Office of Admissions Policies and Procedures Manual
2024-2025
T. A. Lawson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate degree. T.A. Lawson State Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of T. A. Lawson State Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500), or by using information available on SACSCOC's website ( www.sacscoc.org )..
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Supervision
Page 4
Mission
Page 4
ADMISSIONS POLICIES
Admission Application Procedures
Page 5
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Admission of First-time College Students
Page 6
Admission of Transfer Students
Page 7
Admission of Transient Students
Page 8
Accelerated High School Students
Page 8
Dual Enrollment for High School Students
Page 9
International Students
Page 15
Senior Citizens
Page 16
Storage and Retrieval of Student Information
Page 17
Credit for Prior Learning and Non-Traditional Academic Work
Page 17
Recognition of Prior Learning
Page 18
Awarding Credit through Prior Learning
Page 18
Credit by Examination
Page 19
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Page 19
Advanced Placement Test (AP)
Page 20
Nursing Credit by Exam
Page 21
Military Training and Community College of the Air Force
Page 21
Police Academy
Page 21
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Transfer of Credit
Page 22
Transcript of Credit
Page 23
Priority in Evaluating Transcripts
Page 23
Initial Academic Status of Transfer Students
Page 23
Placement Testing (ACCUPLACER)
Page 24
Evaluation of Admission Procedures
Page 24
APPENDIX
State Board of Education Policies and Guidelines
Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management Forms
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LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
GENERAL SUPERVISON
Admission policies at Lawson State Community College (LSCC) are administered by the Division of Students Services, which operates under the direction of the Dean of Students.
The Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management, under the supervision of the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, is responsible for interpreting and implementing Alabama Community College System Board of Trustee Policies, as well as local policies regarding admission of students to the college. The Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management recommends requirements and procedures for admission to the College for review by the Admissions/Appeals Committee. The Committee reviews policies and procedures at such interval designated by the Colleges administration.
MISSION
The mission of the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management is to provide students’ access to college education and to assist with seamless entry. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, its Board of Trustees, and Lawson State Community College, a postsecondary institution under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Lawson State Community College also prohibits discrimination due to ethnic origin, marital status, parental status, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship, veteran status or disability, reasonable accommodations or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law. The college has zero tolerance for harassment, retaliation, violence, physical bullying, cyber-bullying, and hazing. This nondiscrimination policy covers employment, admissions, training, organizational affiliation, student housing, and advisory boards in all college programs and activities. This policy is enforced by Federal law under Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended in 2008. Inquiries regarding compliance with these statutes may be directed to the Dean of Students (205-929-6361) or the Director of Human Resources (205-929- 6313).
ADMISSION APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A. Students entering Lawson State Community College for the first time
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1. All students must complete the application for admission including the affixed residency form.
LSCC may require supporting documentation in order establish residency status. All requested
information on the application must be provided. Official documentation of compliance with the
Selective Service Act, if applicable.
2. A high school *graduate who never attended college should request that the high school
attended mail an official transcript containing the graduation date directly to the Office of
Admissions and Enrollment Management, Lawson State Community College, Bessemer Campus,
th Ave. S.W., Bessemer, AL 35022 or Birmingham Campus, 3060 Wilson Road, SW,
1109 9
Birmingham, AL 35221. If the student is currently in high school, he/she may submit a current
transcript. The student will be admitted conditionally pending receipt of a final official transcript
after her/his high school graduation. High school transcripts will be accepted hand delivered by a
student only if received in a sealed envelope. *One receiving the Alabama High School Diploma
or its equivalent from another state.
3. An applicant who did not complete high school must submit official General Educational
Development (GED) score report documentation indicating passage of the GED assessment. The
documentation may be an official certificate or actual GED results/ score reports mailed to the
college from the granting testing agency. GED documentation will be accepted from the student if
received in a sealed envelope.
4. A student who did not complete high school and who has not earned a high school diploma or
G ED certificate may be admitted under the “Ability to Benefit” provision as assessed by ATB
testing. A student admitted under the “Ability to Benefit” provision may only enroll in courses not
creditable toward an associate degree. The Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management and
the Division of Instructional Services provides a list of qualified programs as outlined in LSCC’s
current Academic Course Inventory. Short certificate / certificate programs acceptable for ATB
admission are also listed on the application for admission.
