Testing Center staff of their needs at least 10 days before they plan to test.

Students who may be exempt from testing are welcome to take the assessment tests and to participate in the assessment process. See “Assessment Exemptions” below for more information.

Note: Most math, English composition, ELIC/ELW and science courses require assessment or prerequisite course completion.

Advising and Educational Planning

Counseling Services

Dr. Matthew Lopez-Phillips, Dean. Counseling and Student Services, East Campus, Student Services Building, Room 226, West Campus, Yosemite Hall, Room A158, Phone: (209) 575-6080, Website: Counseling

Some students have already decided on their educational or career goals before entering MJC. Others are exploring different educational or career paths, and may enter MJC without an educational goal or major.

Before Seeing a Counselor

Students must complete the following steps before making an appointment to see a counselor: 

• Apply for admission;
• Attend an orientation;
• Complete the assessment process.

We encourage students to use MJC’s counseling, assessment, and career services to help set and reach educational and career goals. We also encourage students to build relationships with faculty who teach in their areas of interest. Faculty advisors can provide students with the information, support and guidance to help them reach their goals. 

Who is Eligible For Counseling?

All current or returning MJC students are welcome to meet with a counselor. Educational counseling is required for all new students who indicate on their admissions application that they:

• Have an associate’s degree and are pursuing another degree, a certificate, or transfer; or
• Plan to earn an associate’s degree; or
• Plan to earn a certificate; or
• Plan to earn a skills recognition award; or
• Plan to transfer to a four-year university; or
• Plan to learn job skills or prepare for career advancement; or
• Are undecided about their educational and career goals.

Educational counseling is available in the Counseling Center. New student advising sessions are pre-scheduled during peak periods. Students should sign up prior to the new student’s registration date and time. Returning students may drop-in or call the Counseling Center. Students who are exempt from educational counseling are also welcome to meet with a counselor. 

Guidance Classes

New students are encouraged to enroll in a Guidance class, taught by MJC counselors, during their first semester. Guidance courses are essential to student success. In a guidance course, students learn to:

• Develop a comprehensive educational plan
• Acquire, organize, and demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making skills; 
• Explore, evaluate, and pursue career and educational options; 
• Develop social, intellectual, and emotional competencies;
• Develop needed skills and strategies to maximize the educational experience;
• Understand themselves, others and their environment to enable them to develop individual value systems and life styles.

There are several Guidance (GUIDE) courses from which to choose, which also fulfill the Guidance requirement for the associate degree at MJC: Educational Planning; Career Awareness; Job Development Skills; Orientation for Re-entry Adults; Success Strategies for Transfer Students. AG 115, Introduction to Agricultural Education Careers; and STSK 78, College Study Skills, also satisfy the Guidance graduation requirement. 

Early Alert

MJC utilizes a program called Early Alert. This program provides intervention for students at the earliest signs of academic problems. Through Early Alert, faculty identify students enrolled in their classes who are experiencing problems and refer them electronically to a service on campus. Staff members of that service contact students for further follow-up. 

To register for classes, on the registration date/time provided to you, visit PiratesNet or go to the Enrollment Services Office, either in the East Campus Student Services Building or West Campus Yosemite Hall. Make sure your class schedule is planned with alternative courses, in case your first choice is closed.

To Find Out Your Registration Date

Student registration dates and times are posted each term on PiratesNet during the following months; however, prior to being posted on PiratesNet, students will receive their registration date and time in an email sent to them at their college issued student email address. All students are encouraged to activate their student email account and to check it often. This is the only way MJC communicates with students. Activate your Student email address at PiratesNet.

Term/Registration Dates Posted

Summer=March

Fall=May

Spring=October

Registration Blocks (Outstanding Obligations)

If you have, for example, forgotten to pay a fee, return a library book, musical instrument, or athletic uniform, you may be blocked from registering for classes. Such obligations to the district must be cleared before a student is permitted to register. Outstanding obligations will prevent registration and the ability to obtain verifications of enrollment, grades, academic transcripts, and degrees.

Open Registration

Start dates for open registration vary prior to the start of semester. It will be permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be able to register for classes that are still open, provided prerequisites have been met. Students may add open classes during the first week of the semester online or by attending the class and discussing add possibilities with the instructor. If seats are available and the student has met the prerequisites (if required), the instructor may give the student an access code. Adds must be processed by the add deadlines.  

Waitlists

Once the student is on a waitlist he or she will be notified of an opening in the course through their student email. Once the email notification is generated the student has 5 calendar days to register for the course or they will be dropped from the waitlist.

If a student is still waitlisted at the start of the term, the student must attend the course on the first meeting day. If a space becomes available in the course the instructor will provide the student with the course access code. For online courses students must request an E-Add Card via PiratesNet on the first day of the term. Only students that meet eligibility requirements may attend.

Instructors will advise students regarding their chances of being added to the class and whether or not waitlist students should return to subsequent class meetings. 

Limitations on Enrollment

Some courses must restrict who may enroll in the course. Limitations on enrollment advise if or how students can qualify for a particular course or program. These limitations can apply to courses that include public performance or intercollegiate competition where a try-out or audition is necessary. Additionally, some courses require formal admission to a particular program in order to enroll (e.g., Associate Degree Nursing Program, Respiratory Therapy Program). Limitations on enrollment are enforced by the instructor. A student will be blocked from enrolling if the student does not meet the stated limitation (see below for the procedure to challenge prerequisites). 

Prerequisites And Registration

Modesto Junior College requires satisfactory completion of all prerequisite courses prior to the student enrolling in the subsequent course, except that a student may enroll in the next level pending the outcome of the prerequisite course if the student is currently enrolled in the course at MJC. “Satisfactory completion” means a grade of A, B, C, or CR/P (pass). Grades of D, F, or NC/NP indicate that the student did not satisfactorily complete the course, and therefore, cannot use the course to fulfill the prerequisite.

Challenging Prerequisites/Corequisites

Any student may challenge a prerequisite/corequisite on the grounds that:

• It was not established in accordance with the District’s policy
• It is in violation of Title 5
• It is discriminatory
• A student feels that they can succeed even though they have not completed the prerequisite/corequisite (It is the student’s responsibility to provide additional documentation that demonstrates they have satisfied the prerequisite/corequisite.)
• Student will be subject to undue delay because the prerequisite/corequisite has not been made reasonably available

To challenge a prerequisite/corequisite in any area, the student must begin in the division office that offers the prerequisite/corequisite by completing the Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Form at least five days before registration. The student must state the grounds for the challenge and present additional information that supports the challenge. A committee will review each challenge and inform the student within five days of the filing of the petition.

Upon completion of the application for admission, specific registration instructions are emailed to the student. Modesto Junior College has established Registration and Enrollment priority procedures in accordance with Title 5, Section 58106 and YCCD Board Policy 5055. 

For enrollment priorities 1 through 3 the following academic standards apply: Students who are fully matriculated, and who have no more than 100-degree applicable units, and who are in good academic status. A Matriculated student is one who has completed Orientation, Placement Assessment and an Ed Plan during an Advising session. 

Level 1. New and Continuing Students who are:

a) Any active member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States, and who is a resident of California, who has received an honorable discharge, a general discharge, or an other than honorable discharge, and to any active member or former member of the State Military Reserve.

b) Current foster youth and former foster youth up to and including age 25 (Education Code Section 66025.9), or homeless youth.

c) Students participating in Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS), Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOP&S), or California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), or Tribal TANF recipients.

Level 2. New and Continuing Students meeting eligibility and participation requirements for programs designated by the colleges

Level 3. Continuing and New Students who are fully matriculated

Level 4. Continuing and New Students who:

a) Are not fully matriculated

b) Have no more than 100 degree-applicable units

c) Are in good academic status

Level 5. Dual enrolled high school students

Level 6. All Other Students are assigned Open Registration 

Please note: Within each level, registration appointments are assigned based on unit completion.

Loss Of Priority Registration

New and continuing students may lose registration priority if they: 1) earn more than 100 degree applicable units at MJC, or 2) are on academic probation for 2 or more terms. If a student loses priority registration they may appeal to have priority registration reinstated. Complete the Appeal for Loss of Priority Registration and submit it to Enrollment Services.

• Provide a written statement as to why registration priority should be reinstated. 
• Provide documentation as to the extenuating circumstance or significant academic improvement.
• Submitted appeals will be reviewed and a decision will be sent to MJC student email. 

Foster youth and former foster youth who are 24 years or less are exempt from losing registration priority based on 100 units or more or for failing to meet minimum academic standards.

