MCC has decided to do away with all the paperwork and long lines that are usually associated with enrolling in classes. From now on students can fill out all they need to online and at home.

Most students are already familiar with the Metrolink enrollment/payment option, but now it has become a mandatory, major step in enrollment. After a year-long process review and some extensive research, the decision was made to ditch the old paper forms and rely solely on Metrolink. Beginning with the upcoming spring semester, students must get online to enroll.

"We took apart every procedure and process that student services does and looked at if it was helpful, if it was working, everything about it. After that process review we went to different colleges either online, or by phone, and talked to them about the best practices," explained Associate Dean of Student Services, Carroll O'Neal. "I guess we decided after talking with about 10-15 schools what was the best practice for us."

What was the best practice for MCC? Moreover, what have become of the paper enrollment forms that were being pushed last semester? "Most schools are allowing students to enroll themselves," O'Neal said. "We decided that we would try that and see if students liked that better. There was no reason to have an enrollment form if we weren't going to be doing the enrollment. So, we got rid of that piece of paper and saved a few trees."

As time-efficient and eco-friendly as Metrolink enrollment is, there was a minor glitch at the beginning of the semester. "I think the first day, which was November 5, we were all a little concerned and wanted to make sure that it really was working," O'Neal recalled. "In the past you had to have an appointment that was randomly assigned, on Metrolink, to get in early."

O'Neal explained, "This time we did away with those appointments so that anybody could log onto Metrolink at any time. It worked well, except we brought down the system because there were too many people trying to get on to it. Once we got that fixed it started working pretty good, but that was about 10:30 that first morning. We're hoping that the next time that won't happen, though."

Metrolink is accessible to all students in good standing with MCC. Meaning that if you're trying to skip out on an overdue library book, or you haven't finished paying for a previous semester, then you will not be able to enroll in any MCC classes. Also, International students have to meet with someone to enroll so that MCC can make sure all INS regulations are being met.

"For the most part, students are allowed to use it, and I think they enjoy that. They don't have to wait around; if they want to see a counselor or advisor they can, but they don't have to. I always strongly encourage students to look at their degree audit - which they can bring up [online]- and it shows if you've declared a degree, what classes you need to take, what you've already completed," O'Neal stated. "It's pretty simple."

Even though the visit to Counseling and Advising is completely left up to the student, O'Neal hopes that new students will still go through that step. "I would like to see them on campus, to maybe sit down with a counselor or advisor and talk about their situation. I think a lot of students who don't talk to someone have an unrealistic view of what they can do that first semester.

"[What if] they work forty hours, they're getting ready to take fifteen hours, and they don't have anyone to watch their three children at home?" O'Neal said.

"There are all those things that need to be thought about before they enroll. I would like to hope that they'll come to campus, but we don't know that. I would feel more comfortable if students would talk to a counselor or advisor."

Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College