Bunker Hill Community College

ADMISSIONS RELATED:

What does matriculation mean?
What is an accepted student?
Just because a student is registered and is currently or has taken courses in the past at BHCC does not mean that they are “matriculated.” To matriculate a student needs to be accepted to the College. Being accepted to the college means that the student has completed the Admissions Application, paid the appropriate fee and has submitted High School diploma, High School transcript or GED, in-state-tuition verification and the Admissions Office has sent or given the student an acceptance letter. http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/4

Student who have not taken classes for 2 consecutive academic semesters or more (summer does not count) are no longer matriculated. These students must reapply to the college - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/144

I was accepted, but didn’t end up taking classes at BHCC, do I need to reapply?
If you were accepted to BHCC but did not register for courses, Admissions will keep your file for 2 years. If you decide to attend courses within that 2 year period, you need to submit a letter to the Admission Office requesting that your admissions file be reactivated. Documentation to support in-state tuition eligibility may be required again. http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/117

GETTING TO BHCC & PARKING:

Can I get to the Advising Center by Public Transportation?
Yes, the T (MBTA) has a stop right outside our front door. Bunker Hill Community College is located on the Orange Line at the “Community College” stop, between the North Station and Sullivan Square stops. Directions - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/854

Where can I park when I come to see an Advisor?
Bare right when driving in the main entrance and park in the 15 minute parking across from the loading dock of E Building. Enter the E Building through the loading dock area. Go down the hallway to your left and get a temporary parking permit from the Parking Office. You will need to know your license plate number and the make and model of your vehicle. You will be directed to temporary parking from there.

Where can I park once I’m a student?
BHCC provides student parking lots. You will need to purchase a student parking permit at the beginning of each semester or session. Fees and information are printed in the Master Schedule of Courses for each semester/session - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012.

ASSESSMENT:

I have questions about the CPT (College Placement Test)?
Do I need to take the College Placement Test?
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/103

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

I’m an international student.
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/6

REGISTRATION/ENROLLMENT:

How do I apply for admission to BHCC?
How do I get accepted to BHCC?
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/4

Does BHCC offer campus tours for prospective students?
Contact the Admissions Office at 617-228-3398 to plan a visit to the campus.

How can I find out what courses BHCC offers?
Course descriptions for all courses offered by the College are printed in the College Catalog http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/435. The Master Schedule of Courses provides information regarding courses that the college is offering in a particular semester or session. - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012

How can I find out what courses Community Education is offering?
How can I find out what non-credit courses BHCC is offering?
The Community Education Schedule lists times and dates for all non-credit course offerings. http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012.

Can I register over the phone?
BHCC does not allow student to register for credit courses by phone. However, those interested in taking Community Education courses (non-credit courses) may register by phone through the Community Education Department. http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/25

Can I register by mail or fax?
New and returning students may register by mail or fax. Please refer to the Master Schedule of Courses http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012 for deadlines and registration form. New students and students who have been away from the College for 2 or more consecutive semesters will also need to include the In-State Tuition form and all accompanying documentation. http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/4 If the course(s) you are registering for have a prerequisite(s) and you have completed those prerequisites at another accredited college or university, you will need to include supporting transcripts (official or unofficial) showing completion of the prerequisite course with a grade C or better. Course prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions found in the Master Schedule of Courses for each semester/session - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012 .

I live out-of-state and I want to take a web (online) course(s), do I need to come to campus to register?
Students who will only be enrolling in web courses can fax in their registration form located in the Master Schedule of Courses - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012 for each semester/session and all accompanying documentation. Please check fax in registration deadlines for online courses in the Master Schedule of Courses - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012 If the course(s) you are registering for have a prerequisite(s) and you have completed those prerequisites at another accredited college or university, you will need to include supporting transcripts (official or unofficial) showing completion of the prerequisite course with a grade C or better. Course prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions found in the Master Schedule of Courses for each semester/session.

Can I register online?
Student who have earned 12 or more credits at Bunker Hill Community College and have earned a GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible to register online through their online services/WebAdvisor account. New students and those with less than 12 credits earned at BHCC or a GPA of less than 2.0 must register in person Click here to access WebAdvisor

Can I register for someone else?
I can not get to campus; can someone else register for my classes for me?
Students must register themselves for courses. Student who have earned 12 or more credits at Bunker Hill Community College and have earned a GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible to register online through their online services/WebAdvisor account. Click here to access WebAdvisor. In addition, see the Master Schedule of Courses for designated mail in and fax in registration dates - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012.

