Concurrent Enrollment

Introduction

This handbook is specifically crafted to give a clear understanding of what concurrent enrollment entails and what it means to take a concurrent enrollment class. While this handbook covers various processes and student expectations related to concurrent enrollment, it’s important to note that it’s meant to complement the standard Baker College Student Handbook rather than replace it.

Program Overview

The Program

As a student in the Running Start program, you have access to concurrent enrollment courses provided by Baker College. These courses are taught at your high school or technical center by instructors approved by Baker College. By enrolling in these courses, you have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. This means you can get a “running start” on your college journey while meeting your high school graduation requirements. It’s a great way to get ahead academically and prepare for your future.

The Teachers

In concurrent enrollment, classes are taught by the skilled instructors at your high school, who have been chosen and supported by Baker College faculty. These instructors have taken on the extra task of teaching college-level courses during your regular school hours. It’s important to recognize that they expect the same level of dedication and effort from you as they would from any college student.

The Courses

When you successfully finish a concurrent enrollment course, you earn transcripted credit from Baker College. This means that the content and difficulty level of these courses are equivalent to those offered on campus. So, the credit you earn is recognized just like any other college credit from Baker College.

Concurrent Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for concurrent enrollment courses, you need to meet Baker College’s enrollment requirements and fulfill all course prerequisites and requirements, including completing the Baker College Orientation course before registering. Your high school might also have its own eligibility criteria for these courses. If you’re unsure about the standards, don’t hesitate to reach out to your high school concurrent enrollment instructor or guidance counselor for clarification.

Applying to Baker College and Getting Registered

Application

1. Visit the Concurrent Enrollment section of the Baker College Running Start site at baker.edu/runningstart.
2. Click on “Apply” located at the top of the page.
3. Create an account for the Baker College Enrollment Portal by entering your information and selecting the Undergraduate application. Then, click “Register.”
4. Access the My Application tab and fill out the required information. Make sure to select “Running Start” as your Student Type.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the application process.
6. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. If you don’t receive this email within 24 hours, notify your concurrent enrollment instructor or guidance counselor.
7. Before your first course begins, you’ll receive a second email containing your Baker College User ID and instructions for setting up a password.

Registration

Once you’ve finished the application process, your registration for the course will be done using a class roster provided by your high school. To ensure you’re included in the roster for a Baker College concurrent enrollment course, it’s important to speak with either the concurrent enrollment instructor or your high school guidance counselor. They’ll make sure you’re listed for the course.

Tuition

Baker College does not charge students or parents for enrollment in concurrent enrollment courses. According to Michigan law, your school or school district covers your tuition fees.

Orientation

The first time you enroll in a concurrent enrollment course, you’ll also need to complete Baker College’s Orientation course. This online course helps you understand what it means to be “college ready.” It introduces you to Baker College’s resources and gets you comfortable with Canvas, the learning platform used for all courses. You must complete the Baker College Orientation course before you can register for your concurrent enrollment course.

Additionally, before or at the start of your concurrent enrollment course, you’ll attend an orientation session. This session, led by a Baker College Running Start Coordinator or Outreach Liaison, may take place at your high school or a Baker College campus. During this orientation, you’ll get to know your BakerMail account, explore online library resources, and learn about academic requirements and credit transfer processes.

The Class

What to Expect

When you join a concurrent enrollment course, you’re stepping into a real Baker College classroom. You’ll cover the same material as on-campus students and your instructor(s) will use the same assessment methods. Be prepared for a faster pace, more personal responsibility, and higher expectations compared to a typical high school course. You’ll also find that other students in the course will share your high level of motivation. Together, these dedicated instructors, high standards, and motivated peers will create an engaging and unforgettable learning journey.

Canvas

All your course materials and assignments will be available on Canvas, Baker College’s Learning Management System. To access Canvas, log in to my.baker.edu and click on the “Canvas” link at the top of the page. Once you’re in Canvas, you’ll find assignments and various resources, including faculty contact information, assignment summaries, and Student Learning Outcomes. These resources, located in the “Start Here” module, are designed to help you stay organized, connected with your instructor, and focused on achieving the learning objectives for the course.

Class Attendance

Attendance is a key factor for success in college courses. Regular class participation and engagement are crucial for learning, and missed sessions can be challenging to catch up on. Each instructor sets their own attendance policies, including rules for late work and grading criteria, which are outlined in the course syllabus. It’s essential for students to review these policies carefully and adhere to all course requirements, deadlines, and examination schedules.

Academic Honesty

• Submitting the work of others as your own, with or without changes
• Submission of the same work (even with minor revisions) for more than one course without permission from both instructors. This includes both written projects and speeches.

