Translation Services - Fall 2026 Update

The translation service was able to get me an interpreter in less than a minute and it all worked out very smoothly.  Karla Silvestre told me that her office has the funding to cover the costs related to using this service.  I called them on the phone an put my phone on speaker. 

Please pass these instructions on to anyone else you now who may need to use this service.

Below please find the instructions for utilizing our 24/7/365, on-demand over-the-phone interpretation service:

1. 1) Call our toll-free telephonic interpreting hotline: 877-800-8604.
2. 2) You will be asked for the Customer Code. Your Customer Code is ""ST"".
3. 3) Ask for the ""House Account"".
4. 4) You will be asked for the Pass Code. Pass Code is ""ST30"".
5. 5) You will then need to provide the language you need and any other information regarding the call, including if you want to schedule for a future date.
6. 6) Please let the operator know if you need to be connected to multiple parties. If possible, we recommend calling the third parties before calling the hotline as there will be a charge to add them in.

You will be sent an invoice the following month detailing the total charges for all calls made during the previous month. All calls will be charged with a base fee of $50 for the first 15 minutes, and then $1.86 per minute for each additional minute.

Please let us know if you have any questions, or if there is anything else we can do to help.

 Thank you,                                                                                                                                                                       

___________________________________________________
Matthew Holtzman
Project Manager

 Schreiber Translations, Inc. (STI)

12345 Parklawn Dr. Ste 200

PMB 1074

Rockville, MD 20852
Tel.: 301-424-7737 ext. 102
Email: mholtzman@schreibernet.com
www.schreibernet.com

 

 

HINM Transfer Course Equivalencies

 More courses that transfer for the major:

 Towson’s BIOL 210 = our HINM 115

 Purdue Global University’s HS 200 = our HINM 120 + HS 111 = both HINM 115 and 116

 WAU’s BIOL 140 =HINM 120

 Maureen Mirowski

MS in Counseling Psychology & Counselor Education

Sterile Processing Technician Certification

Just received confirmation that, for those who desire the Sterile Processing Technician Certification:

Should this class be completed, the Program Coordinator assigns extra points for one the very limited 18 seats available once per year for the SURG Tech degree. 

To be clear, it is not a recommendation to take it prior, it costs $1,920.  Not covered by financial aid, but might be some monies in WDCE.

According to Professor Harges, jobs that pay well also.

Maureen Mirowski

HIM Admissions (Summer 2026 Update)

 Hello all, This is new info for HIM:

If students missed the June 15 deadline for HIM, have students email Corinne Smith if they have ENGL and MATH.

She will put in late acceptance for them ( starts Fall )!

She does not have the rule of 5 years on any BIOL.

Maureen Mirowski

MS in Counseling Psychology & Counselor Education

Montgomery College

Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus

Adjunct Faculty Counselor

HC 436, T:  240-567-5810

It is most efficient to email me for the fastest response.

I hold two part time positions among the Counseling & Advising department and six Health Science departments. 

Most students find online faster than making an appointment since March, 2020.

 

Business Program Advising - Summer 2026

There is some information relevant to business majors that I’d like to share. You and the counselors may already know much of this, but it would be great if you could get the word out about the following:

