Congratulations on your acceptance to Mount Wachusett Community College! We look forward to welcoming you to campus. Below you will find information that will help you today and throughout your journey at MWCC.
Step 2 – Get Connected
iConnect is the name of the web portal you will log into to access all of your MWCC applications and information including your WebConnect Account and student email. To activate your account, you will need your Student ID – Your Student ID can be found on your Acceptance Letter or by stopping by the Admissions office with a photo ID.
- Go to iConnect to activate both your iConnect and email accounts.
- Click “Activate your account”
- Enter the required information, excluding your Social Security Number.
- A username and password will be generated for you once you submit the information.
Important: Usernames and passwords are case sensitive. - Return to the iconnect.mwcc.edu home page
If for any reason your account activation is unsuccessful, please contact the MWCC Help Desk at 866-520-7129 for assistance. If at any point after activating your account, you do not remember your username and/or password, please go to iConnect and click on the “Account Access Issues” button.
Step 3 – Mount 101
Now that you have activated your iConnect account, log in and click on the Mount 101 icon to learn what you will need to know to complete your enrollment. Within the Mount 101 module, you’ll find the link you need to schedule your Advising and Registration appointment to select your classes!
Don’t miss Orientation!
Join us for the New & Transfer Student Orientation. All students just starting at MWCC as well as any returning students that would like to attend the in-person orientation are welcome. Click here to RSVP today!
Applications You’ll Access through iConnect
Step 4 – Your Advising Appointment
After you complete Mount 101, you will be contacted within 48 business hours to set up an advising and registration appointment. If you haven’t done so already, please complete Mount 101 (see Step 3) and use the form at the end to request your New Student Registration Appointment.
To help you prepare, you can print this Block Schedule Draft or utilize this Google Sheet Version and share via email with your advisor.
You can download the New Student Advising and Registration Resource Guide and the How to Prepare for Registration documents as well.
Zoom – Your advising and registration appointment may be conducted on Zoom. If you haven’t used Zoom before, you can review their support details here: Getting Started on Zoom or download our Zoom Quick Start Guide.
Accepted Students Resources & Next Steps
Understanding the Academic Calendar
The “View the Academic Calendar” icon on the bottom right side of the page will direct you to all current Academic Calendars. These show the start and end dates of each semester, add/drop deadlines, official holidays, and the dates of advising and registration periods. It is the student’s responsibility to review the Academic Calendar for each semester and understand the Key Registration Terms and Definitions.
Key Registration Terms and Definitions
Adding a Course: Courses can be added anytime on or before the date listed on the Academic Calendar as “Last Day to add courses and drop courses with 100% refund.”
Dropping a Course: This term applies to the complete removal of a course from a student’s permanent record. This can be done through student’s WebConnect account or by contacting the Advising Center on or before the “Last Day to add courses and drop courses with 100% refund.”
Dropped courses will not appear on the student’s transcript. If a student notifies the Advising Center after this date, the course will be considered a withdrawal, and will remain on the student’s permanent record with a grade of “W”. The date students request the withdrawal will determine whether there is any payment refund.
Never Attending: In the week after add/drop, instructors must report students who have never attended (never participated for online courses) per regulations of the Department of Higher Education. Students who never attend will be dropped from the course and charged 50% of the cost of the course. Students who change plans and decide not to take a course, should drop the course during the add/drop period on the academic calendar in order to not be charged for the course. The course will not appear on the student’s transcript. Financial aid may be reduced to reflect the reduction in active credit hours.
Stopping Out: Instructors are also required to report students who stop attending at any point prior to the last day to withdraw, as noted on the academic calendar. It is the students’ responsibility to communicate with faculty regarding all absences/missed assignments. Students who are reported as “stopping out” will earn a grade of “F” and be charge 100% of the cost of the course. Financial aid may be reduced to reflect the reduction in active credit hours.
Course Withdrawal: Students CANNOT withdraw on WebConnect. In order to be considered as withdrawn from a course, a student must be withdrawn through the Advising Center on or before the date listed on the Academic Calendar as “Last Day to Withdraw.” If these requirements are met, the student will receive an automatic grade of W. There is a 50% refund period for withdrawals listed on the academic calendar. All withdrawals after the 50% period have no payment refund – students will pay the full price of the course.
*Please note that dropping, never attending, stopping out, and withdrawing from courses may affect your financial aid award/eligibility.
Advising - Course types and how many to take
Course selection, scheduling and mapping your semesters through graduation are all important parts of the Advising process. Be sure to consult with your Advisor throughout the semester.
