Admissions & Records

Admissions & Records Policies

  • Adding a Class (Late Registration)

    Late Registration Requires Authorization

    Registration once the class has started requires authorization from your instructor and is done through your online education plan. Here's how it works:

    • Attend the first class meeting and speak to the instructor to get permission to register (for online classes, email the instructor to request add authorization).
    • If approved, your instructor will go online and provide add authorization for you.
    • You'll receive a notice to your InSite app and an email when you've been authorized.
    • Click the link in the notice, or open your InSite app, to access your online education plan.
    • If you don't have the class on your planned schedule, use the course search box to find the section and add it.
    • Return to your planned schedule and look for the message, "Authorized for Add" on the section details.
    • Click the Register button and you're good to go!

     

     

    Late Registration Resources

    • Want to see how  registration works? Watch this short video:
    • Check out these step-by-step instructions: Search & Register for Classes
    • Still having trouble? Check out our Late Registration FAQ's below.
    • For more information about late registration, contact your college Admissions & Records Office.

     

    Late Registration FAQs

    Q I don't have an education plan. How can I use late registration?
    A
    Late registration is only available through the online education plan. If you haven't yet met with a counselor to create an education plan, you can still access your plan and register for your section.

    When you receive the late registration authorization notice and email, click
    the link to access the "Education Plan" area, or login to InSite and select
    "Register & Drop" from the Registration tile. Then follow these
    steps to add the section to your planned schedule and register:

    -If you have visited a counselor and have an Education Plan, you can import classes from your plan directly into your schedule. Click on Import from: My Education Plan. Then click on Import Education Plan.
    -In the top left of the screen, you can filter by Campus and Course Type.
    -To add classes, use the general search field. You can search by course code (ENGL 100), course title, instructor name, section number, or keyword.
    -Once you select a course from the Search, click near the course title to see course details and section options.
    -Click the results arrows to scroll through various schedule options based on the courses that you selected.
    -You may “pin” a section to save that section and the associated date and time in your schedule. Click on the section and you will see a red pin appear.
    -Once you have selected the sections you want to register for, click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
    -Then click “Submit Changes” to finalize your registration. Check the results column to verify your enrollment in the section was successful.
    Using the My Schedule tile, review your schedule and print a copy for your records.


    Q I have a scheduled appointment with a counselor to create my education plan but it's after the start of the term. Can I still use late registration?
    A Yes. If you received the add authorization notice, click the link to login to InSite and select "Register & Drop" from the Registration tile. Follow the instructions described above to add the section to your planned schedule and then register.

     

    Q The class I want is online. How do I obtain authorization for late
    registration?
    A Email the instructor to express your interest in the class and ask for
    add authorization to register. Be sure to email using InSite email, and include the course and section number.  You can find the instructor's email address using
    the Directory tile on InSite.


    Q I received the add authorization notice but I don't see, "Authorized for
    Add" on my education plan. How can I register?
    A If you received the authorization notice and email, click the link to access
    your planned schedule or login to InSite and select "Register from your Ed
    Plan" from the Registration tile, and then make sure you have the correct
    section on your schedule. If not, follow the steps outlined above to search for
    the section and add it to your schedule. You will then see the "Authorized for
    Add" notice and the "Registration" button.


    If the correct section is on your schedule but it doesn't say, "Authorized for
    Add" then please speak to your instructor.


    Q I received the section add authorization notice several days ago but now
    when I try to register it doesn't say, "Authorized for Add." Can I still
    register?
    A If several days have passed since your instructor authorized you to register
    and you didn't add the class, your authorization may have been revoked.
    Speak to your instructor to request add authorization to add again. Remember,
    you can only add classes during the first week of the term or during the "add
    period" for late start classes.

  • Late Add Policy

    If you do not register for classes during the late add period, you can register using a Late Add Petition. This form is initiated by the instructor who will attest that your first date of attendance was prior to census.  The form will automatically route to you for signature and reason you did not register by the deadline.  Next, the form will need to be signed by the Director of Admissions and Records. The form must be submitted to Admissions & Records by the fifth (5) business day after the census date of the course to enroll. Students can obtain the census date information from Admissions & Records or the website. After this date has passed, the student will no longer be allowed to register and will need to stop attending the course.

