Procedures for Admission

Prospective students seeking admission to the College to complete courses for college credit must meet the following requirements:

1. Application. An Application on a form supplied by the College is required. The form, completed in ink, by typewriter, or on-line should include the applicant’s social security number

2. Application Fee. Applicants are required to submit with their initial application form a nonrefundable fee of $10.00.

3. Credentials. A student entering directly from high school should request his principal to mail to the Office of Admissions an official transcript of high school work. A student who has attended another college or colleges should request the registrar of each college attended to mail to the Office of Admissions an official transcript of college work. In every case credentials must include a complete record of credits earned in all previous secondary schools attended and a complete record of grades from all collegiate institutions attended, regardless of credit earned, and regardless of whether or not credit is desired. Failure to indicate previous college attendance may subject the student to dismissal from the College. An entering student must have all required credentials including the completed application and official transcript(s) on file in the Office of Admissions at Volunteer State Community College before completing registration. The applicant is advised to have all credentials on file one month preceding registration in order to avoid delay in processing the application. Failure to have all of the necessary credentials on file will result in grades being held at the end of the term. All credentials become the property of the College and cannot be returned.

4. Entrance Examination. All degree-seeking students who are 20 years of age or younger as of the first day of class for the term of initial enrollment must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT). Information about this examination may be obtained from high school principals and/or guidance counselors. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to Volunteer State Community College . Official scores on the ACT battery should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. A transfer student need not retake the ACT battery, but should have his or her ACT scores on file with the College. The scores are used for placement and counseling purposes only. SAT scores may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.

5. Placement Testing. Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all degree-seeking students are required to take a placement test. The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and math. Non-degree-seeking students are only subject to placement testing for courses having placement prerequisites.

6. Applicant Age. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

7. Draft Registration. All male students, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State.

8. MMR Immunization. All full-time students born 1957 and later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later.

9. Hepatitis B Immunization. Complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form.

10. Admission to Special Programs. Certain instructional pro- grams of the College are subject to special admission requirements which are in addition to the general admission requirements. These programs, which are shown below, necessitate special admissions requirements and are subject to change due to the availability of institutional resources. Students wishing to enter one of these programs of study should check with the appropriate division offering the program in order to become familiar with these requirements.

Dental Assistant

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Emergency Medical Technology

Fire Science Technology

Health Information Technology

Medical Laboratory Technology

Nursing-Admission through Tennessee State University

Ophthalmic Technician

Physical Therapist Assistant

Radiologic Technology

Respiratory Care Technology

Sleep Diagnostics Technology

Academic Advising and Registration

Students may register for classes by registering on-line using PRIDE-ONLINE . To access, go to VSCC'S home page on the internet (www.volstate.edu). Detailed instructions will be printed in the schedule of classes each semester.

Registration dates for fall, spring, and summer terms are published in the academic calendar located in the front of this catalog. To avoid delay in the registration process the following procedures should be followed:

1. All new and re-admit students must complete an application for admission or re-admission and submit proper credentials.

A. All new students are invited and encouraged to attend an orientation session. Students will be scheduled for an orientation session by the Office of Admissions.

B. Placement testing is required of all new or re-admit degree seeking students. The test is administered by the Testing office, unless the requirement has been previously met.

C. Students are assigned an academic advisor to assist them during their college career. The primary responsibility of the advisor is to provide accurate and timely information to help students reach educational objectives. Students should contact their advisors prior to registration each term.

D. Registration fees are published in the schedule of classes each term. A student’s registration is not complete until fees have been paid.

2. All currently enrolled students are given an opportunity to early register during the early registration period published in the academic calendar.

Admission of Freshmen

A first-time college student pursuing a degree at Volunteer State may be admitted by using the following four (4) criteria:

1. High School Graduation.

Public Schools. Students graduating from public high schools must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of graduates of Tennessee public high schools must include a notation indicating that the student passed the required Proficiency Exam beginning with the 1983 graduating class.

Non-Public Schools. Applicants who graduated from non-public high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable scores on the GED examination.

2. High School Equivalency Diploma. Applicants 18 years of age or over may be admitted with an average score of 45 or more on the General Educational Development (GED) Test.

ACE Diploma - The American Council on Education External Diploma may be accepted in lieu of a high school transcript for students who completed high school requirements and received the ACE Diploma.

3. Standardized Examination Scores. Applicants for admission as first-time freshmen who are 20 years of age or younger as of the first day of class for the term of initial enrollment must present Enhanced ACT or SAT scores. Scores will be used for advisement purposes as well as placement.

