Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for EPiC Consortium Students

General Information

  • What is the EPiC Consortium?

    • The Educational Programs in Collaboration (EPiC) Consortium is a partnership of Michigan-based two- and four-year colleges that work together to offer high-quality online and hybrid educational programs. The consortium ensures students can access courses across institutions while receiving financial aid and academic support from their home college.

  • How does EPiC benefit students?

    EPiC provides:

    • Expanded access to specialized programs.

    • Seamless credit transfer among member institutions.

    • Flexible online and hybrid course delivery.

    • Access to shared faculty expertise and employer connections.

  • What degrees and certificates are available through EPiC?

    • EPiC offers career-focused programs leading to certificates and associate or bachelor’s degrees. The specific programs available depend on the participating colleges and industry needs.

Enrollment and Registration

  • How do I enroll in an EPiC program?

    • Students must apply through their home college, which serves as the degree-granting institution. Once admitted, students register for courses using the MCO registration system managed by MWTEC.

  • Can I take courses at multiple institutions?

    • Yes. EPiC allows students to enroll in courses across different member colleges while maintaining their degree pathway at their home institution.

  • How do I register for EPiC courses?

    • Students register through the MWTEC-MCO registration system. Your program director or coordinator will assist with enrollment to ensure courses align with your academic plan.

Financial Aid and Tuition

  • Can I receive financial aid for EPiC courses?

    • Yes. Students apply for financial aid through their home college. EPiC maintains a financial aid consortium agreement to ensure aid eligibility across institutions.

  • How is tuition handled?

    • Students pay tuition to the provider college offering the course. All tuition follows the EPiC consortium’s standardized rates and policies.

  • Are there additional fees for EPiC courses?

    • Some courses may have additional costs, including lab fees, clinical placement fees, or technology charges. Students should check with their home college for specific fee details.

  • Can scholarships be used for EPiC courses?

    • Many scholarships apply to EPiC courses, but eligibility varies. Students should confirm scholarship policies with their financial aid office.

Academic Policies

  • What are the academic expectations for EPiC courses?

    Students must:

    • Follow the syllabus and complete all coursework on time.

    • Participate in discussions and group activities.

    • Maintain academic integrity and adhere to grading policies.

  • What happens if I need to withdraw from a course?

    • Students should notify their program director or coordinator and withdrawal from their classes on the MWTEC-MCO registration system.

  • Can EPiC course credits be transferred to other institutions?

    • EPiC credits are designed to transfer among consortium colleges. Students transferring to non-EPiC institutions should check with their intended school to confirm credit acceptance.

  • What happens if a student fails an EPiC course?

    • Students who do not successfully complete a course may have the option to retake it. Retakes may affect financial aid and program progression. It is recommended that students consult their academic advisor to discuss available options.

  • Can students take a semester off from an EPiC program?

    • Policies for taking a semester off vary by program. Students considering a leave of absence should contact their program director or coordinator to discuss program impact and eligibility.

Clinical and Lab-Based Programs

  • How do clinical and lab experiences work?

    • Some EPiC programs include hands-on clinical or lab experiences. These are arranged through partner colleges and employer partners, following EPiC’s standardized policies for clinical access, supervision, and safety.

  • Are there specific attendance policies for clinical education?

    • Yes. Students must attend all scheduled clinical and lab sessions, as hands-on training is essential for skill development. Attendance policies will be outlined in the student handbook for each program.

  • What if a student has difficulty securing a clinical site?

    • Clinical placements are arranged through partner institutions. Students who experience challenges securing a placement should inform their program director as soon as possible to explore available options.

  • Are background checks and drug screenings required for clinicals?

    • Many clinical sites require background checks, drug screenings, and immunization records before allowing students to participate in hands-on training. Requirements vary by site and program.

  • How do students track clinical hours?

    • Clinical hours may be tracked through designated systems such as Trajecsys or other documentation platforms. Each program outlines its specific tracking requirements.

Technology and Online Learning

  • What technology is required for EPiC programs?

    • Students need a reliable computer, internet access, and software tools required by their courses. The EPiC learning management system (Canvas) hosts all online coursework.

  • What should students do if they experience technical issues with EPiC courses?

    • Students experiencing technical difficulties with the learning management system, course materials, or software should contact their home college’s IT support or EPiC’s technical assistance team.

  • Are EPiC courses self-paced or scheduled?

    • EPiC courses may be asynchronous (self-paced) or synchronous (scheduled live sessions). Course syllabi will specify format and participation expectations.

  • How do I access student support services?

    EPiC students have access to the following resources at both their home college and

    the provider college:

    • Online library resources.

    • Academic advising and tutoring.

    • Testing center.

Program Completion and Certification

  • How do I complete my EPiC program?

    To graduate, students must:

    • Complete all required coursework and clinical experiences.

    •  Maintain the minimum GPA required by their home institution.

    •  Meet any program-specific certification requirements.

  • How long does it take to complete an EPiC program?

    • Program length varies depending on the degree or certificate pursued. Students should refer to their home college’s program guide for detailed timelines.

  • Can EPiC students participate in their home college’s graduation?

    • Yes. EPiC students graduate from their home institution and may participate in commencement ceremonies based on college policies.

  • Are EPiC programs industry-certified?

    • Yes. EPiC programs align with industry standards and may lead to certifications recognized by employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and other fields.

  • What if I need to retake a course?

Students should consult with their home college’s academic advisor to discuss retake options and any financial aid implications.

Contact Information

  • Who do I contact for more information?

    • Students should reach out to their home college’s EPiC advisor or MWTEC’s student support team for assistance with enrollment, academic advising, or program details.