My son or daughter is a student at BHCC; can I get information about their grades, etc.?
The best place to start is always by asking your son or daughter directly for the information. Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), BHCC will only release non-directory information to the enrolled student. Students can always grant permission in writing for a release of non-directory information. The student should clearly indicate to whom and what particular information can be released and for what period of time. This written release should be delivered to the Registrar’s Office.

What do I do if I can’t or don’t want take one of my classes anymore?
Prior to the end of the schedule adjustment period,(see master Schedule of Courses Schedule for dates - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012 you can drop a course, it will be removed from your transcript and you will receive a full refund. After the schedule adjustment period through the end of the last day to withdraw from a course a student may complete a course withdrawal form, have it signed by an advisor and submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office. A grade of “W” will appear on a student’s transcript. The grade of “W” does not figure into a students GPA (grade point average), but it will affect their completion rate. International Students on F1 Visas must discuss any withdrawals with the International Office prior to withdrawing. Students receiving financial aid may want to discuss implications with the Financial Aid Office. There will be no refund when a student withdraws from a course. Course withdrawal forms are available at the Registrar’s Office, the Advising Center and on the BHCC website http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/435

What do I do if I can’t or don’t want to take any of my classes anymore; I need to leave college? What are the implications of withdrawing from the college?
Students who no longer can or no longer want to be enrolled in all of their courses (be it one course or multiple courses) must complete a Withdrawal from the College form, available at the Registrar’s Office, the Advising Center and on the BHCC website http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/435 . The form must be signed by the student, an Advisor, the Student Payment Office, and the Financial Aid Office. The signed form must then be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. A “W” will appear as the grade for each course registered for during that semester. Students who leave the college for more than two academic semesters will be required to reapply to the College (submit completed application and all documentation again). The grade of “W” does not figure into a students GPA (grade point average), but it will affect their completion rate. International Students on F1 Visas must discuss any withdrawals with the International Office prior to withdrawing. Students receiving financial aid may want to discuss implications with the Financial Aid Office. There will be no refund when a student withdraws from the college.

What are the implications for withdrawing and getting a grade of “W’?
The grade of “W” does not figure into a students GPA (grade point average), but it will affect their completion rate. International Students on F1 Visas must discuss any withdrawals with the International Office prior to withdrawing. Students receiving financial aid may want to discuss implications with the Financial Aid Office. There will be no refund when a student withdraws from a course(s) or the College.

How do I know when the Schedule Adjustment period is?
How do I know when the last day to Withdraw from a course is?
How do I know when the last day to Withdraw from the College is?
All important dates related to registration and enrollment are listed in the Academic Calendar http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/504 and are printed in the Master Schedule of Courses http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/1012 for each semester/section.

How can I have BHCC verify that I am a student?
Students who need their enrollment status verified must go to the Registrar’s Office.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY/MAJORS:

What majors/programs of study do you offer?
The Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Certificate Programs offered at BHCC are listed in the College Catalog and are also available on our website - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/2

What if I want to change my program of study?
Change of Program forms are available at the Registrar’s Office, the Advising Center and online - http://bunkerhillonline.com/inside/435 . Complete the form, have an Advisor sign and submit to the Registrar’s Office. You will now follow the current year catalog’s program requirement. http://bunkerhillonline.com/inside/435

Can I have a minor? Can I double major?
BHCC doe not have an option to minor in another discipline. Bunker Hill allows students to have one designated program of study; however, students may graduate with a degree in more than one program. The student must keep track of the program requirements for the additional program of study. The second program of study will require at least 15 additional credits earned beyond the credits earned to fulfill the first program of study’s graduation requirements. The student will declare completion of both programs of study on the application for graduation form http://bunkerhillonline.com/inside/435 .

Can I earn an AA or an AS or another Certificate after finishing a AA, AS or Certificate Program at BHCC?
Yes. Submit an application to the Admissions Office indicating the new program you are interested in (you will not need to pay the application fee again). To complete a second and subsequent associate degrees; a student must complete the required courses for the additional program (a minimum of 15 additional credit hours must be earned for each subsequent degree beyond the credits earned for the first degree).

