Moraine Valley Community College

New Student Resources

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Academic Advisor: An advisor will assist you with selecting courses based on your educational and career goals. Will work with you on locating and using transfer resources and making sure you are on track to completing your degree or certificate.

Career Program: An Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or certificate that is focused on a career area such as nursing, welding, culinary arts and many others. A.A.S. degrees and certificates usually are not intended for transfer to a four-year university.

Counselor: A counselor provides educational, career and personal counseling services to students by helping you explore, establish and work toward goals in these three areas. All counselors have master’s degrees in either counseling or social work, and are trained to help students with related concerns.

Credit Hour: The amount of credit you receive for completing
a course, which generally relates to the amount of time spent
in course instruction. A course that meets three times per week
for 50 minutes each session is usually a three-credit-hour course.

Drop: The option the student has to remove themselves from the
class by the published deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility
to drop a course by the published deadlines. Courses dropped within the refund period will not appear on your record. No-shows do not constitute a drop. Course length determines the number of calendar days allowed to drop a class in order to receive 100% refund. 

Elective Courses: These courses give students flexibility to take
additional hours in preparation for transfer, and are very flexible
to meet degree/transfer requirements and/or personal interests.

General Education Courses: “Gen Eds” make up a core of courses that help ensure students have broad knowledge across disciplines such as composition, mathematics, sciences, humanities and fine arts, and social and behavioral sciences.

General Studies Degree: The college has an Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.) degree, which offers flexibility in course selection, but is not intended for transfer. Before choosing this degree, it is recommended to meet with an academic advisor.
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) An initiative of the Illinois
Board of Higher Education and Illinois Community College Board
to make it easier to transfer approved Gen Ed courses to over 100 participating colleges and universities throughout the state.

Prerequisite: A course or placement requirement that must be
completed before a student can take a higher-level course.
For example, students must complete COM-101 before they can
take COM-102.

Section: All courses have a three-digit section number.
For example, the College 101 course for new students would have a section number indicated by the number signs: COL-101-###. The course section number relates to specific class details such as meeting time, days, location and instructor.

Transfer Program: An Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in
Science (A.S.), Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.) or
Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree. These programs are intended or students who will transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Transfer-oriented students should meet with an academic advisor every semester to review the correct courses for their intended transfer university and program.

Undecided: To be undecided means to be uncertain of what
program of study to focus on. This can range from being completely unsure of what you want to pursue, to trying to decide among a few options, to having doubts about your chosen program.

Withdrawal: Once a student has withdrawn from a course, they
will no longer be allowed to attend class. All withdrawals are final.
Once a student has withdrawn, a grade of “W” will appear on the
official transcript. This grade does not affect the student’s GPA. A student who does not officially withdraw may receive a grade of “F.” This grade will become a part of the student’s permanent record. The student remains responsible for all tuition and fees related to the course. See the “Guidelines for Withdrawal” and “Administrative Withdrawal Policy” below. 

Canvas
This online learning management tool connects students to their
classes. You can find class announcements and a course syllabus.
You also can download and/or submit assignments if required
by the instructor.

How to Access Canvas
» Go to canvas.morainevalley.edu
» Log in with username and password
» Select Students page

MVConnect
This is the college’s online student portal where you will find
important information about registration, academic planning,
financial aid, and more. Be sure to visit it often!
MVConnect.morainevalley.edu

Student Email
Students must use their Moraine Valley email address.
You are required to use and regularly check your college-issued
email address for communication with instructors and staff,
so they easily will be able to distinguish a student’s email
from spam. Email addresses are generated once new students apply.

Your username and password will be printed on the welcome letter you received in the mail.
morainevalley.edu/studentemail

Student Planner
This online resource lets you see your progress toward completing the degree or certificate program you are pursuing
at a glance.

