Frequently Asked Questions

No. Parking at West Dallas Center is free for all students, faculty, staff and the general public.

Yes. We do have free Wi-Fi that is accessible throughout the entire campus (1st and 2nd floor).

Yes. We do have a computer lab located inside our library; please provide the librarian your school ID to enter. Our computer lab is designated for students who are currently registered in classes.

Yes. We do have computers located in our library that are available to the general public.

No. We do not have bookstore on-site. However, during first week of each term, the El Centro bookstore sets up shop at West Dallas Center with limited inventory catered specifically for West Dallas Center classes: books, materials, El Centro merchandise, etc.

Yes. We do offer free tutoring services to our students on weekdays and subjects widely vary. Please visit the West Dallas Center webpage or call 972-391-1400 for more information.

Yes. We have campus police on staff 24/7 to service students, general public, faculty and staff.

Yes. If you checked out library books from the library at downtown, you can check in those books (return them) at West Dallas Center.

The Accessibility Services Offices ensures that students with disabilities are provided equal access to all programs and activities available at the center. If you have a learning or physical disability, please contact the Student Services Office for more information.

Yes. There are a few options you can take to get to West Dallas Center -  buses 52, 59 and 453. Please consult DART's website for your best route to West Dallas Center.

No. Due to limited staff, front desk personnel can't leave the lobby area.

Yes. It is always best to start the enrollment process early and to receive pre-advisement months prior to the term starting. After you have graduated from high school, please bring your official high school transcript (needs to have your graduation date) in a sealed envelope with you.

Absolutely! West Dallas Center can get you involved with organizations and events. Please stop by the Student Success Center for details in room W146 – across from the Library.

The Texas Success Initiative, TSI, is an assessment testing program. Texas state law requires that all entering students be tested in reading, writing and mathematics before enrolling in college-level courses in any Texas public college or university. TSI replaces the former TASP program. Assessment testing is used to determine whether or not students will need extra help (such as developmental reading, writing or math courses) before they enroll in higher level courses.

You are not required to retest after successfully completing the highest level of the developmental reading, writing or math courses.

The Texas Success Initiative, TSI, is an assessment testing program. Texas state law requires that all entering students be tested in reading, writing and mathematics before enrolling in college-level courses in any Texas public college or university. TSI replaces the former TASP program. Assessment testing is used to determine whether or not students will need extra help (such as developmental reading, writing or math courses) before they enroll in higher level courses.

You are not required to retest after successfully completing the highest level of the developmental reading, writing or math courses.

No. All deans and administrators are housed at the downtown campus. If you would like to contact one, please click on El Centro's Directory on the top right-hand corner for their contact and office information.

Yes. West Dallas Center is a sister-community campus of El Centro. In fact, if you are registered for six college hours during a full semester (fall/spring) at El Centro, Bill J. Priest, and/or West Dallas Center, you are qualified for a DART pass for the current term. During a summer term, you need to be registered for three college hours to be qualified for a DART pass.

Yes. As long as your courses are from El Centro, it does not matter if your courses are online, on-campus or hybrid.

Fall - Registered in six college hours
Spring - Registered in six college hours
Summer I - Registered in three college hours
Summer II - Registered in three college hours

*If you have not paid your tuition and/or do not have your Dallas College student ID, a DART pass will be not issued to you.

Yes. Your DART pass does expire on the last day of the month indicated on your DART pass.

At West Dallas Center, you can redeem your DART pass at the Cashier's Window located on the first floor, and if you are at the downtown campus, DART passes will be issued at the Student Center located on the first floor in B-building. The dates when DART passes are issued will take place after certification day, which vary by the current term. Please resort to the school calendar for dates.

Sadly, no you cannot get another DART pass for the current term that you are registered in. Once you redeem your DART pass, you are not given another. We strongly advise all West Dallas Center students to always take care of their student IDs.

No. All Dallas College locations are participating in the DART Student Pass program. 

Student ID cards are used to identify you as a student at El Centro and assist you in accessing on-campus services such as libraries, computer labs, Testing Center, Learning Center, gymnasium, DART pass, transcript pick-up, etc. Please note, each term you are registered for classes, you must update your student ID by getting the semester sticker (spring 2011, summer 2011, etc.) available at our library for West Dallas Center and the Office of Student Life for the downtown campus in room B270.

No. If you are a new student your student ID is free. However if you lose your student ID there is a $10 fee to replace it. We strongly advise all Dallas College students to always take care of their student IDs.

First, you will need to pay a $10 replacement fee at the Cashier's Window located on the first floor. Second, bring your Cashier's Receipt (proof of payment) and provide a copy of your current Paid Registration Summary (proof tuition has been paid) to the library to get a new student ID.

You can pay tuition or set up a payment plan at any Dallas College, regardless which campus you attend.

Yes. The rates of tuition are the same.

Books are included in the tuition costs beginning with 2020-2021 figures. Supply costs are based on average expenses. 

Unfortunately, schedules are now only available online. We no longer print schedules to mail out or pick up.

No. According to Policies and Procedures in the College Catalog, no children may be in the classrooms, laboratories or other facilities of the college.