| ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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Admission to the College
If you have a high school diploma or the equivalent, or you are
at least 18 years of age, and you are able to benefit from
enrollment, you are eligible for admission to Northern Virginia
Community College.
High school students may be eligible to enroll in certain "dual enrollment programs." See page 38.
All applicants must complete the Application for Admission. At
this time, you are strongly advised to seek the assistance of
counselors for academic, career, or transfer information. You
are also strongly advised to take the English placement test
at this time since demonstrated English ability is required for
enrollment in most courses.
Students are accepted on a first-come/first-served basis, except
in restricted programs or when enrollment must be limited. In
such cases, priority will be given in the following order: (1)
legal residents domiciled in the cities and counties supporting
the College, (2) other Virginia legal residents, (3) out-of-state
applicants, and (4) international students requiring Form I-20.
For certain health technology programs, "counties supporting
the College" may include those in which clinical affiliates
have contractual agreements with NVCC. It is even more important
for you to apply early to the College if you are interested in
being admitted to a particular curriculum. Certain programs have
limited enrollment. Some of these curricula may have waiting
lists.
High school transcripts are used for academic advisement to enhance
your prospects for success in your chosen curriculum.
The College welcomes transfer students from other colleges and,
when you meet NVCC’s admissions requirements, you may be
admitted with no restrictions.
Transcripts are required in order to be considered for admission
to the following curricula: Veterinary Technology, Dental Hygiene,
Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant,
Radiography, and Respiratory Therapy. Transcripts are preferred
for Emergency Medical Services Technology, Allied Health and
Nursing programs. Contact the appropriate campus Counseling Services
Center regarding admission to these programs.
The Application for Admission is online at http://www.nvcc.edu.
Application for Admission forms may also be mailed to the Admissions
and Records Office of your choice. You are urged to submit
your Application for Admission to the College at least 30
days prior
to the first day of classes for the semester in which you plan
to enroll. This should provide you with the opportunity to
meet with a counselor for academic assistance prior to enrollment
and to take required placement tests.
The College reserves the right to evaluate Applications for
Admission and to refuse admission to applicants when it is
considered to
be in the best interest of the College or when there is sufficient
reason to believe that they present a danger to themselves
or to other members of the College community.
When you enroll as a student at NVCC, you accept the rules
and regulations of the College. Any violation will be subject
to
appropriate action by the College.
Transient Students - Special Provisions for Students Currently Enrolled at Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Transient students may enroll in most NVCC courses without taking a placement test to determine readiness to do college-level work (see above). To qualify for this special provision, you need to provide specified documentation showing current enrollment or admission to a four-year college or university. Full information and directions are available at www.nvcc.edu/admissions/transientstudents/.
Admission to a Curriculum
In addition to the general admission requirements for acceptance
by the College, there are specific curricular requirements
listed in the "Instructional Programs" section of
this catalog. Check the curriculum of your choice to see if
you have met the required prerequisites for enrolling in that
curriculum. If you do not meet these requirements, you may
be able to make up deficiencies by taking developmental or
other courses.
To change from one curriculum to another, you must contact a
counselor to initiate completion of a new Declaring a Major form,
125-008.
English Language Requirement
In order to enroll in most courses, students are required to achieve a satisfactory
score on the college English placement test. Regardless of course selection,
all students will be required to take the English placement test prior to
registering for the 16th credit.
International Students
This College is authorized by federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.
Student Services Centers must comply fully with federal law and regulations regarding
admission of non-immigrant students and issuance of the I-20 form, Certificate
of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status, for student visas.
Except as restricted by federal law or regulation, College policies apply
equally to all students regardless of immigration status.
Student Visas (F-1 Status). If you require student
immigration status (F-1), the following prerequisites must be
met before
the College can issue an I-20 form, Certificate of Eligibility
for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status.
1. You must submit an application to apply for full-time enrollment
to the College.
2. You must submit documentation of eligibility, including the
following items:
a. An official or certified copy
of your secondary school diploma or certificate equivalent
to a U.S. high school diploma.
b. Verification of financial support.
c. Demonstration of proficiency in the English language:
· For academic degree programs, you must submit a TOEFL
score.* If your TOEFL score is 500 or higher (paper test) or
173 (computer based), you may be
admitted to a degree program (using an Academic I-20). Once on campus, you will
take the College’s ACCUPLACER test, which indicates the level at which
you may begin your studies at the College.
· If English is your first language and you are from a country where English is the official language, a TOEFL score is not required.
*International students who are visiting the College may
submit an application and take the ACCUPLACER test. These
test results can be used in place of TOEFL scores when submitting
I-20 packets.
d. A TOEFL score is not required for the intensive English-language
program through the College’s Continuing Education
Program. NVCC will issue you a Language Training
I-20.
All required documents and test scores for I-20 applicants must
be received by the published deadline. For application deadlines,
please visit the F-1 International Student Web site at www.nvcc.edu/international.