How to Access Student Planner
Go to MVConnect.morainevalley.edu
» Log in with username and password
» Select Student Planning under Self-Service
» Select Student Planning
» Select “Go to Plan & Schedule”

Learn More about Student Planner
Go to MVConnect.morainevalley.edu
» Log in with username and password
» Select Resources under Students
» Select Academic Services, Academic Advising,
then Student Planner

For assistance with any online tools, contact the IT Help Desk,
Building T, Room T520 | (708) 608-HELP (4357)
Download our mobile app.
» Search for sections
» Register for classes
» View your grades
Available on the Apple and Google Play stores.

Academic Advising Center

(708) 974-5721

Building S, Room S201

morainevalley.edu/academicadvising

Admissions

(708) 974-5355

Building S, Room S101

morainevalley.edu/admissions

Athletics

(708) 974-5727

Building H, Room H120

mvcyclones.com

Bookstore

(708) 974-5716

Building D, Room D144

books.morainevalley.edu

Cashier

(708) 974-5715

Building S, Room S105

morainevalley.edu/tuition

Center for Disability Services

(708) 974-5711

Building S, Room S114

morainevalley.edu/cds

Code of Conduct

(708) 974-5390

Building U, Room U115

morainevalley.edu/conduct

COL-101

(708) 608-4322

Building G, Room G264

morainevalley.edu/COL-101

Counseling and Career Development Center

(708) 974-5722

Building S, Room S202

morainevalley.edu/counseling

Financial Aid

(708) 974-5726

Building S, Room S107

morainevalley.edu/financialaid

Financial Info

First-time financial aid applicants are encouraged to learn more regarding their rights and responsibilities as it pertains to receiving financial aid at Moraine Valley Community College through our online course: Paying for College. The engaging course is comprised of a series of mini- modules covering topics such as types of financial aid, understanding financial need, satisfactory academic progress, and dealing with not enough aid. Once students turn in all of their required documents to our Financial Aid Office, students will receive access to complete the course.

For additional information, visit morainevalley.edu/financial-lit

Moraine Valley is the only institution in Illinois to offer the MOPAR Career Automotive Program (Mopar CAP), providing valuable internship experience and manufacturer-specific training.

Students who complete the program will have a solid foundation for a career at a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM dealership. The training gives you hands-on experience with Mopar tools and software so you’re prepared to work in a dealership or certified repair shop.

Program Highlights

  • Hands-on training in Moraine Valley’s state-of-the-art automotive labs
  • Specialized coursework aligned with Stellantis standards
  • Flexible schedules designed for working technicians
  • Learn from factory-trained instructors and network with industry professionals
  • Pathway to ASE certifications and MOPAR Level 2 Technician status

The Department of Education will not pay for courses that do not count toward completing your degree or certificate.
Those courses also cannot be used to determine your enrollment status unless they are eligible remedial courses.
Therefore, Moraine Valley can only award Federal Title IV aid for the credits needed for fulfill your program of study requirements.

Requirements to Keep Your Financial Aid
Students must meet the standards outlined in the college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
1. Cumulative GPA is a minimum 2.0 or higher.
2. Cumulative completion rate is a minimum 67 percent or higher.
3. Completion of program within 150 percent maximum timeframe allowed.
Failure to meet any or all of these requirements will result in being placed on Financial Aid Warning for the first violation
(unless otherwise noted) and Financial Aid Termination/Suspension for any violation thereafter.

Will withdrawing from a course affect my financial aid status?
It can. Withdrawals do not count against your GPA but will affect your completion percentage.

If I get on Financial Aid Warning and take corrective actions, will I remain on Financial Aid Warning?
No. If you meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards at the end of your next period of enrollment, you will return to
a Satisfactory status.

Do I need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year?
Yes. You only need to complete the application once per year as soon as possible after Oct. 1, preceding the academic year.
The application is good for the academic year specified on completed application.

Note: Completing the FAFSA application does not guarantee financial aid completion. This is only the first step. Please check your Moraine Valley student portal for your
financial aid checklist.

Contact the Financial Aid Office with questions specific to your situation.

