Enrollment Services

WITCC is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages scholarship, the robust exchange of ideas and interaction with others in a safe environment.

WITCC reserves the right to deny admission or place conditions on admission or the enrollment of any applicant, student, or former student if WITCC determines that such person presents an unreasonable risk to the safe and orderly campus environment.

WITCC also reserves the right to deny a student’s application for residence hall housing, or remove a student from a residence hall, if it is determined that the student presents an unreasonable risk of harm to others in the residence hall.

A Checklist for Registration and Your Academic Success

Semester Prep Checklist

Complete and Submit Application for Admission

• Apply online at www.witcc.edu
• Application assistance is available by calling 712-274-6404

Request Transcripts

• High school transcripts and any college transcripts should be sent to WITCC (4647 Stone Ave., PO Box 5199, Sioux City, IA 51102) or admissions@witcc.edu.
• Only official copies will be accepted.

Apply for Financial Aid if needed

• Apply online at www.studentaid.gov.
• Start this process early. It can take 6-8 weeks for government aid applications to process.
• If you need assistance applying, call Financial Aid at (712) 274-6402.

Book an Appointment with your Program Advisor

• Discuss any necessary assessments, develop an academic plan, select and schedule classes. https://www.witcc.edu/academics/connect-with-advisors/

Take any Required Assessments

• Students with an ACT composite of 22 or higher or SAT of 1100 or higher may be exempt. Please consult with an advisor to determine if your planned program requires assessments and for referral to Testing Center.
• Call Denison at 712-274-8733 ext. 2621; or call the main office in Cherokee at 712-274-8733 ext. 1240.

Register for your WITCC Classes

• By telephone - call (712) 274-6404, or (800) 352-4649, ext. 6404; in Denison at 712-274-8733 ext. 2621; in Cherokee at 712-274-8733 ext. 1240
• In person-
  • In Enrollment Services on the Sioux City campus; or the main office on the Denison, or Cherokee campuses.
  • To book an appointment go to https://www.witcc.edu/academics/connect-with-advisors/

Pay your Tuition

• In person; by phone at (712) 274-8733, ext. 1210; or online at my.witcc.edu; or Student Financial Services on the Sioux City campus; or the main office in the Denison or Cherokee campuses.

Purchase Books

• To find your book needs, go to Books card on www.my.witcc.edu
• Online at bookstore.witcc.edu.
• Bookstore hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday on the Sioux City campus.
• Go to the main office at the Denison or Cherokee campuses.

View your Schedule

• One week prior to the class start date, check for any changes.

Go to Class!

Applying for Admission

Western Iowa Tech Community College is an open enrollment institution. To be admitted to the College as a student, new students must submit a completed Application for Admission. Admission to the College does not guarantee admissions into programs or courses.

Applicants are asked to submit an official high school transcript showing receipt of high school diploma, or submit official documentation that a GED/HSED has been received. A high school transcript is required for admission to some programs. Students should also have transcripts sent from any previous colleges attended. High school graduation is not a requirement of general course taking. However, it may be required for Financial Aid eligibility.

Transfer Students

Admitted students who want credits transferred to WITCC from another postsecondary institution need to submit an official transcript to the Registrar. Grades earned with a “C” or higher are eligible for transfer. Email official transcripts to admissions@witcc.edu

Non-U.S. College/University/High School Transcripts

Any prospective student (international, permanent resident or U.S. Citizen) who is applying for admission into any Health Sciences program and who has attended a high school and/or college/university outside the United States must have their foreign transcript(s) translated (if necessary) by and evaluated by one of the agencies listed below.

International students (coming to the U.S. on a standard student visa) must have the evaluation sent from the agency directly to Western Iowa Tech Community College, International Education Institute, 4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106 or email internationalstudents@witcc.edu.  The evaluation must include the results of any examinations required by the country of origin as proof of successful completion. (Example: Ordinary Level and/or Advanced Level examination scores).

In the event that a student is unable to have their high school transcript translated (if necessary) and evaluated, the student must successfully complete the High School Equivalency Diploma and submit appropriate documenttion of completion to the above office address/email. All evaluations must include a GPA.

At the discretion of the Office of International Education Institute, students applying to non-Health Sciences programs may be required to have their high school transcript evaluated by an accredited agency.

Credit from a non-regionally accredited institution outside of the United States may only transfer as equivalent to a specific Western Iowa Tech course. Western Iowa Tech does not accept coursework as transfer elective credit.

Courses transferred are not included in your Western Iowa Tech G.P.A.

For additional information on transferring credit from non-U.S. colleges, email internationalstudents@witcc.edu

Readmitting Students

A student who has a break in enrollment in the College for two or more consecutive semesters, excluding summer sessions, is readmitted to the College under the catalog program requirements in effect at the time of readmission. The student must submit a new Application for Admission prior to registering.

