Registration Procedures

Ready to register for classes at ECC?

Getting Started

• Go to the AccessECC link and log in to the student portal to get started.
• Find the Self-service app with a compass icon.
• Go to Academic Planning and Registration > Go to Plan & Schedule.
• Get started selecting your classes.

Here's what you need to know about our procedures:

Academic Load

Your academic class load refers to how many credit hours you're taking.

• A full-time class load is 12 or more credit hours (or six or more in summer).
• A part-time class load is less than 12 credit hours (less than six in the summer).

If you want to enroll in more than 18 credit hours, you must obtain approval from an ECC academic advisor before registering.

Attendance Procedures

Students are expected to attend all classes they are enrolled in and be aware of the attendance policy of each class. Under no circumstances should a student stop attending class without formally withdrawing. This can result in a failing grade on the student's permanent record. Attendance at the first class is expected. Registered students who do not attend the first day and do not contact the instructor may be dropped from the class for non-attendance.

Extended Absence Notification for Students

The Office of the Dean of Students and Development may assist students who experience a family or personal emergency that will result in an absence from classes for more than three consecutive class sessions (e.g., death in the family, unplanned hospitalization, etc.) by notifying the student's instructors via email. Students can email the dean at deanofstudentservices@elgin.edu.

Extra and Co-curricular Mandatory Attendance Policy

Instructors may require that students attend extra- or co-curricular activities related to class work.

Class Cancellations

The college reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet minimum enrollment standards. Students will receive full refunds for classes canceled due to low enrollment.

Class Prerequisites

You must meet all prerequisites and minimum competencies for each class in order to be able to register. We encourage you to meet with your advisor to ensure you register for appropriate classes.

College Closure

The college reserves the right to cancel classes due to unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather. The college uses Rave Alert to contact you.

Course Audit and Pass/No Credit

If you'd like to receive credit for a class without the pressure of earning a top grade, you might consider auditing or taking it on a pass/no credit basis. It's a great way to learn something new without the pressure of assignments and tests—but keep in mind that audited classes don't count toward your degree requirements—review course auditing procedures for more information.

• If you want to change the status of a class from credit to audit or vice versa, you must do so within the drop grace period by submitting the form in person at the Registration Office.
• You can designate a class as pass/no credit until the end of the drop grace period by completing the pass/no credit form and submitting it in person to the Registration Office.

Course Retake

If you're not satisfied with your grades in a class, you may be able to retake the class to get a higher grade. You'll have to satisfy certain conditions, and you should be aware that some four-year institutions don't honor ECC's retake policy. Meet with an academic advisor to discuss your options. Find more information in Administrative Procedure 1.203 Course Retake.

Placement Test Appeals

Placement tests in English and math can help you choose the right classes by assessing your skill levels. The Testing Center offers workshops and practice tests to help you prepare for placement exams. If you're not happy with your scores, you may retake the tests with the approval of the relevant department. If unsatisfied, review the placement test appeal procedure for more information.

Schedule Changes and Class Withdrawals

If you want to add or drop a class after registration, visit the accessECC portal or the Registration Office. Review our withdrawal procedures for additional information on the impact of dropping your class the refund policy.

If you intend to withdraw from a class, don't just stop attending class. Drop your class online or in person in the registration office. 

Before dropping any classes, you should talk to the following:

• Your instructor. Discuss your concerns and explore your options.
• The Financial Aid Office. If you receive financial aid, ensure you understand the potential impact on your benefits. Students receiving financial aid must contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships office whenever they change their class schedule.
• Your academic advisor. Your advisor will determine how dropping a class might affect your academic plan and career goals.

Review the schedule changes and course withdrawals procedure for more information.

Student Residency

Tuition rates are based on student residency. See District 509 to learn about the communities we serve. For additional details about residency definitions and requirements, review the student residency procedure for more information.

Student Waitlist Registration

If the class section you want to take is full, add yourself to a waitlist in case a spot in that class becomes available. Here's what you need to know.

• Join a class waitlist.
• If space in the class becomes available, we'll notify you via your ECC student email. You can also check the accessECC portal. Need login help? View login instructions.
• While on the waitlist, you're not enrolled in the class, so you won't have to pay tuition or fees. You can't attend class, either.
• If a spot hasn't opened up by the day after the payment due date for the semester, the waiting list is discontinued. You'll have to find a different class or check to see if space becomes available during registration.

Review student waitlist registration procedures for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions by browsing our FAQ. Search admissions FAQ.