• We’ll be offering the Mi Gente learning community, which pairs CMAP120 and BSAD101 in a cohort with computer-related service-learning experiences, at both the Rockville and Takoma Park Campuses in the Fall 2026 semester. The cohorts are open to ALL business majors but may be of special interest to Latine students, as some service-learning options utilize Spanish-language skills. Info is available online at www.montgomerycollege.edu/MiGente or from Karen.PenndeMartinez@MontgomeryCollege.edu.
• Business majors who have an ALEKs math score of 46 or above - or who had a D, F, or W in a previous attempt at Calculus – can now take MATH150 with the 2-hour MATH055 support class. Since Calculus is one of the 3 “Gateway” courses that must be passed with a C or better to be eligible for admission to UMD’s Smith School of Business (with only one do-over allowed between Calculus, Statistics, and ACCT221), we definitely want to direct business majors to get the support needed for success in MATH150. Those who place above the MATH050 prerequisite, as well as folks who struggled to pass MATH050, should be encouraged to consider the MATH055 support class.
• We want to strongly encourage all business majors to take ALEKs (if they don’t have SAT, ACT, or other math placement scores). Sometimes they are told they can go directly into MATH117/017 based on high school grades, but then they get stuck having to go back and take MATH050 to be able to get into MATH150 later. If they work with ALEKs this summer, they can place directly into MATH150 (or now MATH150 with MATH055), thereby saving a semester (or more) reviewing algebra in MATH050.
• The admissions advisors at Smith School informed us that the College Park Campus only admitted transfer applicants with a 3.6 GPA or higher last year. Shady Grove considered students above 3.0, but Shady Grove does not offer all the majors, so even students with 3.5 GPAs did not get into majors like Finance, Business Analytics, or Supply Chain Management. The attached presentation goes over some of this (and other) Smith School requirements. Please feel free to share!
• Students who hope to become Certified Public Accountants and plan to go to UMD’s Smith School should NOT take MGMT201 Business Law. They should select a different elective from the General Education list.
• UMD now gives 3 credits for CLEP language tests, and students who speak multiple CLEP languages (e.g. both French and Spanish) can get 3 UMD credits for each of them.
• I had been telling students to take BSAD111 (Personal Finance) as their elective, but I heard UMD only gives them 1 credit for it instead of the 3 we give. Do you know if that is the case?

FA26 Getting into the Smith School of Business

Let me know if you need any more information or have any questions! And thanks for helping us get business majors on the right track!

 

Karen Penn de Martinez

Professor, Computer Applications

Business Major Advisor

240-567-7661 office/voicemail

 

Advising Hours through 7/3/26:

Tuesdays, 2:15-4:15 pm by Zoom

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Rockville Office: HU 236

Fridays, 8:30 - 10:30 am by Zoom

KPenn@montgomerycollege.edu

montgomerycollege.edu

  Zoom: https://montgomerycollege.zoom.us/my/penndemartinez.visitmehours

New Accounting AAS (2026-2027 Catalog)

The College recently received approval from MHEC to offer the new accounting AAS! The AAS aligns with COMAR’s CPA requirements and reflects current industry and professional standards across three primary pathways: corporate, government, and public accounting.

The accounting AAS is intended for students seeking immediate entry into the workforce rather than a transfer pathway or preparation for traditional public accounting careers. Students seeking those options are better served by the business AA. Credits earned in the existing accounting certificate apply toward the new accounting AAS.

To learn more, review the accounting AAS catalog page, the accounting program page, or the attached MHEC proposal and approval letter. If you have questions about the program, please contact Dr. Kathryn Klose.

Portage Learning courses as Credit for Prior Learning

Montgomery College does not accept Portage Learning courses as Credit for Prior Learning, however, as per the website, the courses are offered through partnership with two different colleges and listed on the partner college/university transcripts:

 "Students register and complete their coursework through portagelearning.edu, while official college credit and transcripts are issued by the partner university." Accreditation | Online College Courses | Portage Learning

If the student has transcripts from the partner universities and they meet the MC accreditation requirement, the student must have official transcripts sent to MC following the instructions for Transfer Credit from US Colleges and Universities: Transfer Credits to MC from US and Non-US Colleges and Universities | Montgomery College, Maryland

 Let me know if you have any other questions.

Warm regards,

Dr. Sonia Pruneda-Hernandez

Director

Office of Learning Recognition and Advancement 

sonia.pruneda-hernandez@montgomerycollege.edu

ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation documents (2026)

Attached are the update ALEKS Chem prep info sheets. Below is an email from Prof Miller with more info.

Remember, if student complete ALEKS Chem prep, they do not need to take CHEM031!!

I’ve attached several updated documents related to the 2026 ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module that students can use to help them prepare for CHEM 131.  The content is exactly the same as before; the only thing that has changed is the course code.  This module is now open for student enrollment.  Students can still enroll in the 2025 module, but it will close on May 30^th so it’s probably best to start using these new documents for advising initiatives.  We are in the process of updating the Rockville Campus Chemistry Dept website and the Chemistry Guided Placement website to include these instructions on using ALEKS.  The cost for 11-week access is ~$44 and for 6-week access is ~$34.