5. A transfer student must have an official transcript from each previously attended college /
university mailed directly to LSCC’s Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management by the
respective institution(s). If hand delivered, transcripts will be accepted from the student only if
received in a sealed envelope. If a baccalaureate degree has been earned, only the transcript from
the institution granting the degree is required. However, transcripts from the institution(s) granting
the credit are required if one wishes to have credits applied towards a degree or certificate. A
transfer student who has earned fewer than twenty-four semester hours or thirty-six quarter hours
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of college level credit may be required to submit an official high school transcript in addition to
her/his college transcript(s). For unconditional admission, these must be received before
registration for the desired entry term.
6. A student who earned credit at a foreign college or university may submit evaluated
documents for consideration of credit. These documents must have been translated into English
(if necessary) and must have been evaluated in terms of the applicability of credit at U.S.
institutions of higher education. The following credentialing services may be used: World
Education Services, Inc. www.wes.org, Educational Credential Evaluation, Inc. www.ece.org,
and Josef Silny & Associates www.jsilny.com. Evaluations should be forwarded directly to
LSCC from one of these services providers. A student should inquire about using other
credentialing services prior to submitting documents.
7. A student seeking a degree or collegiate award at other institutions may enroll at LSCC as a
transient (rather than transfer) student. A transient letter or letter of good standing is required
from the degree-granting institution before a student may register at LSCC as a transient student.
8. A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree and seeks to take additional undergraduate
courses without pursuing a degree or collegiate award may be admitted as a non-degree seeking
student.
B. Re-admission/Returning Students
Students who previously enrolled at LSCC but who have missed a fall or spring semester must apply for re-admission. The following procedures must be followed to continue enrollment:
1. Complete the Application for Admission including the affixed CERTIFICATION FORM for In-State and Out-of-State Residency.
2. Request the official transcript(s) from institutions attended since th e student’s last term of enrollment at LSCC.
3. Officially document compliance with the Selective Service Act, if applicable.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A. Admission of First-time College Students
Applicants who have not previously attended any regionally accredited postsecondary institution will be considered first-time college students or native students.
Unconditional Admission to Courses Creditable Toward an Associate Degree:
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To be eligible for unconditional admission to courses creditable toward an associate degree, first- time students must have submitted an application for admission and one of the following criteria:
1. An official transcript showing graduation with the Alabama High School Diploma, date of graduation, a high school diploma of another state equivalent to the Alabama High School Diploma or equivalent diploma issued by a non-public, regionally and/or state accredited high school.
2. Hold a GED Certificate issued by the appropriate state educational agency.
3. In addition, all male applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 must document registration with the U.S. Selective Service System in accordance with 36-26-15.1 of the Code of Alabama of 1974 (as amended).
B. Admission of Transfer Students
An applicant who previously attended a postsecondary institution will be considered a transfer student and will be required to furnish the official transcripts from each postsecondary institution previously attended. LSCC also requires documents required of first-time college students including the high school transcript if the transfer student has not earned at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours at the previous college(s). A transfer student who meets the admissions requirements to courses creditable toward an Associate Degree will be classified as degree eligible. A degree-eligible student should request that the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management evaluate the transcript(s) for courses that apply toward an associate degree. A transfer student who does not meet these requirements will be classified as a non-degree eligible student.
Applicants who have been suspended from another institution for academic or disciplinary reasons will not be considered for admission except upon appeal.
Unconditional Admission of Transfer Students
1. For unconditional admission, a transfer student must have submitted to the college an application for admission and the official transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution previously attended and, as designated by LSCC, any other documents required for first time college students. A student who transfers from one or more colleges or universities not accredited by recognized regional accreditation agencies must submit the official high school transcript or GED scores. 2. An applicant having completed the baccalaureate degree or a higher degree is required to submit only the transcript from the institution having granted the baccalaureate degree. Note: Applicants wishing to apply transfer credit towards an LSCC curriculum must provide transcripts from each applicable undergraduate institution rather than only the transcript from the institution having issued the baccalaureate degree.
NOTE: If the student intends to obtain a degree from LSCC, the transcript(s) from the institution(s) may be required for an evaluation prior to graduation if any such coursework should be applied
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towards graduation. If the student intends to register for courses requiring prerequisites that have been fulfilled at another institution other than the one granting the degree, transcripts for those college or universities must be submitted for evaluation.