4. High School Requirements. Students enrolled in a university parallel program (Associate of Science or Associate of Art Degree) who graduated from high school in 1989 or after and enrolled in college fall 1989 or after will be required to meet the 14 units of high school requirements. Unit deficiencies should be completed within the first thirty hours of enrollment at Volunteer State Community College. All unit deficiencies must be completed prior to graduation from Vol State. Students must submit transcripts which reflect the following units:

English 4 units

Mathematics

Algebra I 1 unit

Algebra II 1 unit

Geometry or other advanced math course with Geometry component 1 unit or Integrated Math sequence (I, II, III) 3 units

Natural/Physical Sciences 2 units one unit must be a laboratory course in biology, chemistry, or physics

United States History 1 unit

Social Studies 1 unit (can include World History, Ancient History, Modern History, World Geography, European History)

Foreign Language 2 units (2 units in the same language)

Visual and/or Performing Arts 1 unit (beginning Fall 1993)

Students who have high school unit deficiencies in these areas must remove the deficiencies by completing designated Developmental Studies and college course work for elective credit and add-on graduation requirements. To determine specific courses which satisfy these requirements, contact your academic advisor or the Office of Records and Registration.

Exceptions to Item 4 above:

• Graduated from high school prior to 1989.

• Took the GED test prior to 1989.

• Enrolled as a Special Student not pursuing a degree.

• Enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Program

• Enrolled in a Technical Certificate Program.

• Enhanced ACT scores of 26 or higher. Applicants who graduated from high school and have an Enhanced ACT composite of 26 or higher are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts. Foreign language and visual or performing arts requirements cannot be waived even with an Enhanced ACT composite score of 26 or higher. Deficiencies in those units should be removed within the first 30 hours after initial enrollment.

• Applicants who received a GED Certificate or the American Council on Education (ACE) external diploma in 1989 and thereafter are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts. Deficiencies in foreign language and visual or performing arts should be removed within the first 30 hours after enrollment.

• Applicants with a disability who volunteer information about a their disability will be assessed on an individual basis.

Early Admission

Volunteer State Community College invites high school principals to occasionally nominate gifted students for admission at the end of their junior year in high school. In order to be eligible under this early admission program, a student must have a 3.20 high school average and a composite of 22 or above of college norms on the Enhanced ACT. The student applies for early admission with parental consent and the approval of his principal. Assuming the student meets the previously listed requirements, he will be admitted only if, in the opinion of the Assistant Director of Admissions, or his representative, the student can clearly profit from this kind of placement. In most cases a personal interview with the student and his parents is required. The student admitted under the early admission program may be required to enroll for certain specified courses.

Academically Talented/Gifted Students

Academically talented/gifted students enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 in public or private high schools in Tennessee may, with the recommendation and approval of the high school principal and the Director of Admissions, enroll in college courses and receive college credit. The student must have a 3.2 grade point average (on a 4.0 basis) and the college placement recommendations must be a part of the student’s planned Individual Education Program that has been established by the multi-disciplinary team process.

Admission to Honors Program

Incoming freshmen who meet the following criteria are strongly urged to apply to the Honors Program: an Enhanced ACT composite score of 26 or higher; a high school GPA of 3.5 or a ranking in the top ten percent of the graduating class; and two letters of recommendation, one from a high school official. Applications are available through the Humanities Division of the College. Students already enrolled in the College are also strongly encouraged to apply. They need a GPA of 3.5 or above and recommendations from two faculty members. Interested students should contact the Coordinator of the Honors Program.

Joint Enrollment

A high school senior with a maximum load of two high school academic courses who has written approval of the principal will be permitted to enroll jointly at Vol State and take a maximum college load of 12 hours per semester. Under special circumstances, a high school senior carrying a full high school load, with written approval of the principal, will be permitted to register for one course per semester. Exceptions to the College-High School Joint Enrollment policy may be approved by the Admissions and Retention Committee.

In order to be eligible for joint enrollment the student must show competency in the basic skills of arithmetic, reading, and English composition. Competency may be demonstrated through submission of acceptable Enhanced ACT scores or tests in these areas will be administered through the Testing office prior to the approval of joint enrollment if the student is taking 12 hours. If the student is registering for only one course, he/she will be required to submit acceptable Enhanced ACT scores in the specific subject area or be given the placement test for the course they are taking. Students may not enroll in a course with a developmental prerequisite if they place at the developmental level, or below in that area.

Dual Enrollment

College level courses, for which credit may be granted, are offered to qualified high school students during the school day and may be conducted on the high school campus. Successful completion of these courses will allow the award of both college credit and high school credit. Appropriate policies must be in place at the local board of education for the College to enter into an agreement with the area high school to offer dual enrollment courses.

A qualified high school student is defined as a junior or senior with a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the subject area of enrollment, holding honors or academic honors standing, with an ACT subscore of 19 or better in the subject area of enrollment. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis with the consent of the administration of the high school and the College.

Advanced Studies Program

The Advanced Studies Program is designed for students who have completed the junior year in high school and who qualify to enroll in selected courses at Volunteer State Community College during the summer term prior to completing the senior year in high school. Conditions of this plan are as follows:

1. The student must rank in the upper 25 percent of his class and/or have at least a 3.00 grade average, and be nominated in writing by the by the high school principal.

2. Courses taken at the College in the summer term (not to exceed 12 semester hours of academic work) must be chosen by the student in consultation with his/her high school counselor in order to supplement, and not overlap, the student's total high school program and to ensure academic success.

