Skip to Content
WCTC Home

Student Handbook

Main Content

Welcome to Waukesha County Technical College!

The faculty and staff are excited to have you as a part of the WCTC community, and we’re looking forward to helping you achieve your academic and career goals. We’re here to help you develop the skills needed to be competitive in today’s job market, and our sophisticated, state-of-the art technology that is integrated into all WCTC programs allows for cutting-edge learning opportunities. We want your experience here to be a positive one, so if you have questions or concerns, be sure to ask!

The WCTC Student Handbook is designed to provide you with an overview of people, places, and resources available at the College. Students at WCTC are responsible for knowing the information, policies, and procedures outlined here.

The provisions of the Student Handbook do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between enrolled or prospective students and WCTC. WCTC reserves the right to change any of the provisions, programs, rules, or regulations articulated in the handbook whenever authorized administrators deem it expedient to do so.

Jump To...

Academic Calendar

Explore important academic calendar dates for the current academic year and beyond.

Academic Advising

262.691.5400 | advising@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-019

Academic advising is an essential part of the college experience. Collaborate with your academic advisor to develop an academic plan, and gain guidance and support to enhance your success and reach your full potential. You can expect your academic advisor to:

  • Respect, listen and embrace the diversity of each student.
  • Guide, encourage and empower you to develop your educational goals.
  • Understand curriculum requirements and academic policies and procedures.
  • Help you navigate program requirements while providing you with resources and referrals.
  • Review academic progress and develop a plan to address academic challenges.
  • Provide advice on college expectations, productive study techniques, effective time management and balancing responsibilities.
  • Teach the importance of accountability in academic and professional settings, encouraging responsibility and independence.
  • Adhere to FERPA regulations with respect to student privacy.

Contact Your Advisor   Schedule an Appointment   More About Advising
 

Academic Support

262.691.5311 | academic-support@wctc.edu
Building B, Room B-110

Need help with a class or want to increase your skills to succeed in college? We are here to help! Come see us in person or schedule a virtual appointment.

  • Drop in for free assistance with math, science, reading, writing, or with the technology that is used in health and business courses. 
  • Our instructors know the requirements for many courses on campus and can guide you through your assignments.  They will help you build your academic skills and learn more about studying effectively, managing your time as a student, and organizing your course work.
  • Learn more about being a successful college student through our Student Success Workshops including Take Note, Crush Bad Study Habits, and Getting Things Done.  
  • Request a peer tutor to help with your Information Technology (IT) and Graphics courses. Peer tutors are students who have been successful in specific courses so they can offer you valuable guidance and assistance.
  • Assistance in exam prep to score your best on exams for the TEAS exam for the nursing program, Accuplacer for WCTC course placement, apprenticeship testing, and the ACT.  

Find Academic Support

Armed Forces Student Center

262.691.5578 | veterans@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-016

WCTC is proud to serve veterans from all branches of the military. The College is approved on the state and federal levels to provide training to veterans, active service members, survivors and dependents of deceased or disabled veterans. Our Armed Forces Student Center is here to help you get the support, resources and education you need for this next phase in your career, including:

  • Veterans specialists to assist with education benefits and campus and community resources
  • Vet-to-vet support
  • TV and lounge area
  • Small computer lab and quiet study area
  • Resource room
  • Student Veterans of America organization

Veterans Resources   Military Policies

ATM

There is one ATM on the Pewaukee Campus, located next to the Student Life Office, Room C-121 (near The Hub).

Bookstore

262.691.5304 | bkstore@wctc.edu
Building B, Room B-108

The WCTC Bookstore is your local, independent resource for textbooks, required course materials, supplies, and WCTC branded apparel. Every dollar spent at the bookstore is recycled back into the WCTC community through programs like student scholarships. You can also shop for electronic devices with education pricing discounts at the Tech Store. Financial aid can be used for Bookstore and Tech Store purchases.

About the Bookstore   Shop Online

Campus Cupboard

262.691.5302 | studentlife@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-121

Currently enrolled students may access the Campus Cupboard, WCTC’s on-campus food pantry, for nutritional assistance. Students must show a current WCTC student ID to pick up a pre-packed bag of groceries, which contains breakfast, lunch and dinner items; limit one bag per week per student. Bags are available for pick up at the Student Life Office (C-121).