Conditional Admission of Transfer Students
A transfer student who does not have on file the official transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution attended including any additional documents required by the institution, may be granted conditional admission. No transfer student will be allowed to enroll for a second semester unless all required admission documents are received by LSCC prior to the pre-registration period for the second consecutive semester. A student who does not have the transcript(s) on file when pre- registration begins and intends to enroll in a math or English course must present a transcript or grade report to satisfy prerequisite requirements for these courses. If all required admission records have not been received by the College prior to issuance of first semester grades, the grades will be reported on the transcript; however, no official transcript will be issued until all transcripts are received. The transcript will note, “Continued enrollment denied pending receipt of admission records.”
C. Transient Students
Any student from another college may attend LSCC as a transient student during any semester. A transient student is a student attending college utilizing a letter of transience or letter of good standing. The letter should contain the courses approved for enrollment by th e student’s parent institution and a notation that the courses will be accepted in transfer. The letter of transience is valid for the single semester towards which it was issued. A transient student is ineligible for student financial aid or scholarships. A student wishing to enroll in an additional semester without a letter of transience must meet the criteria for transfer students as stated in the college catalog. A transient student must provide an appropriate form of identification as required by policy 801.01, Admissions General.
D. Accelerated High School Students
LSCC offers qualified high school juniors and seniors the chance to enroll for courses which fulfill college requirements. Upon graduation from high school, the student may continue enrollment at LSCC or transfer the college credits to another postsecondary institution. An important point to remember is that the course content and teaching methodologies of all classes is at the college level.
1. Students are eligible for the Accelerated High School Program if they meet the following criteria:
a.
The student has successfully completed the 10th grade.
b. The student provides a certificate from the local principal and/or his or her designee certifying that the student has a minimum cumulative "B" average and recommends the student be admitted under this policy. 2. The student may enroll only in postsecondary courses for which high school prerequisites have been completed (for example: a student may not take English Composition until all
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required high school English courses have been completed.) The student must also take the ACCUPLACER or have an appropriate ACT or SAT score.
3. Exceptions may be granted by the Chancellor for a student documented as gifted and talented according to the standards included in the State Plan of Exceptional Children and Youth. Exceptions apply only to requirements a. and c. above. Credit completed under these provisions is held in escrow until the student provides proof of high school graduation (submission of final high school transcript with date of graduation. A transcript issued prior to a student’s high school graduation will b e labeled as conditional credit. Upon proof of high school graduation, the notation will be removed from the transcript. Home-schooled students are ineligible for the Accelerated High School Program unless they are under the auspices of an umbrella organization and can provide proper documentation of all items noted above.
E. Dual Enrollment for High School Students
1. Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit
Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit is an enrichment opportunity allowing eligible high school students to earn high school and college credits for courses taken through an Alabama Community College System (ACCS) institution while still enrolled in high school. Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit is available to students’ attending public, private, parochial, or church/religious schools pursuant to § 16-28-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, or who are receiving instruction from a homeschool/private tutor pursuant to § 16-28-5 of the Code of Alabama 1975. LSSC established dual enrollment/dual credit program agreements with local boards of education in the college service area. Courses offered shall be post-secondary level and enrolled students must pay normal tuition as required by the post-secondary institution, or as stipulated in a contract for services between the two levels. The program is restricted to qualified students in Alabama whose school/school systems (public and/or regionally accredited high schools) have signed a working agreement with LSCC. 2. To be eligible for admission, Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit Students must meet the following criteria: 2.1. Students must satisfy the requirements prescribed in Procedure 801.01: Admission: General, with the exception of proof of high school graduation or GED completion. 2.2. Students must be rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders as defined by each secondary education entity’s promotion/retention policy. An exception may be granted through ACCS waiver requests including but not limited to students documented as gifted under Alabama Administrative Code §290-8-9.12. 2.3. Students seeking enrollment in Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit coursework must have a minimum cumulative (unweighted) high school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Exceptions may be granted per program through ACCS waiver requests.
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2.4. Students must have the written approval of a secondary school official. Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit eligibility for students enrolled in private, homeschool/private tutor, parochial, or church/religious secondary educational entities must be documented in writing by an appropriate secondary official. Approval from secondary school officials indicates that the student has demonstrated both academic readiness and social maturity. 2.5. The ACCS institution has the right to restrict a student's enrollment based on academic readiness, social maturity, health and safety concerns, course availability, and/or local institutional policy. LSCC also requires: A. Th e student must have a “B” (3.00) average in completed high school courses or a “C+” (2.50) average in completed career technical courses. B. The student must have written approval of the appropriate principal or counselor or career technical education representative. Student success in Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit is dependent upon both academic readiness and social maturity. Approval from the principal or counselor or career technical education representative indicates that the student has demonstrated both.
