Back to School Guide
Back to School Guide
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Resources Academics Support Services
Resources
We are here for you and ready to help you get started! Find resouces and information to help you apply, placement options, and enrolling in classes.
Get Help with Enrolling, Registration, and/or ctcLink Activation
- Attend a Bilingual Admissions Lab
Drop in to Lewis Hall, Room L-125 on Mondays from 3:30-5 p.m.:- Get help completing your online admissions application
- Scheduling your appointment to take your placement test (ACCUPLACER)
- Guidance with course placement (bring transcripts if applicable)
- Schedule your orientation appointment with your Advisor/ Navigator (Cardinal Take Off)
- ctcLink account activation (Get your new student ID)
- Guidance with filling out your student vaccination exemption/verification
- Meet with an advisor! We are offering Drop-In Advising Support Sessions:
- In Person 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs. | Lewis Hall 125
- Virtual via Zoom 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs. | https://skagitvalleycollege.zoom.us/j/83950197660
- If this does not work with your schedule, please call 360.416.7654 or email counselingandadvising@skagit.edu to make an appointment.
- Sign up for Cardinal Takeoff: sign up here
- Get help registering for classes. Attend Cardinal Takeoff if you have applied and created your ctcLink account and are a new student.
The Financial Aid Office is ready to provide you with financial assistance so you have the opportunity to achieve your educational goals. Financial aid applications are online. Learn how to apply for Financial Aid here. Need help completing your FAFSA or WASFA application? Drop by in person to Lewis Hall, room 205 on the Mount Vernon campus during one of our upcoming applications sessions:
- 9:30-11 a.m. | Wednesdays | Financial Aid Workshop – Morning Session
- 4:30-6 p.m. | Wednesday | Financial Aid Workshop – Evening Session
- 3-4:30 p.m. | Wednesday | Financial Aid Workshop – Spanish/English Session
Learn more and RSVP to attend an application session here. We also offer application help on the Whidbey Island campus by appointment. Please contact our Whidbey Island office at 360.679.5320. We know funding your education can be overwhelming and we are here to help. Review our frequently asked questions for detailed information on the financial aid process at Skagit Valley College. Want to talk with someone? We offer a variety of in-person, phone, and live chat hours to answer your questions. Visit our website to view our service hours.
Pay your tuition in ctcLink Questions about paying tuition? We can help with payments, payment plans, and questions you may have.
Contact us:
Mount Vernon cashier: 360.416.7805
Whidbey Island cashier: 360.679.5353
Need help funding your education? We’re here for you!
Don’t let the challenge of paying for classes prevent you from realizing your educational
goals. Additional funding is available, and it is not too late to apply! Complete
your financial aid application as soon as possible. Learn More.
We also have financial aid, grants, and emergency loans. Our goal is to provide you with many options to finance your education. Learn about more options on how to pay for college.
Scholarships
SVC’s scholarship application for the 2025-2026 school year are now open! SVC Foundation awards almost $1 million annually in scholarships to SVC students.
All students qualify and are encouraged to apply! Visit https://skagitfoundation.org/scholarships/.
Emergency Funds
We understand challenges can arise during your educational journey and we are here
to support you. SVC offers several emergency funding resources. Learn more.
The Mount Vernon Campus Cardinal Bookstore hours for Fall Quarter are:
Dates | Times |
Jan. 5 – Jan. 17 (First two weeks of school) |
|
Jan. 20 – March 21 (Remainder of the quarter) |
|
FAQs
- How can students order textbooks through Cardinal Bookstore?
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Orders for Fall Quarter course materials can be placed by either:
- Coming in to the store at the Mount Vernon campus,
- Or calling Janet Salas, Assistant Manager at 360.416.7866.
- Can orders be shipped via UPS at the customer's request?
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Orders for course materials will be shipped via UUPS shipping rates are:
- $15 per order – Regular UPS Ground Service;
- $30 – 2nd Day UPS Service
- Can orders be shipped to the Whidbey Island Campus for pick up?
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Yes, prepaid orders can be shipped from the Mount Vernon Campus Bookstore to the Whidbey Island Campus Library for pick up. To arrange for this service – contact Janet Salas, Assistant Manager at 360.416.7866.
- How can students make a purchase with an agency funded account such as Opportunity Grant, Basic Food Employment and Training, Workfirst, Labor & Industries, Veteran’s Administration, etc.?
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Students with an agency funded account may make purchases by coming into the bookstore, or they will need to call the bookstore to place an order.
- Students will need to have their registration available when they call the bookstore so they can confirm the courses they are registered in.
- Students will also need to know the textbooks and materials that have been approved for purchase by their funding agency.
Note: If Workforce Grant Office students require assistance with setting up an account or obtaining an increase in funds for textbooks, they will need to contact the Workforce Grants Office.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If agency funded students do not have enough funds in their account to cover their purchase and they choose to pay the balance out of pocket, the balance can be paid by cash or check. Bank cards will not be accepted.
- How can students return textbooks and course materials?
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Returns and exchanges can be processed in store at the Mount Vernon Campus bookstore. The final day for Fall Quarter textbook returns is October 1, 2024.
Academics
SVC proudly offers classes taught by trained, experienced instructors. Explore academic transfer degrees, bachelor’s degrees, basic education, and more!
- Applied Bachelor in Management (BASM) program: Known as the lab for the 21st-century workplace, the bachelor’s degree in Management is designed for those who have completed an associate degree in any field, including those that do not directly transfer to four-year schools. A fully online program that replicates the on-the-job learning environment with upper-level courses that model a management view perspective through teamwork and independent learning. The program offers a BAS degree in either General Management or Healthcare Management. The Healthcare Management option is a non-clinical program.