Appeal Process

An appeal process is available to all students who lose enrollment priority due to extenuating circumstances that can be verified (verified documented accident, illness, or other circumstances beyond the student's control), academic or progress improvement or a verified disability. See appeal form for additional information. To appeal students must compile and submit a Appeal for Loss of Priority Registration form by the College established deadline. The College established deadline is available on the Priority Registration website. Return the completed form to Enrollment Services.

Student Rights

The Right To Petition For Specific Consideration

A student may petition for issues related to specific courses (i.e. grade correction, course repeat, and withdrawal according to Title 5 regulations and YCCD Board Policy). Issues that relate to missed deadlines and graduation requirements are not petitionable. Petitions are reviewed by the Petitions Committee, Director of Admission and Records, or college designee. Petitions are available in the Enrollment Services Office, located on the first floor of the Student Services Building, East Campus or by visiting our website: Student Petitions.

The Right To Challenge A Prerequisite

Any student may challenge a prerequisite on the grounds that (1) it was not established in accordance with the District's policy; (2) it is in violation of Title 5; (3) it is discriminatory; (4) student can succeed even though student has not completed the prerequisite; or (5) student will be subject to undue delay because the prerequisite has not been made reasonably available. To challenge a prerequisite, the student must complete a Prerequisite Challenge Form (available in the division office for the discipline of the course to be challenged) and state the basis for the challenge. A committee from the division in which the class is offered will review each petition and render a decision within five working days. It is the responsibility of the student to provide information that supports the challenge.

Student Complaints

Students who have general complaints regarding Modesto Junior College may follow the established complaint process. The student may visit the link below to access the complaint form and additional information about the process: Complaints

Student Responsibilities

Enrollment Responsibilities

• Express at least a broad educational intent upon admission (educational goal and educational program)
• Declare a specific educational goal by the time 15 units are earned
• Participate in assessment, orientation, counseling and advising prior to registration
• Complete an educational plan with a counselor in the semester following the completion of 15 units
• Diligently attend class
• Complete assigned work
• Abide by the Student Code of Conduct
• Read and obey all published college rules and regulations
• Officially enroll in every class before the "add" deadline date and pay all fees within 24 hours of enrollment
• Complete courses and maintain progress toward an educational goal according to standards established by the college
• Inform the Enrollment Services Office of changes in personal data (name, mailing address, email address, phone number(s), major goal, educational status, etc.)
• Enroll in each class
• Complete each class or withdraw officially
• Submit legal, not fraudulent documents

Attendance

All students enrolled at Modesto Junior College are expected to be punctual and attend classes regularly. Instructors are encouraged to announce to their students their policies regarding excessive absences or tardiness at the beginning of the semester. When an instructor determines that a student's absences are excessive, the instructor may drop the student from the class. It is the student's responsibility to discuss anticipated and/or extensive absences with the instructor. No absence relieves the student of the responsibility of completing all work assigned. Any student who fails to attend class regularly may be dropped; however, it is the responsibility of the student to complete the course or to officially withdraw from a class. Tardiness may be treated as an absence.

Academic Freedom

Students have the right to listen, the right to decide, the right to choose, the right to reject and the right to express and defend individual beliefs. As members of the MJC community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. The educational purpose of the college is best served by this freedom of expression. Students are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Student performance will be evaluated on a broad academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.

Academic Integrity

The Academic Senate at MJC shares the original jurisdiction for conduct violations in the area of academic integrity. The Academic Senate at MJC has defined academic integrity and identified possible means for maintaining academic integrity at the College.

The Following Are Violations Of Academic Integrity:

• Cheating: Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise; misrepresenting or non-reporting of pertinent information in all forms of work submitted for credit.
• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Intentionally or knowingly helping, or attempting to help, another to violate a provision of the institutional code of academic integrity.
• Plagiarism: The deliberate adoption or reproduction of ideas, words or statements of another per-son as one's own, without acknowledgement. This includes all group work and written assignments.

The grading of a student’s work rests on the fundamental idea that an instructor is evaluating a student’s own work, so cheating or plagiarism demonstrates a failure to complete this most basic requirement of any course. Thus a faculty member may administer academic consequences for violating the Academic Integrity Policy ranging from partial credit to an F on the assignment or exam. The instructor may also consider that a student’s violation of academic integrity should be a consideration for disciplinary measures. Disciplinary action for violating academic integrity is administered by the Student Discipline Officer under Board Policy 5500: Standards of Conduct.

Academic Integrity In Courses

Academic areas may develop for their faculty and students a statement of the application of the Academic Integrity Procedure in their courses; and each faculty member is encouraged to include in his/her introduction to a course:

• A statement of the application of the Academic Integrity Procedure within his/her course.
• A statement notifying students that violations of the Academic Integrity Procedure will be reported.

Due Process For Violations of Academic Integrity

1. Students shall be given notice of the violation and,
2. Students shall be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations

PRIVACY RIGHTS OF MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE STUDENTS: ANNUAL NOTIFICATION

Notification of Rights under FERPA:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age.) These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day Modesto Junior College   receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Director of Admissions and Records or college designee, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask Modesto Junior College to amend a record should contact the Director of Admissions & Records, and clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the college decides not to amend the record as requested, the college will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before Modesto Junior College discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Modesto Junior College discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official typically includes a person employed by Modesto Junior College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the college who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the college.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Modesto Junior College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student: 

• To other school officials, including faculty, within Modesto Junior College whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
• To authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35) 
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§99.31(a)(4))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§99.31(a)(6)) 
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§99.31(a)(10))
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” under § 99.37. (§99.31(a)(11))
• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of  § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§99.31(a)(13))
• To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her. (§ 99.31(a)(14))
• To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. (§99.31(a)(15))

Policy 3410: Non-Discrimination Policy 

It is the policy of Yosemite Community College District to provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination. Discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex or gender, sexual orientation, color or physical or mental disability in the District’s programs, activities and work environment is unlawful and will not be tolerated by the District.

The District strongly forbids any form of discrimination and has enacted complaint resolution procedures to recognize and eliminate unlawful discrimination.

Modesto Junior College affirms its commitment to equality of opportunity for all individuals. This commitment requires that no discrimination shall occur regarding admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, any program or activity in the College on the basis of ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, color, physical or mental disability, or lack of English language skills. This policy is in accordance with Title 5I of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to enrollment in vocational programs. Students who believe they have been unlawfully discriminated against because of ethnic group identification, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, color, physical or mental disability, or lack of English language skills should contact the YCCD Title IX Coordinator, District Offices, West Campus, District Offices YCCD. Yosemite Community College District and Modesto Junior College have made every reasonable effort to ensure that everything stated in this catalog is accurate. Courses and programs offered, together with other matters contained herein, are subject to change without notice by the administration of the Yosemite Community College District or Modesto Junior College for reasons related to student enrollment, level of financial support, or for any other reason, at the discretion of the District and the College. The District and the College further reserve the right to add, amend, or repeal any of their rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 

Política de 3410 : Política de No Discriminación

Es la política del Distrito de Colegios Comunitarios de Yosemite para proporcionar un ambiente libre de discriminación ilegal . La discriminación sobre la base de la identificación étnica de grupo, la religión, la edad, el sexo o el género, la orientación sexual, color o discapacidad física o mental en los programas del Distrito, actividades y trabajos ambiente es ilegal y no será tolerado por el Distrito.

El Distrito prohíbe enérgicamente cualquier forma de discriminación y ha promulgado procedimientos de resolución de quejas para reconocer y eliminar la discriminación ilegal.

Modesto Junior College reafirma su propósito de ofrecer igualdad de oportunidades a todas las personas. Este compromiso requiere que ningún individuo sufra discriminación en cuanto a la admisión, al acceso, en el trato, o en las oportunidades de empleo, en cualquier programa o actividad en esta institución a causa de su grupo étnico, religión, edad, género, preferencia sexual, color, o incapacidad física o mental. Esta política está conforme con el Título VI del Acta de los Derechos Civiles de 1964, Título IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972, Sección 504 del Acta de Rehabilitación de 1973, el Acta de Americanos con Impedimentos, y el Acta contra la Discriminación en el Empleo a causa de la Edad de 1975. La falta de conocimiento del inglés no será obstáculo para la admisión a los programas de educación vocacional. Los estudiantes que crean haber sufrido descriminación por pertenecer a cualquiera de las categorias anteriormente mencionadas deben comunicarse con el Vice Presidente, Servicios Estudiantiles en la oficina número 207 del edificio Morris Memorial al teléfono 575-6060. Yosemite Community College District y Modesto Junior College han hecho todo lo posible por asegurar que el contenido del catálogo de 2012-2013 sea correcto. La información en este catálogo sobre cursos y programas e información sobre otras actividades está sujeta a cambios sin previo aviso a criterio de la adminstración de Yosemite Community College District o Modesto Junior College por razones relacionadas con el número de studiantes matriculados, nivel de apoyo financiero, o por cualquier otra razón, a discreción del Distrito y Modesto Junior College. Estas instituciones además se reservan el derecho de añadir, modificar, o anular cualquiera de sus reglamentos y procedimientos.