C. Students may enroll in occupational/technical courses/programs in accordance with guidelines of the Alabama Community College System.
D. Students enrolled in courses offered during the normal high school day on or off the high school campus shall have prior permission of the students’ principal, superintendent, and the participating postsecondary institution president.
E. Parental permission and travel for courses offered off the high school campus during the normal school day will be administered under the auspices of local boards of education.
F. Ten quarter/six semester credit hours at the postsecondary level shall equal one credit at the high school level in the same or related subject. Partial credit agreements shall be developed between the participating postsecondary institution and the local board of education.
G. All credit for coursework completed under these provisions is held in escrow until the student provides proof of high school graduation (submission of final high school transcript with date of graduation). Transcript issued prior to a student’s high school graduation will be labeled conditional credit. Upon proof of high school graduation, this notation will be removed from the transcript.
3. Placement and Pre-Requisites
Dually enrolled students registering for college-level English or math courses must be placed
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into courses using the current ACCA-approved placement guidelines. Students who do not register for college-level English or math courses are not required to take any English or math placement test, regardless of their grade levels.
Students must meet all applicable prerequisites prior to enrolling in courses.
4. Continuous Eligibility for Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit
Students who meet the criteria for initial admission to a Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit Program, as specified in Section 2, will maintain continuous eligibility so long as they earn a grade of C or better in all attempted college courses.
Each college shall develop their own continuous eligibility appeal process. Colleges are advised to document justification for individual eligibility decisions.
5. Course Offerings
Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit courses offered by the postsecondary institution shall be of postsecondary/college level. Students may be exposed to and be involved in discussions of mature subject matter. Course curricula will not be modified. Courses may be offered at approved locations on or off the institution's campus(es). Courses may be canceled at the discretion of the institution for reasons such as, but not limited to, low enrollment or lack of credentialed faculty. Courses offered by postsecondary institutions shall be drawn from the respective institution's existing academic inventory of credit courses. Courses below 100 are not eligible for Dual Credit. Co-requisite courses above 100 are eligible.
6. Course Auditing
Dually enrolled students may not audit courses.
7. Combined Courses
Dually enrolled and non-dually enrolled secondary students may be concurrently taught in the same course. It is the responsibility of the college to ensure that the instruction is taught at the collegiate level, is in compliance with the syllabus of the college course, and that such compliance is documented and monitored on a regular basis. Prior coordination between the college and the secondary educational entity must be properly conducted to eliminate any issues with this type of course delivery.
8. Adherence to College Policies and Requirements
Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit programs must operate on the ACCS institution schedule, which may vary greatly from the secondary school schedule. Students must follow the institution’s schedule for Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit courses. The institution is not responsible for the supervision of Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit students during non-class times or periods of absence.
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Students must adhere to all institutional policies and requirements including, but not limited to, those outlined in course syllabi, the academic calendar, the college April 2025 catalog, and the Student Code of Conduct. The institution reserves the right to refuse re-admission to any student who violates institutional policies.
9. Provisions for Disability Services and Accommodations
ACCS institutions must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for ACCS programs and services. Students that submit documentation of qualifying disabilities and meet the prerequisites of ACCS courses will be provided with reasonable accommodations that allow equal access. Colleges are not required to provide equivalent accommodations as the secondary educational entity. Modification of curriculum is not permitted.
10. Payment of Tuition, Fees, and Additional Associated Costs
Students in Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit courses are responsible for the cost of tuition, fees, textbooks, materials, and supplies as required in the syllabus of each course and institutional policy unless covered by the Dual Enrollment Scholarship or alternative funding sources.
Students must adhere to institutional financial policies and deadlines to avoid being automatically dropped from course rolls.
11. Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit Limitations
Student enrollment in a combined number of secondary and college courses per term will not exceed that which is educationally sound as determined by the institution and the secondary educational entity. ACCS imposes neither semester nor lifetime credit limits for Dual Enrollment students. Credits earned in excess of the secondary educational entity’s graduation requirements might not result in dual credit on the secondary school transcript.
12. Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit Agreement
An institution within the ACCS is authorized to establish Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit agreements with secondary educational entities including local educational agencies (LEAs), private schools, homeschool/private tutors, and parochial or church/religious schools in the institution’s service area. Establishment of Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit agreements with secondary educational entities outside of an institution's service area must be through written, mutual consent of the respective ACCS institutions' presidents. All out-of-service- April 2025 area agreements must be filed with the Chancellor's Office and the secondary education entity.