International Students

The following conditions apply to students from outside the United States seeking admission to the College:

1. Immigration laws require international students on certain visas to attend college as full-time students.
2. Any individual with a visa and enrolled as a student will be considered to be a non-resident for purposes of tuition payments.
3. Students must take the English Placement Test when they arrive on campus. Based on the results of this test, the student will be placed in appropriate academic classes as test scores indicate. The classes are held at the Sioux City main campus.
4. The applicant is required to complete the Application for Admission (International Student) form.
5. The applicant must provide an official high school transcript of grades (English translation) with the date of graduation. For students transferring from another college or university, official transcripts are required (certified English transcripts).
6. The applicant must provide evidence of financial independence while attending college. A deposit covering tuition, fees, books, supplies, and an estimated cost of living expense allowance for one semester must be submitted in advance.
7. Although all of the deposited money may not be needed, it is available to the student and may be used as conditions warrant. The unspent money, with any accrued interest, is returned to the student at the time of departure.
8. Upon completion of the requirements for admission, the I-20 Eligibility Form and a letter of acceptance will be sent to the applicant. The applicant is responsible for all costs associated with the application process.

College Experience Class

SDV 108 - The College Experience , is a one-credit, pass/fail course. This course introduces students to the college’s expectations, environment, and resources so that students may become more competent participants in the learning process. The College Experience allows students opportunities to learn about WITCC policies and procedures that will impact them. They also learn about acclimation to college, financial aid, campus safety, self-advocacy, learning styles, study habits, student activities, and much more. Students are required to enroll in The College Experience during their first semester of college. SDV 108 - The College Experience , is a required course for all new certificate (12+ credits), diploma, and degree-seeking students, part-time or full-time. Successful completion of SDV 108  is a requirement of graduation. All students will benefit from SDV 108 ; however, students who fit into the following categories may request a waiver for the course:

• Those students who have successfully passed a similar course at another institution.
• Those students who transfer 12 or more credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
• Those students who attended Western Iowa Tech prior to the Fall 2012 semester and successfully completed 12 or more credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. This does not include those students who completed college-level courses while enrolled in high school.

Criteria for Admission to Specific Programs

Programs which have program-specific admission criteria include, but are not limited to:

• Early Childhood Education
• Health Occupations
  • Associate Degree Nursing (RN) 
  • Dental Assisting
  • Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic
  • Medical Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Practical Nursing
  • Surgical Technology

For information on specific program requirements, contact Admissions for a program handbook, or go to www.witcc.edu/programs/.

Health Occupations Programs Requirements

• All students in the health careers have additional program specific admission criteria. Students entering health career occupations need to be able to perform certain activities in order to be successful in the occupation. The Iowa Core Performance Standards (found in the specific program requirements booklet) was developed so prospective individuals will be aware of the occupation requirements. Before final admission applicants are responsible for providing medical and other documentation related to any disability and the appropriate accommodations needed to meet the Core Performance Standards.
• Students in health careers will need to complete a criminal history and give permission to have individual criminal background checks completed. Results of the criminal background check will be released to many external affiliating agencies so students can be screened for acceptance into agencies for clinical experience.
• Students in health careers may need to consent for drug testing and release of that information to external affiliating agencies for clinical experience. The drug test is a urine specimen that is tested for the presence of drugs, including but not limited to amphetamines, cannabinoids (marijuana), cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP).
• A health evaluation, which includes health history, hearing, vision, immunization record and physician physical, must be completed prior to entering the clinical phase of the program.

Registration

Registration is the process of selecting a course of study, officially enrolling for class(es) and the payment of tuition and fees. Dates of registration and instructions are published on the MyWIT “Academics Dates” card. Academic advising and assistance will be provided by faculty, admissions advisors, and other staff members; however, it is the responsibility of the student to be certain that the courses selected will meet the requirements for the degree, diploma or certificate in their program of study.

Registration Requirements

To register for classes, a student:

1. must complete the Admissions requirements;
2. have no outstanding financial or other obligations to the College;
3. must complete required pre-requisites
4. must be in good academic standing and cannot have been dismissed from the College for conduct reasons.

Registration Limits

Students are allowed to enroll in up to 21 credits during fall and spring terms (with a max of 6 credits in the Winterim), 15 credits within a summer term and 6 credits during a Winterim term. Students must have a recommendation from an Academic Advisor and subsequent approval from the Dean of Students to enroll in additional credits.

Changes in Registration

Students who wish to add or drop classes after registering for a semester should use the Student Planning of the Academic Self-Service card on my.witcc.edu or submit a completed Add/Drop/Withdrawal form at Admissions, or call (712) 274-6404 or (800) 352-4649, ext. 6404. Students cannot drop using MyWIT Student Planning once a course has started. Student must see Admissions staff or book an appointment with advisor. https://www.witcc.edu/academics/connect-with-advisors/ in order to request a course drop. Deadlines for course drops are listed under Academic Dates on mywitcc.

Change of Major/Program of Study

Process to update Program of Study Information:

Go to MyWIT
Find the Academic Self-Service Card
Student Planning link > My Progress

Check active academic program and your catalog year.