Can I transfer in credits earned at other universities or colleges and receive an associates degree or certificate at BHCC?
Accepted/matriculated students who would like to have credits transferred into BHCC from other accredited institutions should arrange to have official transcripts sent to the Admissions Office at BHCC from each of the institutions they attended. Once official transcripts are received from a matriculated student, the transcript will be evaluated. Students will receive a letter indicating the courses BHCC has accepted in transfer. These courses will appear on the student’s BHCC transcript with a letter grade of TR. To receive a certificate from BHCC, a student must complete all requirements of the certificate with a minimum of 25% of the required credit hours successfully completed at BHCC and attain a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.00 (not including developmental courses). To receive an associates degree from BHCC, a student must complete all of the program requirements, attain a minimum of 15 credits of the total number of credit hours through courses enrolled in and successfully completed at BHCC and attain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (not including developmental courses). All students wishing to graduate must meet all requirements of the college, including payment of any outstanding financial obligations and submission of state-mandated immunization requirements.

What is the World Studies Emphasis Certificate?
Students enrolled in any A.A. degree program can earn World Studies Emphasis Certification simultaneously by selecting appropriate coursework. Click here for details.

I was a nurse in my home country (not the United States); can you help me become a registered nurse in the United States?
http://bunkerhillonline.com/inside/700

ACADEMIC SUPPORT:

What do I do if I am having trouble in my class(es)?
Where can I go for tutoring?
Ask for help. Start by talking to your instructor, before, during or after class or during their posted office hours. Assistance for many classes is available at the TASC - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/205 (Tutoring and Academic Support Center) located in E174. The Multi-Media Language Lab - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/841 located in E226 is also available to assist students with language skills, foreign language, English and ESL. Speak with your math instructor about opportunities for assistance in the Math Lab.

What is the Student Success Program?
For information about our TRIO grant-funded Student Success Program - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/841 .

I’m having trouble in a foreign language class?
I’m having trouble with English?
I’m having trouble in my ESL classes?
The Multi-Media Language Lab located in E226 is available to help students with language skills, foreign languages, English and ESL; tutoring is available. http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/841

Are there academic support services for students with disabilities?
The College provides support services for students with documented disabilities. The Disability Center is located in D106A and can be reached by phone at 617-228-3415; TTY: 617-228-2051
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/213

GRADES/ACADEMIC STANDING:

Who do I talk to about my grade in a class (it’s not the grade I thought I was going to earn)?
You need to start by speaking with the instructor. If you feel that there is still an issue, consult the BHCC Student Handbook - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/520 .

How do I get into the Honors Program?
Honors Program - http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/736

What is an IP?
How do I complete an IP?
An IP (In Progress) grade is issued at the discretion of the instructor to students who have not completed course work by the end of the designated semester/session. The method and time for completion of work must be agreed upon in writing by the student and instructor. IPs can have implications on financial aid awards. The English and Math Departments offer IP completion courses (ENG005 and MAT005) for students with an IP. Your instructor will tell you if they would like you to sign up for the English or Math IP completion course. Students may not graduate if they have an IP on their transcript. All courses must be completed in order to graduate, even if the course is not a requirement of your program. See the Catalog for more information on IPs.

What is a mid-semester warning?
An instructor who is concerned that you may be failing their class may issue you a mid-semester warning. You should speak with your instructor immediately to discuss your options.

What is an early alert?
Faculty who are concerned about your academic performance in their course may initiate an early alert within the first few weeks for the semester. Students who receive an early alert should meet with their instructor to discuss the situation and should seek extra help.

What do you mean by academic standing?
What’s satisfactory academic progress?
What’s probation all about?
Students who fail to attain both the required cumulative GPA (grade point average):
below 12 credits attempted – 0.0 or above,
between 12 and 30 credits earned – a 1.79 or above
above 30 credits – a 2.0 or above
and the required percentage of courses completed (66%) will be placed on probation. Students placed on probation will be limited to 10 credits (part time status) during their probation semester. See the College Catalog for additional information on probation and suspension.

I’m on probation, what do I do?
I’m on probation and I’m an International Student; I need to be full-time, what do I do?
I’m on probation and I need to be full-time to stay on my parent’s/guardian’s health insurance, what do I do?
Students who have been placed on academic probation are limited to 10 credits or fewer during their probation semester. Students on academic probation will not be allowed to take a full time course load at BHCC. Students on academic probation should meet with a staff member at the TASC (Tutoring and Academic Support Center http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/205 to request tutoring assistance. The Multi-Media Language Lab http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/841 located in E236 is available to help students with language skills, foreign languages, English and ESL; tutoring is available. International students should speak with their International Center Advisor about how to maintain their F1 Visa status.