Career Connections

262.695.7848 | careers@wctc.edu
Colelge Center, Room C-019

Career Connections can help you create and customize your career plan and prepare for your job search. Get help securing an internship, attending a recruitment event or accessing Handshake, our free online job database.

Career and Employment Services

Internship Program

  • Schedule a one-on-one appointment to plan for your internship or to gain other related work experience.
  • Register for 890-108 Employment Success and other internship courses to prepare for internships and to gain practical work experience.

Visit Career Connections

Child Development Center

262.691.5220 | lholtz6@wctc.edu
Building S, Room S-128

WCTC’s Child Development Center is open to children of WCTC students, faculty, staff, and the community. Small classroom sizes and high teacher-to-child ratios allow children to experience frequent, individualized learning experiences. This program is accredited by the National Association of Education for Young Children and is rated a 5-star program through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. In partnership with Pewaukee Lake Elementary, the CDC offers a DPI-licensed 4K program during the school year. Summer, before- and after-school programming is available for school- aged children up to age eight.

Explore Child Care

Compliance and Equity

262.691.5082 | compliance@wctc.edu

WCTC prohibits all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, intimidation and coercion on campus and at College-related activities and functions. Sexual harassment, assault and other forms of sexual misconduct are considered a form of gender-based discrimination. WCTC seeks to create and maintain a campus free from incidences of sexual misconduct through education, programming, training for students and staff, clear policies, and consistent sanctions for any violation of these policies.

These prohibitions are included in College policies and procedures, s. 36.12, Wisconsin Statutes, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. A summary of the laws and policies implemented by the College can be found online.

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Title IX requirements cover sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and pregnant and parenting students. WCTC is responsible for taking immediate and effective steps to respond to sexual misconduct and violence. Sexual violence may include physical sexual acts performed against a person’s will,or where a person is incapable of giving consent. A number of acts fall into the category of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion.

Individuals with questions or concerns about sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, being a pregnant and/or parenting student, transgendered or in the process of transitioning may contact compliance@wctc.edu or 262.691.5082.

Credit for Prior Learning

262.691.5129 | enroll@wctc.edu

Save time, save money, and accelerate your degree through credit for prior learning. You may be able to earn WCTC credit for the college-level knowledge and skills that you have acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training, work, or volunteer experience.

Dining Services

262.691.5276 | View Hours and Menus

In addition to The Hub and Ollie's Market, several vending machines are also located throughout campus. Requests for vending machine refunds are handled during normal operation hours.

The Hub (College Center, Room C-127)

Enjoy a wide variety of food and beverages available for purchase at the Hub. With hot food, grab-and-go items, Starbucks drinks, cold beverages and more, you’re sure to find the fuel you need to succeed.

Ollie's Market (Building B, Room B-109)

Ollie’s Market, located in B-109, is open 24/7 for your convenience! Stop by and grab a quick meal, tasty snacks, delicious treats, and a wide variety of refreshing beverages.

Financial Aid

262.691.5578 | money@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-019

For students who are admitted into an eligible program, federal and state funds are available to help meet the costs of attending WCTC. There are four different types of financial aid:

  • GrantsMoney from the federal and state government that does not need to be repaid
  • Scholarships: Money from WCTC Foundation, private organizations and businesses that does not need to be repaid
  • Direct Loans: Money borrowed from the federal government that must be repaid after leaving college with interest
  • Work-study: Job opportunities on and off campus to earn available federal money

Most aid is need-based. Financial aid awards are determined based on estimated costs to attend WCTC and what students and their families can contribute. Students who do not demonstrate financial need may still be eligible for unsubsidized loans, non-work-study employment opportunities and scholarships. To determine eligibility, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are not sure which FAFSA year to complete, reach out to the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Responsibilities

Before making schedule changes for any reason, contact the Financial Aid Office. Dropping or withdrawing from a course can drastically impact your financial aid eligibility. Students who stop attending classes prior to the 60 percent point of the term or receives all failing grades, may not earn all their financial aid.

The Financial Aid Office is required to calculate how much aid was earned, and a portion may be returned to the federal government. As a result, students may owe money to WCTC and the federal government.