 Please feel free to share this information and documents with your counseling colleagues.  And as always, please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you for helping us spread the word about ALEKS for CHEM 131 Preparation!  It is most appreciated.

With Thanks,

Virginia

Maryland State Scholarships and Grants

 Maryland’s Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has recently updated their Maryland State Financial Aid pages, including a very clear chart showing Scholarship and Grant deadlines (March 1 for many programs).

These pages are worth reviewing to get an idea of the MANY opportunities for both current MC and future transfer students.  Not saying that we need to advise in depth for financial aid, but we can encourage students to explore programs.

 

Maryland State Financial Aid Programs https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx

 

Maryland State Financial Aid Resources Page: https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/index.aspx

 

There are links to MHEC information on our own MC Financial Aid page https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/maryland-grants-and-scholarships.html; however, the new MHEC pages seem to present information in more of a “one-stop shop” format. 

 

I am going cut and paste these sections for students asking about scholarships:

---

For current MC students seeking scholarships and grants while enrolled at MC – see all three links below:

• MC Financial Aid Page https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/maryland-grants-and-scholarships.html
• Maryland State Financial Aid Programs https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx
• Maryland State Financial Aid Resources Page: https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/index.aspx

Check deadlines carefully, note that some Maryland State Programs have a March 1 deadline to apply for aid.

---

Finding Transfer Scholarships
Search the websites of every school of interest using the words “Transfer Scholarships”

See these links for:

• Maryland State Financial Aid Programs https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx
• Maryland State Financial Aid Resources Page: https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/index.aspx

Check deadlines carefully, note that many schools and Maryland State Programs have a March 1 deadline to apply for aid.

---

 

Anne Schleicher, Part-Time Counselor
Montgomery College Online Advising Services

Transfer Advising Updated - U of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing Page (SP26)

 The University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing Transfer Advising Page: Nursing – MC to UMB School of Nursing Traditional Transfer (PDF, )

has been updated on the MC Transfer Resources Page https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/transfer/transfer-resources.html .  Find this page under “Advising by Major”

Changes to the UM SON Advising Page include: 

1. The page no longer lists deadlines to apply to the UMB School of Nursing = UM SON, instead, it asks students to check on the deadlines themselves as this information may change.  Students should be looking at the UM SON Nursing Admissions page often and early in the planning process to keep up with current requirements.  https://www.nursing.umaryland.edu/academics/undergrad/bachelor-of-science-nursing/
2. On Page 2, the MC to UM SON Notes section says that students may use CLEP Language Test Scores (French, German, Spanish) to fulfill a maximum of 2 Arts and Humanities courses on the Prereq’s list, this is also true for MC Nursing.  Encourage students to visit the CLEP Website and try the free Sample CLEP Test to gauge whether earning credit through what is essentially a 90 minute final exam in a language is a realistic option.  https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams   
3. Encourage students to ask questions directly of UM SON – they have many options to speak with advisors shown on this page   https://www.nursing.umaryland.edu/admissions/visit-us/  They welcome questions!

 

What about the student who is unsure of whether to apply to UM SON or MC Nursing? 

Providing students with a copy of the MC Paths to Nursing Page Paths to Nursing – MC AS, MC-UMB Dual Admission Nursing and Direct Transfer Options (PDF, ) could help students see the differences between the two programs.  Years ago, the State of Maryland was going to require a BSN to work in MD hospitals starting in 2020, however, the Covid Pandemic blew that up and the provision has never been adopted.  A quick survey of local hospitals shows that students can be employed with an RN (MC degree), experience still also preferred, and some hospitals hire RN’s with the condition that applicants will actively be working on completing a BSN.  MC’s Nursing Program actively works to connect students with BSN degree completion programs, including but not limited to the UM SON program.  Students can safely start on the requirements for both the RN and the BSN options as MC courses needed are nearly the same in the first 2 semesters and decide in future semesters about which degree to seek.

Anne Schleicher, Part-Time Counselor
Montgomery College Online Advising Services

MC ESL Placement Reminders - Spring 2026

 MC ESL Placement is primarily for students who speak a language other than English at home, and have not spent 10 years in the US education system.  The diversity of our student body sometimes indicates other reasons to choose ESL vs. ENGL placement processes. 

• If a student is referred to the wrong process, ESL or ENGL will refer the student to the correct process.