What is academic suspension?
Why did I get academically suspended?
I was suspended and I took some time off, can I come back to the college?
The college suspends students from attending the College if either of the following circumstances occurs during any probationary semester:

• Students fail to achieve a semester grade point average of 1.79 for between 12 and 30 credits attempted or 2.00 for more than 30 credits attempted; or
• Students fail to complete a minimum of 66% of the total number of credits attempted.

The College also suspends students from attending the College who have remained on academic probation for three consecutive semesters.

When a student is suspended from the college, they are not allowed to take courses at the College unless they successfully appeal their suspension or they take a semester or more off from Bunker Hill and then reapply for admission http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/144 . Suspended students who choose to appeal their suspension will follow the directions in the letter that they receive from the College indicating that they have been suspended. Students will call to set up an appointment to meet with a committee. Students should be prepared to explain why they have not been meeting academic standards for success and they should bring supporting documentation. Appealing a suspension does not guarantee that a student will be able to take classes at the College.

I just received an academic suspension letter from BHCC, what do I do?
I missed my academic suspension hearing, what do I do?
When a student is suspended from the College, they will receive a letter from the College indicating their suspended status. Students can either sit out a semester or more and then reapply to the college http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/144 or they can follow the directions in the suspension letter to appeal the suspension. Students who miss their suspension hearing should call the number in their Suspension letter as soon as possible.

GRADUATION:

Can my GPA effect my graduation?
Yes, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to graduate and participate in the commencement ceremony.

Can I graduate with an IP?
Students may not graduate if they have an IP on their transcript. All courses must be completed in order to graduate, even if the course is not a requirement of your program.

Can I participate in the graduation ceremony if I haven’t finished all of my course work?
Students may not “walk” in the graduation ceremony if they have not completed all course work. Students may not have any outstanding grades of IP. Students must submit an application http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/435 to graduate with the Registrar’s Office. Check graduation application deadlines in the Academic Calendar http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/504

Do I need to apply for graduation?
When does BHCC graduate students?
Yes, all students wishing to receive a certificate or an associate degree from BHCC must apply for graduation. All students who complete certificate or degree requirements are required to apply for graduation through the Registrar’s Office. For information on application dates please refer to the Academic Calendar. http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/504 BHCC awards diplomas to students in December (at the end of the fall semester) and in May/June (at the end of the spring semester). BHCC, however, only holds one Commencement Ceremony (graduation ceremony). That ceremony is held in May/June. Students who receive diplomas in December and May/June are invited to participate in the May/June ceremony. Students who finish their degree requirements during the summer sessions, will be considered December graduates and should apply for graduation during the fall semester.

Can I graduate with a D?
A “D” grade will generally fulfill a graduation requirement. Certain courses or programs may have higher grade requirements, refer to the College Catalog for further information or speak with your Advisor. Most colleges and universities will not accept courses for transfer if you earned less than a grade of “C.”

TRANSFER IN/TRANSFER OUT:

How do I transfer in credits earned at another college/university?
I have credits from another college, but they are older, will BHCC accept them?
Students hoping to transfer in credits from another accredited college or university should bring or arrange to have official transcripts sent to the Admissions Office at BHCC. Departments may in some cases have expiration dates for certain courses.

Someone already evaluated my transcript why aren’t those credits on my BHCC transcript?
If you supplied an official transcript to BHCC from an accredited college/university, please speak with an Admissions Transfer Counselor to follow up on the evaluation of your transfer credits. In order to transfer in a credit course from another college/university, the credit course must be equivalent to a course at BHCC and you must have earned a grade of C or better.

Is there any way to get credit for experience I have from the work world, the Armed Services or elsewhere?
I’ve taken a course(s) at an institution that BHCC does not accept credit from, is there any way to get credit?
The Prior Learning Assessment program (PLA) http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/208
provides a process for evaluation and when appropriate, awards academic credits for learning acquired outside the traditional college environment

Will this course transfer to another college/university?
BHCC is an accredited institution of higher education, but that does not ensure that your future college or university will accept every credit that you take here. For the best transfer options make sure to look into the Joint Admissions Program and ask about articulation agreements with area colleges and universities. It is always a good idea to be in touch with admissions and transfer counselors at the institution you are hoping to attend to discuss an appropriate program of study.

What do I need to do to transfer to another college or university?
If you are participating in the Joint Admissions Program make sure to stay in touch with the Admissions Transfer Counselor here at BHCC. If you are not participating in the Joint Admissions Program make sure to contact admissions and transfer counselors at the institution you are hoping to attend next so you can become aware of their transfer policies and procedures.