  • Course Drops

    If you have enrolled in a class and do not attend the first class meeting, the instructor may drop you, as a "no show". However, as a student, it is ultimately your responsibility to drop any courses which you decide not to attend. Failure to do so may result in a failing grade.

    Since drop deadlines will vary (with or without a refund) depending upon the length of the course, you should check InSite using the "My Schedule" tile or consult your instructor. Drop dates for semester-length courses are published in the class schedule and on the academic calendar posted on this web site.

    Students may use the "Education Plan" tile to access your educational plan for the current semester and process any course drops. 

    How to Drop a Class

    Be sure to check your revised schedule using the "My Schedule" tile to verify the drop has been processed according to your intentions.

  • Student Success and Support Steps (SSSP)

    Matriculation is a state mandated process which promotes a mutual commitment by faculty, staff, and students to work together to help students develop clear educational goals and be successful in reaching those goals. At Los Medanos College the required components consistent with Title 5 regulations are:

    • All students new to Los Medanos College, as well as those who have missed more than one year, must submit a completed application online. 
    • New students applying to Los Medanos College are considered non-matriculating students until they complete the matriculation process and will be required to complete the New Student Orientation online through InSite, which is part of the College’s matriculation program, prior to registration. Students are encouraged to complete the Guided Self Placement questionnaire online through the Assessment Center web page. Students who have completed math courses in high school and/or taken AP tests may submit transcripts to the Admissions and Records Office. 
    • Registration is set up on a priority system and may be completed on InSite.
    • Enroll in courses and pay appropriate fees.
    • Auditing or “Sitting-In” classes is prohibited.
  • Course Enrollment Priority

    Enrollment is based on Title 5 mandates and policies established district-wide. Earliest registration is available for students in the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS), students participating in the Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) and qualified veterans. Second priority is for continuing students, based on completed degree applicable units accumulated within the Contra Costa Community College District. Returning, new matriculated and exempt students may then register. Last is new, non-matriculated students, followed by concurrently enrolled special admit students.

  • Prerequisites/Advisories

    Some courses have prerequisites or advisories included with the course description. These are designated by the instructional departments to assist students in selection of course levels for their maximum success. References to “successful completion” implies with a grade of ‘C’ or better.

    Prerequisite: A course or other requirement that must be completed and verified prior to enrollment in a more advanced level course.  Students may upload unofficial transcripts and/or AP Test Scores for review by Admissions and Records staff to clear prerequisites for courses by using the Prerequisite Equivalency Request Form located in the Student Forms tile in InSite.  Prerequisites may take 3-5 business days for review and clearance.

    Advisory: A course that is recommended, prior to enrollment in another course. The recommended course is useful as an indication of the desired level of proficiency needed to successfully complete the next course level.

    Important: To ensure proper placement, prerequisites for all classes will be checked at the time of registration. Students may upload unofficial transcripts and/or AP Test Scores for review by Admissions and Records staff to clear prerequisites for courses by using the Prerequisite Equivalency Request Form located in the Student Forms tile in InSite.  Prerequisites may take 3-5 business days for review clearance.

    Prerequisite challenges Prerequisites may be challenged through the end of the first week of instruction for semester-length classes or through the last day to add for short-term classes. No Exceptions.  Per Title 5, Section 55003(p), students may challenge a prerequisite based on the following grounds:

    1. The prerequisite has not been made reasonably available.

    2. The prerequisite is invalid because it is not necessary for success in the course for which it is required.

    3. The prerequisite is discriminatory or is being applied in a discriminatory manner.

    4. The student is able to succeed in the course based on prior knowledge (educational, personal or work experience in lieu of prerequisite and/or professional and/or industry certification) without taking the prerequisite course.

    Students requesting prerequisite challenges must provide conclusive evidence to support the challenge.

    Challenge forms are available through the Admissions & Records Office by contacting our evaluators at evaluations@losmedanos.edu . A student may be conditionally enrolled in a course upon submission of a completed challenge form with supporting documentation. If the challenge is denied, the student will be dropped from the class and the enrollment fee will be refunded.

  • Duplicate or Conflicting Courses

    Students are not permitted to enroll in two sections of the same course and may not enroll in courses that have scheduled meeting times which conflict.

