Frequently Asked Questions

Specifically, where do classes meet?

The right class for you is probably just around the corner – literally. In addition to classes held at PCC campuses and centers, you’ll find our classes in 191 locations district-wide – from private businesses, to community centers, churches, libraries and other buildings with easy access to accommodate your busy schedule.

When can I sign up?

To see the date(s) you can begin registering, go to the Academic Calendar. If space is available, you can register up to and including the first day of class. However classes fill fast and we encourage you to register early.

How do I register?

Visit the non-credit registration page for information on all your registration options.

Do I need to be admitted to PCC to take a Community Education Class?

You do not need to fill out an application form or be admitted to PCC nor do you need to pay the $25 application fee.

What’s a CRN number?

The CRN number – Course Registration Number – is a number that’s automatically assigned to every class we offer. It’s important to know what CRN number corresponds to your class when you register. This is how our computer system keeps track of your account. You can find the CRN number listed to the left of each class description, whether you’re looking online or in the printed schedule.

What is the Refund/ Drop Policy?

If you are dropping a class, you must use the Web or file an add/drop form, or file an appeal form, with the Registration Office. 100% of charges associated with a class will be removed if you formally drop by the deadline listed below. No charges will be removed if you drop after the refund period. Drop deadlines vary for some Community Education classes. See course descriptions for more information, or call the program office number listed in each topic section of this booklet. Non-attendance does not relieve you of your obligation to pay. Please note that if you register for class and do not attend, or stop attending classes and fail to personally drop within the refund period, you will be responsible for all tuition and fees.

Length of Class	Refund Period
Less than 2 weeks	Prior to the first day class meets
2-7 wk. classes	By the end of first day of classes (For night and weekend classes, through the next business day.)
8-10 wk. classes	By the end of the first week of classes
11-12 wk. classes	By the second Friday of the term
Motorcycle Classes	Eight days before the first class

For complete registration policies and information, please refer to the Registration Policies on the PCC website.

How late can I register?

You can register as late as the first day of class, but by waiting you run the risk of the class either being full or being cancelled and not knowing about the cancellation.

Is there a waitlist for classes that are full?

Yes, PCC now has an automatic waitlist system. If the class is full and you put your name on the waitlist, you will receive a waitlist number. If a space opens up in the class, the first person on the waitlist will be automatically registered for the class. PCC will generate an email and send it to the student's MyPCC address; however, you will not receive confirmation by mail or phone that you have been moved from the waitlist and registered in the class.

What if I have to miss a class?

Missing a class once in a while is okay - we know the students who take our classes are people with busy schedules and vibrant lives! Because these are non-credit courses, instructors generally do not take attendance. Please keep in mind, you will NOT be automatically dropped from the course if you miss the first class (instead, you will need to file an add/drop form to avoid paying for the class. See refund policy above). Also, it is not necessary to contact your instructor if you plan to be absent from class.

Will I receive a bill?

PCC sends out bills only to those who register prior to the start of the term or once payment is overdue. Those who register online will receive only electronic bills. Confirmation of class registration is assumed once you register; you will not be sent written confirmation. You can access all your student account information by logging in to MyPCC, PCC’s on-line student information system at my.pcc.edu.

How do I pay for my class?

You can use a credit or debit card, or e-check to pay at www.pcc.edu through MyPCC and PCCPay. Or you can mail your payment back in the form of a check to: PCC-Business Office, PO Box 19000: Portland, OR. 97280-0990. You are responsible to ensure that your account is paid in full even if you do not receive a bill.

Do I have a PCC email account?

Yes, every student at PCC has a MyPCC email address and students are expected to access their student accounts through their MyPCC accounts. To log on, please go to https://my.pcc.edu. To find out your user name and password, please contact the PCC help desk at 503-977-8200.

Can I purchase gift certificates?

Knowledge is priceless. But for a few bucks you can give the gift of lifelong learning! Purchase "Tuition Bucks" for a specific class or for a dollar amount that can be applied to a class of the recipient's choice. See Tuition Bucks Gift Certificates for more information.

Is there a discount for seniors?

If you are 62 or over when classes begin, you are eligible to receive a 50 percent tuition discount on both credit and non-credit classes. The tuition discount does not apply to lab and other class fees or CEU (continuing education unit) classes. Stop by any campus business office or call 503-977-4234 to request the tuition discount. Once it is set up, there is no need to request it again. Seniors also receive a 50% discount on monthly or whole term parking passes. The discount will be applied to your account the day after you register and may be viewed online via MyPCC. : See Tuition and Fees for more detailed information.

Where do I purchase books?

PCC maintains three full-service bookstores at its three comprehensive campuses, and one limited-service bookstore at the Southeast Center. Call 503-244-6111 or see the bookstore website for hours of operation, text requirements, buy back hours and additional services.

What are the fees for?

Often, we have to pay local businesses or schools to use their facilities for our classes. Our fees cover these costs and we do not profit from them. Other fees pay for supplies, equipment, or materials that the instructor plans to provide in class.

How often do classes meet?

Most classes meet once or twice a week, but we also offer plenty of workshops and short-term classes that take place in the evening or on the weekends. Classes can take place over one week, or up to 10 weeks – the choice is yours. No matter what your schedule is, Community Education offers hundreds of possibilities to fit your busy life.

How can I get in touch with my instructor?

It is our policy not to give out the contact information for our instructors. However, you may call our office and we will gladly relay a message to your instructor and have him/her get in contact with you.

What is the parking policy?

All vehicles parked on a PCC campus between 7am and 10pm Monday through Friday must display a current PCC parking permit on their rear view mirror or temporary pass on their dashboard. The only exceptions are the timed visitor and designated motorcycle parking areas. Permits are not required for off-campus classes. Disabled spaces also require PCC parking permits. To obtain a permit at any time other than when you register, you must show proof of enrollment. Permits are available at the business office. Temporary parking passes are available for purchase from the yellow vending machines at each campus parking lot. Contact 503-977-4703 or see the parking and transportation website for more information.

Is there an age minimum for people taking Community Education courses?

Our courses are geared toward an adult audience and our minimum age is 16. However, in certain cases younger students are permitted in our classes. Contact the Community Education Program Coordinator in charge of your area for special approval.

How do I know if a class might cancel?

If you're unsure about whether a class will be held or not, contact the Community Education office in your area to check. In addition, we will make every effort to notify you of class cancellations in advance. To this end, it is crucial that we have up-to-date contact information for you. If you have recently moved or your phone number has changed, please call Registration at 503-977-8888 to update your records.

How do online classes work?

You might be surprised by the number of classes and variety of subjects we feature with our Online Learning program! Taking an online class allows you the flexibility to work at your own pace, on your home computer. Visit the Online Learning website for complete details about the program and a list of current classes.

How do I know which language class is the right level for me?

This is a common question for our language students and we have developed a system to address it. If you are unsure of the course level you would fit best in, you may attend the first lecture to assess your skills and then register for the appropriate course thereafter. However, you do run the risk of the appropriate class being full or cancelled if you are not pre-registered.

How can I get a copy of the Community Education schedule?

Students who have taken a class within the last year will automatically receive a Community Education schedule in the mail. However, if you would like to order a copy for a friend, simply go online to www.pcc.edu/communityed (click on “Get a Schedule”). It’s free!

I have a question and I’d like to speak to a real person. Who can I call?

We are happy to help answer any questions you might have. Simply give your local Community Education office a call, or call our general question line at 503-788-6266. We’ll respond as soon as possible.