If your native language is not English, you
must complete the English placement test (ACCUPLACER) before
you enroll in classes. Your test score may require that you
complete English as a Second Language (ESL) courses—in
the credit or non-credit program—before you may enroll
in any other courses.
In order to maintain your F-1 visa status, you
must enroll as a full-time student. You should meet with an academic
advisor
when you arrive at the college to ensure that you meet this
enrollment requirement. F-1 international students may not
take more than
3 credits or one course per semester through online or distance
education.
If you are in the
United States and already have F-1 status but wish to transfer
to NVCC, you must contact your current school regarding your
eligibility to transfer. If you currently
hold another type of immigration status, or need further information
about student visas, please visit our F-1 International
student Web site at www.nvcc.edu/international. Other Immigrant Status. It is the policy of Northern Virginia
Community College to admit to the College those applicants who
are immigrants residing in Virginia who have graduated from a
Virginia high school with a high school diploma or equivalent,
even if they are not able to document their legal presence. Those
who are undocumented will pay tuition at the out-of-state rate.
For enrollment in English as a Second Language (ESL) non-credit
programs. The availability of non-credit ESL programs varies
by campus. You should contact the Continuing Education Office
at the campus of your choice for information about these programs
and procedures for requesting an I-20 form for ESL study.
Dual Enrollment of Current High School Students and Home School
Students
If you have not yet earned a high school diploma or its equivalent
and you are under the age of 18, you may be able to attend the
College under certain conditions.
Dual Enrollment means concurrently taking courses in both high
school and college. Some of your NVCC College courses may fulfill
Virginia high school graduation requirements if you have prior
written approval from both your high school principal and your
parent or guardian; for home school students the written approval
from your parent or guardian and the appropriate school system
authority. In some cases the College has existing dual enrollment
arrangements with local public schools whereby the college credits
you earn may be applied toward your high school diploma while
you also receive college credit.
1. Current High School Students
If you are at least 16 years of age, presently enrolled in high
school and wish to be admitted to the College and take classes,
you must have the written permission of your authorizing parent
or guardian and your high school principal or his/her representative. 2. Home School Students
NVCC will also consider the admission of students who are at
least 16 years old, who are not attending a public or private
school, and who are home school students. The acceptance of such
students may be considered as enrichment to the home school program
but is not intended to substitute for the home school experience.
Prior to admission, students who are home schooled must provide
a current copy of a signed home school agreement between the
appropriate school system and the authorizing parent or guardian.
3. Other Policies and Procedures Regarding Dual Enrollment
The following policies and procedures will apply to the dual
enrollment of current high school and home school students:
a. The College reserves the right to evaluate applications for
admission and to refuse admission to applicants when it is considered
to be in the best interest of the College. For example, a student
who has academic or disciplinary difficulties at his/her school
will not be admitted to the College.
b. Prior to admission, an applicant who does not have a high
school diploma, and who is under the age of 18 years will be
required to demonstrate appropriate basic skills compatible with
the College’s academic expectations. The applicant must
take the English placement test and test at the college level
(i.e., ENG 111). A math placement test may be required depending
upon a student’s course selections.
c. A dual-enrolled student cannot declare a major until he/she
has completed a high school diploma, earned a GED, or reached
the age of 18.
d. All students of Northern Virginia Community College, regardless
of age, are subject to all of the rules, policies, and procedures
of the College pertaining to attendance, confidentiality of records,
conduct, etc., as found in the College Catalog and the College
Student Handbook.
e. Students admitted on a dual-enrolled basis are not eligible
for student financial aid.
f. Applicants for dual enrollment should apply at least 30 days
prior to the start of classes.
g. Before registering, dual-enrolled students must see a College
counselor or a dean of Student Development prior to each semester
until the student has completed a high school diploma, earned
a GED, or reached the age of 18.
h. Dual-enrolled students are restricted to part-time enrollment.
i. Dual-enrolled students generally are not permitted to enroll
in developmental courses.
j. Dual-enrolled, first-time students generally are not placed
in Extended Learning Institute (ELI) courses if there is an alternative
course.
NovaConnect Student Information System (SIS)
NovaConnect is the name for the College’s new Student Information
System (SIS). To access NovaConnect you will need an Internet
connection, a Web browser, and a NovaConnect ID. NovaConnect
allows you to complete online many of your business transactions
with the College. You will be able to do the following by clicking
on the NovaConnect icon located on the front page of NVCC’s
Web site and following the directions:
· Obtain your NovaConnect student ID number.
· Apply for admission.
· Register, add, drop, and swap classes.
· Search for classes by availability, day, instructor, and location.
· View and print your class schedule.
· Review grades and print unofficial transcripts.
· Request an official NVCC transcript.
· View transfer credit.
· View advisor information and e-mail advisor from SIS.
· View course/grade history.
· View account summary, including tuition and fees.
· Check Financial Aid eligibility status.
· Review Financial Aid award.
· View Financial Aid history.
· Apply for Financial Aid.
· Update personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers.
