Student Guide

What is UConn Early College Experience?

UConn Early College Experience (ECE) is the University’s largest academic outreach program that allows motivated high school students to take UConn courses at their high schools for both high school and college credit. Courses taken through UConn ECE are equivalent in course content, rigor, and collegiate expectations to the same course at the University of Connecticut and are recorded on a UConn transcript. Your courses are taught by high school teachers—UConn ECE Instructors— who are certified by the UConn departments based on their academic credentials and experience. Being a UConn ECE Instructor is an elite professional credential. There are approximately 1,600 UConn ECE Instructors in the State, offering students the opportunity to take UConn courses at 189 high schools. Established in 1955, UConn Early College Experience is the nation’s longest running concurrent enrollment program and is accredited
by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP); see nacep.org for more information.

For more information about what UConn ECE is, visit our About Us page.

Benefits

UConn courses through UConn ECE are offered at a greatly reduced cost compared to the identical course offered on a UConn campus. UConn ECE strives to provide substantial long-term savings for students, parents, and guardians.

For more information about benefits, visit our Student Benefits page.

Pre-Enrollment Guidance

As an enrolled UConn ECE Student, you are beginning your college career. The coursework you complete will appear on your official UConn transcript and is a permanent part of your academic record.

If you are considering applying for financial aid in college or advanced professional degrees (e.g., medical, pharmacy, nursing, etc.), visit the Advising page on our website for detailed information on how your UConn credits earned through UConn ECE may be considered and factored into future academic plans.

Registration

For more information about registration, visit our Student Registration page.

Withdrawal

Fall and Full-year courses not dropped in UConn.DualEnroll.com by October 20 and Spring courses not dropped in UConn. DualEnroll.com by February 9 respectively require a Withdrawal Form to be submitted. The Withdrawal Form can be found on our website. Program fees for Fall and Full-year courses
dropped after October 20 and Spring courses dropped after February 9 are non-refundable.

Students must submit a Withdrawal Form by December 12 for Fall courses and May 1 for Spring and Full-year courses. Students cannot withdraw from a course after the posted deadlines. Students do not earn credit for withdrawn courses, nor will the course impact a Student’s grade point average (GPA). If a Student does not complete and submit a Withdrawal Form by the posted deadline, the Instructor will calculate the Student’s grade according to the grading rubric applied to all Students in the course, averaging zeros for all
work not submitted.

For additional registration information and tutorials visit: ece.uconn.edu/students-parents/student-registration.

Students with Disabilities/Accommodations

UConn ECE encourages all Connecticut high school students enrolled in partnering schools to extend themselves to take a UConn course through UConn ECE. We work with all districts to support students with permanent conditions or temporary injuries to find an academic plan, which will accommodate the needs of the student. UConn ECE relies on the leadership, nuanced understanding of the student condition, and confidentiality of the high school to be the primary interface for developing an individualized student learning plan and then communicating that plan to the UConn ECE Director, who will then work with the appropriate department(s) at UConn to approve the plan for the UConn course.

NetIDs

A NetID is a unique identifier created by the University that allows UConn Students access to University technology services. Your NetID is needed to access the Student Administration System (view grades and request a transcript), to utilize library resources, and access HuskyCT. You will also use your NetID to set up your UConn e-mail account.

University Information Technology Services (ITS) will send a NetID e-mail to your personal e-mail address once your Site Representative and parent/guardian approvals and payment (if applicable) have been collected. This e-mail will provide you with your NetID and instructions on how to activate and set a NetID password. Your NetID is your unique UConn identifier, and should not be shared.

Memorize your NetID and password! You will need this information to access most University online services such as requesting an official transcript. If at any point you cannot find your NetID or have forgotten your password, you can visit netid.uconn.edu or call the Technology Support Center at 860.486.4357

Student Administration System (SAS)

The University of Connecticut’s Student Administration System (SAS) manages UConn student records.