Cheating: the use of unauthorized material or assistance to help complete academic assignments. This material could include unauthorized copies of test materials, calculators, crib sheets, help from another student, etc.

Collusion: helping another student, or working together with other students, to commit acts of cheating or plagiarism

Consequences for academic dishonesty can include lowering of grades, failing a course, academic probation, suspension, or even expulsion from the College. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Baker College Student Handbook, which provides detailed information on academic integrity policies and the consequences of dishonest behavior.

Withdrawing

To withdraw from a concurrent enrollment course, you should first discuss your situation with your high school guidance counselor and/or instructor. If you decide to withdraw after the second week of the course, a ‘W’ will be recorded on your Baker College transcript. It’s important to note that a ‘W’ does not impact your GPA, but it may affect your eligibility to enroll in future concurrent enrollment courses. Additionally, having a ‘W’ on your transcript could influence future college applications for admission or financial aid.

If you’re concerned about your academic performance, it’s crucial to communicate with your instructor as soon as possible. Also, be sure to understand your high school’s policy regarding dual credit, as there may be implications such as reimbursement for tuition and/or books if you withdraw from a concurrent enrollment course.

Grades

Baker College Grading Scale

In every term, a student’s academic record comprises courses with various grades. When calculating the GPA (grade point average), only courses with letter grades of A, B, C, D (including + ‘s and -’s), and F are used. Each course is assigned a specific grade point value, which allows us to calculate the GPA by converting letter grades into numbers according to the following breakdown:

Obtaining Your Baker College Grades

1. Go to my.baker.edu.
2. Click the “Sign In” button in the middle of the page and log in using your Baker credentials.
   • If you don’t know your User ID and/or password, contact the Baker IT Solutions Center at (800) 645-8350.
3. Once logged in, click on the “Student” tab at the top of the page.
4. On the menu that appears, click on “Academic Services.”
5. To view your grade report, click on “Grade Report” under the Course Information heading.
6. If you need an unofficial transcript, click on “Unofficial Transcript” under the Transcripts heading, and then click on “View Unofficial Transcript.”

Disputing a Grade

Grades are rarely changed unless there’s an error. However, if you believe you have a valid complaint about your grades, the first step is to discuss it with your concurrent enrollment instructor. If the issue remains unresolved, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Baker College Running Start Coordinator or designated point of contact for further assistance. They can help address your concerns and guide you through the appropriate steps to seek resolution.

Transcripts

All Baker College transcripts are handled by a third-party provider called Parchment Exchange, not the campus Running Start Program. It’s important for students to verify the accuracy of their transcript information. If you notice any errors such as a misspelled name, incorrect student ID number, or inaccurate grades, be sure to reach out to your Running Start Coordinator or Outreach Liaison for assistance. They can help ensure that your transcript reflects the correct information.

Official Transcripts

1. Go to baker.edu/transcripts.
2. Click on “Order Official Transcript.” Choose the heading that corresponds to your situation (active Baker ID or no active Baker ID).
3. Follow the prompts to complete the ordering process.
4. Review your order details and click “Confirm.”
5. Once your order is received, you’ll get an order number and an email verification from Parchment.

Using Your Credits After High School

Now that you understand how to request an official record of your Baker College credits earned through concurrent enrollment, let’s discuss how to use those credits after high school.

If you continue with Baker College, you won’t need to transfer credits, as you already have a permanent Baker transcript. However, remember to mention on your undergraduate admission application that you’ve completed coursework at Baker College.

To apply to Baker College, you can complete an undergraduate application online by clicking here or visiting baker.edu and selecting “Apply.” If it’s your first time using the application portal, you’ll need to create an account. This will be different from your MyBaker login. Choose the Undergraduate, New Student application.

If you apply to another college or university, know that Baker College is accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and part of the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). Therefore, credits earned at Baker College should transfer to other Michigan colleges and universities, as well as those outside of Michigan. However, to determine equivalency and applicability of courses, you must check with the receiving institution.

Over the years, data has shown that the vast majority of students succeed in securing recognition for their Baker College credits earned through concurrent enrollment. This recognition can take several forms:

• Direct transfer toward your chosen degree
• Acceptance as elective credits
• Exemption from taking a required course
• Eligibility for placement into a higher-level course

Tips for Transferring Credits

Be sure to keep a record of your class syllabus, written work, and exams from your concurrent enrollment course. This evidence can be useful when applying to colleges. Make it clear on your college applications that you have completed coursework at another college, and include an official Baker College transcript.

If a college has questions about the concurrent enrollment course you took, you can present a portfolio of your assignments and exams for evaluation. This may help them understand the level of work required in the course.