3. Courses taken are not expected to count toward high school diplomas, but are not prohibited from doing so.

High school students under this plan will complete all admission requirements prior to first enrolling at the College. Courses taken in the summer between the junior and senior year will, after high school graduation, count as regular college credit. Admissions to Volunteer State Community College will be automatic after the student graduates from high school and submits his/her completed high school transcript.

Admission of Transfer Students

Any applicant who is degree seeking and has attended any institution of higher learning will be considered a transfer student. Transcripts will be required from high school (or GED scores if applicable) and from all colleges or universities attended. Volunteer State generally accepts credits from other institutions of higher education. All collegiate level coursework for each transfer student who is degree seeking or seeking a technical certificate, will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (1) course similarity within the programs enrolled in at Volunteer State; (2) course content equivalent to course taught at the same level at Volunteer State; (3) same credentialing requirements for faculty at the transferring institution. In some cases Volunteer State may request additional information before awarding credit on a course by course basis.

Transcripts will be evaluated prior to, or during the initial term of enrollment and students notified via mail of credits awarded as evaluations are completed. Only grades of "C" or higher will be accepted for credit. Transfer grades are not calculated in the Volunteer State grade point average. Credit for courses not corresponding with the curriculum at Vol State may be entered on the transcript as elective credits. Students who transfer credit that was taken more than twenty years ago must validate that credit by completing at least 18 hours of satisfactory work with a 2.0 grade point average at Vol State. The transfer credit will not be posted to the student's academic record until the work has been validated.

A student transferring from another institution of higher learning may be permitted to attend Vol State for one semester regardless of academic standing at the last institution attended. Students transferring with a quality point average below 1.500 for the last term of enrollment, or not in good standing at the last institution attended, will be admitted on probation. Transfer students will be notified of probation status by the Office of Records and Registration. Upon completion of the initial term of enrollment, the student's eligibility for continued enrollment will be determined by the academic status and retention standards of Volunteer State.

Transfer students who have credit for developmental studies courses (reading, writing, math, study skills) at non-TBR institutions may receive credit for those courses pending review and approval. Transfer students who have not completed a college-level English composition and/or college-level math course with a grade of "C" or better will be assessed upon entry to the College following the assessment and placement procedures; *i.e., students with valid (less than three years old) Enhanced ACT scores will be screened and, depending on those scores, may be required to take the appropriate placement test. Transfer students who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition or college-level math will be assessed according to the College's assessment and placement procedures.

Transfer students pursuing university parallel degrees who graduated from high school or received a GED Diploma in 1989 or thereafter, with 60 or more transferable college-level semester hours are eligible for degree admissions without regard to minimum high school unit requirements.

Transfer students pursuing university parallel degrees with 59 or fewer semester hours of college-level transfer work ,who graduated from high school or received a GED diploma in 1989 or thereafter with high school unit deficiencies, are eligible for admission; however, any high school unit deficiencies should be removed prior to graduation from Volunteer State. Transfer students with fewer than 60 semester hours deficient in required high school English or Mathematics units must complete the appropriate placement test.

Admission of Transient Students

A regularly enrolled student of another institution who desires to take only a limited number of hours during a term and who is not presently working toward a degree at Volunteer State Community College may be admitted as a transient student, subject to the following provisions:

1. Students must submit an application for admission and a $10.00 application fee.

2. Students must have the registrar of his college or university submit to the Office of Admissions a transcript from the last college attended. (Note: If the student later decides to become a permanent transfer student, transcripts of all college work and high school credits must be submitted.)

3. Students must be assessed before registering for a college-level course which has Developmental Studies prerequisites. Transient students who have not been previously assessed at another TBR institution, and who have not completed any course in math or English/Writing with a grade of "C" or better will be required to take and pass a placement test in the appropriate areas, unless the student is deemed to have transferable credit for a Developmental Studies course or courses from a non-TBR institution which would remove the testing requirement. In addition the previous assessments of the student at non-TBR institutions will be reviewed and the student may be exempted from the placement testing requirement.

Admission of International Students and Permanent Residents

Volunteer State Community College welcomes applications from individuals living outside the United States, as well as permanent residents and citizens of foreign countries living in the United States. There are several admissions classifications for these applicants.

Regardless of academic classification, students whose native language is not English and who are not official permanent residents of the United States will be required to take the TOEFL or MELAB prior to enrollment at VSCC, unless enrolling in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes only. The minimum required score on the TOEFL is 500, or 173 on the computer - based TOEFL.

The minimum required score on the MELAB is 72. The minimum test score requirement does not apply to students who have already successfully completed all required ESL courses at VSCC. Permanent residents are not required to take the TOEFL or MELAB.

Exceptions may be made for transfer students who have satisfied all freshman English composition requirements with a "C" or better at another institution of higher learning. A similar exception may be made for students who completed high school in a country where the native language is English. Language testing is not required for students whose native tongue is English.

Note: The MELAB is given at VSCC each semester. Dates, fees, and time information is available from the Office of Counseling and Testing.

Non Degree Seeking Students Who Wish To Enroll in ESL Classes Only.

Students living in the United States who wish to enroll ONLY in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes may do so by following the steps below. Please note that students holding or applying for F-1 and M-1 visas are not eligible for the non-degree status.