Determine the Type of Courses to Take
Each course type is eligible for Financial Aid. Course style and length can be mixed and matched each semester. Example: you can take seat-based and online in the fall semester and all seat-based in the spring.
Course Style
IN-PERSON (Seat-Based)
- Most in-person courses meet twice a week
- There is an average 15:1 student/faculty ratio, which means course sizes are small
- Courses are offered in Gardner, Leominster, Devens, and Fitchburg
HYBRID
- Hybrid courses are designated in the Notes section of the course listing
- Hybrid courses meet on campus in the classroom 50% of the time with the remainder of instruction conducted through Blackboard
- Students need to be able to communicate effectively in writing and through email
- Regular and reliable access to the internet is required
ONLINE (Web)
- Online courses are completed 100% via the web
- Require independent learning and problem-solving skills
- Regular and reliable access to the internet, specifically Blackboard, is required
Course Type | Length |
Fall/Spring Full Semester | 14 Weeks |
Fall/Spring Cycle Semester | 7 Weeks |
Summer Full Semester | 8 Weeks |
Summer Cycle Semester | 4-5 Weeks |
Intersession/Maymester | 2-3 Weeks |
Determine the Number of Courses to Take
Mount Wachusett Community College recognizes that our students often have commitments outside of school. Students are encouraged to attend MWCC at a pace that sets them up for success. It is strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment during your first semester with an advisor to create an educational plan that will help pave the way toward meeting your goals.
Number of Courses | Total Hours per Week |
2 Courses (or 1 Cycle Course) | 15 hours |
3 Courses | 22.5 Hours |
4 Courses (or 2 Cycle Courses) | 30 Hours |
5 Courses | 37.5 Hours |
6 Courses (or 3 Cycle Courses) | 45 Hours |
Note: 3 Credit Course = 2.5 hours in class and 5 hours outside of class. 4 Credit Course = 3.5 hours in class and 10.5 hours outside of class.
Number of Courses | Approximate Credit Hours per Semester | Number of Semesters | Number of Years |
5 Courses | 15+ Credit Hours | 4 Semesters | 2 Years |
3 - 4 Courses | 9-16 Credit Hours | 6 Semesters | 2 Years (Summer Required) or 3 Years (Fall/Spring Only) |
1-2 Courses | 3-8 Credit Hours | 12 Semesters | 3 Years (Intersessions & Summer Required) or 4 Years (Summers Required) or 6 Years (Fall/Spring Only) |
Note: Assumes placement into ENG1010 and math required for program.
Registration - Degree Works and Course Registration via WebConnect
Step 1. Log into iConnect
Step 2. Click on the "Degree Works" icon
- Confirm program of study (major) and academic View individual course grades, academic catalog year, cumulative grade-point average (GPA), and major GPA.
- Determine which courses have been taken or transferred, which count as electives, and which are still needed to graduate.
- Review for any “Courses That Do Not Apply to Your Degree” (courses that are not used towards the program), courses “In Progress” (IP), and “Courses with Insufficient Grades” or courses that have been Ask an advisor if you have questions about any of these sections.
Note: Courses That Do Not Apply to Your Degree will not be covered by Financial Aid, unless deemed a pre-requisite or co-requisite required course. - Click on the required course numbers for a brief description of each course, along with which pre- requisite and co-requisite courses are still needed.
- At the bottom of the Worksheet you will find Test Scores from AP exams, CLEP or Accuplacer Next
Step 3. Review the “What If” tab if planning to change your major or you are planning to apply to a Selective Health Program in the future
- The “What If” function allows for a hypothetical change of major The “What If” shows a Worksheets page of what coursework is required for the new degree or certificate, what courses have previously been taken that satisfy requirements, and what courses are still needed to complete the degree.
- Remember, the “What If” scenario is not an official change of Changing a major must occur with an Advisor by filling out a Change of Major Form.
Step 4. Use the “Look Ahead” tab by entering a course subject and number to see if a course of interest fits into your current program of study.
Register for Courses via Registration Bar
- Log into iConnect
- Click on the Register for Classes Button
- Select Term
- Select Add or Drop Classes
- Enter the CRNs
- Click Submit Changes
Registering for courses creates a bill. Courses will be dropped if the bill is not paid in full by the billing due date. You may use financial aid, enroll in a payment plan or pay your bill in full to remain enrolled.