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Secondary educational entities and colleges shall develop and submit a signed Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit Agreement to the Alabama Community College System to be renewed every three years unless changes are required. Agreements will include, but not be limited to, the following:
12.1. Mutually Approved Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit Courses
Courses offered must be of postsecondary/college level and shall be drawn from the respective institution's existing academic inventory of credit courses.
12.2. Faculty Qualifications and Requirements
Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit instructors shall be the faculty of the college. Faculty must be under the ultimate control and supervision of the college for the dual enrollment class or classes. The institution must provide faculty orientation, supervision, and evaluation. A secondary school teacher assigned to teach Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit courses will be employed as an adjunct faculty member of the institution and must meet the credentialing requirements of the college and applicable accrediting agencies. Documentation of appropriate faculty credentials which meet or exceed these requirements must be on file at the institution. Faculty credentials shall be provided to the appropriate secondary officials as needed to meet credentialing standards of appropriate secondary system accrediting agencies.
12.3. Faculty Compensation
The college shall be responsible for the compensation (examples include but are not limited to salaries, stipends, or supplements) of faculty in accordance with ACCS and institutional policy. New consortia arrangements and/or contractual agreements whereby the institution pays the secondary system or school to provide the instruction for Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit classes are prohibited as they may:
(1) lessen the institution's ability to exercise control and supervision of the instructor and (2) increase the complexity of compliance with accreditation standards related to educational programs. Faculty may not receive dual compensation for instructional time.
12.4. Credit Awarded
Secondary schools follow guidelines established by the State Department of Education (SDE) when assigning credit for Dual Enrollment courses that satisfy requirements for graduation as outlined in AAC Rule 290-3-1-.02(8)(a). Partial/full April 2025 credit agreements shall be developed by the local board of education and participating in postsecondary institutions for courses that are excluded from the State Department of Education guidelines for assigning credit. The Dual Enrollment- High School Graduation Requirement Equivalency List developed by the SDE identifies dual enrollment courses taken through the ACCS that may satisfy one or more Alabama High School Diploma graduation requirements. Course additions may be requested as needed.
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12.5. Transcripts
Courses approved for dual credit shall be posted on both secondary and postsecondary transcripts. It shall be the responsibility of the postsecondary institution to report grades (in numerical format) to secondary officials.
12.6. Annual Evaluation Plan
A plan for an annual evaluation of the institution's Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit program shall be prepared and shall adhere to procedures established by the Chancellor. The institution and the secondary educational entity shall assume the responsibility for reporting data/information required for the evaluation in a timely manner.
12.7. Student Issues
Methods for addressing student-related issues such as admissions, procedures, advisement, monitoring and evaluation, privacy rights, ADA issues, and verification of student attendance must be addressed in the agreement. The secondary educational entity must adhere to ACCS institution policies and procedures including, but not limited to, attendance and instructional dates, drop/add and withdrawal policies, student code of conduct, and grading policies. Students should be advised that Dual Credit becomes part of their permanent college transcript and must be reported to any college attended in the future. Additionally, students should be advised of the consequences of failure or withdrawal on future financial aid availability and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
12.8. Provisions for Disability Services and Accommodations.
Roles and responsibilities regarding accommodations and disability services must be clearly defined in the agreement developed between ACCS institutions and secondary educational entities. Participation in a Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit program is considered to be a choice on the part of the student. Therefore, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements concerning a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) do not apply in a postsecondary educational setting. Furthermore, since requirements under the IDEA do not apply to the April 2025 postsecondary level, services described in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) will not be honored for Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit courses. It is the student's responsibility to disclose and provide current documentation in support of his or her request for accommodation from the disability services office of the college. Decisions regarding accommodation provided in postsecondary courses will be made by the institution upon submission of appropriate documentation. Institutions will not provide modifications to change the course content or performance expectations that would substantially alter the essential functions or physical demands of the course unless required to do so by applicable law. Some accommodations available by the secondary educational entity may not be provided by the postsecondary institution.
12.9. Transportation Responsibility.
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Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of such students unless otherwise negotiated between the institution and the secondary educational entity.