  • Course Load

    Twelve units is considered full-time for benefit purposes through the Veterans Administration and through Social Security. Athletes, financial aid students, etc., should note there is a unit load and unit completion requirement. Nineteen units is the maximum load without approval from the Director of Admissions and Records. Students should discuss the question of appropriate course load with a counselor.  To request overload students must submit a Unit Overload indicating the course(s) that constitutes overload. 

  • Enrollment In Non-repeatable Courses

    Students will be limited to enrolling in credit classes a maximum of three times. This includes students earning substandard grades or dropping with a “W.” Students will be notified upon registration if they are enrolling for a third time. Students requesting enrollment for one of the approved course repetition conditions will be blocked from registration and required to submit a Petition for Course Repetition.

    Course repetition may only be approved if one of the following are true:

    1. Repeating a course due to a significant lapse of time (at least 36 months), where a passing grade (CR, P, A, B or C) was previously earned. The most recent course was completed more than three years ago and one of the following: course content has changed significantly or the institution the student is transferring to has a recency requirement that is mandated for transfer. All coursework shall remain on the student’s permanent record. Both grades count in the GPA calculation. Course repetition based on significant lapse of time may only occur once. (Documentation required)
    2. Repeating a course beyond the maximum times allowed. Students with substandard grades may use this reason if they had extenuating circumstances during the most recent attempt and the most recent attempt was a letter grade. Extenuating circumstances are defined as verified cases of accidents, illness, or other life changing events beyond the control of the student. The previous grade may be disregarded in computing the GPA. A withdrawal is a non-evaluative symbol and does not alleviate a substandard grade. Course repetition based on extenuating circumstances may only occur once. (Documentation required)
    3. Repeating a course to meet a legally mandated training requirement as a condition of continued paid or volunteer employment. All grades will be counted in GPA. Regardless of whether or not a substandard grade (D, F, NC, or NP) was previously earned, the grade and unit credit shall be included each time for the purpose of calculating the GPA. (Documentation required to certify that course repetition is necessary to complete legally mandated training)
    4. Repeating a course due to a significant change in industry or licensure standards since the student last took the course and the course is required for employment or licensure. The grade and unit credit will be included each time in GPA calculation. (Documentation required)
    5. Course previously taken at another college. If substandard grade was not adjusted after repetition, or the exact course was successfully completed at a different school, a petition may be submitted to exclude the substandard grade from the GPA calculation. Official Transcripts must be submitted if the course was repeated at another regionally accredited college.
    6. Repeating a course that is currently in progress at Los Medanos College and the substandard grade has not posted.

    Upon submission of the Petition for Course Repetition, a decision will be returned via InSite email.  If approved,  registration may be completed using InSite. If denied, registration is not permitted.

  • Open Course Policy

    It is the policy of the Contra Costa Community College District that, unless specifically exempted by statute, every course and course section, 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, commencing with Section 51820.

  • Evening, Day and Weekend Courses

    In addition to the courses starting from 7:50 a.m., Monday through Friday, courses are also presented in the evening. All are available to regular day students as well as to those persons who can take courses only at night. Weekend offerings are also available, as well as many short term classes which are scheduled throughout the semester. Opportunities are available for those who may want to broaden their general education, wish to learn or improve a vocational skill, and who are working toward a college degree.

  • Instructional Materials

    Board Policy 5017 states that each college of the Contra Costa Community College District may require students enrolled in credit or noncredit courses and programs to provide certain instructional and other materials including, but not limited to textbooks, tools, equipment and clothing if:

    The instructional and other materials are used in the production of an “end product” that has continuing value to the student outside of the classroom setting.

    Eligible students unable to buy their books may request assistance through the Financial Aid Office.

     

  • Course Information

    In each course students are entitled to a course information sheet. The information about the course includes:

    1) Title and catalog number;

    2) Instructor’s name, office, phone extension, and office hours;

    3) Course overview, including instructional methods and goals;

    4) Course meetings and a tentative course calendar of tests and special assignments;

    5) Textbooks and special materials required and information about appropriate audio-visual or “on reserve” materials in the Learning Center;

    6) Policy on attendance; and

    7) Evaluation criteria for grades.

  • Cancellation of Courses

    The College reserves the right to cancel before or after the first day of instruction any planned or scheduled courses due to insufficient enrollment or inability to secure a qualified instructor.

