The information below all pertains to our SUMMER program, because that's the topic on which we receive the most questions.

When does registration open for summer 2008?
February 5, 2008.

Where, how, and when can I get a summer brochure?
After the brochure is published (usually the third week of January), you can call 410-772-4110 or email koc@howardcc.edu to leave your name and address.  If your student has attended KOC classes within the last two years, you will be mailed the KOC brochure.  Brochures are mailed out mid to end of January.  You may also pick up KOC brochures, while they are available, at each branch of the Howard County Library, at the Office of Admissions and Registration in the RCF Student Services Building, or at the Welcome Center at the Science and Technology or Hickory Ridge buildings.  Another option: visit our table at the Summer Camps Expo on February 10, 2008, at Kahler Hall in Harper's Choice Village, Columbia, and pick up a brochure.

What are the dates and times of this summer's KOC program?
June 23-August 8, 2008.  Morning classes run 8:30 a.m.–noon, and afternoon classes run 1:00–4:30 p.m.  For those who stay with us all day, our lunch takes place from noon to 1:00 p.m.

How long are the sessions?
One-week and two-week half-day sessions (mornings and afternoons) can be combined into a full-day program for one or two weeks.

What is the average class size?
The limit for most classes is 15.  Some computer courses like Keyboarding and HTML may accommodate as many as 20 students.

What are the teachers' qualifications?
All classes are taught by college-approved instructors.  Most of our instructors are certified teachers in either public or private schools.  Others are experts in the field they teach.  All teachers have undergone background checks by appropriate authorities.

Where are the classes held?
Most of the classes are held in the Hickory Ridge Building (10650 Hickory Ridge Road) of Howard Community College.  Some specialized classes, such as computer courses or Junior Medic, are held in the labs in the Science and Technology (ST) Building, Nursing Building (N), or the English, Languages, and Business Building (ELB).  If your student is taking a class at Hickory Ridge and at the ST Building, he/she will be escorted to and from classes by our aides.

What time do classes start?
Morning classes run from 8:30 a.m. to noon.   Afternoon classes are 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.  Students should arrive on campus no earlier than ten minutes before the class starts.  Students arriving earlier will not be supervised, and parents must accept responsibility for their behavior and safety.

What are the registration deadlines?
Registration begins February 5, 2008, and continues until the class fills or begins.  Register early, because most courses fill rapidly.

How can I find out if a summer class is full before I register my student?
Click on one of the links below.

OPEN summer classes

(Note: You can arrange waitlisting. Click on link below.)

WAITLIST information

How do I register for a KOC class?

ONLINE:  Use HCC Express.  Have your class, student, and credit card information handy.  Each KOC student will have his/her unique login information.  Please log in and register each student separately using that student's unique login information.  Student registration does not become official and the student cannot attend class until you submit a consent form.  The form must be received in the Division of Continuing Education Office within seven (7) days of registration.

FAX-IN:  Fax your registration / parent consent form AND credit card information (REQUIRED) using VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover (including account number and expiration date) to 410-772-4333.  Allow 48 hours for processing.

WALK-IN:  In-person registration is from 8:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 8:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Fridays at the college's main registration office in the RCF Student Services Building.  You may pay by credit card, cash, check, or money order.  Registrations are NOT processed at the Hickory Ridge Building.  Don't forget to bring the registration form / consent form, and payment along with you.

PHONE:  If your child has taken a class at HCC during the last two years and you are paying by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover), you may use our TouchTone line at 410-772-4310.  Follow the recorded prompts.  Remember you need to use your child's information, not your own.  Student registration does not become official and the student cannot attend class until you submit a Kids On Campus parental consent form.  The consent form must be received in the continuing education office within seven (7) days of TouchTone registration.

MAIL-IN:  At least two weeks before class starts, send a completed registration / consent form with your credit card information (including number and expiration date) OR a check payable to HCC at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044-3197, ATTN Lock Box Cashier RCF-220.  Please be aware that mail is the slowest method and many classes fill quickly.  We urge you to register by fax, phone, or in person if possible.

Why do I need to submit a Kids On Campus Parental Consent Form?
The form provides our office with vital information that we must have to protect your child's health and safety while he/she attends our classes.  We must have the child's health information, transportation arrangements, school information, student behavior responsibilities, and a signature of compliance before we can legally accept the child into the program.

