Each student is responsible for his/her registration of classes, attending every class meeting, informing instructors in case of an absence, and officially withdrawing from classes. Furthermore, each student is responsible for following the rules and regulations in this catalog.

Enrolling in courses at Southwestern College requires you to complete several steps in the registration process. Registration information and materials to enroll in classes may be obtained online on Student Self-Service or in the Admissions & Records Office located in the Cesar E. Chavez Student Services Building at the Chula Vista campus, or at the Higher Education Centers at National City, Otay Mesa, or San Ysidro. Southwestern College provides an online schedule of classes prior to the beginning of each semester. The schedule delineates registration timelines, enrollment procedures, fees and tuition, and a complete listing of courses to be offered that term.

Before registering, you should read each course description carefully to ensure you are registering for the courses you need to meet your educational goals. You will need to develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to determine the classes you need to take.

Many courses restrict enrollment for students who have not met or are not currently meeting the level of preparation that is deemed essential to student success in those courses. These restrictions are called prerequisites, corequisites, and limitations on enrollment. Courses may also have a recommended preparation or recommended concurrent enrollment that will enhance your chances of success in these classes.

Recognizing that the proper establishment of prerequisites, corequisites, limitations on enrollment, and/or recommendations are critical to student learning, the Southwestern College faculty has taken great effort to ensure your success by diligently reviewing each requisite and recommendation prior to its implementation. 

You should plan to follow all course prerequisites, corequisites, limitations, and recommended preparation. Being adequately prepared for courses will expedite your progress in reaching your educational goals.

Open Enrollment

It is the policy of the Southwestern Community College District that every course and course section offered by the College District shall be open to enrollment and participation by any person who is eligible for admission and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Title 5 of the California Administrative Code. (BP & AP 5052 - Open Enrollment).