I want to transfer to a Massachusetts state college or university
Please refer to the BHCC catalog for information on the Joint Admissions Program. http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/112. Questions can also be addressed to the Transfer Counselor at BHCC through the Admissions Office. Students should also plan to attend Transfer Day at BHCC, held once each semester. Representatives from many of the state colleges and universities send representatives to campus to meet with students to discuss transfer opportunities.

I want to transfer to a private college or university.
Students planning to transfer to a private university/college should be in touch with a transfer admissions counselor at that institution as soon as possible to discuss transfer options and to choose an appropriate course of study while at BHCC. BHCC can not guarantee which courses will be accepted by another college/university unless there is an articulation agreement between BHCC and your future institutions; please refer to information about articulation agreements in the College Catalog. Students should plan to attend Transfer Day at BHCC, held once each semester. Representatives from many area colleges and universities send representatives to campus to meet with students to discuss transfer opportunities. Questions can also be addressed to the Admissions and Transfer Counselor at BHCC.

Do other colleges and universities come to BHCC to recruit students?
Students should plan to attend Transfer Day at BHCC, held once each semester. Representatives from many area colleges and universities send representatives to campus to meet with students to discuss transfer opportunities. Additionally, representatives from area colleges and universities visit the campus to hold information sessions throughout the semester. Questions can also be addressed to the Admissions and Transfer Counselor at BHCC.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES/CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS:

Does BHCC hold an Orientation for new students?
Yes, the Student Activities Office coordinates a new student orientation program. For more information, please contact the Student Activities Office located in D106 at 617-228-2260.

Who do I talk to if I want to join a club?
Who do I talk to about starting a new club or organization on campus?
The Student Activities Office located in D106 offers a variety of co-curricular activities including clubs and organizations.
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/295

Who do I talk to if I want to play sports at BHCC?
The Athletic Department located in D106 sponsors varsity level sports and intramural activities.
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/293

HEALTH RELATED:

Do I really need to turn in the Immunization form?
What will happen if I don’t turn in my immunization form?
Yes, failure to turn in your immunization form will result in a hold on your account. You will not be able to register for future semesters or request an official transcript until a completed form is received.

Is there a health center at BHCC?
The Health Services Office is located in E154 (617-228-2274)
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/214

Do I need to purchase the College’s health insurance?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires BHCC to ensure that all students registered in 9 or more credits (during the fall or spring) are covered by health insurance. BHCC automatically enrolls all students registered for 9 or more credits in the College’s health insurance plan.
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/117 Students who are enrolled in an approved health insurance plan may waive the College’s health insurance.

Do I need to waive my health insurance every semester?
You will need to waive your health insurance once a year. You will only need to pay for or waive health insurance if you are registered for 9 or more credits during the fall or spring semester.

I’m an international student with an F1 VISA; can I waive BHCC’s health insurance?
International students with F1 VISAs must purchase the College’s health insurance even if the international student has their own health insurance. International students may not waive the College’s health plan.

I am taking less than 9 credits; can I purchase health insurance through the College?
Can I purchase health insurance for a family member through the College?
At this time, students registered for fewer than 9 credits are not eligible to enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. The College does not have a health insurance plan to cover family members of students.

DISABILITY SERVICES:

I have a documented disability?
I think I have a disability, is there someone I can talk to?
The College provides support services for students with documented disabilities. The Disability Center is located in D106A, 617-228-3415; TTY: 617-228-2051
Click on this link: http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/213

CAREER SERVICES:

I want more information on choosing a career?
I want to know the qualifications for a certain job/profession?
I want to know how much a job/profession pays.
I need help with my resume?
I need help with job search skills?
I don’t know how to choose my major?
The Career Center is located in M104, 617-228-2245.
Click on this link: http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/212

FINANCIAL AID/STUDENT PAYMENT:

How do I apply for financial aid?
Click on this link: http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/400.

How do I get information about scholarships?
Click on this link: http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/132

What do I do if I can’t pay for my classes?
Speak with the Financial Aid Office to explore financial aid and loan options. The College Catalog also lists scholarships that students may apply for. You can also speak to the Student Payment office about setting up a payment plan. Link to Financial Aid http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/400 and Student Payment http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/370

When will I get my financial aid refund?
Generally, financial aid refunds occur toward the end of the semester – in late November for the fall semester and late April for the spring semester.
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/400.