In SAS you have access to:

  • View your course enrollment
  • View your course grade
  • Assign a Delegate, such as a parent, for access to your educational records

To access SAS, studentadmin.uconn.edu, you will use your NetID and password to log in. Step by step instructions on various SAS features can be found in the UConn ECE Student Administration Guide on our Resources page at ece.uconn.edu.

Most universities and colleges throughout North America use similar SA systems, so getting accustomed to using this to manage your records is good practice.

FERPA

As a UConn ECE Student, regardless of your age, you are included in the University’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy. Under the FERPA policy, you have a right to expect that information in your education records will be kept confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or under provisions of the law. For purposes of compliance with FERPA, the University considers all students, regardless of age or tax dependency status to be independent. To better understand the law, visit ferpa.uconn.edu.

If you would like to grant parents or guardians access to certain information about your academic and other University records, there are two different access types. You may designate a parent/guardian as a FERPA Designee to speak with the University or assign them as a Delegate in SAS. Visit ece.uconn.edu/students-parents/parent-corner for detailed instructions.

Social Security Number (SSN) Request

Due to federal tax laws the University requests all students provide their Social Security number(SSN), with the exception of international students without a SSN.

If you do not provide your Social Security number, or if the Social Security number that you provide is incorrect, the following will occur:

  • When activating your UConn NetID, you will use a 25 digit Activation Code provided to you via e-mail.
  • A service indicator will be placed on your account in the Student Administration System (SAS) until the TIN Solicitation is completed. It does not affect your ability to enroll or drop courses, request a transcript, or pay a bill.
  • The University may periodically contact you via e-mail to request a valid SSN be provided. This TIN/SSN Solicitation requests that you complete a W-9S Form and return it to the UConn Bursar’s Office.
  • If you do not respond to the University’s TIN/SSN Solicitations the Federal Treasury Regulations allow the IRS to fine you up to $50 (Treasury Regulations Section 1.6050S-1(e)(4)).

The University takes precautions to safeguard all personal data, such as Social Security numbers.

Program Fees

By registering for a UConn course through UConn ECE, you have a financial obligation to the University of Connecticut and are subject to billing policies similar to those used for all UConn students. UConn Early College Experience program fees are $50 per registered course credit.

Delivery
Course consent and payment requests (if payment is applicable) are e-mailed or texted directly to the parent/guardian listed in the student application upon (1) successful submission and (2) high school approval of the student registration request. Parent/Guardian consent and payment are requested via e-mail or text per course request. (e.g.: If a student requests enrollment in two UConn courses, the parent/guardian will receive a consent and payment request per course).

Failure to receive a parent/guardian consent and payment request does not absolve you of the responsibility of payment by the due date. Contact the UConn
ECE Program Office with concerns.

Payment
Parent/Guardian consent and payment are due upon receipt of the e-mailed or texted request.

Payments must be made using the unique link provided in the consent and payment request. Accepted forms of payment are credit card or e-check.

Unpaid Balances
Students will not be eligible for UConn credit and registration requests will be canceled if balances go unpaid after the specified deadline in the consent and payment request. Students can view the status of their
registration request and payment by viewing their profile at UConn.DualEnroll.com and can request a consent and payment request be resent if necessary.

REFUNDS/ WITHDRAWAL
Refunds of previously paid fees will be issued at specified dates throughout the year to students who paid for and then dropped a course online by October 20 or an exception was made to drop a Spring course between February 5 - February 9. Students are responsible for all program fees for courses dropped outside of the posted deadlines. See page 6 for additional information on withdrawing and ece.uconn.edu/program-fees for the refund schedule.

PROGRAM FEE WAIVERS
Students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals or free milk in accordance with the Income Guidelines for the National School Lunch Program or deemed “categorically eligible” (e.g.,SNAP, TANF, homeless, etc.) are eligible for a full program fee waiver. Students attending private schools may also be eligible for fee waivers and should reach out to their Site Representative for additional information and guidance.

During the registration process, Students will indicate their status of eligibility for Federally Subsidized Meal Programs, which in turn will be confirmed by the designated High School Site Representative.

