Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Community Education classes not-for-credit, and non-transferable?

All Community Education classes are non-academic, non-transferable, not-for-credit classes. For classes found in the academic Santa Monica College schedule of classes you are required to contact the associated department, for example, for English 24, you would contact the English Department at SMC. To get specific departmental phone numbers, you can search the SMC college directory. The only classes Community Education can provide registration information or support regarding are those found in the Course schedule on our website at commed.smc.edu. If a class is not listed in our Community Education class schedule, we will not have any information on that class.

2. How do I use my credit voucher?

Credit Vouchers are good for 1 year from date of issue. Once you receive a credit voucher, there is nothing further you need to do, as the credited amount will be automatically deducted from the next course or courses you register into that are in your shop cart when you check out. If you register into a course whose fee is less than the voucher amount, the remaining voucher balance will be applied to any other future course(s) for which you register. If the voucher amount is less than the course fee, you will only be billed for what is owed when the voucher amount is subtracted.
 

3. Can I use my Santa Monica College username and password to log in to Community Ed?

Our registration at Community Education is separate from Santa Monica College Academic and SMC Emeritus College. If you have not registered for Community Education classes before you will have to create a new account with new username and password for our registration system.

4. How are Community Education Classes useful?

Community Education classes are for personal enrichment and professional development. We offer both ground and online classes that support continuing education for those not looking for a degree. Our classes are short-term, not-for-credit classes and are non-transferable for academic credit. Some classes are open to students under 18 with permission of the instructor. SMC Community Education classes are not equivalent to credit classes and cannot be used to meet prerequisites in the SMC credit program. Some of our classes offer a certificate of completion, or prepare one to successfully pass an accreditation exam.

5. Is there a minimum age limit for students to attend a class?

Currently, the minimum age to enroll in Community Ed classes is 17 years old, as most classes are geared towards adults. Occasionally, we will offer special classes specifically for children and teens

6. What happens if I need to cancel a class?

NO CANCELLATIONS AFTER A CLASS HAS BEGUN, so choose courses carefully! Requests for withdrawal from a class must be submitted via email at least seven business days before the start date of the class; receipt of requests made via other methods, such as phone messages, will not be accepted. You may receive a credit voucher applicable to future Community Education classes, which is valid for one year from the date of issue. A minimum service charge of $10 per class cancellation will be withheld. Full Refunds are granted ONLY if a class is canceled, discontinued, or rescheduled. In the instance of canceled classes, the course fee is automatically refunded. Credit card refunds are processed within seven business days. Note that not reading the class description and noting the date/time of classes causing a class to be missed is NOT grounds to request a refund.

NOTE: Community Education can only issue refunds for classes taught by Community Education personnel; any course offered through our educational partners, such as ed2go, must be approved by their student support rep and is contingent on their separate refund policies. 

Please note: as of May 1, 2021, a $9 registration fee will be charged once each semester; this is a non-refundable fee.


Transfers
To transfer to another class, requests must be submitted in writing via email at least seven (7) business days before the original class meets. A minimum service charge of $10 per class transfer will be deducted.

Important Information: Refunds are NOT issued for absences, nor prorated for late registrations. Missed class meetings may not be made up in another class. There is no auditing of classes. Students are highly encouraged to register before class begins. Returned checks will be subject to a $25 handling charge. Some high-demand classes, such as Glass Fusing and Good Times Travel day trips, have separate and different refund policies stating that all registrations are final, and no refunds, credits, or transfers will be given. Please bear that in mind when registering for those classes.

Trips & Tours: Except where noted, cancellation and refund requests must be received two weeks before the trip departure date and will be granted only if space is re-sold by Community Education. It may be possible to send a substitute in your place with prior notice to Community Education. When approved, refunds will reflect processing fees per person AND any unrecoverable expenses such as lodging, tickets, etc.  

Day trip fees and deposits paid to SMC Community Education: Refunds to reflect $20 processing fee per person. Tour fees paid to Good Times Travel: If travel protection has not been purchased, only recoverable funds less a cancellation charge of $50 will be reimbursed once payment has been made. If travel protection has been purchased, you will receive a full refund (or partial if in route), minus the cost of the premium. Note: Travel protection/cancellation insurance for multi-day tours is highly recommended. Pre-existing medical conditions are covered only if protection is purchased at the time of deposit. Insurance is also available for day trips.

Certificate Programs/Series Courses: Some courses are offered as part of a series for discounted rates. If you decide to drop an individual class, or classes, from a certificate program or course series, discounts will no longer apply. Course fees will revert to the non-discounted amounts and the refund will be adjusted accordingly.

7. How do I register for ed2go online classes or contact ed2go for assistance?

Visit our website at http://ed2go.com/smce - browse for a class you like, click on the add to cart button, you will be asked to login or create a new account; after creating the new account and logging in, proceed to checkout and pay for the class. (for career training programs visit: careertraining.ed2go.com/smce )

View the video below for a more visual step by step guide:

ed2go - Enrollment Guide from ed2go Account Management Team on Vimeo.

