General Information
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Accommodations for People With Disabilities
All students with disabilities who require special accommodations must email the Division of Continuing Education at HCCInterpretingServices@howardcc.edu three weeks before their first class begins so that we may provide suitable assistance. All information is kept confidential.
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Age Requirements
Anyone 16 or older may register on a first-come, first-served basis. Students under 16 may take noncredit courses listed for their age group under “Kids On Campus.”
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Continuing Education Records
To request a record of the noncredit courses you have taken at Howard Community College, complete and submit a Continuing Education Record Request Form. Click on the hyperlink here to download the form: Continuing Education Record Request Form. Please follow the instructions stated on the form.
In continuing education, the term "transcript" is not used; instead, the document is called a "record." The term transcript applies only to credit (degree) courses.
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Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Certificates
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and certificates of completion or attendance are available for some workforce development courses. CEUs are nationally recognized measures of continuing education and training and are based on the number of contact hours taken for a course. If a course qualifies for CEUs, it will be noted at the end of the course description in the schedule of classes.
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Duplicate Certificate Requests
To request a duplicate noncredit certificate issued by Howard Community College for a course taken within the past 12 months, click on the hyperlink here to complete and submit the form: Duplicate Certificate Requests.
Noncredit certificates issued by Howard Community College for courses taken more than 12 months ago cannot be issued. Complete and submit a Continuing Education Record Request Form, which will list your course(s) and grade(s). Click on the hyperlink here to download the form: Continuing Education Record Request Form. Please follow the instructions stated on the form.
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Emergency Closings
To find out if the college is closed, opening late, or closing early, check the college’s website or call 443-518-1000 for information. If the college opens late or closes early, your class may meet for part of the time depending on when your class is scheduled to begin. Click on the following link for more information; Emergency Information.
To receive instant email or text message alerts, go to www.howardcc.edu/alert and subscribe to HCC’s Mobile Alert System.
Off Campus Locations
- If college is closed, classes held at the Maryland Innovation Center (Gateway Campus) are canceled.
- When Howard County Public Schools are closed, classes held at those schools are canceled.
- Laurel College Center follows the weather closings and delays of Prince George’s Community College.
- If the college is closed, classes held at other off site locations are cancelled unless otherwise notified.
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Financial Aid
Financial Aid may be available for Howard County residents who meet certain income criteria and wish to enroll in career related noncredit courses. Click on the following link for more information; Noncredit Scholarships & Financial Aid
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Gift Certificates
Give the gift of learning! The certificates can be for any dollar amount you choose and can be used like a check to pay for course costs at registration. Gift certificates can be purchased at the Cashier’s Office (RCF-200A).
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HCC Login ID and Email
Some noncredit classes require students to have a college email and login ID. You will receive an email two weeks before you class start date with instructions on how to set up your student account. You need to set up your login credentials in order to access your HCC email, login to Canvas, and utilize campus resources such as Office 365 and Google Apps. For help setting up your student account go to https://www.howardcc.edu/services-support/technology-service-center/password-services/ (you will not be able to set up your account until two weeks before your class starts).
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HCC Student Code of Conduct
Students taking noncredit courses are part of the college community. At Howard Community College, members of the community are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Student Code of Conduct. Click on the following links to view the Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
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Identification CardsA college identification card is not required for continuing education students. However, having an ID card entitles you to certain benefits. Students who pay $125 or more in noncredit tuition and fees for the current credit semester are eligible for a student ID card for that semester. Review requirements for getting an ID card
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Mobile Alert
The Howard Community College Mobile Alert System enables you to receive instant notification of important campus information to your phone, email or desktop RSS application. More information can be found at https://www.howardcc.edu/services-support/public-safety/emergency-information/mobile-alerts/.
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Other Services
In collaboration with Howard County Government, Howard Community College, and the Regional Transportation Agency (RTA), HCC students ride free. Information regarding this program is available at the HCC Welcome Center for students to enjoy free rides anytime and anywhere. RTA Routes and Schedules: www.transitrta.com/routes/
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Outstanding Balance
Students are responsible for following HCC financial policies regarding outstanding balances including returned checks, denied credit cards, and any other nonpayment of tuition. Students who do not pay all course charges may be sent to a collections agency and will be responsible for additional fees as well as the original charges. They will not receive certificates and are ineligible to continue at HCC. Fee charges can be found at www.howardcc.edu/payforcollege
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Parking
- HCC Main Campus: Parking is free and available in any of the lots with signs designating “Students” and in either of the parking garages. No sticker or special permit is necessary. Please observe the posted signs and do not park in the lots designated for faculty or staff or along any of the curbs painted red, as your vehicle may be ticketed or towed. Handicapped parking is conveniently located throughout campus.