1. Complete and submit the application form with a $10.00 nonrefundable application fee. Indicate on the application that you will be an ESL student.

2. Submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or "green card"), visa, or other immigration authorization. A passport is not considered to be immigration authorization.

3. Take the required institutional placement tests. These are given by appointment by the Testing Office. Testing takes two or more hours to complete.

4. Register and enroll in the ESL class or classes determined by placement assessments.

Other Non-Degree Seeking International Students

SOME international students living in the United States are eligible to enroll in classes other than ESL without pursuing a degree. Please note that students holding or applying for F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible for the non-degree status. Contact the Assistant Director of Records and Registration if you are unsure of your eligibility for non-degree status. Non-degree applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the application form with a $10.00 nonrefundable application fee. Indicate on the application that you wish to be a non-degree student.

2. Submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent resident card (also known as the Form I-551 or "green card"), visa, or other immigration authorization. A passport is not considered to be immigration authorization.

3. Submit proof of required immunizations.

4. Take any required placement tests.

International Students Holding or Applying for F-1 or M-1 Visas

These students must complete ALL requirements by October 1 for spring term, March 1 for summer term, or June 1 for fall term. Students holding or applying for F-1 or M-1 visas MUST apply as degree-seeking students. These students will be required to pay out-of-state tuition, and must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Submit a completed application form with a $10.00 nonrefundable application fee. Applications which are not filled out completely and correctly will be returned to the applicants.

2. Submit official copies of academic records from secondary schools and higher education institutions, showing graduation or completion dates if applicable. Transcripts or records which are not in English should be accompanied by notarized or certified translations. In addition, students wishing to receive transfer credit for courses taken outside the United States may be required to submit course descriptions, or have their educational credentials assessed by an evaluation service.

3. Achieve a minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL, 173 on the computer-based TOEFL, or a minimum score of 72 on the MELAB, and have the official scores sent to VSCC. An applicant whose native language is not English may be exempted from the TOEFL or the MELAB requirement, provided that student has satisfied all freshman English composition requirements with a grade of "C" or better at a college or university in the United States. A similar exemption may be made for students who graduated from high school in the United States or from secondary school in another country where the native language is English.

4. Submit an Affidavit of Support form, available from the Office of Admissions and the office of Records and Registration. The form must be completed by the student's sponsor, and signed or notarized by the sponsor's bank.

The first year fees and expenses total $20,097. This figure is an estimate and is subject to change. The affidavit should indicate that the sponsor has at least this amount available. Additional funds are required if the student plans to bring a spouse or dependent into the country.

5. Submit a tuberculosis immunization certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority.

6. Submit a copy of the I-20 or I-94 form, if applicable.

7. Take the internal placement tests, including ESL testing, upon completion of the previous 6 requirements.

8. Purchase health insurance through the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. The student will not be allowed to register for classes until the insurance has been purchased even if the student has some other form of coverage.

Other Degree-Seeking International Students

Students holding visas besides F or M, and permanent residents of the United States, must complete the following steps for admission.

1. Submit a completed application form with a $10.00 nonrefundable application fee.

2. Submit official copies of academic records from secondary schools and higher education institutions, showing graduation dates or completion dates if applicable. Transcripts or records which are not in English should be accompanied by certified or notarized translations. In addition, students wishing to receive transfer credit for courses taken outside the United States may be required to submit course descriptions, or have their educational credentials assessed by an evaluation service.

3. Submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent resident card (also know as the Form 1-551 or "green card"), visa, or other immigration authorization. A passport is not considered to be immigration authorization.

4. Take the internal English placement tests given by the Counseling and Testing Center. Students who wish to take classes other than ESL must have taken the TOEFL and scored a minimum of 500, or 173 on the computer-based TOEFL, or scored a minimum of 72 on the MELAB in order to enroll in classes other than ESL. Language testing is not required for students whose native tongue is English.

5. Take required placement tests.

Admission of a Special Student

A special student is one who has not met the credential requirements for admission as a regular degree student and is not officially working toward a degree.

Auditor

Persons who are not enrolled for credit courses may register to audit courses with the approval of the Director Records and Registration upon the recommendation of the division chairperson.

They will be required to complete an application and submit a $10.00 application fee. Fees for audits will be assessed on the same basis as fees for credit courses. Auditors are not required to prepare lessons or papers, or take examinations. They do not receive a grade. They are not required to take part in class discussions or laboratory or field work.

Senior Citizens

Persons 60 years of age and over who are residents of Tennessee may audit classes at no maintenance charge, providing there is space available and sufficient fee enrollment after official registration is completed. Special or lab fees may be charged where required. Senior citizens will be required to submit an application for admission to the College, but are not required to pay the $10.00 application fee.

Persons 65 years of age and over who are domiciled in Tennessee may take classes for credit at a reduced fee of 50% per credit hour with a maximum fee of $75.00 providing there is space available and sufficient fee enrollment. All admissions requirements must be met and the $10.00 application fee will be charged. Senior citizens must verify their birth date, either with their driver's license or birth certificate.