Sexual Violence Prevention

(AB 1088, amends Ed Code 67385.7)

Starting January 1, 2006, post-secondary education districts are required through AB 1088 to provide all incoming students with educational and preventive information about sexual violence, in addition to the sexual harassment information required by Ed Code 66281.5. During orientation and throughout the year, Modesto Junior College provides primary prevention programs and events. Modesto Junior College implements procedures to ensure that students, faculty and staff who are victims of sexual violence on or off campus receive assistance, treatment, information and resource referrals. Modesto Junior College collaborates with local Law Enforcement and advocacy agencies to provide response and services for survivors through the Title IX Office. Any sexual assault or physical abuse, including, but not limited to, rape, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined by California law, or Board Policy whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public, occurring on District property, in connection with all the academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs of the District, whether those programs take place in the District’s facilities or at another location, or on an off-campus site or facility maintained by the District, or on grounds, is a violation of District policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal procedures and employee or student discipline procedures. Additional information concerning Sexual Violence Prevention at Modesto Junior College can be found at: What is Title IX?

Sexual Assault

Sexual activity without mutual and expressed consent is sexual assault. Acquaintance/date rape is a serious problem on college campuses. On college campuses, 80% of the victims raped know their attackers. More than half of these rapes occur on dates. Incidents of alcohol and drug facilitated rape are increasing in college campuses. Watch your drink and watch out for your friends! What can women and men do to prevent rape?

• Consent is everything.
• Know and clearly express sexual intentions and limits out loud.
• Respect each other and boundaries.
• Go to parties and clubs with friends you trust, and leave with them too.
• Be an Active Bystander. If you see something, say something.
• If you think you are in danger, call a family member or friend for help or go to a safe place.
• Be ready and willing to yell, fight, and run. A

Awareness and clear, assertive communication are the best tools for prevention.

Consent is:

Clear, knowing, affirmative, conscious and voluntary permission, through word or action, to engage in mutually agreed upon sexual activity or contact.

Since different people may experience the same interactions differently, each party is responsible for making sure that partners have provided ongoing, clear consent to engaging in any sexual activity or contact.

A person may withdraw consent at any time during sexual activity or contact through words or actions. If that happens, the other party must immediately cease the activity or contact. Pressuring another person into sexual activity can constitute coercion, which is also considered to be sexual misconduct.

Silence or the absence of resistance alone does not constitute consent. A victim is not required to resist or say “no” for an offense to be proven.

Consent to some forms of sexual activity (e.g., kissing, fondling, etc.) should not be construed as consent for other kinds of sexual activities (e.g., intercourse).Being or having been in a dating relationship with the other party does not mean that consent for sexual activity exists. Previous consent to sexual activity does not imply consent to sexual activity in the future.

To legally give consent in California, individuals must be at least 18 years old.

All employees of the college are responsible employees and are expected to report information that is reported to them to the Title IX office or Campus Safety. The college strongly encourages all members of the campus community to provide a written or verbal report regarding any incident of sexual assault to Campus Safety and Title IX. The Title IX Office, working with College counselors and Health Services staff, will make appropriate support services and referrals available to students who are victims of sexual assault.

Confidential Reporting is available through Health Services, Counseling and Title IX offices when requested.

Chris Fuzie District Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator Yosemite Community College District (209) 575-7906 fuziec@yosemite.edu

Flerida Arias Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Campus Coordinator Modesto Junior College (209) 575-6060 ariasf@yosemite.edu

Official Transcripts

Modesto Junior College offers an online transcript request 24/7 process via The National Student Clearinghouse. All current and former students can order an official transcript at their convenience through the MJC website. There are several types of processing options available. Check online for details on how to have transcripts sent from MJC.

• Each transcript request must be submitted via the college website, or completing a Free Transcript Request Form by the student to the Enrollment Services Office.
• Each transcript will include the student’s entire record of courses completed at MJC.

Official transcripts or records earned at other institutions which have been presented for admissions or evaluations become part of the student’s permanent record and are not issued or copied for distribution.

Official transcripts will not be issued for students who have a financial obligation to the college or any other type of hold on their records. Any financial obligation to the college should be resolved in Business Services.

To comply with the student privacy laws, transcripts cannot be sent in response to telephone requests. Transcripts cannot be issued without written consent or release signed by the student with the exception of transcripts being sent directly to another educational institution.

Students are advised to submit official previous high school (once graduation date is posted) transcripts as soon as they apply for admission to MJC. These transcripts become the property of MJC and cannot be returned to the student, copied, nor forwarded to other colleges. 

Official transcripts are those that are electronically transmitted from regionally accredited institutions utilizing approved electronic transmittal systems or those that are delivered in an unopened, sealed envelope from the issuing institution. Contact the Enrollment Services Office for additional information on electronic submission. 

Upon receipt of outside transcripts, students will be notified via the college issued student email that their transcripts have been received. In order to have a full evaluation of a transcript, students must submit a Transfer Work Evaluation Request Form. The evaluation request form is attached to the email notification. This important evaluation provides information to the student and counselor about course work completed at other colleges. For more information, call the Evaluations Office at (209) 575-6605 or talk to your counselor.

Enrollment And Grade Verification

Enrollment verifications and grade verifications will be issued upon written request to the Enrollment Services Office. Students should allow at least ten (10) working days for the processing of verifications. 

To comply with student privacy laws, students must request verifications by completing and signing a Verification Request Form, available in the Enrollment Services Office. 

Verifications will not be issued for students who have a financial obligation to the college or any other type of hold on their records. Any financial obligation to the college should be resolved in the Business Services Office. Photo identification is also required to release the verification. For additional information on requesting MJC verifications, contact the Enrollment Services Office at (209) 575-6853. 

The Board of Trustees of the Yosemite Community College District has adopted a policy which permits a student to repeat certain courses. In these cases, a course is designated as repeatable in the college catalog, and a student may take the course and then repeat it the allowed number of times and earn college credit for each completion. These courses have been approved by the Curriculum Committee as repeatable. Courses without that designation may not be repeated. Repeatable courses may not be repeated to improve a substandard grade.

Course Repetition Policy

Repeatable Courses

A student may repeat a course designated as a repeatable course including variable credit open-entry/open-exit courses up to the maximum number of allowed repetitions for that course.

No more than two substandard grades may be alleviated within the allowable repeat limits for a repeatable course. If a course is repeated two or more times, the first two substandard grades will be excluded in calculating the student’s GPA.

Course repetition will not be allowed in a repeatable activity course beyond the maximum number of allowed repetitions for the course, which may be no more than three (3) semesters.

Non-Repeatable Course

A student will be permitted to retake a non-repeatable course in which a substandard grade or “W” was earned one time without a petition.

Substandard Grade - a grade of “D,” “F,” “NP,” or “NC.”

If a student has earned a second substandard grade or “W” in a course, the student must agree and sign a Third Enrollment form to be released to register for the third repetition of a course. Student must see counselor to complete a Third Enrollment. 

Each non-repeatable course in which a substandard grade has been earned may be repeated two times only for grade alleviation unless such repetition is provided by District policy. The most recent completion (grade, grade points, and units) will replace the earlier course, even if the more recent completion results in a lower grade.

For courses that are not repeatable in which a student has received a satisfactory grade, “A”, “B”, “C”, “CR”, or “P” may not be repeated unless in accordance with YCCD Board Policy 4225. 

Petition To Repeat Courses

Students may submit a “Course Repeat Petition” under certain circumstances as provided by Title V, California Code of Regulations and Yosemite Community College Board Policy. Petitions are reviewed by the Petitions Committee, Director of Admission and Records, or designee. 

Students may petition to repeat a course in which a satisfactory grade was received or when the number of allowable attempts has been exhausted in accordance with YCCD Board Policy 4225.

Students can find more information about the petition process here: Student Petitions

Multiple And Overlapping Enrollments

MJC does not allow a student to enroll in two or more sections of the same credit courses at the same time. 

MJC does not allow a student to enroll in two courses that overlap (time-wise) unless the following requirements are met:

The student must provide sound justification for the overlap, other than mere scheduling convenience.

An appropriate college official must review the justification and approve the enrollment.

The instructor of record allowing the overlap must collect documentation each week that shows how the student made up the time caused by the overlap.