8. To whom do I pay the materials fee?

Material fees are paid directly to the instructor at the first class meeting. Please bring cash in fee amount, as instructor may not have change available.

9. How can I contact my instructor?

Your instructor's name and email address will be found in the course confirmation email that you receive after registering for a class.

10. Where are classes held, and where do I park?

Bundy Campus: 3171 S. BUNDY DR. - Parking is included with your Community Education registration but requires a virtual permit. Within 2 business days of registering for an SMC Community Education course, you will receive an email from the SMC Parking/Cashier’s office with step-by-step instructions on how to register your vehicle for the virtual parking permit. You will need to use the phone number and email address you used for Community Education registration. You must complete this process each term to avoid a parking citation. Any parking citations will be solely your responsibility. If you are registering for a course that begins the next day, our staff will attempt to get the parking instructions sent within 1 business day. If you have questions, email commed@smc.edu. Parking is enforced 24/7. Head-in parking ONLY, Permit is for Student Parking only – DO NOT PARK IN STAFF PARKING – YOU WILL BE TICKETED. Head-in parking ONLY is strictly enforced.

SMC Main Campus:  1900 PICO BLVD. PERMIT/PAID PARKING – Parking on SMC’s main campus requires a virtual permit at any hour Monday through Thursday, and until noon on Friday. Parking is included with your Community Education registration but requires a virtual permit. Within 2 business days of registering for an SMC Community Education course, you will receive an email from the SMC Parking/Cashier’s office with step-by-step instructions on how to register your vehicle for the virtual parking permit. You will need to use the phone number and email address you used for Community Education registration. You must complete this process each term to avoid a parking citation. Any parking citations will be solely your responsibility. If you are registering for a course that begins the next day, our staff will attempt to get the parking instructions sent within 1 business day. If you have questions, email commed@smc.edu. Parking is enforced 24/7. Head-in parking ONLY. Permit is for Student Parking only – DO NOT PARK IN STAFF PARKING – YOU WILL BE TICKETED. Head-in parking ONLY is strictly enforced.

Emeritus College: 1227 SECOND STREET (Parking is available in the City parking structure #2, located at the corner of Second Street and Wilshire Blvd. Parking is free for the first two hours, and $1 for each additional 1/2 hour until 6 pm. After 6 pm, there is no free parking in the City structure, and parking is $5 for the entire evening, or any portion of it.) Head-in parking ONLY is strictly enforced.

SMC Performing Arts Center:  1310 ELEVENTH ST. PARK IN CITY PARKING STRUCTURES OR METERED STREET PARKING DURING THE WEEK. Free parking is available only from Friday, 12:00 pm to Sunday evening. HEAD-IN PARKING ONLY is strictly enforced." 1310 ELEVENTH ST. – 3171 S. BUNDY DR. PERMIT PARKING – Parking is included with your Community Education registration, but requires a virtual permit. Within 2 business days of registering for an SMC Community Education course, you will receive an email from the SMC Parking/Cashier’s office with step-by-step instructions on how to register your vehicle for the virtual parking permit. You will need to use the phone number and email address you used for Community Education registration. You must complete this process each term to avoid a parking citation. Any parking citations will be solely your responsibility. If you are registering for a course that begins the next day, our staff will attempt to get the parking instructions sent within 1 business day. If you have questions, email commed@smc.edu. Parking is enforced 24/7. Head-in parking ONLY, Permit is for Student Parking only – DO NOT PARK IN STAFF PARKING – YOU WILL BE TICKETED. HEAD-IN ONLY PARKING is strictly enforced.

Some classes are held off-site in the community. Those locations and directions will be noted on your confirmation after you have registered.

Disclaimer: While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information on parking at the college, please understand that the parking policies for Santa Monica College can change without notice. All parking regulations are created and enforced by the Santa Monica College Campus Police and anyone parking on the college's property is advised to read and adhere to all posted signs. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individual to read, fully understand, and abide by the regulations set by our parking enforcement.

11. How do I register for Community Education Classes?

For an illustrated step-by-step guide to creating an account and registering in a class, please visit our Getting Started page.

ONLINE:

1. To register online for the first time, click on the Login/Create an Account link at the top left, just under site logo.
2. This will take you to a page to either login, or create an profile.
3. Click on Create a Student Profile.
4. Then, on the Profile page, fill out your profile information. 
5. Be sure to note your username and password.
6. Then browse for classes. Add your selected class to the Shopping Cart, then proceed to checkout. 

Payment by credit cards only. If using a fillable form or printout, you can print out the registration form and mail the completed form (see below). You may also fax your completed form with your credit card information (all credit cards accepted) to (310) 434-3409.