• Students should be advised to only complete one placement process for their English classes, ESL or ENGL.  BOTH can place students into ENGL101 (+011) if appropriate.

• Students can place into ENGL101 or ENGL101+011 based on these exam scores:
• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, (soon, Duolingo)
• ACT, SAT, GED, AP, IB
• APPE or APPG = 080

If students do not have scores from one of these exams, or one of the alternate placements, demonstrating readiness for college-level English, they need to complete the MC ESL Placement (or ENGL).

• MC ESL Placement places students into:
• ENGL101
• ENGL101+ENGL011
• ELAP
• ESL
• AELG

• ESL Placement scores do not transfer across institutions, nor does coursework from ESL or EAP program. Coursework from another institution, and internal placements from other institutions, do not constitute placements at MC, and students with ESL coursework from other institutions need to complete MC ESL Placement.

• Students should be referred to the Course Placement Guides on the MC website, which will lead them interactively through questions about their academic history, and lead them to the appropriate placement process.

• Once a student places into ELAP, we do not refer them back to the MC ESL Placement process.  We conduct diagnostic testing on the first day of every ELAP class, which can either confirm or change (i.e. advance) a student’s placement.

• We do not have resources to allow for repeated attempts at the ESL placement process (and repeats within a short period rarely change a person’s placement anyway).  If someone wants to appeal their placement, please remind them of the first-day tests.  Students may redo the placement process after a year, or after completing non-credit ESL coursework.

• If a student scores above a 90 on the TOEFL, they can advance to ENGL101.  However, TOEFL scores below 90 are not used to determine placement levels.

Preview Link – you’re welcome to take a look! 

PREVIEW -- Welcome to ESL GUIDED PLACEMENT! (3) – Fill out form

Curriculum Changes - Fall 2025/Spring 2026

The following updates have been made in Banner and Degree Works in accordance with approved Collegewide Curriculum Committee proposals.

Fall 2025 Effective Term  

New Courses

ENEE 269 – Electrical and Computer Engineering Internship/Practicum

Earn college credit in a professional environment related to their particular path in the electrical engineering or computer engineering program. The intent is to give students an appropriate practical experience that will expand their knowledge and aid them in making career decisions. Credit may be earned for work in a professional environment (industry internship, academic research) or participation in an intensive experiential learning-based workshop or equivalent. A comprehensive record of the work experience is kept by the student and discussed in seminar meetings.  A minimum of five hours of experience each week per semester hour.  PREREQUISITE:  Permission of instructor.  PRE- or COREQUISITES: ENEE 244 or six semester hours of ENEE, ENES, CHEM, CMSC, MATH, or PHYS required by the electrical or computer engineering programs. May be repeated for a total of three credits.  One to three credits.

 

ENEE 299 – Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Focused on selected topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering, presented as a result of technological change, new research emphasis, or community or student interest.  Topics may extend any of the regular ENEE course offerings.  New topics may appear each semester in the class schedule.  May be repeated for a total of three credits. PREREQUISITE:  Permission of instructor.  PRE- or COREQUISITES: ENEE 244 or six semester hours of ENEE, ENES, CHEM, CMSC, MATH, or PHYS required by the electrical or computer engineering programs.  One to three credits. 

Revised Courses

HMGT 211 – Supervision and Leadership in the Hospitality Industry 

Credit for Prior Learning recognized

 

HMGT 212 – Managing Hospitality Human Resources

Credit for Prior Learning recognized

 

Revised Programs

238  Database Systems Certificate

Changes to requirements and total credits

Spring 2026 Effective Term  

New Course

DATA 269 – Data Science and Technologies Internship

College credit for working in a professional environment related to the data science field. The intent is to give an appropriate work experience that will expand                                     students' knowledge and aid in making career decisions. A limited number of internships are available through the program each semester, or the student may propose an internship. A comprehensive record of the work experience is kept by the student and discussed in seminar meetings. To qualify for this course, a student must have completed DATA 205 and must provide a letter of recommendation from one of their program professors.  PREREQUISITE(S): Completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours in DATA, CMSC, or MATH courses required for the program and consent of internship coordinator. Three hours lecture and eight to ten hours work experience each week.