Attendance is important. Students are expected to attend the first class meeting of each class in which they register. Instructors may drop students who do not attend the first class meeting and give the seat to a student from the waitlist. All students enrolled at Modesto Junior College are expected to be punctual and attend classes regularly. Regular attendance in class and lab sessions is an obligation assumed by every student at the time of registration. Instructors are encouraged to announce to their students at the beginning of the semester their policies regarding excessive absences or tardiness. 

Many instructors link their class syllabi to their directory information on PiratesNet. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss with the instructor any anticipated and/or extensive absences. Tardiness may be considered an absence. No absence relieves the student of the responsibility to complete all work assigned. When an instructor determines that a student’s absences are excessive, the instructor may drop the student from the class. However, it is the responsibility of the student to complete the course or to officially withdraw from the class.

Withdrawing From Courses

Students are responsible for officially dropping classes. Withdrawals may be processed using PiratesNet or in the Enrollment Services Office by completing a Drop Form. Each student’s printed schedule (available on PiratesNet) includes course drop deadlines.

Withdrawing Without A "W"

No notation (grade or symbol) will be posted on a student’s academic record if a course is dropped by the last day to drop without a “W” which is the end of the second week of the semester for a full-term course or within 20% of a short-term or Summer course. The last day to drop without a “W” deadline is posted on the course syllabus and the class schedule each semester. 

• Students who drop all courses and receive no academic grade or symbol (“W”) in a semester/session will not be eligible for priority registration as a continuing student in the next semester/session.
• Students have the ability to petition to drop a course late without a “W” as long as they have not participated or attended past the census date. The petition form can be found on the Enrollment Services website.
• A student is responsible to pay all fees according to written regulations.

Withdrawing With A "W"

Students may drop or withdraw from a course by the 14th week (or by 75% of the class, whichever comes first) for full-term courses, short term, or Summer courses and receive a “W” for withdrawal symbol on their academic record. The last day to drop with a “W” deadline is posted on the course syllabus and the class schedule each semester.

• Students have the ability to petition to drop a course late with a “W” if they have an extenuating circumstance. Extenuating circumstances are listed as verified accidents, serious illness, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student.
• A student is responsible to pay all fees according to written regulations.

Excused Withdrawal

An Excused Withdrawal (EW) is an option for students who can drop a course due to a specified reason beyond the control of the student and affects the student’s ability to complete the course. Per Title IV the Excused Withdrawal conditions are as follows:

• Job transfer outside the geographical region;
• Illness in the family where the student is the primary caregiver;
• An incarcerated student in a California State Prison or County Jail is released from custody or involuntarily transferred before the end of the term. In the case of an incarcerated student, an excused withdrawal cannot be applied if the failure to complete the course(s) was the result of a student’s behavioral violation or if the student requested and was granted a mid-semester transfer;
• The student is the subject of an immigration action;
• Death of an immediate family member;
• Chronic or acute illness;
• Verifiable accidents; or 
• Natural disasters directly affecting the student.

Please Note: An “EW” will be notated on the transcripts if the petition is approved and the student will not have this attempt counted for Academic purposes but the student is not eligible for a refund for the course.

To receive an “EW” the student would need to complete a General Student Petition and provide appropriate documentation of their circumstances.

Military Withdrawal

A student who withdraws from a course because he/she is an active or reserve member in the military service who has received military orders compelling withdrawal from course(s) shall receive no notation or an “MW” notation which shall not be counted for the permitted number of withdrawals or for progress probation or dismissal. The student must complete a student petition and present military orders to the Enrollment Services Office for proper notation.

Withdrawal Limit

Effective Summer 2012, students are limited to receiving no more than two substandard grades from any course taken within the Yosemite Community College District. Since this state regulation includes courses taken at Columbia and/or Modesto, substandard grades earned in courses that have been determined to be equivalent to each other (see ‘Intradistrict Course Equivalencies Between Modesto Junior College and Columbia College) count toward the second limitation. 

Each non-repeatable course in which a “W” has been earned may be repeated for a maximum of two times. The student may earn no more than three (3) withdrawals in the same course.

• Military withdrawals (“MW”) do not count against the “W” withdrawal limit.
• A student who has previously earned a maximum of three (3) withdrawals for a course that has a petition approved to repeat may only earn a satisfactory or substandard grade for the course. The student may not earn an additional “W” symbol unless the student demonstrates extenuating circumstances to justify an additional withdrawal for the course.
• A “W” counts as an enrollment attempt and results in a substandard grade.
• Students who have been blocked from enrollment in a course because they have reached the limit of two substandard grades should discuss options with a counselor.

Enrollment Status:

Continuing Student: Has enrolled in one or more classes within the past year. Registration: Continuing students are automatically assigned registration dates and times each semester. To maintain catalog rights, continuous enrollment is defined as earning college credit for enrollment in at least one term (Summer, Fall, Spring) of the school year.

Returning Student: Has not enrolled in an MJC class within the past year and has reapplied to MJC. Catalog rights begin with the first enrollment and continue as long as the student enrolls and earns college credit in at least one term of the school year.

Undergraduate Status:

Freshman: Fewer than 30 units completed.

Sophomore: 30 or more units completed.

Part-Time/Full-Time Enrollment Status:

Full-Time: Must be registered in 12 or more units. 18 units is considered the maximum. To enroll in more than 18 units during the spring and fall term, or more than 12 units during the summer term, approval must be obtained from the Counseling Center. 

Part-Time: Registered in fewer than 12 units.

Unit Requirements For Special Populations

Veterans Chapter 31: As required by Veterans Administration.

Veterans Chapters 30, 35, 1606, 1607: Minimum 3 units required for assistance.

Veterans Chapter 33: Minimum 7 units required.

International Students: Minimum 12 units required to participate.

Student Body Officers: Minimum 9 units required, in addition to a 2.3 GPA.

Varsity Athletes: Minimum of 12 units during the season of sport. Students dropping below 12 units are not eligible for competition until they are once again actively enrolled and attending class in at least 12 units. Of the 12 units, at least 9 shall be attempted in courses counting toward remediation, career technical education/certificate courses, associate degree requirements, transfer/general education, and/or lower division theoretical major preparation courses as defined by the college catalog and/or articulation agreements and be consistent with the student athlete’s educational plan. To be eligible and remain eligible in intercollegiate athletics competition a student athlete has to successfully complete at least 6 units during the preceding academic term in which the student is enrolled as a full-time student with a cumulative 2.0 GPA beginning with and including the units taken during the first semester of competition. To be eligible for the second season of that sport, a minimum of 24 units must be successfully completed. The 24 unit count begins with and includes the units taken during the first semester of competition for that sport and must be successfully completed prior to the beginning of the semester of the second season of sport .In order to be eligible for competition, the student athlete must have a comprehensive individual educational plan on file, by the following dates: October 15 for those student athletes whose first competition, in any sport, occurs during the fall academic term; March 1 for those student athletes whose first competition, in any sport, occurs during the spring academic term.

Student Fees 2021-2022:

Website: Tuition and Fees

Enrollment Fee: $46 (per unit)

Enrollment Fee for B.S. Degree in Respiratory Care: $84 per unit, plus Enrollment Fee

California residents must pay an enrollment fee of $46 per unit per semester (subject to change by the California State Legislature). Enrollment fees may be waived for students who qualify for the California College Promise Grant/CCP and for those who enroll in apprenticeship courses only. Dependents of service-connected disabled or service-connected deceased veterans may be eligible for a waiver of fees. Please contact the campus Veteran’s Services is in the Student Center on East Campus, Room 2 for assistance. For fee waiver information students should contact the Student Financial Services Office in Yosemite Hall. Special part-time students are students who are concurrently enrolled in K-12th grade and who enroll in fewer than 12 units at a community college. They are exempt from paying the enrollment fee. To be eligible to enroll in courses, special part-time students must be prepared to undertake college-level work and must be approved by the student’s high school principal and parent or legal guardian. At MJC, special part-time students must be at least 14 years of age. Special part-time students may enroll in a maximum of 11 units per semester.

Non-Resident Tuition: $307 (per unit) Plus Enrollment Fee

A U.S. citizen who is not a legal resident of California and all others who are classified as non-residents are required to pay a non-resident tuition fee of $307 per unit per semester. The international student tuition fee is $307 per unit per semester. The tuition fee is in addition to the Enrollment Fee and all other required fees.