  • Waitlist Procedures

    You have 3 calendar days to add your class once you have been given permission to enroll. If you are on a waitlist, please check InSite frequently and check your InSite email for notification.

    NEW!!! If you have added yourself to a waitlist and would like to have a text (SMS) message sent to your registered cell phone if a seat becomes available, please opt-in to receive enrollment information via text message. To opt-in click on the Settings tile and  Opt-in/Opt-out Text from the drop down menu, then choose "Yes" next to "Enrollment Information".

     If you have added your name to a waitlist or intend to do so, read on for important reminders about waitlist procedures:

    • An automated message will be sent to students via their InSite email address when permission to register in a waitlisted section is granted. Please be sure to activate your InSite email and check it frequently if your name is on a waitlist.
    • You can also view your status/rank on the waitlist and monitor your potential of being able to add the waitlisted class, by going into the Registration tile on InSite and clicking on “Manage my Waitlists” on the drop down menu. Check your status frequently to avoid missing the opportunity to enroll.
    • Once notified by email of “permission granted”, you will have 3 calendar days to complete the registration transaction (on “Manage My Waitlists”). Once you register in the section, your name is automatically removed from the waitlist and added to the class list and another student’s name will become number one on the waitlist. This movement will also allow another student to add their name to the end of the waitlist.
    • If you receive permission to register in a waitlisted class and you fail to complete the registration transaction within the 3 day window, your name will automatically be removed from the waitlist and the next student on the list will receive permission to register.
    • You have the option to remove your name from a waitlisted class, if desired.
    • An automatic email about permission being granted to add a waitlisted class is programmed to occur:
      • Up to 3 days prior to the start of the term for semester-length classes;
      • For short-term courses, 3 days prior to the start of the course

    Once the above dates are reached, you will no longer be automatically notified if space becomes available in a class and you will be required to attend the first class meeting to find out if instructor will add you to the class.

    Important:
    • ALL WAITLIST NOTIFICATIONS ARE SENT TO YOUR INSITE EMAIL ADDRESS. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK IT FREQUENTLY!
  • Credit for Prior Learning

    CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
    LMC recognizes that some students have already reached a portion of their educational objectives through prior learning and experiences. Credit for Prior Learning is college credit awarded for college-validated knowledge and skills gained outside the classroom. LMC is committed to providing students with equitable access to prior learning assessments that can help students to achieve program completion.

    PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS TO ATTAIN CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
    Students may request credit for prior learning by completing an education plan and submitting a Petition for Prior Learning Assessment form to the college Admissions and Records Office. The determination to offer and award credit for prior learning rests solely on the discretion of the discipline faculty, including course-to-course award of credit for standardized exams such as AP, IB, and CLEP.
    The student will be charged a fee for the examination equivalent to the enrollment fee for the class, with exception granted to adult school students who are eligible to receive college credit per an active articulation agreement with LMC.

    CRITERIA FOR CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING


    Students:
    • The student must be currently registered in the college, in good standing, and have a current educational plan on file.
    • A student who is a veteran or an active-duty member of the armed forces, holds industry-recognized credentials, or requests credit for a course based on their prior learning, will be referred to the college’s authority for assessment of prior learning upon completion of his/her educational plan.


    Courses:
    • Credit may be awarded for prior experience or prior learning only for individually identified courses with subject matter similar to that of the individual’s prior learning
    • The course must be listed in the current college catalog.
    • The course must be designated as eligible for credit for prior learning by members of the division faculty and approved by the Curriculum Committee.
    • The assessment must be approved by faculty in the course or program involved.


    Restrictions:
    • The nature and content of assessments will be determined by faculty in the discipline who normally teach the course for which credit is to be granted.
    • The determination to offer and award credit for prior learning rests solely on the discretion of the discipline faculty, including course-to-course award of credit for standardized exams such as AP, IB, and CLEP.
    • An assessment conducted at a location other than the college may be accepted.
    • Credits acquired by assessment of prior learning will not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence required for an associate degree.
    • Students must complete at least 25% of the required courses for a certificate program at LMC.
    • Credits earned by prior learning assessment cannot be used to fulfill any requirements for federal financial aid.
    • Credits earned by prior learning assessment are not applicable for meeting such unit load requirements as Selective Service deferment, Veteran's or Social Security benefits.