Special Undergraduates

A graduate of an accredited college or university (or one who has more than 64 semester hours from another institution) who desires to take only a limited number of courses and who indicates that he/she is not presently working toward a degree at Volunteer State Community College may be admitted as a special undergraduate, subject to the following provisions:

1. Students must submit an application for admission and a $10.00 application fee.

2. Students must have the college or university from which they graduated send to the Office of Admissions a statement giving the name of the degree that was earned and the date it was earned (or a statement of class standing if a degree has not been earned.)

3. Special undergraduate students who have not previously completed a math or English course at the college level with a grade of “C” or better will be required to take the placement test when registering for a math or English course.

Adult-Special Students

An Adult Special Student is one who is not seeking a degree but wishes to take courses (1) for personal enrichment, (2) for professional growth, or (3) toward completion of a Technical Certificate of Credit.

To be admitted as an Adult Special Student for personal enrichment or professional growth, the following apply:

1. A completed application for admission must be submitted.

2. A ten-dollar ($10.00) nonrefundable application fee must be submitted with the application.

3. If applicant is a non-high school graduate, he or she must be 21 years of age or older to enroll or his or her high school class must have graduated. If applicant is a high school graduate (or has earned a GED diploma) there is no age restriction.

4. Complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form.

To be admitted as an Adult Special Student to take courses toward completion of a Technical Certificate, the following apply:

1. A completed application for admission must be submitted.

2. A ten-dollar ($10.00) nonrefundable application fee must be submitted with the application.

3. High school transcript or GED score with an average score of at least 45 must be submitted.

4. Complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form.

LIMITATIONS: If a student wishes to change to degree seeking status, the following conditions apply: (a) Student will apply to the Office of Records and Registration for reclassification as a regular student, effective at the beginning of the next regularly scheduled semester; the student must follow the same procedures and meet the same standards as required for all other applicants for regular admission to the College. If the student is admitted as a regular student, the credits which have been earned as an adult-special student may be counted toward a degree at Vol State. (b) Adult Special Students are not permitted to enroll in a regular college-level English or mathematics course or in a course that has an English, Reading , or Mathematics prerequisite until they have satisfied all requirements of the appropriate placement tests or provided evidence that they have successfully completed all prerequisite college-level English or mathematics courses.

Students may continue to accumulate credit in the Adult Special category for as long as they are enrolled in a Technical Certificate of Credit program. Students who wish to take courses for personal enrichment or professional growth may continue to accumulate credit in the Adult Special category for up to forty-eight semester hours. Exceptions to this maximum may be granted by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Residency Requirements

The following are rules for determination of "in-state" or "out-of-state" status for fees and tuition purposes as defined by the State University and Community College System of Tennessee:

•Every person having his or her domicile in this State shall be classified "in-state" for fee and tuition purposes and for admission purposes.

•Every person not having his or her domicile in this State shall be classified "out-of-state" for said purposes.

•"Domicile" shall mean a person's true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation; it is the place where he or she intends to remain, and to which he or she expects to return when he or she leaves without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere.

•The domicile of an "unemancipated person" is that of his or her parent. "Emancipated person" shall mean a person who has attained the age of eighteen years, and whose parents have entirely surrendered the right to the care, custody, and earnings of such person and who no longer are under any legal obligation to support or maintain such deemed "emancipated person." "Parent" shall mean a person's father or mother. If there is a non-parental guardian or legal custodian of an unemancipated person, then "parent" shall mean such guardian or legal custodian provided that there are not circumstances indicating that such guardianship or custodianship was created primarily for the purpose of conferring the status of an "in-state" student on such unemancipated person.

•The domicile of a married person shall be determined independent of the domicile of the spouse.

•A recent graduate of any "out-of-state" high school must supply evidence of Tennessee residency before receiving in-state tuition status.

•Unemancipated students of divorced parents shall be classified "in-state" when one parent, regardless of custodial status, is domiciled in Tennessee.

•The spouse of a student classified as "in-state" shall also be classified as "in-state".

•Foreign students will pay out-of-state tuition.

•Students classified by Immigrations as a Permanent Resident, Resident Alien, Refugee, or Immigrant may be charged in state- fees if domiciled in Tennessee.

•Part-time students (under 12 semester hours) who are not domiciled in Tennessee but who are employed full-time in Tennessee shall be classified out-of-state but shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. The student must provide proper documentation each semester.

•Students who are stationed at Fort Campbell pursuant to military orders, shall be classified out-of-state but shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. The student must provide proper documentation each semester.

CEU, Non-Credit Students

A student interested in enrolling in CEU, non-credit instructional activities is not required to apply for formal admission to the College. Adult students, 18 years of age and older, must complete a CEU application. A student 17 years of age or younger, or his parent or guardian, must complete a Pre-College CEU application. The parent or guardian must sign a waiver of liability.

Readmission of Former Students

Any former student not enrolled at Volunteer State Community College the previous semester (excluding the summer) who wishes to return to the College must file an application for readmission. No application fee is charged for readmission. If the student has enrolled at another college since last attending Vol State, he/she must have a transcript from the other college submitted and approved before re-entering. A student who is readmitted after a one semester suspension is completed will be readmitted as having Academic Probation Status. This status can be removed by maintaining a 2.00 QPA or by meeting the cumulative standard for QPA as stated on page 51 for that semester.

