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WINGS Dual Credit
(WIN by getting a Good Start)

Overview

Dual Credit, referred to as WINGS at North Idaho College, was created by the Idaho State Legislature in 1996 to provide an opportunity for eligible high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses and receive college credit while still enrolled in high school.

• Idaho Dual Credit Information [PDF]
• Idaho Participating Colleges/Universities Contact List [PDF]

Is WINGS a Good Choice for You?

To succeed in the WINGS program, you should have good study skills, self-discipline, and motivation. You’ll need the maturity and initiative to attend class and participate at the same level as regular college students. Dual credit has many benefits and variables that should be considered by both parents and students, such as:

• Taking college level classes through NIC gives you a wider selection of electives that may not be available at your high school.
• Having the opportunity to experience what college is like while still enrolled in high school. This can help make the transition from home to college easier and may assist in making future educational plans.
• Participating in a college atmosphere may help you excel in your educational pursuits.
• Completing most of the first year of college by the time you graduate from high school if you begin WINGS during your junior year.
• Saving money by paying a reduced tuition as a WINGS student. Ask your parents and high school counselors for help to decide if you should enroll in the program and begin your college “flight plan” today!

Important Items to Consider

Academics
North Idaho College offers many challenging classes, all taught at a faster pace than high school classes.

• NIC classes typically cover as much material in one semester as most high school classes cover in one year.
• Often, classes require up to two hours of out-of-class study, per course credit, per week.
• All WINGS grades become part of your permanent college transcript.
• You are also responsible for completing all high school graduation requirements.
• You’ll have the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree and high school diploma at the same time.

WINGS will definitely give you a “flying start” in pursuit of your future educational goals. Generally, the college credits that you earn will transfer to all other Idaho state public colleges and universities, according to the guidelines of those institutions. To be sure the courses you take will transfer, work with your advisor at NIC and the next institution you plan to attend.

Finances
You can save hundreds of dollars in tuition! Through WINGS, you can enroll in NIC college-level classes at a significantly reduced rate. You are responsible for the cost of books, supplies, non-course related fees, and transportation to and from college. NIC also requires parking permits. Fees are subject to change and financial aid is NOT available for WINGS students. North Idaho College offers a tuition payment plan for Fall and Spring Semesters. There is a $50 non-refundable fee to participate. For more information go to www.nic.edu/costs.

Personal
WINGS can open new and exciting frontiers in your academic, social, and personal life while you continue to participate in high school sports, music, clubs, or other extracurricular activities. However, you inevitably will miss some of the “high school experience” due to the extra time commitment added to take college courses.

Since NIC operates on a different calendar, college and high school holidays and vacation periods often differ. You’ll be expected to attend college classes even though your high school is not in session. And you’ll need to plan carefully to avoid conflicts with family and school activities. Because of this, it’s best to begin WINGS in the fall.

College Expectations
As a college student, you are expected to conduct yourself as a responsible adult as published in the Associated Students of North Idaho College Student Handbook. This includes, but is not limited to, attending class, seeking academic help, and addressing any problems you may have directly with your instructors.

It is also important for you and your parents to realize that your college classes may cover a wide variety of sensitive subjects, including sex, violence, and religion. Remember, WINGS is a college program.

North Idaho College is required by law to inform you of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which involves keeping student records confidential. Without your written permission, NIC won’t share your student records with anyone but you and appropriate college and high school representatives. Your parents cannot contact your instructors or advisors on your behalf. College instructors are not informed of your age or enrollment status. Further information is available from the Registrar’s Office at (208) 769-3320.

Are You Eligible for the WINGS Program?

The Idaho State Board of Education, in conjunction with North Idaho College, established the following guidelines to determine who is eligible to participate in WINGS*:

1. A 3.00 GPA is recommended.
2. Parent and high school counselor signatures are required on the completed registration form.
3. Be at least 16 years old (at start of semester), or have successfully completed at least one-half of the high school graduation requirements as certified by the high school.

*Any exception to the eligibility requirements for this program will be reviewed on an individual basis by the NIC Admissions Committee in conjunction with the appropriate division chair. Once accepted into the Dual Credit (WINGS) program, you may take any college-level class or program for which you have met the prerequisites. Admission into Dual Credit (WINGS) does not guarantee acceptance into specific classes/programs at NIC.

WINGS Options

There are several ways to attend:

• On NIC’s main campus;
• At an NIC Outreach Center in Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, or Kellogg;
• At an NIC class offered at your high school;
• At an NIC class delivered over the Internet or through interactive video.

Home School Students

If you are completing your secondary coursework in a home school program, you may participate in the Dual Credit (WINGS) program. A placement test is required and the COMPASS test is recommended. Contact NIC Admissions to determine the option best for you.

Parents: Please Note

Please read this entire pamphlet carefully and go to our website www.nic.edu for more details. Talk to your student’s high school teachers and advisors, as well as our college advisors (call (208) 769-7821) about whether Dual Credit is a good match for your son or daughter.

Above all else, please remember that as a Dual Credit student, your son or daughter is considered a regular college student responsible for his or her education. It is not appropriate for you to contact faculty on behalf of your daughter or son. Take into consideration the maturity level of your student. Some students who are academically ready may find the independence and the rate of college classes overwhelming and may benefit from remaining in high school classes.

