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Comprehensive Standard 3.4.3

The institution publishes admissions policies that are consistent with its mission. (Admissions policies)

aCompliance ___Partial Compliance ___Non-Compliance

Narrative:

Lawson State Community College’s admissions policies are consistent with its mission. The Assistant Dean for Admissions and Records and personnel under his supervision administer all admissions requirements, enforcing admission policies and procedures. Lawson State Community College publishes its admissions policies in the college catalog, pp. 15-32 (LSCC Catalog) and on the College’s website (College Website). The Catalog and Student Handbook is available in print and online.

Applicants must hold a diploma issued at a regionally and/or state accredited high school to be eligible for admission to eligible programs. Applicants who hold a certificate or any other award issued in lieu of a diploma are ineligible for admission to these programs. Applicants who have attended a non-accredited high school may be admitted upon presentation of a transcript indicating successful completion of courses of study on the secondary level. In addition, the courses must be based on the minimum of Carnegie units required by the state’s educational agency at the time of award. These students must have achieved a minimum score of 16 on the ACT test or equivalent score on the SAT or passage of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE). Applicants who cannot comply with either condition above may submit a Certificate of High School Equivalency (GED) Certificate issued by Alabama or other state departments of education. All first-time students must take the English, Reading, and Mathematics Placement Test (COMPASS). Lawson State may establish additional admission requirements to specific courses or occupational degree programs when student enrollment must be limited or to assure ability to benefit.

Lawson State admits students who do not have a high school diploma or a GED Certificate into certain programs provided they demonstrate the ability to benefit (See page 16, LSCC Catalog). Programs and courses taken by students admitted under the ability to benefit provision are not creditable toward an associate degree.

Students admitted under these provisions shall be classified as “Non-Degree Eligible” students. Students are classified as first time students, transfer students, or international students according to Alabama State Board of Education Policy 801.1 “Admission: General” (Policy 801.01). Policies of the State Board of Education within Series 800 (Student Policy) define admission criteria relative to these three admissions classifications. Specific policies also differentiate the admission criteria among educational awards of certificate or associate degree. Students may also enroll in courses for personal enrichment or occupational enhancement reasons regardless of their interest in earning a formal educational award.

For unconditional admission, applicants must have completed the college placement exam and have on file the following documents:

• A completed application for admission.

• A Selective Service Verification Form (if appropriate).

• An official transcript from a regionally and/or state accredited high school and/or college.

• Must have completed any required high school prerequisites (for example: a student may not take English Composition until all required high school English courses have been completed) or an official GED Certificate.

High school students may also enroll in selected courses in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the State of Alabama and the Alabama Community College System. These programs include:

• Accelerated High School Program (11–12 grade) (Policy 801.02)
• Dual Enrollment (10–12 grade) (Policy 801.03)
• Early College Enrollment (11–12 grade) (Policy 801.04)

Exceptions for programs can be granted to students documented as gifted and talented using the Alabama Administrative Code.

Admission to the College does not mean automatic admission or acceptance to certain health education programs (PN & ADN Nursing). These programs have additional standards for admission and matriculation. (LSCC PN Admissions Criteria) (LSCC ADN Admissions Criteria)

Per the directive of Alabama State Board of Education policy 802.01: Student Assessment (Policy 802.01) students who enroll in associate degree, diploma, or certificate programs and who are enrolled for more than four credit hours or eight weekly contact hours per semester will be assessed through the administration of the COMPASS test and placed at the appropriate developmental level (Policy 901.01).

The Admission/Appeal and Grievance Committee (Committee Minutes) (Letter) meets at least annually to review admissions, academic procedures and make any recommended changes.

Documentation:

Documentation	Location
LSCC Student Catalog and Handbook: Admissions pages 15-19	(Catalog pgs. 15-19)
LSCC website - Admissions	(Admissions)
Alabama State Board of Education Policy 801.1 “Admission: General”	(Policy 801.01)
Alabama State Board of Education Policy 801.02 Admission: Enrollment of Accelerated High School Student	(Policy 801.02)
Alabama State Board of Education Policy 801.03 Admission: Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit for High School	(Policy 801.03)
Alabama State Board of Education Policy 801.04 Admission: Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit for High School Student: Early College Enrollment Program	(Policy 801.04)
LSCC Health Professions Admission Criteria for Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing Programs	(LSCC ADN Admissions Criteria) (LSCC PN Admissions Criteria)
Alabama State Board of Education policy 802.01: Student Assessment	(Policy 802.01)
Alabama State Board of Education policy 901.01 Institutional Effectiveness: Developmental Instruction	(Policy 901.01)
LSCC Admission/Appeal and Grievance Committee Minutes	(Committee Minutes)
LSCC Admission/Appeal Sample Letter	(Letter)