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation (BASEC) program: As SVC’s first applied bachelor’s degree and now in its seventh year, BASEC is a two-year program. Our 90-credit program is designed for those who hold an associate degree in fields such as Environmental Conservation and Biology, or who have completed the equivalent college-level credits. The program offers an exceptional learning experience made possible due to Skagit Valley’s unique ecology of temperate forests, shorelines, and mixed-use wilderness areas and a fully accredited lab.
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing and Design (BASAMD) program: The Bachelor of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing and Design provides the skills and experience needed to advance careers in manufacturing across a broad range of industries in both technical and managerial roles. The curriculum is based on solving real world workplace challenges related to production systems, automation, materials testing, safety, operations and project management, supply chain, quality control, technical communications, and sustainability. Participants will draw on past educational and work experience while also working to build advanced skills and knowledge in CAD/CAM, data analysis, and technical problem solving.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) program: The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) degree is a direct entry, four-year
program that prepares graduates for high-paying careers in high-demand computer and
technical fields. The BSCS is a student-centered program designed to prepare students
to work in industry to contribute to the design and development of software and computer
systems. The classes are built to teach students to collaborate and replicate real-world
perspectives through teamwork and independent learning.
- Information sessions can be found by searching for Computer Science on our events page.
- Applied Management
- Business Management
- Multimedia and Interactive Technology
In addition to online instruction, the following programs will include hands-on labs and learning experiences:
- Automotive Technology
- Composites Technology
- Craft Brewing
- Culinary Arts
- Diesel Power Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Fire Science
- Human Services
- Manufacturing Technology
- Marine Maintenance Technology
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing – Pre-Nursing Lab; Clinicals
- Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy
- Pharmacy Technician
- Welding Technology
We are accepting new Running Start students for Summer and Quarter! Running Start is a dual credit program that allows eligible juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses through Skagit Valley College, TUITION-FREE. Students enroll in SVC courses that may count towards a college degree and meet high school graduation requirements. SVC clubs, services, and activities are open to Running Start students! Students should work closely with high school counselors and college advisors to select courses best suited to meet their goals. SVC offers courses in person through our campuses, centers, and online. Students can take academic transfer courses or professional technical courses. Running Start Information Sessions are available through SVC, sign up here.
Need help or have a question? Contact dualcredit@skagit.edu or 360.416.7617 or visit www.skagit.edu/runningstart.
If you are looking for online short-term, non-credit programs, professional development opportunities, computer courses, or personal enrichment classes, our Continuing and Community Education program offers something for everyone!
For students around the world who would like an American college experience that includes online classes and some face-to-face opportunities, Skagit Valley College continues its long-standing commitment to global education. SVC International Programs focuses on an appreciation of cultural differences and a desire to enrich the education we provide, with a global perspective. SVC is a leader among community colleges and is proud to offer excellent online options and some scheduled face-to-face instruction and/or support. These classes allow our International students to remain in compliance with federal regulations
Support Services and Resources
Explore the many support services and resources to help you meet your goals.
Need help with your classes? SVC offers in-person and online tutoring for both Mount Vernon and Whidbey Island campuses. In addition, all students can access online tutoring through the Western eTutoring Consortium at any time of the year and the Online Writing Center.
- 24/7 Reference Chat Service
- One-on-One Zoom Meetings with a Librarian
- Library Resource Check Outs (books, etc.)
- Resources for free or low-cost internet service
Not sure how we can best help you? Email mv.library@skagit.edu and a librarian will be happy to help you!
We currently offer food pantry services at the following times:
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Mount Vernon Campus: Thursday | 12 – 4 p.m.
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Whidbey Island Campus: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sign-ups will be available through a Canvas announcement on Tuesdays. Students sign up ahead of time for pick-up which will take place in the Cardinal Center, room C-190 at the Mount Vernon campus or in Old Main, room B-116 at the Whidbey Island campus. We do our best to partner with local food distribution organizations such as Skagit Gleaners and Helping Hands as well. Please direct questions to Melissa Kristofferson.
For information about the SVC Food Pantry and additional community resources, visit the Student Basic Needs Resources page.
- Island County Community Resources
- Skagit County Community Resource
- On and Off Campus and International Housing Resources
- Northwest Youth Services
For information about the SVC Food Pantry and additional community resources, visit the Student Basic Needs Resources page.
- Mount Vernon Campus: Laura Angst Hall (Lot L1) and Joe Reeves Hall (Lot L2).
- Whidbey Island Campus: Wi-Fi from SVC and the Sno-Isle Library cover the parking lots.
Visit the Library website for information on free/low-cost internet and other low-cost technology services.
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Skagit Valley College assists first generation college students who identify as migrant and whose families are seasonal farmworkers. The program provides academic and financial support services to eligible students in order to complete their first academic year of college and continue in postsecondary education for a second year. The program is federally funded and students must be US citizens or permanent residents.
SVC’s Worker Retraining program can provide scholarships if you wish to gain skills in a high wage, high demand field. Our program assists students who receive unemployment benefits, as well as displaced homemakers, those discharged from military service, those who were self-employed and now unemployed, and those who have applied for Trade Act benefits regardless of your application status. Washington’s Employment Security Department offers the Training Benefits program, which offers additional weeks of unemployment benefits so eligible claimants can train for careers in high demand fields.
- The number of weeks you can receive Training Benefits varies according to your claim, but it is usually 26. These are in addition to the weeks you are eligible for, when not in training!
- If approved for training benefits, you do not have to look for work as long as you are enrolled and making satisfactory progress in your training program.
- The Employment Security Department does not pay for books, tuition, or school-related fees, but SVC’s Worker Retraining program does!
For more information about Worker Retraining, email Lisa Barnett, Lisa.Barnett@skagit.edu.