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8 Things You Need to Know for Fall 2016

Last updated on October 9, 2019

With so many things going on, you’re bound to forget something. Here’s a list we’ve put together to try and help keep you on track for the Fall 2016 semester.

1. The Deadline to Register is Saturday, Aug. 20

Fall 2016 registration is already under way, and the magic number to keep in mind is 8/20/16. That’s Saturday, Aug. 20, and it’s the last day you can register for classes. (Didn’t realize it was that close? Well, head on over to the class schedule and get to browsing, then!) It’s important to remember the Aug. 20 deadline because there is no late registration at DCCCD — once we’re done, we’re done, and your best bet after the 20th will be to look into Flex Term, Wintermester or Spring 2017 classes.

2. Some Colleges Will Have Extended Registration Hours to Accommodate Student Schedules

""It’s true! Some DCCCD colleges will have later hours for registration during the week, and all of them will be open Aug. 20 so you can still register in-person.

Colleges Observing Extended Hours Saturday, Aug. 20

3. Miss the Registration Deadline? Consider Flex Term or Wintermester

Flex Term is pretty much what it sounds like — we offer a variety of “flexible term” classes that don’t necessarily start with the rest of the Fall 2016 semester, so the deadlines to register vary. Another option might be Wintermester (the schedule isn’t out yet, but it will be a little later this year). Wintermester classes are considered part of the Spring 2017 semester, and they’re fast-tracked to begin and conclude during the time between fall and spring, usually from about mid-December to early January.

4. You Can Fill Out Your 2016-2017 FAFSA Earlier This Year

""“Early FAFSA” takes effect this year, which means you’ll be able to start filling out your FAFSA as early as Oct. 1. You’ll use information from your previous year’s tax return (in this case, your 2015 return) to fill it out.

The new earlier submission date will be a permanent change, enabling you to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

5. If You Haven’t Had a Meningitis Vaccination, You Need One!

As of Jan. 1, 2014, the state of Texas requires all college students under the age of 22 to receive a meningitis vaccination. This requirement applies to:

  • All first-time credit students
  • All new transfer credit students
  • All returning students who have experienced a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester
  • New and returning continuing education students enrolled in programs that are at least 360 contact hours or greater
  • Distance education students who live in Texas (based on actual mailing address. A Post Office box cannot be used as proof of residency.)
  • Dual Credit, Middle College, Early College and/or Charter High School students attending classes at the college
  • Continuing Education students enrolled in a concurrent credit course(s)

Not sure where to get the meningitis vaccine? One way is through a Dallas County Health and Human Services immunization clinic.

Note: There are a few situations where exceptions or exemptions may be made, depending on various circumstances. You can read more about these exemptions on the DCCCD website.

6. Lost? Use a Campus Map to Find Your Way Around

Not sure where the L Building is at Eastfield? The H Building at Mountain View? The C Building at North Lake? Campus maps for all seven of our colleges can be found here: dcccd.edu/maps.

Prefer paperless? Campus maps are also available via the DCCCD mobile app.

7. Want to Get Involved? Start With the Student Life Office on Your Campus

""Getting involved in things like athletics, clubs, student government and more can be a great way to make friends, develop new skills, build a professional network for when you graduate, polish your resume and so much more.

Student Life Offices by College

8. You Can Get Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint for Free as a DCCCD Student

Students of the colleges of DCCCD get a free online account that includes Microsoft Outlook email and Microsoft Office 365. (Every student, whether credit or noncredit, will automatically be assigned a free account.)

In case we missed anything…

Other Helpful Student Resources

… and that’s it! Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments.

Published inCommunityWhy Dallas College?