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Petition Process
Why did WCTC implement the petition process?
The wait list process was not an effective way for WCTC to identify students who are prepared to begin core courses.
What are CORE courses?
Core courses can be both theory and clinical courses or just clinical courses depending on your program. They all have a course number which begins with following 508-XXX (DH), 509-XXX (MA), and 512-XXX (ST).
Will WCTC continue to maintain wait lists for its programs?
NO! Students will be required to submit a petition packet and signed Petition Form indicating their readiness to begin the core courses. This puts the student in charge of guiding their educational process. The Petition Form will be available on the WCTC web-site one week prior to the petition window.
There will be one petition window every year:1-25-2010 through 2-8-2010
Do I need to submit a petition form if I was previously on a wait list?
YES! All students ready to begin core courses will need to submit a petition packet.
Can students defer their acceptance to the core courses?
NO! Only students who are prepared to begin core courses should submit a petition packet. If a student’s petition is accepted and they chose not to begin, their petition will be voided. They MUST submit a new petition packet, during a petition window, when they are ready to enter. All petition documents are destroyed after status notification.
If I petition this year and do not get in, do I need to petition again?
YES! Students will need to submit a petition packet during the designated petition window until they are admitted into the core courses.
With the petition process, how are students selected?
Students will be selected based on completion of program requirements and date of program application completion.
Where can I obtain additional information on the process?
Students are encouraged to attend an orientation to the petition process information meeting that describes the process in further detail. Additionally all documents are on the web.
How will I be notified if I am selected or not?
You will receive an email addressed to you on the college email system from the Program Counselor within 60 days of the petition window deadline. Additionally a notice will be placed on the student portal to let students know that emails have been sent. DO NOT call to inquire about your selection status.
Are there any additional requirements once I am accepted?
YES!
- You will need to have an acceptable Criminal Background check. Some violations prohibit obtaining clinical placement and subsequent employment in career paths. If you have questions regarding your history, talk to the Associate Dean - Allied Health.
- You also will need to have the Health requirements document filled out as outlined on the petition form for your program.
- You must attend a mandatory orientation session held on campus, prior to the start of classes. Specific dates and times are either on your petition document or you will receive information via the college email system. This on site orientation session is not optional!
Am I ready to begin core courses?
How do I know if I am truly ready to begin core program courses? We encourage you to carefully think about the following prior to submitting your petition form.
Should I work while in core courses?
The more successful students work a limited amount of hours each week. The core courses demand an extraordinary amount of time. Working a full-time job is extremely difficult to do while enrolled in the core courses. We strongly suggest not working or working a small number of hours per week.
Have I completed all of the general education courses?
WCTC requires that all general education courses must be completed with a grade of C or better before being considered for the core courses. See details for your program on the petition form.
Have I included my family?
The more successful students have supportive immediate and extended families. Family members will soon learn that you will not be as readily available as in the past. These adjustments can be very difficult so we encourage students to have an honest dialogue with family members before submitting a petition form.
Is this the "right" time for me?
Beginning core courses will require a great commitment on your part. Ask yourself "Is this the right time for me to begin the program, do I have reliable childcare, do I have reliable transportation, am I financially prepared?" Evaluate all out of school obligations.
Is this the "right" career for me?
Students are encouraged to explore their career field fully. The Counseling and Career Center staff will gladly assist you in the career exploration process. Students are encouraged to complete career assessments in the Career Center, enroll in the Introduction to Health Careers course, view web informational session or talk with professionals in the field to determine a "good fit".