Find Books & Course Materials
- Log in to iConnect
- Under Links of Interest (on the right), click Bookstore
- Scroll down, select your term and click “Submit”
- Enter the information from your schedule and click “Find Materials”
Bookstore
You can buy books in person at the Gardner campus bookstore located on the first floor across from the Bemis Student Center. Alternatively, you can get free shipping when you purchase online.
Student ID's
Who is Eligible for a Photo Student ID?
Only students registered for credit bearing courses are eligible to receive a Student Photo ID. Be sure that you are registered for the upcoming or current semester.
Student Photo IDs are not issued during the last 5 weeks of the current semester. Students seeking an ID during this time must wait until the next full semester to receive a Student Photo ID
Students beginning classes during Cycle 2 must wait until classes begin to get a Student Photo ID.
Complete the Form and Submit Your Photo
Please read these photo submission instructions carefully and then click on the link below to complete the online form.
Student Photo ID Picture Submission Requirements:
- Picture MUST be in color, and be a good likeness of you, taken within the last six months.
- You must be the only person in the picture.
- Photos must be headshots that measure at least one inch in length. They can be larger.
Photos must be a clear, front view, full face shot, taken in normal street attire without a hat or dark glasses or any other obstruction of the face, including the head resting on hands. No part of your head may be cut off, please allow for space all around your picture.
- Photos should be taken against a plain background if possible. Please ensure that there is a contrast between the background and your picture (if you have light colored hair use a darker background).
- No Instagram filters, weird angles, or chopping off parts of your head or face.
- Do not tilt or turn your head, this picture should look just like a driver's license photo.
- Pictures must be an attachment in jpeg/jpg format.
- Do not scan a photo to submit, simply take a photo with your cell phone.
Sample ID:
***A good rule of thumb is to think of this photo as a passport photo***
Click here to be redirected to InvolveMOUNT to complete the form. NOTE: If you have not previously registered for InvolveMOUNT you will need to register first (this only takes a few minutes) and then you will be taken to the form.
If you have difficulty uploading your photo try using a different browser. If you are still experiencing issues uploading a file please go to the Engage Help Desk to report the issue. This will be the quickest way to solve your problem and get your form submitted in a timely manner.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
One of the following items is required to obtain an MWCC Student Photo ID:
- a state motor vehicle license (or learner’s permit)
- a passport
- a military ID
- a state issued identification card (available at RMV)
Note: If you do not have any of the above state issued IDs, please plan to submit or show two of the following:
- High School Photo ID
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
Receive Your Student Photo ID Card
Once all of the steps have been completed your your MWCC Student Photo ID will be printed and either mailed to you at the address you provided on the form or made available for pick up in Student Services, Room 141 on the Gardner Campus.
Semester Validation Stickers
Students that will be on the Gardner campus may get a current semester validation sticker in the Student Life Office, Room 151 or the Student Services Office, Room 141, Monday through Friday 8am-4pm.
Students on the Leominster campus may get a current semester validation sticker at the front office or from Sabine Dupoux.
Using Blackboard for Coursework
The online tutorial in Blackboard is a great resource. Click on Login and type in demo as the username and password. If you need additional assistance with navigating Bb, please see the links under On Demand Help, which is found below My Courses. You can also receive Blackboard support by calling 866-520-7129.
Important Next Steps for New Students
✓ Health Insurance Waiver If you take 9 credits or more, the state of Massachusetts gives you the option to buy health insurance. If you already have health insurance, you do not have to accept. However, you will have to take steps to waive this charge on your bill. You can waive your insurance here.
✓ FAFSA File the FAFSA starting in October every academic year if you plan to use Financial Aid the following academic year.
✓ Transcripts Submit any outstanding Official Transcripts to the Records office for evaluation.
✓ Immunizations If you are a full-time student (enrolled in 12 credits or more) you must show proof that you have received certain vaccines before you can register for classes. Medical records can only be mailed or faxed, visit the Health Services page for details.
✓ Attend a New Student Orientation
✓ Review iConnect regularly to keep up with announcements, review the academic calendar, and more.
✓ Review the Academic Catalog, for information specific to your program, academic policies, rules and regulations.
✓ Stay connected to your advisor!
Satisfactory Academic Progress - Maintaining Good Standing
Maintain Good Standing
What is SAP? SAP stands for Satisfactory Academic Progress. While enrolled, you must maintain good academic and financial aid standing.
SAP is based upon one or more of the following criteria:
- Earn & maintain a “C” or higher average (2.0 GPA or higher)
- Successfully complete 2/3 of attempted courses (67% PACE)
- Graduate within 150% of required credits for your program
What could happen if I do not meet SAP requirements?
- You could lose your financial aid.
