Maximize Your Summer with Mount Wachusett Community College Classes

Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) offers a wide array of summer courses for everyone, regardless of their degree-seeking status. With affordable tuition and a variety of course options, MWCC provides an excellent opportunity to get ahead, catch up, or simply explore new interests.

Why Choose MWCC for Summer Classes?

MWCC distinguishes itself through its accessibility and affordability. At just $240 per credit hour for Massachusetts residents, the cost is significantly less than other institutions in the region. This makes MWCC an attractive option for students from four-year colleges looking to earn credits during the summer, whether to make up for a course or to accelerate their studies. You don’t even have to be an MWCC student to join us for the summer.

Who Can Benefit from MWCC Summer Courses?

MWCC's summer courses are open to a diverse range of individuals, including:

Students at Four-Year Colleges: Many students attending four-year institutions take advantage of MWCC's summer sessions to transfer credits back to their home colleges.
Prospective Degree-Seekers: If you're considering starting a new degree program, MWCC provides a convenient entry point to begin your academic journey.
Community Members: Even if you're not pursuing a degree, you can enroll in courses for personal enrichment or professional development.

How to Enroll in Summer Classes

The enrollment process at MWCC is straightforward:

Application: Submit an application to MWCC. When completing the application, choose “No Program - Not Seeking a Degree” as your intended program of study. This designation can be adjusted later if you decide to pursue a full degree at MWCC. An admissions representative will contact you after you submit your application.
Transcripts (if applicable): If you plan to transfer credits, provide transcripts demonstrating successful completion of prerequisite courses. For instance, to register for ENG 102, your transcript should show completion of ENG 101 (or its equivalent).
iConnect Account: After applying, you'll receive an acceptance packet containing your student ID, which you'll need to activate your iConnect account.

Course Offerings

MWCC offers a diverse selection of courses during the summer, including:

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Mathematics
Sciences
College Writing
Art
Psychology
Sociology
Human Services
History

This variety allows students to focus on specific subjects, tackle challenging courses, or get a head start on their fall coursework. Take one or more classes to get ahead for fall and graduate early!

Free College Tuition Initiative and Increased Enrollment

The implementation of the free college tuition initiative has led to a significant increase in student enrollment across community colleges in Massachusetts. As of February 4, Mount Wachusett Community College had nearly 4,000 students enrolled in the spring semester. This initiative has encouraged many Massachusetts residents to pursue higher education, bringing enrollment numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.

Rosbury-Henne noted that the free tuition program has particularly benefited students from underrepresented groups. "The headcount of students of color has risen by over 25% for spring thus far, indicating that the free college initiative may be improving access for underrepresented groups," she said. The most popular programs among new students include majors in allied health, business, automotive technology, human services, and liberal arts.

Despite the increased enrollment, the student-to-teacher ratio has remained consistent. The college is currently not planning to hire additional professors or instructors.

Student Support Services

MWCC is committed to supporting all students, regardless of their backgrounds or needs. Resources are available on all three campuses - Gardner, Fitchburg, Leominster, and online - to address academic, financial, career, and personal challenges. Programs like SUCCESS Scholars, TRIO Student Support Services, and the North Central Educational Opportunities Center partnership provide comprehensive support.

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Aly Pichardo Rosario, a SUCCESS counselor at MWCC, has observed that first-year students may face greater difficulty securing desired classes due to increased enrollment. Classes are filling up faster, and some students may not find courses that fit their schedules. However, the SUCCESS office collaborates with professors and department heads to create additional sections when there is high demand.

Rosario also noted that the free college effort has attracted a diverse range of students, including low-income individuals, first-generation college students, BIPOC students, and adult learners. "We work with low-income, we work with first-generation college students, we work with students of all backgrounds," she said. "I have seen an increase in BIPOC students, and I have seen more adult learners come in as well."

Taking Advantage of Free Tuition

Any Massachusetts resident can participate in the free college program by applying to one of the 15 community colleges in the state and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. MassEducate awards are distributed directly through the community college at the start of the student's enrollment and throughout the academic year.

Important Dates and Deadlines

MWCC provides academic calendars for upcoming semesters, including holidays, spring break, class start dates, commencement, graduation dates, and other important deadlines. Current students can register for the next semester on the date specified in the calendar, while registration opens for new students one to two weeks later. The last day to register for any semester is also indicated on the academic calendar. Current students can find updates about class cancellations on iConnect or the MWCC App.

Dropping, Withdrawing, and Never Attending a Course

Understanding the policies regarding dropping, withdrawing from, and never attending a course is crucial for students.

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Dropping a Course: This involves removing a course from your permanent record. It can be done through your WebConnect account or by contacting the Advising Center on or before the "Last Day to add classes and drop classes with 100% refund." Dropped courses will not appear on your transcript.
Never Attending: Instructors are required to report students who have never attended (or participated in online classes) in the week after the add/drop period. The course will not appear on the student’s transcript.
Stopping Out: Instructors must also report students who stop attending before the last day to withdraw. Students who are reported as "stopping out" will receive a grade of "F" and be charged 100% of the course cost.
Course Withdrawal: Students cannot withdraw through WebConnect. To withdraw from a course, you must do so through the Advising Center on or before the date listed on the Academic Calendar as "Last Day to Withdraw." If these requirements are met, you will receive an automatic grade of "W." A 50% refund is available during the withdrawal period.

If you need assistance with adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a course, your advisor is the best resource.

Enrollment Express Events

MWCC periodically hosts Enrollment Express events to assist prospective students with the enrollment process. At these events, you can apply to MWCC and for financial aid, sign up for the second half of the spring semester or summer courses, and take any necessary placement tests.

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