Dual Credit Programs

Credit with a Purpose is a guided opportunity for high school students to earn college credit while still in school—helping them take meaningful steps toward their future. At Clatsop Community College, this program encourages students to choose college courses that align with their interests, career goals, and graduation requirements.

For students, it is a chance to explore college-level learning, build confidence, and get a head start on a degree or certificate. For parents, it is a way to support their child’s growth while saving time and money on future college costs. Every course taken through Credit with a Purpose is selected intentionally, ensuring that students are not just earning credit—but building a foundation for success.

Whether your student is interested in healthcare, business, trades, or the arts, Credit with a Purpose helps them make informed choices and begin their journey with clarity and confidence.

As a dual credit student at Clatsop Community College, you are both a high school and college student. This unique opportunity comes with important rights and responsibilities to help you succeed academically and personally.

Your Rights:

• Access to College Resources: You have the right to use college services such as tutoring, advising, library resources, and student support programs.
• Academic Freedom: You are entitled to learn in an environment that encourages inquiry, expression, and respect.
• Privacy Protection: Your educational records are protected under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This means your college records are private and can only be shared with your consent.
• Equal Opportunity: You have the right to a learning environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Your Responsibilities:

• Meet Academic Expectations: You are expected to attend class, complete assignments on time, and meet the standards set by your instructors.
• Follow College Policies: You must adhere to Clatsop Community College’s student code of conduct, academic integrity policies, and classroom behavior guidelines.
• Communicate Proactively: If you need help or accommodations, it is your responsibility to reach out to instructors or CCC student services.
• Manage Your Time: College courses require strong time management and self-discipline. Plan ahead and stay organized.
• Understand the Impact: Grades earned in dual credit courses become part of your permanent college transcript and may affect future financial aid or college admissions.

In Oregon higher education, a “Z course” refers to a course that is part of the Common Course Numbering (CCN) system established under Senate Bill 233 (2021). The “Z” suffix (e.g., WR121Z, MATH111Z) indicates that the course has been standardized across all Oregon public colleges and universities.

Key Features of Z Courses:

• Uniformity Across Institutions: These courses have the same course number, title, description, credits, and learning outcomes at every public institution in Oregon.
• Transfer-Friendly: Credits earned in a Z course at one institution are guaranteed to transfer and be recognized as equivalent at any other Oregon public college or university.
• Curriculum Consistency: At least 75% of the course content must align with the state-approved curriculum; institutions may add up to 25% of additional content.
• Designation: The “Z” is added to the course number to clearly mark it as part of the CCN system (e.g., MATH111 becomes MATH111Z).