Health Fee: $20

A $20 Health Fee must be paid each semester ($17 Summer) by students who enroll in a credit course that is longer than 16 hours, held on-campus or off-campus within the district, or those enrolled in non-credit courses held on campus, or those enrolled in on campus contract education courses. The Health Fee may be waived for students who are indentured apprentices enrolled in apprenticeship classes only, or for those who depend exclusively on prayer for healing, with approval of the Vice President of Student Services. Per Education Code Section 76355, fee subject to change by $1 based on the Implicit Price Index for State and Local Government Agencies.

Student Center Fee: $1 - $10 Annually

Students voted in Spring 2000 to assess a Student Center fee of $1 per unit to a maximum of $10 per fiscal year, to establish an annual building/operating fund for the Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center on the West Campus

Student Representation Fee: $2

A $2 fee established by two-thirds vote of the student body. Money collected will be used by ASMJC to represent student concerns at local, state, and federal government levels. Students may refuse to pay the fee for religious, political, financial, or moral reasons. A refusal to pay the fee must be submitted online via PiratesNET by using the Optional Fee Waiver Form.

Student Activity Fee: $10

Student Activity Fee funds student government (ASMJC) activities for students. This fee allows you access to ASMJC events and services. The optional $10 fee is automatically assessed. You may refuse the fee by completing the Student Activity Fee Waiver form available on PiratesNet under Financial Information. However, refusing the fee makes you ineligible for ASMJC activities and services.

Parking Fee: Varies

Student parking permits are available for $30 a semester (summer term is $15) or $2 per day. Motorcycle fee is $7.50 per semester. The parking fee is not required for disabled students with a disabled DMV placard. Students can purchase Parking Permits by visiting the website at My Campus Permit. Students who purchase an auto permit for the semester and have proof of a motorcycle license are eligible for a discounted motorcycle permit for the same semester. Parking fees are subject to change.

Debts to the College: Varies

Any individual who has incurred, but not paid, a debt to the college may be denied grades, transcripts, degrees, some services, and registration privileges.

Material Fees: Varies

This serves as payment for required instructional and other materials which are of continuing value to the student outside of the classroom setting and which the student must procure or possess as a condition of registration, enrollment, or entry into a class; or any material which is necessary to achieve the required objectives of a course.

Other Expenses: $200 - $600

Textbooks, stationery and supplies will amount to approximately $200 to $600 per semester.

Transcript Verification: Varies

The first two transcripts are provided free. A transcript fee is charged after the first two, payable at the time of the request. Fees vary depending on time of requested delivery.

Enrollment Verification: See Note

The first two verifications are provided free. A fee of $7 per verification is charged after the first two, payable at the time of the request. A $15 fee is charged for next day service and a $20 fee is charged for same-day service. No charge is made for loan deferment or financial aid GPA verifications.

Course Audit Fee: $15 (per unit)

A fee of $15 per unit is required of students who have met the repetitions limit for credit courses, payable at the MJC Business Services Offices. Students enrolled in 10 or more units at the time audit enrollment occurs will not be assessed the fee for up to 3 units. Additional semester fees may apply.

Other Fees: Varies

Fines for overdue library books or other equipment and parking fines are among special charges authorized by the Board of Trustees.

Degree Verifications: Varies

MJC has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide degree verifications. Please visit National Student Clearing House for pricing and more information.

Field Trip Fees: Varies

Appropriate fees will be charged for those field trips scheduled to destinations outside California and for some long distance field trips outside the Yosemite Community College District.

Please Note: Fees are subject to change through State Legislation and Governing Board implementation as judged to be in the best interest of the California Community Colleges and the students at Modesto Junior College.

MJC'S Grading System

Grades are assigned by instructors based on classwork and tests. Grades are assigned as follows:

Symbol, Grade Points Earned, and Description

Symbol A:

Grade Points Earned=4

Description: Excellent

Symbol B:

Grade Points Earned=3

Description: Good

Symbol C:

Grade Points Earned=2

Description: Satisfactory

Symbol D:

Grade Points Earned=1

Description: Less than satisfactory

Symbol F:

Grade Points Earned=1

Description: Failing

Symbol FW:

Grade Points Earned=0

Description: Failing (stopped attending)

Symbol P:

Description: Pass, at least satisfactory (A, B, C)

Symbol NP:

Description: No Pass, less than satisfactory or failing (D, F)

Symbol IA:

Description: Incomplete A

Symbol IB:

Description: Incomplete B 

Symbol IC:

Description: Incomplete C 

Symbol ID:

Description: Incomplete D 

Symbol IF:

Description: Incomplete F

Symbol IP:

Description: In Progress

Symbol IPP:

Description: Incomplete Pass (A, B, C)

Symbol INP:

Description: Incomplete No Pass (D, F)

Symbol W:

Description: Withdrawn

Symbol SP:

Description: Satisfactory Progress towards completion of the course (Used for noncredit courses only and is not supplanted by any other symbol.)

Symbol MW:

Description: Military Withdrawal

Symbol EW:

Description: Excused Withdrawal

* Grade points not included in student's overall grade point average (GPA).

Grade Point Average (GPA)

To graduate and to transfer to other collegiate institutions, the student must have at least a C average (2.0), based on the total grade points earned in college degree applicable courses completed at MJC and other colleges divided by the total number of units attempted. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university should discuss options with a counselor.

A course or unit attempted is any course or unit which, in any semester, appears on the official transcript. Courses with an Incomplete (I grade), a Withdrawal (W grade), Pass (P grade) or No Pass (NP grade) do not count in the grade point average. All other credit courses attempted are included in the average.

Academic Distinctions

Good Standing

A student is in good standing academically when the cumulative MJC grade point average is 2.0, or better, and the student has completed fewer than 50% of the overall units attempted with grades of “W,” “I,” “NP,” and “NC.”

Graduation with Honors

Graduating students achieving a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in all degree-applicable coursework, including transfer work, will graduate with honors. This honor will be indicated on the transcript and the diploma.

President's List

To be eligible for the President’s List (formerly Dean’s List) the student must complete a minimum of 12 degree-applicable units in a semester at MJC and have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better with no grade lower than a C. The student receives a personal letter of commendation.

Calculating the GPA

A 2.0 minimum grade point average (GPA) is required to be in good academic standing and for graduation. To calculate a student’s GPA, follow these steps:

1. Assign a numerical value to each grade received (A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1; F=0).
2. Multiply the grade by the number of units in the class. This totals the grade points.
3. Divide the total number of grade points by the total number of units attempted.

Note: Exclude W’s, NP’s, P’s from the calculation as well as courses that were repeated and where academic renewal was granted. These courses will be signified by “R” and “AR” respectively.

Challenging Grades

To conform to the provision of Section 55025 of the California Administrative Code, Title 5, the determination of the student’s grade by the instructor shall be final in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency.

Modesto Junior College policies on challenging a final grade are as follows:

1. There shall be a one year time limit for challenging any evaluative or non-evaluative symbol. This limit will begin at  the end of the term in which the symbol was assigned. 
2. The correction of grades given in error shall include expunging the incorrect grade from the record;
3. To challenge a grade, students should complete a Grade Correction Petition, which is available in the Enrollment Services Office.

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete (I) grade will be given only in cases in which course work could not be completed because of illness or for a cause judged as unavoidable by the instructor. Failure to complete regular course work by the end of the semester will not be reason for giving a grade of Incomplete (I). When a faculty member approves a grade of Incomplete (I), he or she:

• Will enter on PiratesNet an incomplete and the in-lieu grade that will be recorded if the student does not make up the work in the allotted time. 
• Will enter on PiratesNet the date on which the incomplete grade will end and the in lieu grade will be awarded.
• Will submit to the Enrollment Services Office a written record (on the Incomplete Form provided) of the conditions for removal of the (I) grade and the grade to be assigned if the work is not completed. 
• Will send notification via email to the student using the college-issued student email outlining the work to be completed and timeline.
• Will write the student’s grade when all work has been completed on the Incomplete Form in the Enrollment Services Office at least five business days prior to the expiration date of the incomplete grade.

The amount of time that a student may have to make up the work cannot exceed one year. If the student has not completed the conditions for removal, the Incomplete grade (I) will electronically revert to the ‘’grade in lieu of removal” assigned by the faculty member for the “I” grade.

P/NP ( Pass/No Pass) Grades

A student may enroll in most courses with the option of one of two grading systems: (1) letter grade (A-F) or (2) Pass/No Pass (P/NP). The deadline to file P/NP for a full-term or short-term class is 30% of the class. If 30% falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline to file P/NP forms in the Enrollment Services Office is the preceding business day. (Forms are available in the Enrollment Services Office or online at Forms. Unless the course otherwise states “GR’’ only or “P/NP” only, all courses are offered with a choice of letter grade or P/NP option. Once the P/NP option is selected by the student and the 30% deadline has passed the choice cannot be rescinded.

