- Does establishing a prerequisite for a course mean that colleges must restrict the enrollment in the course to students who meet the prerequisite?
Yes, a course that has an established prerequisite signifies that a district has carefully reviewed course content and requirements, entrance and exit skills, and the knowledge necessary for the student to achieve a satisfactory grade in the course for which the prerequisite is obligatory. On the basis of the review, a determination has been made that a student without this prerequisite would not have a high expectation of success in the course. Moreover, the very definition of the term “prerequisite” makes clear that it is a condition of enrollment that a student is required to meet. Consequently, once a prerequisite has been established, it must be uniformly enforced.
- Does an instructor have the authority to “waive” an established prerequisite?
No, once a prerequisite has been established, all students wishing to enroll in the course for which the prerequisite was established must satisfactorily complete the prerequisite.
- Can I appeal if I do not want to enroll in the prerequisite?
No, there is no individual appeal. As stated above you may provide evidence that you have the equivalent of the prerequisite course offered at the College of Marin, or you may challenge the prerequisite under the conditions as stated above.