Readmission students who have not previously completed an algebra-based math course or English course at the college level with a grade of “C” or better will be required to take a placement test when registering for a math or English course.

Credit For Service In The Armed Forces

Veterans who have completed one year or more of full-time, extended active military service will be excused from taking the required physical education activity courses except PED 107 (Lifetime Fitness). Veterans will receive four semester hours (less credit already earned) of physical education credit upon presentation of a copy of their discharge form (DD214) to the Office of Records and Registration . Reservists who have served six months active duty under the provision of the Reserve Forces Act of 1955 are not considered veterans; they may, however, be excused from taking the required physical education activity courses upon the presentation of a copy of their discharge form (DD214) to the Director of Records and Registration.

The Director of Records and Registration should be consulted to determine whether additional credit can be given for courses offered through the United States Armed Forces Institute or other service schools. An evaluation of service credit is not made until a student has applied and been granted admission to the College.

Advanced Placement Credit

Volunteer State participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). A maximum of twelve semester hours may be given to qualified students on the basis of the Advanced Placement Program. To be eligible for credit, an entering freshman must place in group three, four, or five of the CEEB Advanced Placement Tests. Each applicant, under this plan, is required to take the Advanced Placement Test of the CEEB during his senior year in the secondary school. The tests are scored by the CEEB and sent to the College. Credit at Volunteer State Community College for the Advanced Placement test will be given as follows:

AP AP Score VSCC Course Semester

Exam for which credit Hours

will be granted

Biology 4 BIOL 1010 4

Biology 5 BIOL 1010 & BIOL1020 8

Chemistry 4 CHEM 1110 4

Chemistry 5 CHEM 1110 & CHEM 1120 8

English 3 ENGL1010 3

English 4 or 5 ENGL 1010 & ENGL 1020 6

History (AM) 3,4, or 5 HIST 2010 & HIST 2020 6

History (Euro) 3,4, or 5 HIST 1110 & HIST1120 6

Math/Cal AB 3 MATH 1830 3

MathCal AB 4 or 5 MATH 1830 3

or MATH 1910 4 Math/Cal BC 3 or 4 MATH 1830 3

or MATH 1910 4

Math/Cal BC 5 MATH 1910 & MATH 1920 8

Physics B 4 PHYS 2010 4

Physics B 5 PHYS 2010 & PHYS 2020 8

Physics C Pt. I 5 PHYS 2110 4

Physics C Pt. II 5 PHYS 2120 4

Spanish 3 SPAN 1010, SPAN 1020 6

Spanish 4 SPAN 1010, SPAN 1020 9

SPAN 2010

Spanish 5 SPAN 1010, SPAN 1020 12

SPAN 2010, SPAN 2020

Statistics 3, 4, or 5 MATH 1530 3

Advanced Placement credit may be granted by Vol State for satisfactory achievement on the General Examination of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the CEEB. Such credit will be granted as recommended by the American Council on Education, through its Commission on Accreditation of Service Experiences. The total amount of credit granted for all five tests of the General Examination may not exceed 30 semester hours of credits. Also, advanced placement credit may be granted by Vol State for satisfactory achievement on the Subject Examinations of CLEP.

Credit for CPS Exam

Students having earned the Certified Professional Secretary's certification are eligible to receive eighteen (18) semester hours of credit at Volunteer State Community college as follows:

Course	Course Description	Credit
BUS 110	Introduction to Business	3
BUS 251	Business Law - Contracts	3
ECO 211	Principles of Economics I	3
MGT 110	Principles of Management and Organization	3
OMT 101	Beginning Typewriting	3
OMT 253	Office Procedures	3
	Total Credit	18

In order to receive VSCC credit for the CPS the student must meet the following criteria:

1. Be accepted into the College

2. Show validated evidence of the CPS certificate.

3. Complete eighteen (18) semester hours of approved courses at the college.

Credit by Examination

Examinations for credit in courses offered by the College are offered to students who believe they have already mastered the material of the course through private study, technical employment, or the like. The College will recognize credit for exam offered through the Educational Testing Service, CLEP exam program. Local tests will not be developed for courses where CLEP exams are available. Students interested in taking a CLEP exam should contact the Testing Office for registration and testing information. Volunteer State Community College honors the following:

CLEP SUBJECT EXAMINATIONS

CLEP Subject Test Minimum VSCC Semester Score

Course Hrs. credit

Accounting, Principles of 50 ACT 201, 202 6

American Government 50 POL 200 3

History of the United States I:

Early Colonization-1877 50 HIST 2010 3

History of the United States II

1865 to Present 50 HIST 2020 3

American Literature 50 ENG L 2110, 2120 6

Analyzing & Interp of Lit 50 ENGL 2320 3

Biology 50 BIOL 1010, 1020 8

Business Law, Introductory 50 BUS 251 3

Management, Principles of 50 MGT 110 3

College Algebra 50 MATH 1130 3

College Algebra- Trigonometry 50 MATH 1710 3

College Mathematics 50 MATH 1010 3

French Language I, II 50 FREN 1010, 1020 6

French Language III, IV 62 FREN 2010, 2020 6

Spanish Language I, II 50 SPAN 1010,1020 6

Spanish Language III, IV 66 SPAN 2010, 2020 6

Computer Tech & Applications 50 CIS 100 3

English Composition w/ Essay 50 ENGL 1010 3

Human Growth & Develop 50 EDU 102 3

Macroeconomics, Principles of 50 ECO 211 3

Marketing, Principles of 50 MKT 110 3

Psychology, Introductory 50 PSY 101 3

Sociology, Introductory 50 SOC 101 3

Trigonometry 50 MATH 1720 3

Western Civilization I: Ancient

Near East to 1648 50 HIST 1110 3

Western Civilization II:

1648 to Present 50 HIST 1120 3

Credit by Local Examination

Any enrolled credit student who is in good academic standing or an Allied Health student officially admitted into a program may make application to take an examination for credit up to a maximum of 12 semester hours in limited courses specified in the division housing the curricula of their declared major. The student must register for the course and satisfactorily complete the required examination. The students should be certain that they have at least the minimal preparation and background required before they attempt any examination. Examinations may not be given in sequential courses numbered lower than those the student has already completed.

The form of the examination and the method of administering it are left to the discretion of the division dean. Proficiency examinations cannot be taken to repeat course work or be used in lieu of an “F” or “I." A student must enroll for the course and declare the intent to challenge by exam prior to the first day of class. Credit examinations may not be taken in areas where a student has been given course exemption without credit. Credit for examination is recorded on the transcript as “Pass, credit by examination.”

The following procedures will be completed after the student registers for the course to receive credit:

1. Student must submit completed application to division chair to challenge by exam, prior to the first day of class.

2. Student must enroll for the course to be challenged.

3 Maintenance fees must be paid prior to taking examination.

4. The exam will be scheduled and scored during the first week of class. Student should attend the regular class until the exam is scored and notification of test results given. If the student passes the examination, the instructor will submit proper forms to the Admissions and Records office.

5. If the student does not pass the examination, the Division Chair will notify the student by mail. The student may remain in the class and complete the course.

Credit by External Examination

Currently enrolled and former credit students may request college credit for the successful completion of acceptable national, regional, or state examination. Credit may be applied to specific courses offered by the College or to elective courses such as those listed in the college catalog as “Selected Topics.”

Credit For On-The-Job Training

Under certain circumstances, limited credit may be granted for on-the-job training. Verification of completion of the training and complete description of the training completed must be submitted to the Director of Records and Registration before an evaluation will be made. An evaluation will be made only for students who are currently enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.

Credit for Life Experience

Currently enrolled and former credit students may request consideration of college credit award for life experience. The Credit for Life Experience Committee has the responsibility of working with the student to evaluate the request and to determine if the Credit for Life Experience option is appropriate.

There is a $25 application fee per course. Students requesting Credit for Life Experience should apply at least one semester before they are considering enrolling in a particular class. If the Credit for Life Experience is approved, the student must pay the current maintenance fee rate per credit hour awarded less the $25 application fee. Speaking to a professor in the area where Credit for Life is being requested does not guarantee that the credit will be awarded. If the Credit for Life Experience is not approved, the $25 application fee is non-refundable.

Credit for Life Experience may be granted through two options:

OPTION 1: Credit for Courses offered by Volunteer State

Submission of a portfolio documenting professional experience that relates directly to specific course content offered by VSCC and approval of this portfolio by a college committee for up to nine (9) semester hours of credit

OR

Submission of the content and outcomes of prior learning through structured not-for-credit instruction offered by private or public agencies, verified by certificate or transcript, and approval of this content and outcomes by a college committee for up to nine (9) semester hours of credit.

OPTION 2: Credit for Elective Credit (Selected Topics Courses)

Submission of a portfolio documenting work or other experience that is worthy of college credit but does not match specific existing credit courses offered by Vol State and approval of this portfolio by a college committee for up to six (6) semester hours of elective credit

OR

Submission of the content and outcomes of prior learning through structured not-for-credit instruction offered by private or public agencies, verified by certificate or transcript, and approval of this content by a college committee for up to six (6) semester hours of elective credit.

Credit for Life Experience may not be requested for subject areas that offer CLEP or credit by examination options.

Requests must be submitted at least two semesters prior to graduation. Credit awarded through any of the options listed above are not considered part of the College’s graduation residency requirements. Students requesting Credit for Life experience must submit a $25.00 non-refundable application fee. If Credit for Life experience is awarded the student will be required to pay the tuition for the number of credit hours received.

Students interested in pursuing Credit for Life Experience should contact the Office of Career Placement and Cooperative Education.

Correspondence or Extension Credit

Volunteer State Community College accepts a maximum of 15 semester hours earned by correspondence and/or extension, provided that such credits are taken from an institution which is a member of the University Extension Association, the Teacher College Extension Association, or the appropriate regional accrediting association.