Because transfer institutions often do not accept P/NP grades in a student’s major, the college recommends that courses in the major be taken for a letter grade.

Instructors are required to give all students who complete the course a letter grade (A-F), regardless of student choice, unless the course is offered only for P/NP grading.

None of the units attempted under the P/NP grading option are used in computing the student’s grade point average. However, units attempted for which (NP) is recorded are counted in determining progress probation and progress dismissal.

Fourteen units of P/NP may be used toward graduation. An evaluation on a “P/NP” basis may not later be changed to a letter grade, nor may the reverse occur (Section 55022 Title 5). CAUTION: Some schools may consider “NP” the same as “F”. 

Satisfactory Completion

“Satisfactory completion of” a course means that the student has earned a letter grade of A, B, C, or P. All prerequisite courses at MJC must be satisfactorily completed with a C or better grade.

Satisfactory Progress (SP)

On September 19, 2016, the Board of Governors approved the changes to California Code of Regulations, Title 5, section 55023 Academic Record Symbols and Grade Point Average. This revision will add a new evaluative symbol of “SP”, defined as Satisfactory Progress towards completion of the course (used for noncredit courses only and is not supplanted by any other symbol). The SP grade provides students with a tangible measure of their progress that allows them to monitor their progress. 

Improvement of Grades

Beginning in the Summer 2004 term, courses in which substandard grades of “D”, “F”, or “No Pass” were earned by the student, are allowed to be repeated only once. Students will be blocked from registering a third time for the same course if two substandard grades (D, F, or NP) have been recorded in previous grading periods. A student who wishes to enroll in a course for a third time will need to complete a Request for Third Enrollment Form with a counselor. Third enrollment petitions are available in the Counseling Office and must be filed no later than the end of the first week of that term in which the class is to be repeated.

When a course in which a D grade was received is repeated, the student will receive the new grade and grade points earned but will receive no additional units for the course.

When a course in which A, F or NP grade was received is repeated, the student will be given both the units and grade points earned.

Courses in which the student has earned a C or better (including P) may not be repeated for improvement of grade.

Academic Probation Dismissal

A student shall be placed on academic probation if he or she has attempted a minimum of 12 semester units of work at the college and has earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 (“C”).

A student who is on academic probation shall be subject to dismissal for one calendar year if the student has earned a cumulative grade point average at the college of less than 2.0 in all units attempted in each of three (3) consecutive semesters.

A student on academic probation shall be removed from probation when the student’s accumulated grade point average of courses taken at the college is 2.0 or higher. 

Progress Probation And Dismissal

A student shall be placed on progress probation if he or she has enrolled in a total of at least 12 semester units at the college and the percentage of all units in which the student has enrolled, for which entries of “W”, “I” and “NP” were recorded reaches or exceeds fifty percent (50%).

A student who is on progress probation shall be subject to dismissal for one calendar year if the cumulative percentage of units in which the student has been enrolled at the college for which entries of “W”, “I”, and “NP” are recorded in at least three (3) consecutive semesters reaches fifty percent (50%) or more.

A student on progress probation shall be removed from probation when the percentage of units taken at the college in the categories of “W”, “I”, and “NP” drops below fifty percent (50%).

Course Audit

Board Policy 4070 allows a student to take a course without receiving credit, a grade, or a formal record of the class. A course audit is used when a student wants to review a course taken previously and obtained a passing grade. This is available only to students who have met the repeat limitation on an existing course. Students must wait until the first day of classes to process an application for course audit. To start the Course Audit process the student should visit the Enrollment Services Office in the Student Services Building, Room 102 and obtain an application.

Academic Renewal Regulation

Modesto Junior College regulations permit the removal of coursework completed at MJC which is substandard and not reflective of a student’s present scholastic ability and level of performance. The grades will be disregarded in the computation of grade point averages.

Substandard coursework completed at MJC (grades of ‘’D’’, ‘’F’’, "FW", “NP”, and/or "NC") may be disregarded under the following conditions:

A period of at least one year has elapsed since the work to be disregarded was completed. 

The coursework to be disregarded does not include courses previously used to establish eligibility for transfer, graduation, or certificates of achievement.

The student has completed at MJC or another accredited college, since the coursework to be disregarded was completed, at least 15-29 semester units with at least a 3.0 GPA, 30-44 semester units with at least a 2.5 GPA, or 45 or more semester units with at least a 2.0 GPA.

You can only academically renew the most recent attempt in a course which has a substandard grade (D, F, FW, NP, and/or NC).

Up to 24 units of coursework may be eliminated from consideration in the cumulative GPA.

Academic renewals are irreversible.

Students wishing to use the academic renewal procedure should submit an Application for Academic Renewal. Applications may be emailed or are available at the Enrollment Services Office or online at Forms.

Note: When work is disregarded under the conditions above, the permanent academic record shall be annotated in such a manner that all coursework remains legible, ensuring a complete academic history.

Units Of Credit

Units awarded for a course depend on the number of lecture, lab, and lecture/lab hours in the course. Typically, 17.5 hours of lecture with 35 additional hours of outside work, or 52.5 hours of lab produce one unit of credit. A student’s weekly workload for a full-semester course will be roughly three times the number of units of credit to be earned. So a typical 3-unit lecture course requires nine hours per week: 3 hours of lecture and 6 hours of outside work.

Recommended Study Loads/Excessive Units

A typical student load is 12 to 16 units of work per semester. A heavier or lighter study load may be recommended by a student’s advisor or counselor. In no case will a student be enrolled in more than 18 (12 units for summer) units of work without approval of an MJC counselor. Students on probation or dismissed status may be limited to the work load judged most suitable for them. Petition forms for excess units can be obtained in Counseling Center.

Limit on Remedial Coursework

Except as specifically exempted, students may not receive credit for more than 30 units of remedial coursework in math (MATH), English (ENGL), and reading (READ) courses numbered 1-49.   

Exemptions

The following students will be exempt from the limit:

Students enrolled in one or more courses of English Language Instruction for College (ELIC).

Students identified by a college in the district as having a learning disability.

Students may be granted a waiver to the limitation upon petition to a college in the district. Waivers will be granted only when the student shows significant and measurable progress toward the development of skills necessary for college-level courses. Such waivers will be given only for a specified period of time or for a specified number of units. Students who are blocked from enrollment because of excessive remedial units should contact the Counseling Center, Student Services Building, Room 226.

Lower division credit will be accepted from institutions which are regionally accredited by one of the accrediting associations listed below. These associations have been recognized as reliable authorities ensuring that the institutions that they accredit meet minimum levels of educational quality. MJC recognizes those institutions that are either fully accredited or listed as a candidate for accreditation: 

• MSA Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools, Commission on Higher Education
• NWCCU Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
• NCA-HLC North Central Association of Colleges & Schools, Higher Learning Commission
• NEASC-CIHE New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc., Commission on Institution of Higher Education
• SACS Southern Association of Colleges & Schools, Commission on Colleges
• WASC-ACCJC Western Association of Schools & Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community & Junior Colleges
• WASC-ACSCU Western Association of Schools & Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges & Universities

Credit For Military Service

Veterans and reservists who have completed basic training will receive three units of Health Education credit and two units of Physical Education credit upon presentation of their separation papers to the Veterans Services Office. Credit for military schools will be granted if it is recommended in the “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.’’ Up to 18 units of credit may be awarded for USAFI (United States Armed Forces Institute) courses. 

Transcripts

Students are responsible for providing official documentation of preVeterans and reservists who have completed basic training will receive three units of Health Education credit and two units of Physical Education credit upon presentation of their separation papers to the Veterans Services Office. Credit for military schools will be granted if it is recommended in the “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.’’ Up to 18 units of credit may be awarded for USAFI (United States Armed Forces Institute) courses. vices Office will accept hand-carried transcripts that are in an unopened and sealed envelope. Transcripts can also be mailed directly to the MJC Enrollment Services Office. Transcripts submitted become the property of MJC and cannot be returned to the student, copied, nor forwarded to other colleges.

Students must submit a Transfer Work Evaluation Request if they plan to use any completed courses from other colleges to satisfy MJC graduation, general education, prerequisites and/or core matriculation requirements (assessment). It is recommended that students submit official transcripts to MJC at least six weeks prior to their registration date to ensure their request is processed in a timely manner. 

GENEX 000”

GENEX 000 courses appear on the transcript to indicate transfer courses for which you have been granted transfer credit, without Modesto Junior College equivalent course credits. If you believe a course placed in GENEX 000 is equivalent to a specific MJC course you may contact the appropriate division office and submit a Course Equivalency Petition. At the time of submission you must also include a course description, syllabus and/or any other supporting documentation to substantiate your request.

