FAQs

ACE FAQs

What is the ACE Program?

ACE is a scholarship program that gives eligible students the experience of taking college credit courses while still enrolled in high school. ACE empowers you to achieve a higher education and success in life by learning the skills it takes to manage high school, attend college, and plan for a rewarding future.

Who can participate?

Eligibility:

You must be enrolled in high school and be in the 10th grade. Applications are available only during the Fall semester.

Additionally, you must meet two or more of the following criteria:

First person in the immediate family to attend / graduate from college.
Evidence of single parent home.
Works 10-30 hours per week.
Underrepresented group.
Environmental risk factors (Will be considered on case by case basis. For example: foster care, teen parent, lives in temporary housing, etc.).
Students must have a high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0.

ACE is not a GPA based program.

What classes will I take?

ACE at MCC offers courses from the General Education core group of course requirements. You will be placed in courses based on the scores from your assessment placement or high school transcript. ACE Program staff specify course placement during registration process when you will meet one on one with an ACE staff.

Will I get college credit?

Yes. Courses that are 100 level or above count towards a degree or certificate and may transfer to an Arizona State University.Classes will need to be passed with a grade of "C" or better.

Is there an attendance policy?

Yes, our policy is as follows: The ACE Program’s attendance policy is zero absences. We ask you to plan outside activities accordingly; absence from courses may result in poor grades that could affect the continuance of the ACE scholarship. According to the Mesa Community Colleges Catalog, attendance requirements are determined by the course instructor. If you do not meet the attendance requirement as determined by the course instructor, you may be withdrawn. At the beginning of the each course, each faculty member will provide you with written attendance requirements. It is the your responsibility to consult with the instructor regarding official or unofficial absences. Absences begin to accumulate with the first scheduled class meeting.

Will there be homework and tests?

YES! These are real college courses with real college professors and that means a college work load. You can be successful as long as you attend class, pay attention, actively participate, ask questions and use the support services available to you. http://www.mesacc.edu/students/

Will the classes be fun?

As with anything else, you will have fun in proportion to the enthusiasm you put into it. The ACE Program is designed to help you succeed. Success is fun for everyone!

How do I apply?

September – December (You can only apply during the fall semester of your sophomore year in high school.)
MCC ACE recruiters schedule visits to the high school during which time a presentation of the program and applications are provided to you. You can only apply during the 10th grade or your sophomore year in high school. If you miss a presentation at the high school, applications are available in the high school Counseling Office if you attend a Mesa Public School high school, applications are available through each school's MCC Advisor up to the deadline date set for that particular high school.
Or you can contact the ACE Program office to receive information about the ACE Program at 480-461-7927.

Should I notify someone of a change of address or phone number?

Once your application is received from the ACE staff, it may be necessary to contact you for specific information that may be time sensitive therefore; It is very important that your current address and telephone number is always on file. You should notify the ACE staff immediately if a change of address, phone number or email address occurs. Current participants should make changes in your Student Center.

How do I view my grades?

All grades are posted online, each semester, your instructor will post grades online. To view your grades, you simply use the Student Center website and log in with your MEID and password.

Who can I call or email if I have a question or concern?

Contact the ACE Program: dl-mc-ace@mesacc.edu | phone: 480-461-7901 . We are located in GC Building 54B on the Southern and Dobson campus. See a map

HOOP of Learning FAQs

What is Hoop of Learning?

Hoop of Learning is a high school to college bridge program for Native American students 9-12th grade. The program is year-round, but is most active during the summer months with two back-to-back summer sessions. Students begin in a cohort with other Native American Students.

What are the Hoop enrollment requirements?

To qualify for Hoop you must:

Have verifiable enrollment in a federally recognized tribe.
Be an enrolled sophomore, junior, or senior high school student.
Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher at high school and college while participating in the Hoop of Learning program.
Attend an orientation/registration with a parent/guardian.
Adher to the Mesa Community College policies and procedures.

What is the Hoop of Learning mission statement?

Encourage, Enable, and Create Conditions that will Empower Native American students to complete high school and transition successfully into higher education.

What are the Hoop of Learning program goals?

Increase high school graduation and retention rates.
Increase American Indian enrollment and persistence rate in MCCCD.
Empower Native American students to reach their goals.
Enhance Native American culturally relevant curriculum.
Increase diversity on campus.
Strengthen external collaboration by establishing partnership with American Indian communities, school districts, and other agencies to support student success.