Note that if you have a problem logging into your account, please call Community Ed (310) 434-3400; do not create a second account.

BY PHONE: (310) 434-3400 (option #2) (Telephone Registration Hours are 9:00 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.

BY EMAIL: Download this Registration Form* or use the printed one found in our catalog schedule. Please fill out the form with your personal and credit card payment information. Note that we cannot accept payment with checks.  Email your registration form to: commed@smc.edu

Currently, until further notice, we can only accept registration via email, as mail is not accessed on a regular basis during the pandemic. Once we receive your registration, we will send you maps, list of materials, etc.     *Note, that to use the fillable PDF form, download it and open it using the desktop version of Acrobat Reader.

12. What happens to my personal information?

SMC's Community & Continuing Education department is committed to protecting your privacy on-line. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to others. We may use the information collected to contact you regarding course information, promotional updates, specials, new additions to the Community & Continuing Education Web site or your on-line experience. Furthermore, we do not store your credit card number on our website. A complete privacy policy can be viewed at the Policies link at the footer of our web pages.

13. What is your Privacy Policy?

By submitting our email subscription form, you are granting Community Education, Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA, 90405 United States, permission to email you. You can revoke permission to mail to your email address at any time using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email. We take your privacy seriously.  Emails are serviced by Constant Contact, please read our Email Privacy Policy.

14. Transportation, Field Trips & Excursions? 

SMC Continuing & Community Education does not provide transportation for any voluntary field trips or excursions to any off-campus locations. Although staff may assist in coordinating this transportation or may recommend travel routes, etc., Santa Monica College is in no way responsible and assumes no liability for any losses or injuries resulting from any non-District-sponsored transportation. If you ride with another SMC student, that student is not an agent of, or driving on behalf of, Santa Monica College. According to California Code of Regulations 55450, if you participate in a voluntary field trip or excursion, you are deemed to have held harmless the District and its officers, agents, and employees from all liability or claims which may arise out of or in connection with your participation in this activity.

15. Can I register on the first day of class?

Yes, if space is available. We encourage you to register early, as many classes fill before the class date. Classes with low enrollment may be canceled prior to the first day of class.

16. Can I change my own profile?

Yes. Log into your account, then edit any of the information you would like to revise.

17. What if a Class is canceled?

The course fee is automatically refunded, in the same format as the original payment, within 6 weeks.  Every attempt will be made to contact students ahead of time.

What do I need to know if I am interested in Real Estate classes?

Those who are interested in registering for our Real Estate Principles class must first read and understand the Pre-License General Information provided by the Department of Real Estate (DRE). Registration into this class (4552-20) automatically indicates that student has already read and understood this document and agreed to the attendance and test score requirements as dictated by the DRE.

Community Education offers two Real Estate courses, Real Estate Principals and Real Estate Practice. Both are intended to prepare students to take the examination to become a Real Estate Salesperson in California. In addition, two electives are offered, which alternate each semester between Real Estate Finance and Legal Aspect of Real Estate. You do not have to take all 3 courses during one semester, but please be aware that we only offer the Real Estate courses during the Fall and Spring semesters. Please check current class listing for further information. Students are mandated by the California Bureau of Real Estate to have an attendance of 85% and pass the final exam with a score of 70% or better.

Students who have satisfied the course requirement and completed the course will receive a certificate for that class. When all three certificates have been collected, the student is eligible to take the exam to become a Real Estate Salesperson. We strongly encourage students to contact the California Bureau of Real Estate (www.dre.ca.gov) for detailed information regarding the exam and anything related to Real Estate Licensing. Our office is responsible only for providing the courses and cannot answer any questions regarding licensing or the exam with authority.

Please note, Community Education provides not-for-credit courses, and does not provide transcript of any kind. Additionally, these Real Estate classes are not awarded any academic credits or units. Please do not register into these classes if you are seeking units or credit for classes. As they are designed as professional development courses, they are not intended for personal enrichment purposes.

Tuition & Fees
See current listing for the most updated tuition. Please note a mandatory non-refundable textbook fee is not included in the tuition and will be collected upon registration. Textbooks will be distributed at the first class meeting, so students are encouraged to register prior to the first day of class to avoid missing the distribution of textbooks. Prices for textbooks and classes are subject to change without advance notice. We encourage all interested students to read our cancellation policy prior to registration to avoid any misunderstanding and only register into the class if the student is committed to finishing the 15-week course.

Registration
Our registration is similar to any purchases done over the internet, with the student required to create a profile with our registration system in order to register (please see FAQ question #5 for instructions on registering for CE classes). It is important that you do not use any pseudonym or nickname when creating the profile as this information is used to create the certificate, which will be checked by the Bureau of Real Estate when taking the exam.

If you have specific questions regarding Real Estate courses not covered by this section, you may email commed@smc.edu