12.10. Communication to Parents and Students.
ACCS institutions must have a provision for communicating to parents and students the educational and economic benefits of the Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit program as well as requirements for participation and enrollment procedures. The institution will communicate the confidentiality requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regarding college students. At a minimum, the information above will be included in the postsecondary institution's appropriate publications and on its website. Parents may access student records regarding Dual Credit through the secondary educational entity according to the regulations set forth in the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regarding college students. ACCS institutions and LEAs may share student records under FERPA under the conditions outlined in (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR § 99.31). An ACCS institution may provide an Authorization for Release of Information form to allow the release of student academic records, financial information, and/or disciplinary information to parents, guardians, or others.
12.11. Dual Enrollment Scholarship Funds.
Scholarship funds are contingent upon allocations by the Alabama Legislature and are administered according to the direction of the ACCS Chancellor. Dual Enrollment Scholarship funds may only be awarded to Alabama residents.
13. Compliance
Failure to comply with foregoing procedures shall result in reduced funding
14. Change in Status Notification
The appropriate secondary educational entity will be notified of any enrollment status change including but not limited to non-attendance, withdrawals, and non-payment.
15. Academic Suspension
Upon enrollment, students fall under the Lawson State Community College Code of Conduct and all sanctions imposed. Lawson State Community College has policy in place that allows dual enrollment students to appeal their suspension. The one term suspension may not be served during the Summer. For re-entry, the student must reapply to the program.
F. International Students
1. Required Admissions Documentation.
For admissions to an ACCS institution, an international student must provide:
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1. Admission application 2. A certified original translated and evaluated copy of the student's high school transcript if graduated outside of the United States 3. A current and valid passport or other official documentation to verify lawful presence 4. A current photo (passport-size, preferred) 5. A minimum score of 5.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a total score of 61 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a 2A on the Step EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency, a total score of 500 on the paper- based TOEFL, or a 95 on the Duolingo English Test. Institutions may admit students to an established ESL program in preparation for the English Language Exam. However, students may not enroll in regular college courses until the English Language requirement is met. 6. A signed notarized statement verifying adequate financial support 7. Receipt of payment of I-90I Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee. 8. A medical health history with proof of vaccination. 9. Documentation demonstrating adequate accidents, sickness, and life insurance that includes evacuation repatriation. Students must maintain insurance coverage throughout the duration of their 1-20. The institution may provide an insurance plan or a list of available insurance providers.
2. English as a Second Language Exam Waiver.
The English as a Second Language exam may be waived for students from all English-speaking countries including but not limited to Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia (Australian English), the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize (Belizean Kriol), the British Indian Ocean Territory, the British Virgin Islands, Canada (Canadian English), the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guernsey (Channel Island English), Guyana, Ireland (Hiberno- English), Isle of Man (Manx English), Jamaica (Jamaican English), Jersey, Montserrat, Nauru, New Zealand (New Zealand English), Nigeria, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Singapore, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United States.
Other waivers, with substantial documentation, must be submitted to the Chancellor for approval.
Admission to an ACCS institution does not ensure admission to any individual program or course. Institutions are expected to comply with all applicable accreditation requirements and standards regarding program admissions. G. Senior Citizens People sixty (60) years of age or older may be eligible for a tuition waiver if they qualify for the Senior Adult Scholarship Program. Applicants must meet the following conditions:
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1 They must comply with the college admission standards as noted in the college catalog above. 2 They must be Alabama residents. 3 They must be sixty (60) years of age or older. 4 They must enroll for credit courses; non-credit enrollment is not covered under these provisions. The student is responsible for payment of any fees or other charges applied to the general student population. Senior citizens granted a tuition waiver under the Senior Adult Scholarship Program may receive the tuition waiver only one time per course. Anytime a senior citizen repeats a course, he or she is responsible not only for fees but also for tuition. NOTE: Senior citizen course enrollment under the Senior Adult Scholarship Program is restricted to space availability. A course will be expanded beyond the optimal number to accommodate the enrollment of a senior citizen attending under the Senior Adult Scholarship Program.
STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF STUDENT INFORMATION
All applications, transcripts, and supporting documentation submitted to the College for consideration for admission becomes the property of the College. As such, the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management uses such documentation to make appropriate admission decisions. The College uses a digital imaging system for the storage and retrieval of documents related to a student’s admission file. Beginning Fall 2005, office personnel on both campuses began the scanning of admission applications, transcripts, G.E.D. certificates/transcripts, and other supporting documentation. Admission documents are transferred into the custody of the Office of Student Records upon enrollment into credit programs. Documents within the permanent files of re-admitted students are retrieved from the Office of Student Records, scanned into the digital imaging system as former students apply for admission to the College.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING AND NON-TRADITIONAL ACADEMIC WORK
The College recognizes that learning occurs in a variety of ways. Individuals can master course competencies through employment, training, and other experiences. Such non-traditional learning experiences are termed prior learning. College credit can be awarded for prior learning from which the skills that comprise courses (terminal objectives) are mastered at an acceptable degree of proficiency provided the individual can document skill mastery. Policies governing prior learning assessment (PLA) are listed below; however, specific procedures for implementing this policy at LSCC may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services. These guidelines are not applicable to secondary/postsecondary articulation agreements or dual enrollment. Students may not earn credits through non-traditional academic work for any courses in which grades have previously been received.
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Recognition of Prior Learning
To seek college credit for experiential learning, the student must first apply to the Office of the Vice President for Instructional Services for permission to attempt alternative means of instruction. If permission is granted, the Department Chair will appoint an instructor to supervise the assembly of an experiential portfolio by the student, or to administer a departmental examination.
The portfolio must contain evidence of scholarship or work experience, which involved the mastery of the expected learning outcomes of the course for which credit is applied.
In each case, the portfolio will be an individually assembled body of evidence, which supports the claims of course learning mastery. When completed, a committee in the specific discipline will review the portfolio; and, if the portfolio is accepted, the appropriate credits will be granted. Students who wish to avail themselves of this program should contact the Vice President for Instructional Services. There is a pre-credit evaluation fee for each portfolio evaluated. The fee is the equivalent cost of one (1) semester hour. Departmental examination credit is awarded at the discretion of the department chairperson in concurrence with the Vice President for Instructional Services. The student must contact the appropriate department chairperson who, after interview and upon approval, will appoint a member of the department faculty to conduct an examination in the course for which credit is requested. The fees for these examinations are based on a per credit charge for each course requested. The College, through written examination or portfolio evaluation, will determine if a student has sufficient knowledge to be granted credit for one or more classes. Students wishing to gain credit in this manner will be asked to document prior learning. In no case will more than 25% of the credit of a designated program be awarded for experiential learning. The college reserves the sole right to determine experiential learning applicability to LSCC courses.
Awarding Credit through Prior Learning Assessment
1. Credit for prior learning may be awarded only after an assessment of prior learning experiences and only for documented learning that demonstrates achievement of all terminal objectives for a specific course or courses.
2. Course credits earned through prior learning shall be noted on the student’s transcript as having been awarded through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
3. Credit for academic transfer courses awarded through PLA may only be awarded by examination or nationally recognized guidelines (AP, CLEP, ACT/PEP, DANTES, Challenge Exams, ACE PONSI / CREDIT, ACE / MILITARY). Credit for experiential learning (portfolio review) may not be awarded for academic transfer courses.
4. In the process of determining if credit can be awarded for prior learning, colleges shall charge students only for the cost of the PLA services and not for the amount of credit awarded.
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5. There shall be a charge of $25 for each portfolio reviewed to assess experiential learning for college credit. Documentation must be provided for each course for which credit through experiential learning is requested, and the $25 fee applies to each review of the documentation (e.g., an individual is charged $50 if the person is seeking credit through experiential learning for two courses and thereby requires portfolio reviews relative to those two courses). Students seeking credit for academic transfer courses through examination or nationally recognized guidelines are not charged fees for PLA or for credits awarded through PLA. 6. Not more than 25% of total credit required for any program may be awarded as a result of PLA. Credit awarded through PLA does not count toward the minimum of 25 percent of semester credit hours that must be completed at the college granting the degree.
Before receiving course credit through PLA, an individual must meet enrollment requirements of the course.
Credit may not be awarded twice for the same learning.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
A maximum of 20 hours of non-traditional credit may be awarded and applied toward graduation. Applicants must have their test scores sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management from the appropriate testing agency.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Lawson State awards credit for CLEP Subject Examinations with a minimum of 50% or higher earned on each exam. Students may receive CLEP credit instead of enrolling in the equivalent course by submitting official CLEP scores to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management. Approved subject examinations and their Lawson State equivalents are:
Subject Examination
LSCC Equivalent
Hours Awarded
History and Social Sciences
American Government American History I American History II Introductory Psychology
POL211 HIS101 HIS 102 PSY200 PSY210
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Human Growth & Development Principles of Macroeconomics Principles of Microeconomics
ECO231
3
ECO232 SOC200 HIS101 HIS102
Introductory Sociology Western Civilization I Western Civilization II
Foreign Languages
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Introductory Spanish I Introductory Spanish II
SPA101
3
SPA102
3
Composition and Literature
English Composition I English Composition II 3 American Literature I 3 English Literature II
ENG101
3
ENG102
ENG251
ENG252
3
Science and Mathematics
Pre-calculus Algebra
MTH112 MTH113 MTH125
3 3 3
Pre-calculus Algebra/Trig.