Is there financial assistance for Hoop students?

The Hoop of Learning program provides free tuition for participating students.

Homeschool FAQs

How do I register as a Homeschool Student?

Homeschool Students will be required to complete the enrollment process by following these steps:

Step 1- Complete the Online Student Admissions Application to MCC. If you are a returning MCC Student you can skip to Step 4

Step 2- Complete Identity Authentication (requires MEID to login) and Financial Responsibility and Consent for Student Under 18

Step 3- Complete an Ed Ready Reading Placement Exam Online. For assistance, use the How to Use Ed Ready Guide.

Step 4- Complete the MCC Special Admissions/Enrollment Form For Students Under 18.

Step 5- Once you have been enrolled by a staff member (2-3 business days) you will have until the payment deadline noted on your receipt to pay your tuition. Failure to pay by this date may result in your being dropped from the course. All communications will be sent to your MCC Student Email.

Are homeschool students able to enroll in classes at MCC?

Yes! MCC provides enrollment services for you if you are under the age of 18 and have not yet received a high school diploma or G.E.D.

How do I know if my child is ready for college?

Academic ability is not necessarily tied to age, but mental maturity and cognitive development is. Students who attend college should be ready for the advanced course curriculum by having strong critical thinking skills, communication skills (both oral and written), and by exhibiting motivation and discipline in their study habits, while being comfortable working in groups and communicating with diverse students and adults.

What can I expect from the classroom environment?

Instructors will provide a course syllabus that contains information regarding course content, expectations, policy, textbooks and required reading, assignments, test dates and more.

May we ask instructors to alter their assignments, course content, and or materials to accommodate any personal needs?

Enrolling your child in college includes the acknowledgement that instructors will not amend their course, content, delivery or materials to accommodate younger age students. Students are provided with a course syllabus on the first day that will provide an overview of the class, materials (including suggested books), etc. If at that time you do not feel the course is appropriate for your child, you may withdraw them from classes (course refund deadline dates apply).

May I contact the instructor to discuss my child's progress?

Students attending college are protected by the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As a result, college faculty and staff are limited in what they can share regarding a students academic progress (or other information) to anyone but the student directly.

May I sit in on the class with my child?

Class attendance is limited to those who are enrolled. If you are concerned about your child's performance, their ability to understand the course materials or the content in general, then consider that it may not be a class suitable for them at this time.

May I speak to the instructor before enrolling my child in their class?

In a college environment, it is the student who should make contact with the instructor. However, if your child is younger than 16 or has difficulty talking with adults, parent participation is encouraged. We recommend speaking with an enrollment specialist to answer any questions and/or assist with connecting with faculty.

May I stay on campus while my child is in class?

MCC is an open campus with several areas to visit while you child is in class. Our library, coffee shops and Rose garden are fantastic places to visit. Better yet, why not enroll in a class as well!

How can we learn more about MCC for homeschool students?

Does MCC offer disability resources?

Yes, our Disability Resources Office is available to all students.

My child is currently on an IEP/504 at their high school. Can I expect to receive the same services?

MCC is governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The best way to determine if your child would qualify for accommodations would be to contact the Office of Disability Resources at 480-654-7751. Together, they can assist you with exploring available accommodations and ways to access them.

Dual Enrollment FAQs

What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is an opportunity for eligible high school students to earn lower-division college credit while in their regular high school classes. The credits students earn through dual enrollment are treated the same as regular college credit, i.e. they can be transferred to other Maricopa Community Colleges, Arizona's state universities, and many out-of-state colleges.

When trying to register in the Student Center, I receive a "Class is Closed" notifications, why?

Students are not able to self-enroll in their student center. Instead, you must complete the registration request form listed under step 3 on mesacc.edu/dual..

What is the difference between taking courses through Dual Enrollment and the Early College Concurrent program?

Dual enrollment is when you are taking college level courses at your high school with fellow high school students. The high school instructor teaches the course.

Concurrent enrollment gives you the opportunity to take the course on the college campus or online with other college students. You will receive the whole experience of taking a college course, preparing you even more for a college career after high school.

How are my courses applied?

Your college level course may be applied three different ways:

(1) It will apply to your degree program of study at MCC.

(2) The credit may be transferable to the three in-state universities.

(3) With high school approval, you may transfer their college course back to your high school to count for high school credit.