    Credit for Prior Learning may be obtained by one of the following:
    • Achievement of a satisfactory score on an Advanced Placement (AP) examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board
    • Achievement of a satisfactory score on a high-level International Baccalaureate (IB) examination
    • Achievement of a satisfactory score on the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) examination
    • Evaluation of Joint Services Transcripts
    • Evaluation of a student-created portfolio
    • Evaluation of industry-recognized credential documentation
    • Satisfactory completion of an examination administered by the college in lieu of completion of a course listed in the current college catalog
    • Assessment approved or conducted by proper authorities of the college.
    Upon a student’s demonstration of sufficient mastery through an examination or assessment, award of credit will be considered for:
    • California Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC),
    • California State University General Education (CSUGE) Breadth,
    • local community college general education requirements or requirements for a student’s chosen program, or
    • electives for student who do not require additional general education or program credits to meet their goals

    CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING OPTIONS

    Approved Standardized Examinations
    Students requesting Credit for Prior Learning using an approved standardized examination such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) may receive credit for a satisfactory score in the following circumstances:
    • Official AP, IB, and/or CLEP transcripts are on file in the Admissions and Records Office.
    • The student achieved a minimum acceptable score on the examination as specified in the college catalog.
    • Achievement of an examination administered by other agencies approved by the college


    Credit by Examination
    Students requesting Credit by Examination may receive credit for satisfactory completion of an examination administered by a college department in lieu of completion of a course listed in the current catalog in the following circumstances:
    • The student demonstrates that s/he is qualified, through previous training, experience or instruction, to successfully complete such examination.
    • A student may challenge a course for credit by examination only one time.
    • The determination to offer credit by examination rests solely on the discretion of discipline faculty.
    • A separate examination will be conducted for each course for which credit is to be granted.


    Industry-Recognized Credentials
    Students requesting Credit for Prior Learning using industry recognized credential(s) will receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee. The knowledge and skills validated by the industry-recognized credential(s) must align with the content of the course for which credit is being requested. Credit will be awarded in the following circumstances:
    • The student’s industry-recognized credential is on file in the Admissions and Records Office.
    • The discipline faculty has evaluated the industry-recognized credential and verified that it effectively demonstrates sufficient mastery of course content as set forth in the course outline of record.


    Military Service/Training
    Students requesting Credit for Prior Learning using Joint Service Transcripts shall receive credit as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) Directory and approved by the appropriate discipline faculty of the college under the following circumstances:
    • Official transcripts must be on file in the Admissions and Records Office. These may include Joint Services Transcript (JST), Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART), Army and American Council on Education Registry Transcript Service (AARTS),
    Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), Coast Guard Institute (CGI), DANTES/USAFI, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Transcripts (DLIFLC), Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), DLPT Examinee Results, DA Form 330 Language Proficiency Questionnaire, or verified copies of DD214 or DD295 military records.
    • Credit course equivalency shall be determined by the faculty of the appropriate discipline.
    • Veterans may apply for evaluation of military service for credit through the Admissions and Records Office. Credit may be granted toward an associate degree for the following training:
    o Six units of elective credit for the completion of basic training and one year or more of active duty in the military service upon submission of DD214 (separation papers) with a discharge other than dishonorable, to the Admissions and Records Office.
    o Three of the six elective units may be applied towards the fulfillment of CSU General Education requirement “E. Lifelong Understanding and Self Development.”


    Student-Created Portfolio Assessment
    Students requesting Credit for Prior Learning using a student-created portfolio will receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee in the following circumstances:
    • A department-approved portfolio assessment rubric for the course is on file in the Admission’s and Records Office.
    • The department chair or faculty designee determines that the student-created portfolio adequately measures sufficient mastery of the course content as set forth in the course outline of record

    .
    PRIOR LEARNING GRADING AND TRANSCRIPTION
    • Grading will be according to the regular grading system, as specified in Curriculum and Instruction Procedure 4001.
    • Students may request a “pass-no pass” option if that option is available for the course. Credit limitations may apply at the UC/CSU.
    • Students will be given the opportunity to accept, decline, or appeal the grade assigned by faculty.


    The student’s academic record will be clearly annotated to reflect that credit was earned through one of the assessments of prior learning options listed below.