Navigating the Academic Year at Johnson County Community College

Johnson County Community College (JCCC) is committed to serving the educational needs of Johnson County residents. The college offers many courses, certificates, and degree programs designed to meet diverse educational and career goals. This article provides an overview of important dates, initiatives, and resources available to students at JCCC.

Academic Calendar Highlights

The academic year at JCCC includes a variety of important dates and events that students should be aware of. Here's a breakdown of key periods and deadlines:

Fall Semester Start: The fall semester at JCCC marks the beginning of a new academic year.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: A federal holiday, with classes not in session.
Spring Break: Classes not in session, providing a break for students and faculty.
Memorial Day Holiday: College offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day.
Juneteenth Holiday: College offices are closed in observance of Juneteenth.
Independence Day Holiday: College offices are closed in observance of Independence Day.
Labor Day Holiday: Classes are not in session.
Thanksgiving Day Holiday: College offices are closed in observance of Thanksgiving.
Winter Break: An extended break period following the fall semester.

Deadlines for Dropping Courses

Students should be aware of the deadlines for dropping courses to avoid a withdrawal "W" on their permanent record:

Full-Semester Courses: There is a specific last day to drop a full-semester course without a withdrawal "W" on the student's permanent record for both the fall and spring semesters.
First 4-Week Courses (Summer): There is a last day to drop a first 4-week course without a withdrawal "W" on the student's permanent record.
8-Week Courses: There is a last day to drop an 8-week course without a withdrawal "W" on the student's permanent record.
Winter Session: There is a last day to drop a winter session course without a withdrawal “W” on the student’s permanent record.

Other Important Dates

Professional Learning Days for Faculty: These days are dedicated to faculty development.
In-Service Days: College offices are open.
Stop Day: No classes are held, but college offices are open.
Saturday and Sunday Classes End: Specific dates mark the end of weekend classes.
Deadline for Grade Changes: Faculty must submit grade changes for "I" (Incomplete) grades assigned in the fall semester by a specific deadline.
Last Day of Summer Courses: The last day of first 4-week courses, 8-week courses, and second 4-week courses of the summer session.
Commencement: Graduation ceremony.

Academic Initiatives and Programs

JCCC is continuously working to improve the student experience and outcomes through various initiatives and programs.

Guided Pathways and Areas of Interest

JCCC has launched updates in a full academic redesign to improve the student experience and student outcomes. Areas of Interest is part of a national framework called Guided Pathways, which was developed at the Community College Research Center at Columbia University. This helps students who may not have an exact career path in mind explore different possibilities within a broader area of study. "Guided Pathways allows students to enter a broad Area of Interest if they're unsure about their major," said Shelli Allen, Vice President of Student Success and Engagement, JCCC. "Because academic programs are grouped by similarities, students can easily switch majors within the same Area of Interest. This approach supports intentional decision-making, helping students explore options without feeling stuck."

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Facilities Master Plan

JCCC leaders will continue work on the next Facilities Master Plan (FMP), a 10-year project to ensure JCCC’s facilities align with students’ needs and support their success. The JCCC Board approved a new FMP in June, which will help JCCC continue its mission to inspire learning to transform lives and strengthen communities.

CLEAR Program

CLEAR (College Learning Experiences, Activities and Resources) provides two non-credit continuing education programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The CLEAR programs are for Kansas residents, aged 18 or older, who have been previously or are currently eligible for special education services during their secondary education due to an intellectual or developmental disability. All prospective students must complete a new student interview.

Student Life and Engagement

JCCC offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved and enhance their college experience.

Student Senate

The Student Senate at JCCC is the collective voice and governance representation of the student body. The JCCC Student Senate will address key student issues this semester, including support projects to enhance the JCCC student experience, improve communication with student leadership, and directly address student needs. In September, the Student Senate will host a forum for students to meet candidates running for the JCCC Board of Trustees in November.

Welcome Weeks

New student orientation and Welcome Weeks are exciting times for the JCCC community. From August 25 through September 5, JCCC Student Life and Leadership will host Welcome Weeks events for all students.

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Welcome Weeks Events:

Donuts & Directions: Need help finding your class?
The First-Week Feelings Booth: Feeling overwhelmed, lost, or unsure where to start? Stop by The First-Week Feelings Booth for support, resources, and real talk about navigating your first days.
Clubs on the Lawn: Clubs on the Lawn is your chance to explore student life in a fun, relaxed setting. Meet club members, play yard games like cornhole and giant Jenga, and find your place at JCCC.
Thrift & Thrive Market
Cav Kickoff: JCCC’s favorite semester tradition has arrived! Spend your day discovering the opportunities that will set you up for a fun and successful Cavalier experience. Browse our beautiful COM Plaza and find enriching clubs and organizations where you can make friends for life. Get to know our academic departments and visit with 4-year university representatives.

Important Information for Students

Payment

Payment is due at the time of enrollment.

Catalog Information

This credit catalog for courses and programs applies to the 2026-27 academic year, including the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 semesters. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented; however, Johnson County Community College reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. This catalog does not constitute a contract between the college and current or prospective students. Updates and corrections may be made to the online catalog as needed.

Dual Enrollment

Gonzales is a dual degree student, meaning he is technically a high school junior (he’s also enrolled at Blue Valley Northwest), but will spend his last two years of high school attending classes full-time at JCCC. When Gonzalez graduates from high school in two years, he will graduate from JCCC with an associate degree at the same time.

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