NovaConnect Student ID
Number
Your NovaConnect ID will be used throughout your college
career to identify you in the Student Information System (SIS) and your college
records. The SIS assigns a 7-digit Student ID number at
the time you apply for admission.
Social Security Number
Your social security number is required to be on file as part of your student record, but it will not be used as a student ID number. If you are receiving financial aid, however, it will be used in connection with Federal Financial Aid applications such as Pell Grants, and deferments for previous student loans.
Identification Cards (NOVACard IDs)
Student photo identification cards, NOVACard IDs, are provided
to credit students through the student activities fee. The
cards are distributed through campus NOVACard Offices. You
should wait 24 hours after first registering for classes before
going to a campus NOVACard Office to obtain your ID card. ID
cards may be required for library material use, admissions
to special student activities, and so forth. Lost cards will
be replaced at a fee of $10.00. Contact a campus ID Card Office
for more information.
Student Records Access
The College enforces Public Law 93?380 in providing for the privacy
of official student records and the rights of students to review
these records. You may review your official records by making
a request to the Student Services Center. NVCC
will not release any personally identifiable information about
you without your permission, except to certain school and governmental
officials as provided by the law.
Requests by individuals and agencies for release of student
information must be presented in writing. Your permission
for the College
to release any information must also be in writing. Information
that is considered public information is described in the current
issue of the College Student Handbook. Campus of Record
Once admitted to the College you may
take courses at any campus, though some majors and some courses
are offered
only at selected campuses. Most students
identify with one campus as the place where they obtain services, such as
counseling, faculty advising, participation in activities,
testing, etc. Faculty advising
and graduation certification must be completed at a campus that offers your
major. This is especially true of restricted majors,
such as allied health, nursing, and veterinary technology.
If you have questions about where or
how to use the services of the College, contact the Student Services Center
at any campus.
Assessment and Placement Testing
Basic skills assessment and placement testing are intended to
assist you in selecting courses and designing an academic program
in which you will most likely be successful. These tests are
not admissions tests. However, you are required to demonstrate
a specified level of English proficiency in order to enroll
in most college credit courses.
Prior to testing, you must have submitted an Application for
Admission to the College. A government-issued photograph identification,
such as a driver's license, is required when you come to the Testing Center
to take the tests. You will not be permitted to take bookbags, coats, or
other
personal
effects
into the Testing Center, and you will be required to turn off
your cell phone. For information about testing or testing accommodations, contact
a campus Counseling Services Center or Testing Center. 1. Basic Skills Assessment
Assessment of your strengths and weaknesses in reading, writing,
and mathematics will help you determine the appropriate courses
to select. This assessment is accomplished through a group
of basic skills assessment tests administered through the Testing
Center at each campus.
You are encouraged to take basic skills tests in reading,
writing, and mathematics before you enroll in classes.
If you have
not taken the basic skills tests and have a cumulative grade
point average (GPA) of less than 2.00 after the completion
of 9 semester hours at NVCC, or if you are transferring
to NVCC
with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.00 (regardless of the
number of hours completed), you must take the basic skills
test in reading
and writing. A counselor will determine if it is appropriate
for you to take basic skills tests in mathematics as well.
Students who entered NVCC in the fall 2002 semester or
later, regardless
of the GPA, must take the English placement test prior to registering
for the 16th credit.
2. Course Placement Testing
Most courses require that you obtain a minimum score on one or
more placement tests before you may enroll in those courses.
If your scores on the required placement test(s) are below
the prescribed minimums, you must complete prescribed developmental
studies courses. The developmental studies course(s) required
will be determined by your scores. These requirements apply
to all campuses and ELI, unless specifically waived by the
responsible division dean.
Testing Centers:
Alexandria Campus: AA332
Annandale Campus: CG404
Loudoun Campus: LR251
Manassas Campus: MH112
Medical Education Campus: HE204
Woodbridge Campus: WC436
Extended Learning Institute: Any NVCC campus Testing Center.
Placement test scores are valid for a limited time period according
to the following:
1. English (reading and writing) scores are valid for 3 years;
tests may be repeated after 12 months.
2. Math scores are valid for 12 months; tests may be repeated
after 3 months.
3. English as a Second Language (ESL) scores are valid for
12 months; tests may be repeated after 6 months if you score
below
Level 2 and after 12 months if you score Level 2 or higher.
4. Ability To Benefit (ATB) scores are valid for 12 months; tests
may be repeated after 12 months.
3. Course Prerequisites
Some courses require prerequisites or co-requisites. These requirements,
which were established to foster your success in the course,
are identified in the Description of Courses section of this
catalog. You may not enroll in a course for which you do not meet the prerequisites
by the time the course begins. (The authorization for a waiver
of any prerequisite may be made only by the dean of the instructional
division offering the course.) You may be administratively
dropped from any course for which you have not met the prerequisite.
In a course that requires placement tests,
if you do not obtain the required minimum scores to enter a
course, you must complete
prescribed developmental studies courses before enrolling in
the desired course.
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