The spread of the COVID-19 virus has impacted all areas of our lives, and we know that you are concerned about your dual credit courses.  Although we don’t know each of you personally, the EXCEL staff are praying for our dual credit community – the students, teachers, coordinators, faculty liaisons, and administrators – that the Lord will provide protection and peace for all through this challenging time.

The EXCEL program is working closely with the teachers and administrators of our high school partners to enable students to earn dual credit this year.  We have tried to address some of the “big issues” given the information that we have today.  Please note that these answers are subject to change, given the fluidity of the educational policies being affected by this pandemic.  We will continue to update this website as necessary.

Is the EXCEL office still open?

Yes.  We are all working remotely, so we can be contacted by phone or email.  If you do not get an answer when you call, please leave a message on the voicemail and we will get back with you within 24 hours, but it may be sooner.

EXCEL Office

excel@mobap.edu

Phone:  314-392-2203

Kim Cochran, Director of EXCEL

kim.cochran@mobap.edu

Phone:  314-392-2209

Colleen Inman, Director of EXCEL Student Services

 colleen.inman@mobap.edu   

Phone:  314-392-2203

Doug Morris, Assistant Director of EXCEL

doug.morris@mobap.edu 

Phone:  314-392-2289

Will students still be able to earn dual credit?

Yes, provided that (1) the high school teacher has the ability to deliver the content that has been deemed necessary, (2) all dual credit students have access to the content, and (3) the student completes the high school course.  Due to school closures, we realize that content may need to be prioritized and various methods of assessment may be used.  We will continue to partner with the dual credit credentialed teachers in the high schools to ensure that the necessary learning objectives are met. 

What if the high school closes early, does not provide online instruction, or issues pass/fail grades?

In some cases, the high schools have chosen to stop instructing or have switched to a pass/fail grading system for their high school grades.  In keeping with statements made by various institutions (Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, and the College Board), we will give as much academic latitude as possible.  Due to school closures, we realize that content may need to be prioritized and various methods of assessment may be used.  However, since many dual credit classes are prerequisites for future college courses, we want to ensure that the course content is sufficient to allow students to be successful.  The EXCEL office and MBU faculty liaisons continue to partner with the high school teachers to ensure that this level of content has been delivered and assessed.  High school teachers may be allowed to record letter grades for the MBU transcript, even if they record pass/fail on the high school transcript.  In the rare case where both institutions have determined that the necessary content will not be met, students will be allowed to withdraw from the class with no GPA penalty. 

Will the tuition deadline be extended?

Yes.  As of now, the tuition deadline will be extended to May 15, 2020, for all schools.  If you have already received a bill or a final notice that has an earlier deadline listed, you may wait until May 15, 2020, to pay the bill.  Because we are working remotely, billing statements will be sent by email only to the student and parent email addresses on file.  We are unable to send paper copies through the mail.

Since the EXCEL staff is working remotely, the only methods of payment for the Spring 2020 semester are online or by check or money order. Please follow the steps below to complete your online payment. 

1. Go to MBU Password Portal to set up a password. Use your student ID (located on the top right corner of your bill) and turn that into an email address. 
2. You will receive a password verification email to the address we have on file. Follow those steps to set up your password. 
3. Log in at MYMBU using your student ID email address as the username and the new password you set up. 
4. Once logged in, go to the Access button then follow the prompts on MY Bill to make your online payment.  

If you will be unable to pay the tuition by that date due to COVID-19 interruptions in your income, please contact the EXCEL office by April 30, 2020, to make alternative payment arrangements.  Please note that if your student is a graduating senior, we will not be able to reflect the grade in the transcript until the tuition has been paid.