John Wood Community College

What if I have a disability?

Students with disabling conditions who require special assistance should contact the Support Services Center on the main campus at (217) 641- 4343 {TDD: (217) 224-4309}. Documentation of the disability will be required. Students bear the responsibility of providing recent documentation that appropriately verifies eligibility and supports requests for accommodations, academic adjustments and /or auxiliary aids. Appointments need to be arranged at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes to allow for the arrangement of appropriate adjustments.

Can I get financial aid if I enroll in Open Learning courses?

Yes, if you are pursuing a degree or certificate in an eligible program, financial aid may be a possibility for you. For information regarding financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office. The office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or evenings/weekends by appointment. Call 641-4312 to arrange an appointment. Since it may take weeks to determine your eligibility, we recommend that you visit with an Admissions officer and a financial aid advisor prior to registration.

The Financial Aid Office staff will verify that students enrolled in Open Learning course are making progress in registered classes before funds are disbursed. For financial aid purposes, satisfactory progress is defined as 50 percent of the attempted coursework each term receives a passing grade. W’s (withdrawals), I’s (incompletes), F’s (failures), and IP’s (in progress) are not considered passing grades.

Students who attempt Open Learning coursework and have not completed course requirements at the conclusion of the structured semester are given an interim grade of "In Progress" (IP). Any IP grades that remain for two semesters after the initial registration will be considered non-passing grades and may impact your financial aid award if satisfactory academic progress is not attained.

Additionally, all students are required to meet a minimum cumulative grade point average as determined by the following chart:

After 09 hours of coursework have been attempted	1.51
After 20 hours of coursework have been attempted	1.61
After 30 hours of coursework have been attempted	1.75
After 40 hours of coursework have been attempted	1.85
After 50 hours of coursework have been attempted	2.00

Where do I find resource materials for my courses?

The main JWCC library is located in the upper level of the Learning Center building, on the 48th and Harrison campus. If our library does not have what you need, an interlibrary loan service is available. The World Wide Web is also available on computers in the academic support center.

Videotapes are available in several disciplines. Depending on the course, you may check them out on reserve or view them at home.

Various computer resources are available for you. You may use Academic Support Center labs to do word processing, work on spreadsheets, and view or work with the instructional multimedia materials that may apply to your coursework. Additional instructions and rules for use of these resources are found on the JWCC web site.

How can I express my concerns and needs related to the Open Learning Instruction?

Students are encouraged to express concerns to their instructor, department chairperson or the appropriate Dean. You may also discuss any problems or concerns with a counselor.

Are there requirements for veterans receiving VA benefits?

You must finish all courses that you start. Inform the Veterans Affairs Officer of all changes in your classes. Regular attendance is required. You are liable for all overpayments from the Veteran's Administration. Up to one-half of your course load may be taken in as open learning courses or payment for open learning courses may be made after you complete the course. Recipients of Illinois Veterans Grant or Illinois National Guard Grant should meet with a financial aid representative before commencing studies.

Am I a JWCC student if I am only enrolled in Open Learning courses?

Yes! You may participate in any and all student activities because you ARE a JWCC student. Access to some activities requires that you show a JWCC student ID. Get your student ID from the Enrollment services office or the reception desk.

How does the Student Government Association relate to me?

As a student, you are a member of the student body. Student Government Association (SGA) senators represent you. In fact, you may wish to run for office! You may join and participate in any and all SGA student body functions, assemblies and activities. Many different interest and activity groups are available.

May I keep my child with me while I study?

Given the nature of the college learning environment, children should not be brought into the Academic Support Center, the testing room or JWCC computer labs.

I have questions about career paths and occupational choices. Who do I call?

You should make an appointment in the Career Services office, ext. 4355, or go to the Career Services office on the Quincy campus to schedule an appointment. There is also a part-time career counselor available at the Pittsfield Education Center. Call 285-5319 or visit the PEC to make an appointment.

Where can I eat and relax?

The cafeteria is on the lower level of the Student/Administration building. The college bookstore, adjacent to the cafeteria also carries snacks, clothing, study materials, and many other items. In addition, vending machines with snacks and drinks are available at the bottom of the open stairway at all times the campus is open. If you have any problems with the machines, please report them to the Business Office. Please help keep the cafeteria/lounge clean.

Where do I park?

Parking is free to JWCC students. At the 48th and Harrison campus, you may park in the west lot. (Parking east of the building is by permit only) Parking is also free and easily found at the Pittsfield Education Center and at the DOT Foods Learning Center. Parking laws are enforced on JWCC property: Illegal parking may result in parking tickets.