Credit From Foreign Institutions

The Evaluations Office does not evaluate international transcripts. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a National Associate in Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) affiliated foreign transcript service before they are submitted to MJC. The cost of the evaluation is the responsibility of the student. A maximum of 30 units can be accepted through this process. The Enrollment Services Office has a list of transcript services. 

What must be included in a foreign transcript evaluation?

• A detailed equivalency report that indicates for each course and the U.S. semester unit equivalency.
• The grade the student earned for each course.
• A course-by-course analysis.
• Course characteristics with distinction between lower and upper division coursework.

What Should You Do Before Getting Your Foreign Transcript Evaluated?

It is recommended that you meet with an academic counselor or the division offices that offer the courses before requesting transcript evaluation to help determine whether it is worthwhile to pay a transcript evaluation fee, depending on the selected program of study and your previous coursework. 

Requests for equivalencies should be made directly to the MJC division offices that offer the courses. You should submit as much information about the classes as possible. When requesting equivalency from a division, students should include:

• Course descriptions provided by the transfer institution.
• Course syllabi with lecture and or lab hours, any prerequisites.
• Any other course information available.

Only lower division courses will be considered for equivalency by the MJC divisions. All grades of C or better will be converted to a Pass grade. These units will not be counted toward the student's GPA. Please note: Foreign coursework will NOT be used to satisfy the following items:

• Reading and Written Expression or Oral Communication requirements for an associate degree.
• U.S. History/Government requirement or CSU/UC General Education requirements for transfer.

Possessing a foreign degree comparable to a bachelor’s degree or higher does not satisfy the general education, competency requirements, and guidance and activities requirement for an associate degree at MJC without approved course equivalencies.

Credit By Examination

A student may petition for credit by examination in appropriate courses as determined by the academic division or area.

To Be Eligible For Credit By Examination

A student must be registered in other Modesto Junior College credit course(s) at the time the course is challenged.

Requirements To Challenge A Course For Credit By Examination:

1. Registration in other MJC credit course(s) at the time course is challenged.
2. Must be in good standing by showing a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of no less than 2.0.
3. A course may earn a letter grade or be eligible for pass/no pass. *Please verify if course is eligible for pass/no pass.
4. Units earned by examination do not count toward the residence requirement nor do they count toward full-time status.

Credit By Examination Will Not Be Granted For A Course:

1. If the units granted would cause the student to have completed more than 30 units of Credit by Examination.
2. In which a student is currently enrolled.
3. In which a student has received a letter grade or a “W”.
4. That is below the student’s academic level or below course completed.

To Begin The Credit By Examination Process:

Students can obtain the credit by examination form in the Enrollment Services Office, Student Services Building, Room 102. Confer with the Academic Dean of the course subject area. Credit by examination is not available for all courses. Check with the dean to determine if the course you wish to challenge is available for Credit by Examination. A student who wishes to file for the pass/no pass option must submit this request at the time the Credit for Examination Petition is filed after the Division has approved the Credit by Examination Petition.

Pay the current per-unit* enrollment fee (or have it waived if you are on financial aid) for each course at the MJC Business Office and bring the receipt to the Division Office.

Arrange a time and location for the examination with the Dean or instructor designated by the Dean.

Units earned by examination do not count towards the residence requirement for graduation nor do they count toward full-time status. A “W” will not be recorded on the academic record of the student who fails the exam.

Modesto Junior College, in accordance with YCCD District Policy 4235 Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can granted limited academic credit to students who present evidence of prior learning as the result of learning experiences in contexts like the military, and industries that bear certifications, or through channels such as portfolio presentation, and credit by examination.

To learn more about Credit for Prior Learning at Modesto Junior College, please visit the MJC.edu CPL webpage.

MJC will grant academic credit to students in accordance with policy to for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and the College Level Exam Program (CLEP) examinations.

To learn more about the transfer of for each type of external exam program, visit the following MJC.edu pages:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Modesto Junior College and Columbia College, the two colleges that constitute the Yosemite Community College District, have identified equivalent courses between institutions, that are called "Interdistrict Course Equivalencies." Such courses can be used interchangeably to meet curricular requirements at both institutions.

For a list of MJC courses and their Columbia College equivalent courses for this academic year, please visit this link.

C-ID is a course numbering system designed to support transferability and articulation of similar coursework between California State University and the California Community Colleges. When a Modesto Junior College course (MJC ENGL 100 or MJC ENGL 101 or MJC ELIC 100) is approved for a given C-ID (CID ENGL 100), it means that the MJC course can be used to satisfy requirements at other California Community Colleges and California State Universities where that descriptor has been assigned to their corresponding course or courses.

For more information on MJC courses approved for C-ID, visit the MJC CID webpage

Bookstore

East Campus: Student Center Phone: (209) 575-6840 Fax: (209) 575-6851, West Campus: MSR, Room 154, Phone: (209) 575-6966

The Pirates Bookstore East Campus carries textbooks for classes that are held on both East and West Campus as well as school and office supplies, general books, MJC collegiate fashions, gifts, greeting cards, candy, snacks, and electronics. The East Campus Bookstore also carries a wide variety of artist materials and supplies that are required by MJC instructors. We have partnered with Journey Ed to offer computer software at educational prices. The West Campus Pirates Bookstore will be closed until further notice due to COVID-19. Bookstore hours are extended during the beginning of each semester. Visit us at our website: Pirates Bookstore to order your text online, and find out about buyback dates and store hours.

CalWORKS Program

East Campus: Student Services Building, Room 200 Phone: (209) 575-6662 Website: CalWORKs

CalWORKs stands for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids. The CalWORKs Program provides support services to eligible students. The CalWORKs Program is state-funded, which works in conjunction with the Stanislaus County Community Service Agency office. To qualify for MJC CalWORKs, students must be receiving TANF (cash aid) for themselves. In order to ensure academic success, the MJC CalWORKs program provides eligible students with educational opportunities and a variety of support services, including counseling, book loan, child care, work-study student employment, and bus passes.

CARE Program

East Campus: Student Services Building Room 210, Phone: (209) 575-6702, Website: CARE Program

The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education Program (CARE) is a supplemental component of EOP&S. The CARE Program strives to enhance self-esteem, develop college success skills, and assist students with meeting their educational goals. CARE provides an eligible student a variety of educational and economic support services above and beyond those provided by EOP&S, college, state, county, and federal aid resources. A student may qualify for childcare reimbursements, bus passes, gas cards, and an additional textbook allowance beyond that provided by EOP&S. The Program also provides eligible single parents advocacy and liaison services to facilitate the acquisition of CalWORKS resources, as well as informational workshops, an annual winter/spring holiday season, and cultural events. For more information call the CARE Program services representative at the number above.

To Qualify For The CARE Program A Student Must:

1. Be EOP&S eligible;
2. Hold “Single Parent Head of Household” status;
3. Have one or more children under the age of 14 years;
4. Parent or child must be a recipient of TANF cash aid.

Career Services Center

Dejeune Shelton Director, Career Services, West Campus: Yosemite Building, Room 156 A, East Campus: Student Services Building, Room 116. Phone: (209) 575-6660. Website: Career Services Center

The Career Services Center (CSC) provides students and prospective students with valuable career exploration and assistance tools and resources to help them take control of their career journey and transform their education into meaningful work. Services Include:

Exploration (information about jobs and employers)

Preparation (career workshops: resume, cover letter, interviewing, job search, career resources)

Work-Based Learning (internships, jobs shadowing, mentorships, worksite field trips)

Career Assistance: Jobspeaker

Career Assistance services help MJC students and alumni find employment opportunities by connecting them with local employers who are looking to hire. The Career Services Center serves as a liaison with employers throughout the area who are looking to hire MJC students and graduates. Career Assistance activities consist of:

• Leads to full-time & part-time opportunities
• On-Campus recruitments by employers
• Job Fairs
• Internship Opportunities
• Labor Market Information
• Resume , Cover Letter & Interviewing Tips
• Job Hunting Resources

Counseling And Guidance

East Campus: Student Services Building, Room 226 West Campus: Yosemite Hall, Room 147. Phone: (209) 575-6438, Website: Counseling

The counseling and guidance program assists students with decisions which affect their academic and career goals. First-time students should enroll in COLSK 100, GUIDE 110, 111, 112, 116, 120 or STSK 78 during their first semester. These courses are designed to help students become better acquainted with the educational opportunities at MJC and develop a program of study that will help them attain their educational goals.