Calculus I
Information Systems/Technology
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
CIS130
3
Business
Introduction to Accounting I Introduction to Accounting II Principles of Management Principles of Marketing
BUS241 BUS242 BUS275
3 3 3 3
BUS285 OR MKT235
Advanced Placement Test (AP)
Lawson State awards credit for Advance Placement courses taken in high school with scores of 3 or higher earn on the national examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program. The following Advance Placement courses and examinations are recognized by LSCC:
AP Course and Examination
LSCC Equivalent Hours Awarded
Semester Hours
Awarded
Art History Art Studio
ART100 ART113
3 3
20
Biology
BIO101, BIO102
8 4 4 4
Calculus AB Calculus BC
MTH125 MTH126 CHM104
Chemistry
English Language Composition Score of 3
ENG101
3 6
Score of 4 or 5
ENG101, 102
European History
HIS101, 102
6 3 6
Government and Politics (US)
POL200
History (US)
HIS201, 202
Music Theory
MUS111 MUS101
3 3
Music Listening & Literature
Physics B
PHY201, 202
8
Psychology
PSY200
3
Spanish Language Score of 3
SPA101
3 6
Score of 4 or 5
SPA101, 102
Nursing Credit by Exam
LPN to RN Mobility students may earn credit by examination for NUR 111 and NUR 271 by achievement of a score of 45 or higher on the ACT-PEP Test 403--Fundamentals of Nursing, 559-- Maternity Nursing. A score of Satisfactory on Clinical Skills Performance will earn credit for NUR 121. (For more information, refer to the Department of Health Professions.)
Military Training and Community College of the Air Force
The College may award credit for military training as recommended in the Guide to the Evaluations of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services . Courses are accepted if Lawson State offers an equivalent course. Students will be awarded credit for completion of Basic Training with the following courses: PED 105- Personal Fitness (1 semester hour) and PED 103- Weight Training 1 semester hour). Students must submit one of the following military records to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management for evaluation: AARTS Transcript, DD Form 295, DD 214, or Course Completion Certificates.
Police Academy
Official certification of completion of approved police academy work must be sent to the Office of
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Admissions and Enrollment Management. Certification must be either an academic transcript from an accredited college or a letter on official letterhead from the police academy completed. Upon completion of six semester hours of approved CRJ courses at Lawson State, students will be awarded credit for:
CRJ 110 Introduction to Law Enforcement (3)
CRJ 116 Police Patrol (3)
Transfer of Credit
Whether a U.S. citizen or an international student, the following principles relating to the transfer of credit earned at one institution to another institution apply.
Coursework transferred or accepted for credit toward an undergraduate program must represent collegiate coursework relevant to the formal award, with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent to those of students enrolled in LSCC’s undergraduate formal award programs. In assessing and documenting equivalent learning and qualified faculty, LSCC uses recognized guides, which aid in the evaluation for credit. Such guides include those published by the American Council on Education, The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Office of Admissions Officers, and the National Association of Foreign Student Affairs. 1. A course completed at other regionally or Council on Occupational Education accredited post-secondary institutions with a passing grade will be accepted for transfer as potentially creditable toward graduation requirements. 2. A transfer student from a collegiate institution not accredited by the appropriate regional association or Council on Occupational Education may request an evaluation of transfer credits after completing 15 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. 3. A transfer grade of “D” will only be accepted when the transfer student’s cumulative GPA is 2.0 or above. If the student has a cumulative 2.0 or above the “D” grade will be accepted the same as for native students. 4. A transfer student from a post-secondary institution which is not regionally accredited may petition the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management to have coursework evaluated for transfer credit after earning 15 semester hours at LSCC with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above. The Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management along with the appropriate faculty will examine course descriptions from the respective college catalogs to ensure that the equivalent of course content, level of instruction, and student competencies to be achieved are comparable to courses offered at LSCC. 5. Credit may be extended based on a comprehensive evaluation of demonstrated and documented competencies and previous formal training. (See Section on Prior Learning Assessment).
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