Prior to a student’s initial registration at Vol State as a regular student, the Office of Records and Registration will determine the acceptability of extension and/or correspondence earned at other institutions. After the student has been admitted as a regular student, whether he is a beginning freshman or a transfer student, he will not be given credit applicable to any Vol State degree for subsequent correspondence or extension courses unless he has obtained, prior to his enrollment in such courses, written permission from the Director of Records and Registration.

No student is permitted to enroll for correspondence or extension courses while he is carrying a maximum load at Vol State.

A student who has completed 24 hours in residence at Vol State and who lacks no more than six semester hours, or two courses, toward completion of degree requirements may earn these additional credits by acceptable correspondence or extension work, or by residence at another approved institution.

Maximum External Credit Allowed From Various Sources

Not more than a total of 36 semester hours of credit can be granted by Vol State through any combination of external sources: credit granted for service in the Armed Forces (including physical education credit and credit for courses offered through the United States Armed Forces Institute or other service schools), advanced placement credit (the Advanced Placement Program and College-Level Examination Program of the College Entrance Examination Board, credit by examination, or previous training or work experience qualifying for degree credit.)

Should a student be granted the maximum total of 36 semester hours of credit through external sources, he/she must still complete all specific degree requirements as given in an outlined Program of Study in order to receive an associate degree at Vol State. Students must meet the 24 semester hour residence requirement and a minimum of 20 of the final 26 hours must be completed at Volunteer State.

Developmental Studies

The Tennessee Board of Regents, which governs all the State’s community colleges and universities except the UT system, requires that students who enroll in college-level courses first show that they have high school level skills in order to succeed in college-level courses. First-time freshmen and Transfer students are classified as "Degree-Seeking" students. Any "Adult Special" or "Transient" student who wishes to take a college-level course which has a Developmental Studies prerequisite must also demonstrate the required level of skills.

Students ages 20 and under who possess valid ACT scores will be screened for placement into college-level courses or Developmental courses according to their ACT sub-scores in English, Reading, and Mathematics. Students whose ACT sub-scores in English, Reading, and Mathematics are 19 or higher will have open access to college-level courses provided they have met the high school unit requirements for college admission. Students whose ACT sub- scores are 18 or lower in English, Reading and/or Mathematics will be placed in developmental courses according to the following chart.

ACT SUB-SCORE ACT PLACEMENT SUB-SCORE

English 1 - 14 DSPW 0700-Writing I

15-18 DSPW 0800-Writing II

19-36 College Level

Reading 1-11 DSPR 0700-Reading I

12-18 DSPR 0800-Reading II

19-36 College Level

Math 1-14 DSPM 0700-Basic Math

15-16 DSPM 0800-Elem Algebra

17-18 DSPM 0850-Int. Algebra

19-36 College Level

If a student has more than one set of ACT scores, they will be allowed to use their best sub-scores to obtain the best placement. SAT scores will be converted to ACT equivalent scores, and then the above chart will be used for placement.

Students will have the opportunity to challenge their initial placement by ACT scores. Students have the option to retest using the college's challenge assessment tests or other instruments determined by the NewSkills program.

Students age 21 or over who do not possess valid ACT scores, will be given an assessment test and placed accordingly. Students will have the opportunity to challenge the placement through challenge tests in the Testing Center or through challenge tests in the NewSkills Program.

The Developmental Studies courses which must be completed by the student will be determined on the basis of this assessment. These courses cover basic skills through high school level skills required of all entering students. These courses are entrance requirements and must be completed as the student begins college. Any student who is placed beyond Reading I may take college-level courses along with developmental courses. All students enrolled in developmental reading and writing courses are re-assessed and placements adjusted the first day of class . Any student who wishes to challenge his or her placement in math should contact the NewSkills Program before enrolling in math courses to discuss options.

Once enrolled, the student must complete any Developmental Studies course with a grade of "C" or better. The progress grade (YC) may be earned in a course in which the student achieves mastery of at least half of the content. Other policies and procedures specific to the different areas of study are presented in the course syllabi for those areas.

Course And/Or Entrance Placement

The placement of a student in any given college-level course will depend upon his/her having met certain prerequisites for that particular course. Eligibility for any given course will be established on the basis of achievement on the related section of the ACT and/or the achievement on the other tests administered by the College during registration procedures ,and/or high school or other college courses completed. The placement procedures are designed to help guide the enrolling student into courses commensurate with his/her ability.

In selected career programs, students may be granted advanced placement if specific competence and proficiency are established by work experience and/or departmental examination. In special cases, up to 16 semester hours of credit may be awarded for proficiency as demonstrated by work experience and departmental examinations.

Entrance placement in a foreign language class will depend upon the student’s background in the language. A student who has completed one or more years in French or Spanish in high school with a grade of "C" or better may continue that language at the level they achieve on the foreign language proficiency exam given in the Testing Office. If the student has not studied the language in high school, but he or she has learned the language in some other setting, the student may take the proficiency exam for placement into foreign language classes.

Students who fail to achieve the required level of proficiency in high school courses/tests will be required to enroll in appropriate courses, some of which may be based on initial assessment.