How will I know if my child is enrolled in the class?
If you register online, you'll receive online confirmation that you can print out for your files.  You'll also receive an acknowledgment email.  If you register by other methods, you'll receive a confirmation letter IF we receive your registration at least a week before the class begins.  If you register in person at the Registration Office, you will receive a receipt for your payment that will confirm your student's registration.  If you don't hear from us, you can confirm registration by contacting the Continuing Education Division Office at 410-772-4825 or 410-772-4823. Tuition payment is due at time of registration to ensure your student a seat in the class.  Be sure to submit the consent form, which must be received before your child may attend class.

What if the class I want for my child is closed?
If you register online via HCC Express or via TouchTone and the class you want is closed (filled), you may get on a waitlist by calling 410-772-4825 during normal business hours. 

If you register by fax, mail, or in person and the class you want is filled (closed), you will be notified and given the option to be waitlisted; if so, you will be notified if a seat becomes available.

Is there a fee for dropping classes or switching sections from one course to another?
Transfers are acceptable as long as neither course has started and the new section is not filled.  Call 410-772-4823, 4825, or 4102 to arrange for a transfer.  Please call 410-772-4823 or write the Division of Continuing Education with your refund request.  If we receive notification by noon Wednesday prior to the Monday start date of the class you are dropping, you will receive 100 percent of tuition and fees.  After the course begins, tuition only, not registration and materials fees, is refundable.  All courses with materials or lab fees are designated with an asterisk (*).  Make sure to allow time for your letter to reach us before class begins.

Do I need to buy textbooks or supplies for my children's classes?
In most cases, the supply/materials/lab fee/textbook is included in the cost of the class.  One class, "Business Beginnings," has a $5 startup fee payable to the instructor at the first class meeting.  This money is usually refunded by the completion of the class project.

Is lunch provided?
A supervised lunch session with G- or PG-rated movies is provided, but students must bring their own bag lunches. All students staying on campus for morning and afternoon courses, and all students who attend only morning or afternoon courses but elect to attend the lunch session, MUST REGISTER for the supervised bag lunch period. The lunch session runs from noon to 1:00 p.m. All students must stay in their assigned, age-appropriate lunchrooms during this time.

Are there exceptions to the ages listed in each class?
An exception may be made when your child is transitioning from 5th to 6th grade, or 8th to 9th grade. Often students on the cusp of an age or grade can take the course for the older age or grade.  Parents with specific questions about this may call the Kids On Campus staff at 410-772-4976 or 410-772-4102.

Where is the Kids On Campus Administration Office?
Our offices are located in the Division of Continuing Education at the Hickory Ridge Building in Suite 100.  Our normal business hours are 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily during the school year, and 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the summer.

What if I'm late to pick up my student at the end of class?
For morning classes: Students should be picked up promptly at noon.  Those not picked up by 12:15 will be placed in the supervised lunchroom in the Hickory Ridge Building, and a late fee of $5 for each 15 minutes of lateness will be charged.  For afternoon classes: Students not picked up by 4:45 p.m. will be escorted to HVPA room 140, where they will attend supervised winddown time (aftercare).  If the student is not already signed up for the Winddown Aftercare Program, you will be charged a late fee of $5 per each 15 minutes of lateness.

Where is Startup and Winddown located?
If your child participates in the beforecare or aftercare option, he/she will be located in HVPA room 140. Parents/guardians who are experiencing an emergency or expect to pick up their student(s) after 6:30 p.m. are asked to call 443-797-9388 to inform our staff.  A late fine of $5 per fifteen minutes will be charged for children picked up after 6:30 p.m.  If your child is absent on a certain day and is signed up for winddown time, you must notify this office (410-772-4102 or 410-772-4976) so that his/her absence can be communicated to the aftercare program aides, because we must know where your child is at all times.

Is financial aid available?
There are a limited number of Kids On Campus scholarships available based on need.  Call 410-772-4102 for an application.

Are there any tuition discounts for siblings who enroll?
Not at present.

What if my child needs medication or special accommodations?
HCC is committed to providing an accessible education and supportive learning environment for all students.  To help us meet this goal, all students with disabilities who require special accommodations must notify the Division of Continuing Education, in writing, two weeks before their first class begins, so that accommodations can be arranged.  All information will be kept confidential.  HCC cannot provide personal assistants or care attendants.
By law, because there is no professional nurse on our premises, no medications can be held or administered by HCC staff.  Therefore, you and your child are responsible for keeping and administering prescriptions.