Building S, Room S107 | (708) 974-5726 morainevalley.edu/financialaid

Advisor Support

Meet with an advisor at least once per semester to plan your classes, stay on track, and avoid surprises.
Academic Advising Office, Building S, Room S201 | (708) 974-5721
morainevalley.edu/academicadvising
Academic Advising
Whether you’re planning to transfer or enrolling in one of our career programs, Academic Advising can help plan your educational future.
Meet with an advisor to get help. Advisors are here to:
» Assist in selecting courses based on educational and career goals
» Make sure you are on track for completing your degree or certificate.
» Review and help to understand programs of study
» Review special admission programs’ admission requirements (Nursing, Radiologic Technology, etc.)
» Direct you to information about transfer programs
» Teach you to utilize resources available to achieve degree completion
Students are responsible for decisions made during the advising process. It is your responsibility to meet with an advisor if your academic plans change.
Contact Advising
» By phone – (708) 974-5721
» By email – advising@morainevalley.edu.
» In person – check out our hours at morainevalley.edu/advising
» Through our Services Request Form  morainevalley.edu/advisingrequest

For additional information, visit morainevalley.edu/financial-lit

Policies

The college values regular class attendance as an essential component contributing to the learning process and therefore expects students to attend all class meetings of each course for which they are registered. The attendance policy of each instructor is included in the course syllabus distributed by the instructor on the first day of class. Compliance with each instructor’s attendance policy is the student’s responsibility.

(SOAP)
To promote academic progress, SOAP standards are applied to all students taking credit and developmental courses. GPAs and credit hours include grades earned in all college credit and developmental courses. Your SOAP GPA may differ from the semester grade report and transcript GPA. SOAP statuses are designed to prevent students who are struggling academically from registering until they develop appropriate success strategies with a counselor.

(FERPA)
As a college student, all information, records and correspondence are directed only to you as the student according to FERPA. Therefore, prior written consent from the student must be obtained before information may be disclosed to a third party. Additional information about FERPA can be reviewed in the college catalog or may be obtained from

Registration in Building S, Room S103 | (708) 974-2110.

As of April 2019, all ACT, SAT, and placement test scores are considered valid for a maximum of 18 months from the date the test was taken.

Each student is expected to be honest in his or her class work. The college regards cheating or plagiarism in the classroom, Testing Services, laboratories, and on assignments or examinations is a serious offense. Instructors at the college will clearly state their cheating or plagiarism policies and penalties in their course syllabi. The penalty may include a grade of “F” being entered for the student for the course. All incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the appropriate subdivision office using the official academic dishonesty form. Multiple violations of the Code of Academic Integrity will result in progressive action, as outlined in the college catalog.

The Code of Student Conduct (“the Code”) defines the standards of conduct and establishes procedures to provide a full and fair opportunity for review of alleged student misconduct. The Code reasonably limits some activities and prohibits certain behaviors, which could interfere with the orderly operation of the college and the pursuit of its goals. Each student is responsible for knowledge of and compliance with the Code. The college further recognizes each student’s right to procedural due process, including notice and a fair hearing. The

Code is available in hard copy in the Student Life
Office in Building U, Room U115, or online on the student portal.
morainevalley.edu/conduct

As of January 2016, students have six years from the semester of first enrollment to complete their program of study. If not completed within this timeframe, students will need to complete their studies under a newer, non-expired catalog. Students who have a break in enrollment of six or more semesters must follow the Readmission Policy found in the catalog. Additional information about college policies may be found in the college catalog.
morainevalley.edu/catalog

Students considering withdrawing from a course should speak with an advisor or counselor as early as possible to review all options.

Every course has its own withdrawal date. Students who have

holds on their record are not permitted to withdraw from courses online. They must either call or visit the Registration Office

during business hours to withdraw from a course. The deadline dates apply regardless of any holds students may have that prevent them from withdrawing online. Students with no holds may officially withdraw online.

