If you are reading this page, then you're already halfway to being enrolled in the fall semester here at MCC - Penn Valley.

If you're a first-time student, the enrollment process may be to you one of the more daunting experiences associated with college. But, with the advancements of the Pentium age, the amicable staff within the walls of Penn Valley, and a little gumption on the part of you the enroller, the process can be extremely effortless.

And just to prove it, Spectrum will walk you through it. We'll even hold your hand.

The very first step is, of course, the application. Since the dawn of time, prospective students have had to lug their cumbersome high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores all the way to the Administration office, most times uphill and sometimes in the snow, only to wait in long lines under horrifying halogens.

Today, however, the application process is available completely online. No more the need to venture out in the elements. Now you can apply to college whilst sipping a juice-box from the comforts of your own PC. Simply type the address: metrolink.mcckc.edu into your browser and, like magic, you're there. (The link might not work until May 7.)

Wait, no access to a high-speed connection? No problem.

MCC - PV offers easy access to a number of computers on campus, from those in the computer lab (located in the Humanities Building) to a handful in the library (just off the Campus Center), to name only a few. These computers may not offer the same creature comforts as home, but you'll always have a doting area attendant to help with any unforeseen obstructions.

Applying via the internet is substantially more efficient than in person. In fact, notification of acceptance is much quicker - generally 24 hours - as opposed to roughly a week of processing time when done in person. (Transcripts and test scores then need only be sent to the Student Data Center. See address at the bottom of this page.)

Of course, the option of applying in person is still very much available to students who appreciate some one-on-one time with the staff. In fact, Mrs. Mary Davis in the Admissions Center will take extra-good care of any eager frosh, although she too is an avid supporter of valuable resources such as the internet.

"The most important thing about college is using the resources. If you plan on being successful, plan on using every resource available to you," says Davis.

Mikyong Kim in the Business and Registration Office is more than willing to assist those students "not patient with the internet." She and the team of simpatico aids handle payment transactions, as well as enrolling or dropping classes for students.

Ultimately, the goal of the application is for the student to get their hands on their very own student ID number. This is the key to the kingdom. With a student ID number, one can log onto the MetroLink system, add and drop classes, apply for financial aid, make payments (or set up a payment plan) for classes, and, who knows? probably order room service, all at the strike of a key.

An important fact and probably the only thing not available over the internet: all first-time students are required to take a placement test if coming to MCC - PV without any college-level English or math classes. One can submit ACT or SAT test scores to the Testing Center for review, and possibly be excused from the English portion based on that review. (For more information on the Testing Center, see information at the bottom of the page.)

After placement screening, any academic endeavor should resume only after a trip to the Student Development Center, which is located on the second level of the Campus Center in the northwest corner of the building.

Here, future and current students have access to advising and counseling, a Career Center, and Project Success, as well as an array of programs to help you zero in on a path through academia. Instead of aimlessly drifting through the core curriculum, advisors can help students make a beeline straight to a career or a dream job.

And finally, all students must pass through the Office of Public Safety for a free parking pass. Unlike most schools, MCCPV offers free parking to students and staff under the stipulation that they register their car and display the decal in the car window. While the parking pass is free, parking infractions can cost $25.

Public safety officer Jim Hughes takes his position at this "regionally famous child development institute" very seriously. The passes are as much for order as they are for protection. "We have 'babies' to protect," says Hughes, "and the passes expire after about four semesters," so make getting one a priority, then set it and forget it.

If you intend to drive to the campus, familiarize yourself with the parking garage hours, so as to preclude any lock-out mishaps. If you ride the bus, there are several stops close to and around the campus. Bus schedules are available in the library as well, to help students plot out the most direct route.

Now that you have the totem of priorities, you'll need those way-off dates that will inevitably sneak up on you. Registration for the fall semester began April 9 and goes through August 14. The first day of evening classes is August 20, while day classes begin August 21.

For more information about the fall semester, or MCC in general, visit the link: About MCC on the Spectrum front page. Also, you can find more information on campus operation hours at the bottom of the page.

MCC - Penn Valley: (816)759-4000
3201 Southwest Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64111

Computer Lab: (816)759-4094 (open M-TH 7:15am-9:45pm, F 7:15am-1:15pm, and Sat 8am-1pm)
Library: (816)759-4080 (open M-TH 8am-8pm, F 8am-3pm, and Sat8am-1pm)
Business/Cashier's Office: (816)759-4020 (open M-TH 8am-6:30pm and F 8am-4:30pm)
Academic Advising (located in the Student Development Center): (816)759-4077 (Open M-TH 8am-6pm and F 8am-4:30pm)
Testing Center: (816)759-4433 (Open M-TH 8am-6:30pm and F 8am-4:30pm)
Garage Hours: Closed M-TH 11pm-6am, F 6pm-6am, Sat 6pm, and on Sundays.

Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College