Welcome parents and families! We are excited to have you as part of the WCC community. Your student is about to embark on an incredible journey, and we know that you will play an integral part of their support system. We’re here to help and support you as your student navigates the transition to WCC. We encourage you to explore our services, resources and programs.
Parent/Family Orientation Sessions
Parent and family orientation sessions help you learn more about your student's transition to WCC. You’ll receive information about admissions, registration, financial aid, public safety, and other student services.
Sign up for a virtual parent/family orientation session:
Information session RSVP
Frequently asked questions
WCC classes are affordable. We also provide plenty of assistance if students need financial aid. Credits from WCC transfer to many 4-year colleges and universities. This means students can complete the many general education requirements of their bachelor’s degrees at a fraction of the cost.
To access their Applicant Checklist, your student should log in to their WCC Gateway. Have your student click on “My WCC” and then the “Applicant” tab to access their Applicant Checklist (listed as My Checklist).
Learning Support Services are available for students who have a disability and may need accommodations (see Accommodation Request Form). Students needing accommodations for their Orientation Session and/or college placement test (entry assessment) please contact 734-973-3342 to speak with a Program Specialist.
Learning Support Services is located in LA 115.
This document includes what we believe to be the Major Differences Between High School and College . Also encourage your student to talk to current WCC students to gain their perspectives on the transition to college.
WCC is committed to making sure that student rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 are protected. Students can authorize WCC to discuss their information with a parent, spouse, partner, relative, guardian, etc. by submitting a Release of Information Form to Student Welcome Center.
Both advisors and counselors are located in the Counseling & Career Planning office on the second floor of the Student Center. Licensed counselors can help with personal concerns, whether or not they're related to school; counseling is free and confidential. Academic advisors can help students pick classes that will meet their educational goals, fulfill graduation requirements, and transfer to four-year schools.
Your student can contact 734-677-5102 to schedule their advising appointment or they can call 734-677-5223 to make an appointment with a counselor. Walk-ins to the Counseling and Career Planning office on the second floor of the Student Center are also welcome. Limited walk-in or virtual drop-in advising is also available for quick, general questions.
Fortunately, WCC is a very safe college community. Incidents of violent crime are virtually non-existent. However, it’s wise to use the same care and caution with yourself and your property that you would in any public place. Check out the Campus Safety Guide for more information and tips regarding safety on Washtenaw Community College’s campus.
WCC is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. Transportation information can help your student decide what is best for them.
WCC has seven parking lots and a parking structure; all parking on campus is free.
Visit the Campus Map and Parking page for more information.
Your student can avoid parking on campus by riding Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority buses to WCC. WCC offers free AAATA bus rides from campus to students and employees who have WCC picture ID cards. Students and employees must pay for bus rides to campus. If your student requires accessible transportation and cannot ride regular AAATA buses because of a disability, encourage them to utilize the A-Ride.
WCC does not have on-campus housing. However, we do have an off-campus housing page which can assist your student in comparing living options near campus.
Your student can have fun and make new friends by participating in the numerous student activities that WCC offers. Your student can play club or intramural sports, work out at the Health & Fitness Center, join a student club or organization, write for the student newspaper, attend area concerts and other performances at discounted prices, and take trips to places like Cedar Point, Chicago, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Mackinac Island. Currently-enrolled students can log into Campus Connect to begin exploring and connecting to Student Life at WCC.
Yes! Encourage your student to visit the Center for Career Success to meet with staff. Members of the advising team at the Center for Career Success can assist your students in exploring their options for majors, industries, and career pathways, finding jobs, internship, and co-ops, developing valuable connections with employers, creating resumes and cover letters, and developing and strengthening interviewing skills. Students can also take advantage of career assessments and resources on the Counseling and Career Planning website.
We encourage you and your student to check out our Transfer Credits from WCC page. This page contains information about the Michigan Transfer Agreement, as well as Articulation Agreements with specific institutions. For more clarity about various transfer options, your student should visit Counseling and Career Planning, located in the Student Center Building on the second floor, to meet with an advisor.
Resources for parents and families
College Terms Sheet
Major Differences Between High School and College
Campus Map & Parking
Community College FAQs
Six Reasons to Attend Community College
Parent Orientation Handbook