Once a student has withdrawn from a course, he/she will no longer be allowed to attend class. All withdrawals are final. Once a student has withdrawn, a grade of “W” will appear on the official transcript. This grade does not affect the student’s GPA. A student who does not officially withdraw may receive a grade of “F.” This grade will become a part of the student’s permanent record. The student remains responsible for all tuition and fees related to the course. Withdrawing also may have negative implications to your financial aid. You can find specific withdrawal dates at the program portal.

After the tuition refund period, students may withdraw from courses by processing a Withdrawal Form during regular office hours through the Registration Office in Building S, Room S103,
by phone at (708) 974-2110, or by accessing their academic record through the student portal. MVConnect.morainevalley.edu

It is the student’s responsibility to drop a course by the published deadlines. Courses dropped within the refund period will not appear on your record. Course length determines the number of calendar days allowed to drop a class in order to receive a 100 percent refund. No-shows do not constitute a drop. Students enrolled in a class that is cancelled by the college will receive a full refund.

Questions about refund deadlines for specific classes/sections can be directed to the Cashier’s Office at (708) 974-5715.

See full details at morainevalley.edu/tuition

Moraine Valley Community College has the right to institutionally drop students for non-attendance. Students who are reported at the Financial Aid Census/Attendance date by their instructors as non- attending will be institutionally dropped from those courses. The course that is Institutionally Dropped will not be reflected on the student’s final transcript, and charges for the course will be reversed. Students who are receiving financial aid may have their aid impacted by courses being institutionally dropped. Institutional Drop policy was instituted Fall 2022 will not retroactively considered. Requests to petition for an Institutional drop due to Non-Attendance must be submitted within 60 calendar days after the end of the semester in which the institutional drop is requested.

To learn more, please visit the page below:
morainevalley.edu/admissions/contact/policies-and-forms

Campus Resources

The Center for Disability Services serves students with documented disabilities who require our services. The center ensures equal access to students with disabilities to all college programs and to promote student independence and self-advocacy.

Building S, Room 114 | (708) 974-5711 morainevalley.edu/cds

See the latest options at morainevalley.edu/food

Al-Hamawi Café
Middle Eastern Tea, Coffee and snacks | Building G

Country House at Café Moraine
and Elixir Coffee Shop
The college’s main cafeteria | Building U

Donut Dudes Café
Coffee, tea, donuts | Building L, Library

The White Sheep Café
Coffee, tea, salads, and more | Building C, D, and H

As a Moraine Valley student, you receive discounted memberships at the Health, Fitness & Recreation Center, also known as the FitRec. FitRec membership is free for full-time students. Part-time students pay a reduced rate per semester and during the summer. The center offers top-of-the-line equipment; classes such as Zumba, yoga and cycling; a pool; a three-court field house; and more.

Building H | (708) 608-4000
See FitRec memberships at morainevalley.edu/fitrec

Part-time students taking PEH activity classes in Building H must pay the per-semester access fee in person at Building H.

Resources for research, comfortable study areas, public computers and friendly staff to help you.
Building L, Room L211 | (708) 974-5235 lib.morainevalley.edu

More than 200 scholarships are available to Moraine Valley
students through the Moraine Valley Community College
Foundation. There are two types of scholarships:
Merit-based scholarships: for excellence in a certain subject
or field of study. Need-based scholarships: given to students who meet a certain criteria and have a financial need.

Scholarship applications can be viewed at morainevalley.edu/scholarships

Your one-stop shop for textbooks, textbook rentals, e-books
and supplies. Guaranteed competitive pricing. Free shipping on online textbook orders.

Building D, first floor | (708) 974-5716
Check hours outside store and on the website.

Order books online books.morainevalley.edu

Join a club or organization, attend fun special events,
enhance your leadership skills, and make new friends.

Building U
morainevalley.edu/studentlife

The Tutoring Center provides free learning support
for all students enrolled in Moraine Valley courses. Studies
show that students who seek tutoring are much more likely
to achieve a higher grade on their coursework. Free tutoring
is available in a variety of subjects to help you reach your
full potential. (708) 974-5746
morainevalley.edu/tutoring