- High Schools & Senior Centers: You may park in any unrestricted lots. Parking is free.
- Maryland Innovation Center (Gateway) Campus & Laurel College Center: Parking is free. Please observe the signs for appropriate spaces to use.
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Refunds and Cancellations
The college reserves the right to cancel courses or make changes due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. In these events, students will be notified. A 100% refund will be issued for any course the college cancels.
Course withdrawal and request for a refund may be made online at www.howardcc.edu/coned/register. Refund amount, if any, will depend on the course and request date.
Refund Policies:
- Personal Enrichment, 60+: No refund of tuition or fees on or after the class start date.
- Motorcycle License & Skills: No refund of tuition or fees 7 days before class start date.
- Adult Basic Skills, English as a Second Language, Languages & Culture:
- No refund of fees on or after the start date
- No refund of tuition 7 days after class start date for classes that meet one or two days per week
- No refund of tuition 3 days after class start date for classes that meet three or more days per week
- Kids on Campus: No refund of fees 14 days prior to start date; no refund of tuition on or after start date.
- Business Skills, Childcare, Computers, Health Care, Information Technology, Trade Occupations: No refund of tuition or fees 7 days before class start date.
- Ed2Go/YouGotClass: No refund of tuition or fees 5 days after class start date.
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Teach for UsAre you a subject matter expert on a workforce development, academic, or personal enrichment topic or do you have an idea for a new course? Individuals interested in teaching for the Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development can email continuingeducation@howardcc.edu or click here to view job opportunities.
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Textbooks (T) and Supplies (S):
A “(T)” or an “(S)” in a course description indicates a required or suggested textbook (T) or supplies (S). Textbooks are available in the HCC Bookstore and should be purchased before class. Instructors will provide students with a list of supplies at the first class meeting. For refunds, textbooks must be returned within the first week of class. Textbooks for courses running less than one week are not returnable. A receipt is required for all refunds. Visit www.howardcc.bncollege.com.
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Tuition
Tuition must be paid in full at time of registration. Included in the total course cost is a $40 registration fee.
- In-county tuition for noncredit students is based on verification of Howard County residency. Additional criteria may be necessary for students taking credit courses.
- Out-of-county Maryland residents taking noncredit courses pay stated tuition plus $10 per course.
- Out-of-state residents pay stated tuition plus $20 per course.
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Tuition Waivers
60+ Maryland Residents
Tuition is waived for students 60 years of age or older legally residing in Maryland. The waiver applies only to tuition, not to fees. If you qualify for this waiver, you only pay any fees listed in the course description. Exception: Courses with “XE” designations are not eligible for tuition or fee waivers. (XE courses are not eligible for state funding to support instructional costs. Maryland residents 60 and over pay all course costs for such courses.)SSI Disability Waiver
Tuition waivers for students with disabilities are available for some noncredit, continuing education workforce development and life skills courses. Students who qualify for SSI disability tuition waivers and provide the required documentation can receive tuition waiver for the noncredit, Continuing Education courses listed in the link below. Students must register in person and present a tuition waiver certificate to the Cashier’s Office in order to avoid paying the tuition associated with these courses. Students are responsible for all fees. To see the list of currently approved classes, click on the below link. This list will be updated monthly.
SSI Disability Tuition Waiver Noncredit Course List (PDF)
Note: The availability of these courses varies as courses are scheduled at different times throughout the year.
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Updating Your Personal Information
Please notify the college if your personal information changes. Proof of residency may be required for address changes. Note: The information you provide during registration is used to identify you in the college’s records system but may not get updated on your student account.
To officially change a name, address, phone number, or email address, you must Complete a Change of Information Form online, available at www.howardcc.edu/changeofinfo
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Campus Crime Reports and Registered Sex Offender Information:
In compliance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act of July 2010, Howard Community College (HCC) is required to disclose certain timely and annual information about campus crime, public safety policies and procedures, campus law enforcement policies, emergency response procedures, and registered sex offenders. HCC must publish an annual report by October 1 that contains three years of campus crime statistics and certain public safety policy statements. Howard Community College makes this report available to all students and employees on the college website at https://www.howardcc.edu/services-support/public-safety/reports-forms/