Military Educational Benefits

Programs are available to help veterans, reservists and National Guard students. Students may qualify for monthly GI Bill benefits, long-term loans or reimbursement grants.

For further information, contact the local County Service Veterans Office or WCTC’s Armed Forces Student Center.

Explore Veterans Benefits

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The U.S. Department of Education requires students to maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible for financial aid. These standards are more stringent than WCTC’s Standards for Academic Success. They apply to transfer credits, current coursework, and previous academic history - even if financial aid was not received for those credits. WCTC is required to review cumulative and semester GPA and cumulative and semester completion percentage each semester, including summer.

Learn More

Graduation Requirements

262.691.5578 | records@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-019

All graduating students are required to file an electronic application for graduation with Registration.

Apply for Graduation   Commencement Ceremony Details

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must complete all required courses in your program of study and maintain a program grade point average of 2.0 or above.
  • Programs may have specific grade requirements for coursework.
  • You must complete all requirements for your program of study, including 25 percent of the program coursework taken in residence at WCTC. 
  • For certificates of 12 credits or less, you would be required to take a minimum of one of the certificate courses at WCTC.
  • Credit for prior learning is not included in coursework taken in residence at WCTC.
  • Your final semester must be in residency at WCTC. Programs may have specific residency requirements.

Contact your academic advisor for specific information regarding grade/residency requirements.

Graduation with Honors or Distinction

To qualify for honors recognition at the graduation ceremony, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Honors: Program GPA of 3.5 to 3.84
  • Distinction: Program GPA of 3.85 to 4.00

Graduation honors will be evaluated based on completed program coursework at the time of the commencement booklet deadline. This honor will be indicated in the commencement booklet and by the gold tassel worn at the ceremony. Students applying after the commencement booklet deadline will be evaluated based on completed program coursework at the time the graduation application is received. These graduates will not have their names in the booklet but will wear a gold tassel at the ceremony. Certificates are not eligible for honors.

Library

262.691.5316 | library@wctc.edu
Building B, Room B-110

The WCTC Library provides research services and quality information resources to support WCTC and the community. Library materials include trade, scholarly, news and popular publications; print books, e-books, and streaming audiobooks; streaming video and DVDs; and more. Your myCard student ID serves as your library card. Library services include:

  • Student ID (myCard) distribution
  • Reference and research assistance (in person, by email, over the phone, by text, or online via live chat or Zoom)
  • Interlibrary loan (borrowing from other libraries)
  • Reserve collection for course-required information
  • Customized instruction room for hands-on research training
  • APA and MLA citation assistance
  • Laptops, iPads, MacBook Pros, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, headphones, mice and calculators available for checkout
  • Study rooms for groups of 2-8, with various amenities including whiteboards and large monitors.
  • Cell phone charging stations
  • Access to more than 80 research databases

Library Resources

Lost and Found

262.695.6234 | welcomecenter@wctc.edu

All lost/found items are held in the Welcome Center, located in the main College Center atrium, Room C-001.

Mental Health Counseling Services

262.595.3440 | counselingservices@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-022

Counseling can empower you to accomplish your mental health and wellness goals. It can also improve your ability to be successful academically, make healthy decisions, grow your sense-of-self, and enhance relationships.

Ou counselors can help address many concerns, including but not limited to:

  • Alcohol and other drugs
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Eating disorder behavior
  • Identity and sense of belonging
  • Life balance
  • Loneliness
  • Relationships
  • Self-confidence
  • Stress
  • Thoughts of harming self or others
  • Trauma

More to Know:

  • All student appointments, personal information and files are strictly confidential. Counseling records are not part of your academic record.
  • Services are free for current WCTC students.
  • Call or stop in to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accommodated as staffing permits.

Students who urgently need support outside of office hours are encouraged to contact 211 or 414.773.0211. For life threatening emergencies, call 988.

Counseling Resources

Mothers' Rooms

WCTC students and visitors who are currently nursing are welcome to use our mothers' rooms. To gain access:

  • Students: Text "Access Code" to 262.500.4048
  • Visitors (Pewaukee Campus): Call 262.229.7008
  • Visitors (Waukesha Campus): Call 262.212.8109

Locations

Building B, Room B-085
Building H, Room H-231
Building S, Room S-134
Building Q, Room Q-397
Building W, Room W-104
Waukesha Campus, Room WK-139

Multicultural Engagement Center

262.291.5359 | mrc@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-125

The Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) seeks to prepare all students and staff to work actively toward equity by providing knowledge, dispositions, and skills for acceptance and inclusion among diverse groups. The MEC offers all students, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups at WCTC, a safe place to call their own. Connect with the MEC for individualized support services, the Multicultural Student Engagement Scholarship Program, the Multicultural Student Union and annual cultural programming.