Counselors are available to assist students in identifying needs, assessing strengths, and overcoming barriers to fulfilling their educational objectives, including transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Counselors may also assist students in the selection of appropriate programs of study relative to their chosen objectives. Individual student-counselor conferences are available by appointment or walk-in. Visit the Counseling website or call for details.

In addition to a general counselor, the student can work with department advisors to help in program planning. Instructors are also available for individual advising within their academic discipline.

Disability Services (DSPS)

Jacquelyn Forte, Ed.D., Director, Student Services, Website: Disability Services & Programs for Students (DSPS), Phone: (209) 575-6112

East Campus: Main Office, General Information, Counseling, & Alternate Media Student Services Building, Room 112

Resource Lab and Testing Center East Campus: Journalism Building, Room 160 Phone: (209) 575-6645 and/or (209) 575-6226, TTY: (209) 575-6863, Fax: (209) 575-6852

Testing Center/DSPS General Information West Campus: Yosemite Hall, Room 115, Phone: (209) 575-7733 and/or (209) 575-7734

The Disability Services Program is a system of support services and classes (see IIS, Individualized Instruction & Services, courses for course descriptions) available to students with verified disabilities. Disability Services is designed to meet the individual needs of the students, allowing them an equal opportunity to benefit from their educational experiences. Support may include assistance with planning programs, priority registration, testing accommodations, note-taking services, reader, sign language interpreting, assistive listening device, and with alternate media based on eligibility.

Provisions For Students With Disabilities

Elevator keys are provided by Health Services to students with short or long-term physical disabilities. Informational health insurance brochures are available through Health Services Offices. Students may be seen by a nurse on a drop-in basis at the Health Services Office. Student ID with current semester sticker is required for all services. Call for hours or log on to the web site at Health Services.

Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOP&S)

East Campus: Student Services Building, Room 210, Website: Extended Opportunity Programs & Services, Phone: (209) 575-6702, Fax: (209) 575-6250, TTY: (209) 575-6633, West Campus: Yosemite Hall Building, Room 152

The goal of EOP&S is to promote and facilitate the college enrollment, persistence, and retention of students with histories of educational and economic disadvantage.

EOP&S provides students pursuing certificate, transfer, and associate’s degree programs of study, new student orientations, assessment services, educational consultation and planning, academic advisement, career and life planning, pre-employment, and university transfer services. The program also provides retention services, supplemental tutoring, an “early alert” service and “priority registration” assistance, as well as economic support services including textbook vouchers, bus passes, UC and CSU application fee waivers, graduation cap and gown service, and an emergency loan program. The Program also offers EOP&S eligible, first-time college students, the opportunity to participate in the Summer College Readiness Program, as well as the Bridge learning community in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.

Food Services

• East Campus Cafeteria: Student Center
• Vending Machines Available In The Student Center.
• East Campus, Pirates Galley/Starbucks: Student Center
• West Campus Cafeteria: Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center
• West Campus: Vending Machines Available.
• West Campus Convenience Store: Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center

Health Services

Amy Yribarren, R.N., M.S.N. Director of Health Services, Website: Health Services, East Campus: Morris Memorial Building, Room 108 Phone: (209) 575-6037 West Campus: Yosemite Hall, Room 114, Phone: (209) 575-6360. If remote, visit the Health Services website to learn about accessing services.

Health Services was established to contribute to the success of students by promoting physical and mental well-being, with strong emphasis on preventative health care. Services are offered primarily on a drop-in basis. Registered nurses are available to provide first aid, health education, family planning/sexual health, nutrition, exercise and weight management, immunizations and other aspects of health. Screenings include vision and hearing, blood pressure, tuberculosis, pregnancy, glucose, and hemoglobin. Referrals can be made to on and off-campus providers for mental health counseling. Condoms, pads/tampons, and non-prescription medication are available over-the-counter at no cost. Nurses can schedule an appointment for students to see a medical doctor on campus. For on-campus injuries, students should contact Health Services for information about completing a claim form for possible student insurance coverage.

Additional Services Include:

Doctor Clinic: A medical doctor is on-campus weekly. Appointments are scheduled after receiving a referral from the nurse.

Mental Health Services: Referrals for on and off-campus counseling are available for students requesting mental health support.

Library Resources

Library services are located on the East and West campuses and can also be accessed through the MJC Library & Learning Center website. Faculty librarians and library staff welcome questions and are happy to help our community access and use the many library resources available to them.

The library’s collection includes a wide variety of materials in both print and electronic format. MJC students have access to Columbia College Library print materials via the library’s intercampus loan service, and students can obtain research materials from non-YCCD libraries using the library’s Interlibrary Loan service.

Campus library services include individual research help in person, class instruction on library research methods, copy machines, study space for individuals and groups, calculator and laptop checkout, and course textbook reserves. Off-campus library services include a wide variety of materials via our research databases, individual research help via chat, email, text, and phone, appointments with librarians via Zoom, subject-specific research guides, and online tutorials. To access library resources off campus, users need to login using their student ID number (without the w) and their six-digit birth date.

All students, faculty, and staff, as well as college retirees, have full library privileges. MJC alumni and Library Friends can pay the $20 annual membership to the Friends of the MJC Library granting them borrowing privileges to the print collection.

Pathway Center Locations and Hours:

East Pathways Center: Student Services Building, Room 128 West Pathways Center: Yosemite Hall, Room 118, Phone: (209) 575-6789 Hours: M-TH 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Fridays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Student Activity Sticker

The Student Activity Sticker is an optional fee where students purchase a $10 benefits sticker which is placed on the back of their ID Card. The special sticker will afford you special discounts including:

• Discounts from local businesses
• Discounts at campus events and activities
• Access to ASMJC events and services.

Student ID Cards

East Campus: Student Center Phone: (209) 575-6700 ID Card Hours: M-Th 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Fridays, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

West Campus: Mary Stuart Rogers Learning Center Phone: (209) 575-7991 ID Card Hours: M-Th, 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM and Fridays, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Student ID cards are issued free to new students during registration. ID cards are used for transactions in the Admissions and Financial Aid departments, as well as in the Library & Learning Centers. Students should carry their ID cards to enhance campus safety and security. Students may purchase a $10 benefits sticker to be placed on the ID card for special discounts with local services and activities. ID cards can be made on either campus during the office hours above.

Student Representation Fee

The Student Representation Fee was amended in the California Education Code by Assembly Bill 2576, in late 1988. This fee is an optional $2 cost that can be implemented to serve any California Community College campus through a student body election. In April of 1993, ASMJC held a general student body election with the Student Representation Fee on the ballot. The fee passed and 845 students voted in the election; and 563 were in favor of the Student Representation Fee.

The Student Representation Fee is collected with all other fees at the time of registration, and is deposited in a separate fiduciary fund. Funds collected are allocated to ASMJC and used to represent student concerns in government at local, state, and federal levels. A student may decline the Student Representation Fee for religious, political, financial, or moral reasons. The decline must be stated in writing.

Testing Center

Phone: (209) 575-7728, West Campus: Yosemite Hall, Room A117, Website: Testing Center

Due to the passing of AB 705 MJC will no longer offer Math and English ACCUPLACER tests after February 1, 2019. After this date we will only offer High School GPA Placement. For English learners, please see the English learner Testing Schedule at: Testing Center

What you need to know before testing:

• Students must have an MJC application on file to take the assessment
• Valid Picture identification for all testing
• Student ID number is required
• Parking on campus requires purchasing a $2.00 permit (boxes located in parking lots)

Contacting the Testing Center: To contact the MJC Testing Center for more information, call 209-575-7728 or email mjctesting@mjc.edu.

Special Accommodations: Disability accommodations can be arranged if the request is made at least 10 days prior to the service. Call (209) 575-6225 or TTY 575-6863. Assessment testing is a free service; however, other tests offered through the Testing Center may require a fee. To inquire about test dates and fees, please contact the Testing Center or go to: Testing Center

Transfer Center

East Campus: Student Center Phone: (209) 575-6239Website: Transfer Center

The Transfer Center’s function is to assist MJC students in making a smooth transition to four-year colleges and universities. The Transfer Center supports students planning to transfer by providing information and assistance crucial in the development of successful transfer pathways. Some of the transfer activities consist of the following:

• TAG’s Transfer Admission Guarantee - Contracts to designated four-year colleges and universities
• Individual appointments with counselors and university representatives
• Transfer workshops such as “Pathways to Transfer Success,” “Completing a Transfer Admission Guarantee,” and “Writing a Personal Statement”
• Free campus tours of four-year universities
• Assistance with electronic applications and application fee waivers
• Assistance with admission procedures
• Annual Transfer Day/College Night with over 60 four-year colleges and universities represented