In summary, if you feel any aspects of WINGS are unacceptable, then it is not the right program for you or your family. However, if you feel your student would flourish in a college environment, encourage him or her to apply today!

What Else Should I Know?

• Make sure you give a copy of your registration form to your high school counselor.
• Transcripts with final grades will be sent to your high school at the conclusion of each semester.
• Registration for dual credit is only valid for one semester at a time. You must submit a new registration form for each semester.
• If you skip a Fall or Spring Semester at NIC you must submit a new Application for Admission to reactivate your file.
• WINGS and Tech Prep courses are funded differently.

Student Responsibilities

• You are encouraged to see your high school counselor before registering. Assistance can be provided concerning which
  classes will fulfill Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree requirements, which courses are needed for
  the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or Certificate of Completion class requirements, and which classes are
  needed for possible transfer to a baccalaureate institution.
• You will be expected to meet class deadlines, be prepared for class, ask questions, and conduct yourself as a responsible adult.
• The first day of class you will receive a syllabus that provides the instructor’s name, office phone number, office hours,
  expectations of the class, dates and times when assignments are due, and when tests will be given. Additionally, all
  instructors post their office hours outside of their office so that you will know when they will be available for help or
  discussion. (Interactive video and Internet instructors provide other methods for student meetings.)
• When you are on campus, you are a “regular” NIC student. Instructors will expect the same level of classroom participation
  and quality of work from you as they do from other college students.

Helpful Tips for Dual Credit Success

• Class Pace: The rate at which college classes are taught is much faster than high school. For example, a high school
  math class usually taught through the school year will be taught in one semester at NIC! There is very little time for
  instructors to stop and review lessons for students who do not understand the material or who were absent from class.
  However, NIC instructors will encourage you to meet with them for help.
• Homework: Generally, college classes demand an average of at least two hours of homework for each hour of
  class. There will not be classroom time to complete homework.
• Attendance: Studies show that students who attend class regularly are more successful and are aware of instructor
  expectations. It is your responsibility to be prepared each day for class and to meet all deadlines. Most NIC instructors
  have attendance policies.
• Class Participation: Some instructors may require students to participate in classroom discussions. Your classmates can range in age from 16 to 80. Be prepared for a variety of opinions and issues to be discussed.
• Grade Reports: Mid-term and semester grades are available online through your MyNIC account.
• NIC Transcripts: When you register for an NIC class, an NIC transcript is automatically generated and then sent to your high school to ensure that you get high school credit. Please note: If you have a financial obligation to NIC (library or parking fines, etc), your transcript will be held. If you wish to obtain a copy of your transcript, complete a transcript request form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office.
• Academic Records: All classes, regardless of the grade received, will be recorded on an NIC transcript. The grade reported is part of your permanent college record. If you plan to apply to another college, list NIC as a college attended on your application and request that an official transcript is sent from NIC to verify previous college work.
• Academic Standards: All students enrolled as a Dual Credit student must satisfy the NIC Academic Probation, Suspension, and Disqualification Policy described in the NIC catalog or the student handbook.
• Cost: Tuition and fees are paid by the student. Check with the NIC Admissions Office for the exact costs. You will also be required to purchase your own textbook and supplies.
• Parking: If participating in on-campus classes, parking permits are required for on-campus lots. Parking permits may be purchased at the Office of Campus Safety on River Avenue. Permits are not required for parking after 5 p.m. or on weekends.
• Parent's Access to Records: North Idaho College follows federal guidelines (FERPA-Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) concerning access to student records. Further information is available from the Registrar’s Office at (208) 769-3320.
• Free Tutoring Available: The Peer Tutoring Center is located in the College Skills Center in Lee-Kildow Hall and offers two hours of free tutoring per subject per week. Tutoring in every subject exists as long as tutors are available. Tutoring is facilitated by a student who has earned an A or B in that subject area. For more information call (208) 769-3206.

Course Schedule Changes (Add/Drop)

The add/drop period allows students to add classes on a space-available basis or drop classes without transcript notation. The add/drop period for full-length classes is the first four days of the Fall and Spring Semesters and the first two days of Summer Session. To make a schedule change, meet with your high school counselor, have an Add/Drop form signed, and return the form to the Registrar’s Office for processing.

Withdrawal from Individual Courses

To withdraw from a course, a student must complete a Course Withdrawal Form and return it to the Registrar’s Office or appropriate high school counselor’s office so it can be forwarded to the Registrar’s Office for processing. Final withdrawal dates are published on the college calendar which can be found in the catalog, the class schedule, or on NIC’s web page. After the final withdrawal date, a student may not withdraw from class. A student who withdraws officially from a course by 5 p.m. of the last day for withdrawal will receive a grade of “W,” which will be recorded on the student’s transcript. Withdrawal from short-term classes (classes less than 15-weeks in length) must be completed within the first half of the total class sessions; i.e. the deadline for withdrawal from a course that consists of eight sessions would be 5 p.m. on the date of the fourth session. Withdrawals from Summer Session are permitted through the first day of the sixth week. Students who stop attending a class for which they have registered and for which they have not officially withdrawn may receive a grade of “F.”

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