Get Connected

Registration

262.691.5578 | studentreg@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-019

WCTC offers students three easy ways to register: online, in person and by phone. If you are pursuing a program at WCTC, you will receive priority registration time assignments through your WCTC email account. Registering during this timeframe gives you the greatest likelihood of getting into courses required for your program.

Safety and Security

262.691.5582 | security@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-042

WCTC is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and visitors. Always call 911 in the event of an emergency!

  • WCTC Alerts: Sign up for WCTC Alerts on the myWCTC portal to receive important updates about campus closures and more.
  • Security Reports: If you observe or are the victim of an incident on campus, please report it online using the "Concerns" application on the myWCTC portal or in person at the Campus Security Desk (C-042).

Staying Active on Campus

262.691.5549 | wellbeing@wctc.edu

College life can be demanding, with classes, assignments and extracurricular activities all competing for your time and attention. Adding even a small amount of physical activity to your day can improve your academic performance and overall well-being. Whether it's a quick walk following our walking paths, or a virtual fitness class, you may be surprised how good you feel when you find ways to move!

Get access to fitness classes, challenges, virtual on-demand classes, and locker rooms by signing your activity waiver. Sign your waiver on or after July 1 each year to get access for the upcoming academic year.

Fitness Resources

Student Accessibility

262.691.5318 | SAO@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-019

WCTC and the Student Accessibility Office are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for students with documented disabilities (e.g. mental health, learning, vision/hearing loss, physical, temporary limitations, etc). If you have accessibility needs for classes, programs and/or activities on campus, contact us to learn more about the process for requesting reasonable accommodations. You will meet with a disability specialist who will review your documentation and talk with you about your needs. Together, you will create an individualized accommodation plan, which you will share with your instructors. Some auxiliary aids and services may take several weeks to coordinate; request services as soon as possible once you are enrolled.

Request Accommodations

Student Government Association

262.691.5302 | sga@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-123

Made up of an executive board and a group of student senators representing each school on campus, the Sudent Government Association represents the needs, interests, and concerns of all students at WCTC.

Student Government aims to:

  • Represent the students’ voice in College government.
  • Provide a liaison between the administration, faculty, and students.
  • Promote citizenship and leadership among students.
  • Encourage improvement of WCTC and its surrounding communities.
  • Acquire and disseminate accurate information to the student body.
  • Develop social, cultural, and recreational activities for the student body.
  • Coordinate and fund student organizations and activities.

Student Life

262.691.5302 | studentlife@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-121

Employers recognize the importance of leadership and campus involvement. They seek out students who are academically strong and who are involved in professional organizations, community service, campus activities and leadership. Student life offers numerous activities and leadership opportunities to promote your personal and professional development. Through these experiences, you can gain knowledge and tools to become a more effective leader on campus, in the community, at work and at home.

Study Abroad

262.695.3424 | global@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-125

The Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) provides the WCTC community with opportunities to develop intercultural competencies through engagement with diverse people, cultures and ideas as preparation for a global, multicultural and collaborative workplace and society. The MEC offers education abroad programs, enrolls and advises international students, hosts globally themed events, and helps infuse international content into curriculum, all helping to produce culturally competent, competitive graduates.

Education abroad programs can help you meet requirements for general education or program courses and provide service learning. Traditional and foreign language opportunities are available year-round.