When planning to transfer your concurrent enrollment credits, you can use www.mitransfer.org to see course equivalencies at other participating colleges and universities in Michigan. If a transfer of credit is denied because the course was taken through the concurrent enrollment program, reach out to runningstart@baker.edu for assistance. They can help you navigate the process.

Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress

As a concurrent enrollment student, it’s important to understand that the grades you earn in college-level courses could affect your eligibility for financial aid after high school graduation. To qualify for financial aid as a college student, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward graduation. This means maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and staying on track to graduate within 150% of the published program length.

College-level courses taken during high school are included in this calculation. Withdrawals or poor grades in your concurrent enrollment classes will negatively impact your SAP. You can find detailed information about Baker College’s SAP requirements online at my.baker.edu.

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to runningstart@baker.edu or your high school counselor for assistance.

Feedback

Course Evaluations

At the end of your concurrent enrollment course, you’ll be provided a link to participate in a course evaluation. This short, anonymous survey aims to gather your thoughts on the course content, level of difficulty, and overall usefulness. It’s essential to note that this evaluation focuses on the course itself and not on your instructor. Your feedback helps Baker College enhance the learning experience for future students.

Student Evaluation of Faculty

You’ll have the chance to share your thoughts on your instructor’s teaching through the Student Evaluation of Faculty. This survey will be accessible to you before your course concludes, allowing you to provide valuable feedback on the teaching experience.

Baker College Essentials

As a concurrent enrollment student, you’re officially part of the Baker College student community, which means you have access to a wide range of resources. Whether it’s accessing online library resources or utilizing the Academic Resource Center, you’re entitled to the same benefits as on-campus students. Don’t hesitate to explore and make the most of these resources to support your academic journey.

Student ID

Running Start students may obtain a Baker College student ID card at any campus, free of charge. If your original card is ever lost, damaged, or stolen, you can easily get a replacement card issued for a small fee of $5.00. Your student ID card ensures that you always have access to essential campus services and resources.

Unique Identification Number (UIN)

As a student at Baker College, you’ll receive an 8-digit Unique Identification Number (UIN), which serves as your identification in the College’s student record system. Your UIN will be printed on your student ID card.

If you ever forget your UIN, you can easily look it up online. Just log in to my.baker.edu and navigate to your profile by clicking on your name in the upper right corner. From there, select “My User Account Info,” and you’ll find your UIN displayed on the right-hand side of the page. This number is essential for accessing various student services and resources, so it’s handy to know where to find it when needed.

Baker Mail

As a student at Baker College, you’ll receive a Gmail account that comes with a suite of useful applications from Google, including Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Docs. Your Running Start Coordinator or Outreach Liaison will guide you through the setup process and help you get acquainted with these tools during your orientation session.

It’s important to check your Baker Mail regularly, as this will be the primary method of communication from your Running Start Coordinator to all Concurrent Enrollment students. By staying up to date with your Baker Mail, you’ll ensure that you don’t miss any important announcements or updates regarding your concurrent enrollment experience.

Resources and Services

As a concurrent enrollment student, you’ll benefit from having access to all Baker College student support services and a wide range of learning resources designed to support your academic success. These resources are conveniently located in the Academic Resource Center on campus and are also accessible online.

Whether you need help with coursework, guidance on academic planning, or support with career exploration, our dedicated team is here to assist you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor or Running Start personnel for more information on accessing these valuable resources. We’re committed to helping you thrive in your academic journey.

Academic and Student Services Information

• Admission Assistance: Get help navigating the admission process and requirements.
• Financial Aid Assistance: Learn about available financial aid options and receive guidance on applying.
• Grant and Scholarship Information: Explore opportunities for financial assistance beyond loans.
• Advising Help: Receive personalized guidance on course selection, academic planning, and goal setting.
• Career Services: Access resources and support for career exploration, job search strategies, resume writing, and more.
• Disability Services: Receive accommodations and support services tailored to your individual needs.
• Library Services: Access a wealth of academic resources, research assistance, and study spaces.
• Tutoring Services: Get additional help and support through tutoring programs and academic assistance centers.
• Student Housing: Explore options for on-campus housing and learn about residential life resources and programs.
• Bookstore Information: Find textbooks, course materials, and other supplies at the campus bookstore.
• Information Technology Support: Receive assistance with technology-related issues and access campus resources.

Conclusion

• Don’t hesitate to ask your Concurrent Enrollment Instructor for assistance.
• Reach out to your designated Baker College Running Start contact person for guidance.
• Visit the Baker College website at baker.edu for valuable information and resources.
• Utilize the search function on my.baker.edu to find answers to your questions.
• If you encounter any issues with your User ID and Password, contact the Help Desk at (800) 645-8350 for assistance.
• For any other inquiries or concerns related to Concurrent Enrollment, feel free to send an email to runningstart@baker.edu.