Students attending a private school (any non-public school) who receive a need-based reduction of tuition (a need-based scholarship) from their high school are eligible to receive a UConn ECE fee waiver for all courses. Eligibility for the private school waiver must be confirmed by the Site Representative.

Library Access

As a UConn ECE Student, you have access to the largest public research collection in the State. Using your NetID and password, you can use the UConn Library at lib.uconn.edu to find full text scholarly resources for research needs, as well as many self-help research tools and guides. Use the Library’s online chat reference service “Ask a Librarian”, to receive real-time help with research questions. Students can borrow up to 150 books from any UConn Library.

To use Library services, you must have an active NetID and have set up a UConn Gmail account. The Library can only send notifications and documents via your UConn Gmail account.

Technology Resources

UCONN GOOGLE WORKSPACE (GOOGLE APPS)
Set up and utilize your UConn Google Workspace which includes Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Calendar. Once set up, you may use your e-mail address to sign up for a variety of educational discounts.

UCONN ANYWARE SOFTWARE
As a UConn ECE Student you have access to University-licensed software from any device with a network connection. This includes free download of Microsoft Office and Windows for home use. You will need your NetID and password to access any software.

HuskyCT
Your Instructor will inform you if they will be utilizing this online learning management system called HuskyCT for your UConn course. Student Technology Resources can be accessed at ece.uconn.edu/students-parents/studentbenefits/technology-resources.

Additional Resources

As a UConn ECE Student you have access to:
• The Q Center (Quantitative Learning Center)
• The W Center (Writing Center)
• The Major Experience (TME)
• Academic Achievement Center (AAC) Workshops

Visit ece.uconn.edu/students-parents/student-benefits/access for additional resources and current availability.

Academic Integrity

As a UConn ECE Student, you must adhere to the academic integrity policy set by the University of Connecticut. This includes UConn polices that have been created for academic misconduct, plagiarism, misrepresentation, falsification in research and computer violations. For a complete policy listing, please
visit the UConn Policy website (s.uconn.edu/academic-integrity), specifically referencing The Student Code (community.uconn.edu/the-student-code).

Grading

When your UConn course has concluded, your grades will be posted on the Student Administration System. Your Fall course grades will be available by February 15. Your Full-year and Spring course grades will be available by July 1. Students are graded on an A–F scale. The grade earned will appear on your official UConn transcript as reported by the Instructor. Students who wish to withdraw from a Fall or Full-year course after October 20 or a Spring course after February 9 must complete a Withdrawal Form by the posted deadline, otherwise the Instructor will calculate your final grade according to the grading scheme applied to all Students in the course, averaging zeros for all work not submitted. See page 6 for additional information on withdrawing from a course.

You may notice that your high school grade and UConn grade differ. It is possible that two different grades are awarded for the same course. Your high school grade is determined by your high school while your UConn course grade is determined by the grading rubric set by the University department. If applicable, the difference should be identifiable between your high school and UConn course syllabi.

Some UConn courses are prerequisites for other courses. If you are enrolled in a sequence course (example, MATH 1131Q & MATH 1132Q) you must pass the first course of the sequence with a C or higher in order to continue in to the second course. If you do not pass the first course of the two-course sequence, the second course of the sequence will be automatically dropped from your record and you will be refunded any paid course fees. For information about continuing to the second course in the sequence and for a full list of sequential courses, visit our Courses page at ece.uconn.edu/courses.

Course Evaluations

As your course comes to a close, you will receive an e-mail to your personal e-mail address with directions on how to complete an online course evaluation. Course evaluations allow you to provide insight to key course aspects and are considered an important resource that enables the program to continuously improve. Please take a moment to complete your course survey by the published deadline in order to best serve future students of the program.

Scholarships

Students who participate in UConn ECE can apply for individual Student scholarships to be used towards their future college education. UConn ECE awards six scholarships annually to exemplary Students in their senior year of high school who have not only earned high grades, but also applied their classroom learning to a larger project. Scholarships are awarded in three areas: Art, Humanities, or Social Sciences; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and Civic & Community Engagement. For more details visit our Scholarships page at ece.uconn.edu/studentsparents/student-scholarships.