Explore Opportunities

Testing Services

262.695.6215 | testingcenter@wctc.edu
College Center, Room C-020

The WCTC Testing Center is committed to providing accessible, comprehensive testing services in a welcoming and secure environment. Assessments offered here can help you place into specific courses, earn credit for prior learning and more. Services include:

  • Accommodated testing
  • ACCUPLACER© placement test
  • ALEKS testing for math placement
  • Apprenticeship testing
  • Challenge Exam/Proficiency Exam/Prior Learning Assessment
  • CLEP
  • DSST
  • Make-up testing (arranged by instructor)
  • Veterans services
  • Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (TEAS)
  • Pearson Vue (GED testing)
  • Proctor services (for distance learners and online courses)
  • Scantron certification exams
  • Spanish Language Assessment
  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager exam

Technology

262.691.5555 | servicedesk@wctc.edu
IT Service Desk, Building B, Room B-110A

Computer with checkboxes iconmyWCTC

Find all of the basic tools you’ll need on the myWCTC portal. To login, click “MyWCTC” at the top of any page on this website, then enter your WCTC username and password.

Watch for a verification code sent via email or text when you first set up your WCTC account. Use this code to verify your account, then create a strong, unique password. Never share your password or answer personal security questions for any reason. WCTC staff will never request this information. You may also create or change to a more secure password using "Manage My Password" on the myWCTC portal.

Visit myWCTC


Office365 logoStudent Email and Office 365

Important communications are regularly sent through student email accounts. Correspondence with instructors should be through myWCTCmail or Canvas.

Student email is paired with Office 365, offering free online access to the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive Storage. You can access your student email by logging into the myWCTC portal and clicking on the myWCTCmail app located within the Student Apps card. Multi-factor authentication is required. Office 365 student accounts are provided only for active program or course-enrolled students.


WiFi symbolWi-Fi

Students and staff can connect to the WCTCSecure network by logging in with their WCTC username and password.


Canvas logoCanvas

Canvas allows students and instructors to interact while taking online classes, or to use online materials and activities to complement traditional classroom-based courses. Instructors may use this system in a variety of ways. Canvas is available 24/7 through the myWCTC portal under My Applications. An app is available for download at the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

Visit Canvas


ID badge iconmyCard Campus ID

With your myCard campus ID, you can access the library, financial aid purchases in the bookstore, on-campus printing and more. Check or add to your myCard balance on the myWCTC portal​​​​​​​.

How to Get Your myCard

  • You must be actively enrolled in a WCTC program or course(s) to be eligible for a myCard.
  • Follow these instructions to get your myCard and add your photo.
  • After submitting your photo, you will receive an approval email at your WCTC student email address.
  • Ready to pick up your card (or need a replacement)? Schedule an appointment

Please note: If you already have a myCard obtained after 2017, you do not need a new one.


WCTC Alerts iconWCTC Alerts

In the event of an emergency or severe weather condition, we can alert you with a text message or email to the phone number or email address you specify. Sign up for this service on the myWCTC portal under WCTC Alerts.


Tech support iconIT Service Desk

Our IT Service Desk is here to help with any technology-related challenges or facility needs. You can contact the IT Service Desk via email, phone, myChat or a MyServiceSuite service request ticket. Here are just a few things the Service Desk can help with:

  • Online learning support
  • Microsoft Office 365 issues/setup
  • Campus applications issues
  • myCard issues and support
  • Manage My Password support and resets
  • myWCTC access issues
  • Printing support

DegreeWorks iconDegreeWorks

DegreeWorks is a web-based planning resource for students to take control of their path and track their progress toward completing their degree. This resource is available for all WCTC program students who started during or after the fall 2020 academic semester.


Zoom logoZoom

All currently enrolled program students have a Zoom account for virtual meetings. If you are not enrolled in a program and did not receive an invitation, you will still be able to be invited to a Zoom meeting by WCTC faculty and staff. To set up Zoom for the first time:

  1. Visit https://wctc.zoom.us and click "Sign In."
  2. Use your WCTC username and password to log in.

ID badge iconPrinting on Campus

Papercut, our cloud-based printing service, allows you to upload documents from any device and print/copy from any of the Papercut-enabled devices across campus. Find printing locations and manage your account online.

We provide every student with a one-time initial allotment of $40 for printing. Once that amount has been spent, you will pay to print. Learn how to add funds to your Papercut account.

Black and White Copies: Color Copies:
Single-sided: $0.05 per page Single-sided: $0.25 per page
Double-sided: $0.08 per page Double-sided: $0.48 per page

Laptop iconComputer & Software Purchasing

WCTC students can take advantage of educational pricing on devices purchased at WCTC. Noncredit students may need to check eligibility for these discounts.