If not correct, contact Admissions at (712) 274-6404 or https://www.witcc.edu/academics/connect-with-advisors/, to request a change.

Fees and Expenses

Tuition and fee charges are determined annually by the WITCC Board of Directors and are published on each class listed in the Class Search and in Student Planning link of the Academic Self-Service card on MyWIT.

Course Fees: Material and lab fees may be assessed on a course by course basis. Course fees are listed on each class in the Class Search and in Student Planning link of the Academic Self-Service card on MyWIT.

Books and Supplies: Students may purchase books and supplies through the WITCC Bookstore. Students attending classes in Cherokee, and Denison may purchase their books at those campus centers. Students may also purchase books online; go to bookstore.witcc.edu. Book rentals are available for some courses. Some courses do not require book purchase.

Laptop Policy: All tuition-paying, credit students may check out a college-issued laptop computer. Some restrictions may apply. Students who have been issued a device are required to turn in the laptop computer in the event of complete withdrawal for the term or by the date set at the end of each semester unless the student is registered for the next academic semester. Failure to return the device will result in a monthly charge to be placed on the student’s account. The College will immediately bill the student or parent, if applicable, the full replacement cost of the issued device. WITCC may also require the device and all related materials to be returned to WITCC due to other reasons such as Student Code of Conduct violations as determined by the College.

Other: Depending on the program, the student may be required to purchase uniforms, tools, instruments, or other equipment (examples of such programs or courses are art, science, health occupations programs, auto tech programs, construction trades, etc.). For an estimate of costs, see the program page or by contacting your advisor. 

Institutional Refund Policy: Students who stop attending and who fail to officially withdraw will NOT receive a refund of tuition and fees after the published refund deadline for the course.

A schedule for refunding of tuition and/or fees is published each semester in the Important Dates on witcc.edu. 

Payment of Accounts

Charges incurred each semester for tuition, fees, and other expenses (books and supplies) are the responsibility of the student. Payment or arrangement for payment is due on or before the first day of class. Failure to make payment or payment arrangements may result in disenrollment of all classes.

No student shall be permitted to register for a new semester or attend classes until all prior accounts are settled. Students will not be granted a degree, diploma, certificate, final grade report, or official transcript until all outstanding accounts with the College have been paid in full.

1. Payment in Full - you may pay your tuition and fees in person, by phone, or online at my.witcc.edu. Payment may be made with cash, check, debit card,or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).
2. Payment by Financial Aid - approved financial aid will be applied to the student’s charges.
3. Payment by Third Party - if sponsored by an agency (JTP, DVRS, etc.), please sign the invoice and return to Student Financial Services.
4. Tuition Payment Plan - Western Iowa Tech Community College has a tuition payment plan option to accommodate the financial needs of students. Students using the payment plan may apply online by using my.witcc.edu. Additional information regarding online application is provided by Student Financial Services at (712) 274-8733, ext. 1210.

Returned Checks. A service charge is assessed for returned checks.

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

In compliance with Section 103 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) will not impose penalties or restrictions on students receiving Post 9-11 (Chapter 33) or Veterans Readiness and Employment VR&E (Chapter 31) benefits due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the Department of Veteran Affairs:

The college will not:

• prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment,
• assess late fees related to pending VA payments.  Any balance due after considering the payment VA determines the student is entitled to receive will be handled according to established school policy which applies to all students 
• deny access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fees bills to the institution, including but not limited to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities,
• require the student to secure alternative or additional funding while waiting for VA payment

To qualify for this provision, such students are required to:

• Demonstrate eligibility for Chapter 33 or 31 i.e. a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a VR&E Authorization
• Notify the WITCC Veterans School Certifying Official each semester they wish to be certified
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as required by School Certifying Official.

Residence Qualifications

For tuition charges, students will be classified as either an Iowa resident or non-resident based on the purpose of being in Iowa. A student is classified as a non-resident if the sole purpose for being in Iowa is to attend school. However, a student’s residency status may change, once the student has resided in the State of Iowa 90 days prior to the start of a semester.

If the student establishes an Iowa residence and wishes to apply for a change of status, it is the responsibility of the student to request a change of residence status by filling out the Request for Iowa Residency Status form. This request must be initiated with the Enrollment Services Office. Two forms of supporting documents will be required with the student’s current Iowa address. These documents must be dated 90 days prior to the beginning of the semester that Iowa residency will take effect. The decision of the Dean of Students will be final.

Appealing Tuition and Fee Charges

Students who must drop classes within a semester due to extenuating circumstances may request an adjustment of tuition. Extenuating circumstances may include medical hardship, the death of immediate family members, military activation, or other situations which prohibit the student from completing a class. Students appealing charges must provide supporting documentation.

Students wishing to appeal tuition and fee charges for a semester must complete the appropriate appeal form available at Enrollment Services. The appeal form must be received by the end of the subsequent semester. Appeals received after this time will NOT be reviewed. The Appeals Committee will review and make a decision. The decision of the Dean of Students, or its designee, is final.