- You will need to meet with a SAP advisor to create a plan to get on track if you do not meet SAP standards.
- The first semester you fall below on any of the three criteria listed above, you will be placed on financial aid and/or academic warning for the following semester.
- If your status stays below satisfactory after the warning semester, you will be placed on financial aid and/or academic suspension.
- You have the ability to file an appeal. An email will be sent to your MWCC account with the appeal process.
- Please speak with your advisor during this process.
Review Your Financial Aid
- Log into iConnect
- Click on the WebConnect icon
- Click “Student and Financial Aid”
- Scroll down and click “Financial Aid”
- Click Award Information
- Click “Awards for the Year”
- Select the Academic Year from the drop-down menu and click Submit
- Click on Bookstore Payment Authorization Tab
- Read and then select Accept from the drop-down menu and click Submit Information.
- Review the information on the following tabs:
- General information about financial aid
- Bookstore Payment Authorization is required to use your financial aid at the campus Authorization must be given by adjusting the drop down menu.
- Award Overview is your financial aid award, including grants, loans, and tuition
- Accept Award Offer is required to accept student loans; follow directions listed in this
Need Help? Contact Financial Aid
- Email: financialaid@mwcc.mass.edu
- Call: 978-630-9169
- Visit: Room 164 at the Gardner Campus
Book Vouchers
Students who have Financial Aid awarded in excess of their tuition and fee charges can view their Bookstore Credit Eligibility on iConnect by following these online steps during the appropriate time frame below:
- Log into iConnect
- If you have a book voucher available, click on “You are eligible for a Bookstore Credit” and scroll down to see the amount of your credit.
- This voucher is not physical. Your refund information will be available at the bookstore.
Financial Aid Refund
If you continue to have excess Financial Aid after the book voucher period, you will receive a refund of those funds. To receive your refund, follow the steps below.
- Log onto iconnect.mwcc.edu
- Click on Pay My Bill (Navigation bar, top of the page)
- Choose BankMobile Refunds
- Note: You MUST select a preference in order to receive a timely refund
Pay Your Bill
- Bills are emailed to your MWCC account.
- Once you receive it, log into iConnect.
- Click the Pay My Bill button.
- Choose either "Make a Payment" or "Join the Payment Plan" and follow the instructions.
- Payment plans will automatically adjust if schedules are adjusted. Please be aware that if you add credits to your schedule after enrolling in the payment plan, your monthly payment amount will automatically increase.
Need Help?
Contact Student Accounts at 978-630-9386 or stop by room 165 in Gardner.
Changing Your Major
Either after performing a career assessment, or you have had a discussion about career and transfer goals with an advisor, you can change your major by completing a Program Change Form. All change forms are processed through the Advising, Career and Transfer Center. The Program Change Form can be accessed in iConnect.
Withdraw from a Course
You can only withdraw from a course by meeting with an Advisor.
Before speaking to an Advisor about Withdrawing:
- Speak with your instructor to see if you can raise your grade
- Attend tutoring for support
- Extra credit/ make up missed assignments
- Speak with Financial Aid about how this will impact your current bill and future financial
- Speak with an Advisor to withdraw and create a plan moving forward
Contact Us - We are here to help you along the way!
Admissions Tel: 978-630-9110 Email: admissions@mwcc.edu Web: mwcc.edu/admissions |
Records Tel: 978-630-9106 Email: records@mwcc.edu Web: mwcc.edu/records |
Advising/Transfer Gardner: 978-630-9109 Leominster: 978-630-9812 Devens: 978-630-9569 Email: advisor@mwcc.mass.edu Web: mwcc.edu/advising |
Student Accounts Tel: 978-630-9386 Email:studentaccounts@mwcc.mass.edu Web: mwcc.edu/accounts |
Visions/RX Tel: 978-630-9297 Web: mwcc.edu/trio |
Financial Aid Tel: 978-630-9169 Email: financialaid@mwcc.mass.edu Web: mwcc.edu/financial |
Tutoring and Academic Support Tel: 978-630-9333 Email: asc@mwcc.mass.edu Web: mwcc.edu/tutoring |
Student Services Tel: 978-630-9855 Web: mwcc.edu/support |
IT Help Desk Tel: 978-520-7129 Email: helpdesk@mwcc.edu |
Disability Services Tel: 978-630-9330 Email: alabarge@mwcc.mass.edu |
Blackboard Help Desk Tel: 866-520-7129 |
Bookstore Tel: 978-632-8238 |
Public Transportation: MART Buses Web: www.mrta.us |