Ambassador Program

The Ambassador Program allows current UConn ECE Students the opportunity to support their Site Representative as a peer mentor who helps in the process of UConn ECE student registration. This is an important leadership opportunity which requires a very outgoing student who will engage with their peers – communicating the benefits of UConn ECE to the next generation of students, supporting student registration by arranging for afterschool registration periods and/or speaking at class assemblies. For additional details, please see your high school UConn ECE Site Representative.

Utilize Your Credit

By earning UConn credit through UConn Early College Experience, you have opened the door to greater opportunities! You may choose to attend UConn or transfer your credits with an 87% success rate to the college or university of your choice. Explore how to make your credits work for you.

Your credits are a currency, and it is up to you to utilize them!

Coming to UConn? Accept or Reject Your Credits

As a UConn ECE Student coming to any UConn campus for your undergraduate career, you will automatically have all your non-degree work (Pending Classes) from UConn ECE noted on the Non-Degree Programs Record of your official UConn transcript.

ACCEPT OR REJECT YOUR CREDITS
You must choose one of two options: (1) elect to move your earned UConn ECE credit to the degree portion of your official undergraduate transcript (which means that you accept the credit) or (2) leave the credit on the Non-Degree Programs Record (meaning you reject the credit). Talk to your advisor or visit nexus.uconn.edu/nondegree_decisions.php for guidance on making this decision and for more information.

DEADLINE
The deadline to accept or reject your UConn ECE credits is typically at the end of the first semester on campus, depending on the college in which you are enrolled. In most colleges within UConn, if you do not make a choice, the credit is automatically moved to your official undergraduate transcript.

Once a decision has been made to accept or reject your credits, or they are automatically accepted, the decision/action is irreversible.

Note: Credits on the degree portion of your official undergraduate transcript are counted towards your GPA and your credit total towards graduating. Credits on the Non-Degree Programs Record are not included in your GPA or credit total towards graduating, but they will appear on your official UConn transcript under your Non-Degree Programs Record (ece.uconn.edu/transcript-example).

Not Coming to UConn? Request a Transcript

UConn credits through UConn Early College Experience transfer to other institutions about 87% of the time. You do not need to attend the University of Connecticut to have your courses recognized. While we cannot guarantee course recognition on behalf of another university, we strive to make the transfer of credits from one institution to another as simple as possible.

Recommendations for Successful Credit Transfer
When transferring your credits, UConn ECE
recommends following these important steps:
• Save syllabi.
• Check your grades.
• Explore our Credit Transfer Database.
• Contact colleges and universities directly.
• Review your new college/ university's transfer
credit policy.
• Request a transcript. See page 19.
• Speak to a college advisor.
• Contact UConn ECE Program Office. We are
here to help!

There are many ways that universities recognize courses. Courses may be fully transferable into a program of study (often as a "T," and nonGPA bearing weight) or you may be granted an exemption from taking a similar course. Courses may be used towards fulfillment of a prerequisite, allowing you to take more advanced courses as a first-year student. For additional details visit ece.uconn.edu/ students-parents/transfer-credit-info

Request a Transcript
You can have your UConn transcript sent to another institution, but you must request your transcript, as it is not sent automatically. Students should wait until the Instructor has submitted final grades before requesting their transcript. Your Fall course grades should be available by February 15, and your Full-year and Spring course grades should be available by July 1.

Check your grade (optional):
1. Log in to the Student Administration
System with your UConn NetID and
password.
2. Follow the instructions to Check Your
Grades.
Request a transcript:
1. Contact your new registrar and ask where a
transcript should be sent.
2. Go to ece.uconn.edu/students-parents/
not-coming-to-uconn-transcript-request
and follow the instructions to request a
transcript.

UConn ECE Student Events

For more information about student events, visit our Events & Awards page.

UConn ECE Alumni

For more information about UConn ECE Alumni, visit our Alumni page.