You can see how your credits will transfer by visiting the state curriculum equivalency guide at www.aztransfer.com. It is the responsibility of students/parents to ensure the classes you are enrolling in are transferable to your college of interest.

What does it cost?

Tuition is more affordable at a community college than at public or private colleges and universities. Visit Cashier Services for the Tuition fee schedule. *In-county tuition subject to changes by the State Community College Board, $15 registration fee required. Some courses, such as labs, require additional fees. Textbooks are provided to you at the high schools at no cost to you.

It's never too early to plan for your college career: Earn to Learn

What if I change my mind and need to withdraw from the class?

It is your responsibility, not the instructor’s, to officially withdraw from MCC. To officially withdraw from a course, you will need to contact the Early College Department or your MCC/MPS Advisor to complete a add/drop slip. If you withdraw after the 100% refund date, you will still be responsible for paying your tuition and not entitled to a refund of tuition or fees paid. NOTE: Notifying your instructor that you no longer want to take the course is not officially withdrawing from the course.

What if I switch high schools or move and I am enrolled in a yearlong dual enrollment class?

It is your responsibility, to communicate with the MCC Early College Department or your MCC/MPS Advisor at your high school regarding any changes to your dual enrollment schedule. All dual enrollment classes adhere to the payment and refund deadlines noted in your student center (typically the refund deadline is 7 days from the registration/payment deadline). If you are withdrawing or transferring to a different school AFTER the refund deadline, you are not entitled to a refund for tuition or fees paid.

What happens if I don’t pay my tuition?

You will be dropped from your class and will not earn the college credit!
If you don’t pay your tuition by the due date, you will be dropped from your class for non-payment. If you withdraw after the 100% refund period, you will still owe a debt to the college and you will receive a grade of "W" on your transcript. Go to the E-cashier pages to sign up for a payment plan.

Concurrent Enrollment FAQs

What is concurrent enrollment?

Concurrent enrollment is when students enroll in a MCC class offered at our campus or on-line, while simultaneously taking high school classes or curriculum.

What are the MCC admissions requirements?

MCC has an open admissions policy that simply requires that the you be either 18 years of age, or have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Students under the age of 18 may be admitted based on their readiness for college via placement testing scores, ACT, SAT or AZ Merit tests. Review the under 18 requirements here.

Is placement testing required?

Yes. If you are planning to enroll in an academic course, you will be required to complete placement testing in math, English or reading. If you are planning to enroll in a career and technical education course, you may not be required to complete placement testing.

Am I prohibited from enrolling in certain classes?

Some classes require you to be at least 18 years of age to enroll due to the content of the course.

What is the difference between Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is when you are taking college level courses at your high school with fellow high school students. The high school instructor teaches the course.

Concurrent enrollment gives you the opportunity to take the course on the college campus with other college students or online. You will receive the whole experience of taking a college course, preparing you even more for a college career after high school.

Why is this a great idea?

Opportunities!
Early College provides quality learning opportunities and helps you prepare for college. These challenging courses enhance high level thinking skills and provide incentives to advance beyond the high school level. Best of all, transition from high school to college begins early and occurs conveniently in a familiar, comfortable environment.

How are my courses applied?

Three ways!
Your college level course may be applied three different ways. (1) It will apply to your degree program of study at MCC; (2) The credit can be transferable to the three in-state universities; and (3) with high school approval, you may transfer the college course back to your high school to count for high school credit. You can see how your credits will transfer by visiting the state curriculum equivalency guide at www.aztransfer.com

What does it cost?

Is Financial Aid or Tuition Assistance Available?

Concurrent Enrollment Students are ineligible to receive Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). There is no tuition assistance available to concurrent enrollment students in the 2021-22 school year. Students should enroll in a payment plan to secure their course.

Can I apply these credits towards my high school completion?

If you are currently enrolled in high school and want to apply concurrent enrollment credits towards your high school completion, you must contact and document this with your high school counselor or administrator PRIOR to enrolling in your concurrent enrollment course. It is up to your high school to determine whether/which concurrent enrollment credits may apply to your high school completion.

What if I change my mind?

It is your responsibility, not the instructor’s, to officially withdraw from MCC! To officially withdraw from a course, you will need to contact an Early College Advisor to complete an add/drop slip. If you withdraw after the 100% refund date, you will still be responsible for paying your tuition. NOTE: Notifying your instructor that you no longer want to take the course is not officially withdrawing from the course.