Admissions and Records

Student Enrollment Services

The office of Student Enrollment Services, located in the Student Services Building, Room U109, provides information concerning admissions, enrollment development, registration and retention. Individuals desiring information about the college or college activities can inquire by calling 423-318-2763 or toll-free 1-800-225-4770, Ext. 6. Information concerning the college can also be obtained by visiting the Walters State home page at: http://www.ws.edu.

Admission Requirements

Application for Admission  

Application for Readmission  

Hepatitis B Immunization Health History Form  

Student Release of Confidential Information Form  

Walters State Community College subscribes to an open admissions policy and encourages those who desire to attend the college for the purpose of learning to apply for admission in accordance with provisions stated below.

Walters State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status in the admission of students.

Interested individuals must:

1. Be a high school graduate with an approved regular high school diploma, or possess a high school equivalency diploma (Ex. GED or HiSET). High school graduates must provide an official transcript showing a graduation date and designation of earning a regular high school diploma, or a copy of the high school equivalency passing exam scores.
   
   A person who is under 21 years of age and has not earned an approved regular high school diploma or has not received a high school equivalency will not be admitted. A student will be immediately withdrawn and refunded 100% or his/her tuition/fees upon notification that an approved regular high school diploma or GED has not been awarded.
   
   A person who is 21 years of age or older and has not completed all requirements for an approved regular high school diploma, or has not received a high school equivalency with a composite score of 45 or above, may be admitted as a special non-degree seeking student under the following conditions:
   1. The student may take ONLY Learning Support program courses, or other collegiate level courses approved by the vice president for Academic Affairs/vice president for Student Affairs.
   2. The student will only be permitted to accumulate 8 hours of Learning Support credit before being required to produce an approved regular high school diploma or pass the high school equivalency exam, as outlined above.
   3. The student will be listed as non-degree seeking and will not be eligible for financial aid.
2. Submit official scores from ACT (American College Testing Program) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), if the applicant is under the age of 21. The ACT or SAT must have been taken no later than five years prior to the beginning date of classes of the term for which application is being made. Exceptions to this requirement are made for Advanced Studies/Dual Enrollment students who are not enrolling in an English or mathematics course and Basic Police Officer Education students. Exempt students will, however, be required to submit these scores if they change to degree-seeking status prior to reaching the age of 21. While there is no minimum score required for acceptance to Walters State, the ACT or SAT test scores are required for initial placement purposes. An ACT code number of 4028 has been assigned to Walters State and ACT official scores should be sent to the office of Admissions directly from ACT. Students who have not taken the ACT need to contact the Student Information Center at 1-800-225-4770, ext. 3 or the Counseling and Testing Center, 423-585-6805. If you have a disability that requires special test accommodations, please give as much advance notice as possible (at least one month). Last minute accommodation requests are usually very difficult to arrange. Some accommodation requests may require additional documentation.
3. A student who has been suspended from another institution because of disciplinary action must be eligible to return to that institution before being admitted to Walters State Community College.
4. Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to a specific program of study. To be admitted to some programs of study, a student must meet certain standards or be approved by the dean/director of the program (i.e., Nursing).
5. Admission as a transfer student involves a consideration of the student’s high school and/or college record. Consideration is also given to the conditions under which the student is withdrawing or has withdrawn from another institution. Transfer students who are residents of Tennessee will be given first consideration. Out-of-state transfer students will be considered if space is available.

When all of the above requirements have been completed, the applicant is considered a regular student and may be admitted to the college as a candidate for a degree and receive college credit for courses completed.

Student Classification

Students are classified as follows:

1. First-time, degree-seeking student under 21 years of age.
2. First-time, degree-seeking student over 21 years of age.
3. Transfer student - a student who has previously earned college credit from an accredited higher education institution.
4. Transient student - a student who is enrolled at another higher education institution and taking classes at Walters State Community College for the purpose of transferring the credits back to the other institution.
5. Non degree-seeking, special student.
6. Dual Enrollment/Advanced Studies - a student taking college courses while still in high school.

How to Apply for Admission

All correspondence concerning admissions should be addressed to:

OFFICE OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT SERVICES
WALTERS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
500 SOUTH DAVY CROCKETT PARKWAY
MORRISTOWN, TENNESSEE 37813-6899

A candidate for admission should request application forms early enough to allow ample time for required materials to be forwarded to the office of Admissions. Under normal conditions the applicant should apply for admission at least 60 days prior to the beginning date of classes.

When all admission documents have been received, the applicant will be sent a letter indicating acceptance for admission or will be advised by letter that further action is necessary in order to establish eligibility for admission. Applicants will be advised when testing, advising, orientation, and registration services are available.

It is mandatory that all new students complete the New Student Orientation program, either online or on campus for an information session, advisement, and registration. All other student types are strongly encouraged to complete the program.

All applicants must submit the following:

1. A completed application for admission.
2. Official copies of all transcripts. The transcript of a student graduating from a Tennessee public high school must contain a notation that the student has passed the required proficiency examination. The transcript of a Tennessee home schooled student must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state (Tenn. Code Ann. 49-50-801), or be accompanied by certification of registration with the director of the local education agency, which the student would otherwise attend. Students holding a GED must provide official scores from the agency that administered the GED examination. Students who have completed the American Council on Education (ACE) External Diploma Program (EDP) will be admitted under the same guidelines as students who have taken the GED. Students who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable scores on either the GED or the ACE examination. The appropriate transcripts, certifications, or test scores to support high school graduation must be filed with the office of Admissions.
3. Official test scores of ACT or SAT, as applicable.
4. A completed Hepatitis B form.
5. Immunization Enrollment Requirements - According to the Tennessee Department of Health, new full-time students are required to provide documentation showing proof of two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines prior to enrollment. In addition, proof of two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine must also be provided. Students enrolling in less than 12 credit hours or those taking solely online coursework are exempt from the immunization requirements. Failure to provide proof of immunizations will place a hold on your academic record. YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO REGISTER BEYOND YOUR FIRST SEMESTER UNTIL AN ACCEPTABLE FORM of immunization documentation IS ON FILE IN THE office of Student Enrollment, Student Services Building, Room U109.
6. Selective Service - pursuant to federal and state law, every male who was born on or after January 1, 1960, and is a citizen of the United States or a resident of the United States must register with the Selective Service System. Certification of this registration must be furnished to the office of Admissions.Individuals born on or after January 1, 1960, who did not register with the Selective Service System, must furnish the System with information that the failure to register was not knowing and willful. These individuals must furnish the college a copy of the response from the Selective Service System to the office of Admissions. Individuals may obtain their selective service number at: http://www.sss.gov.

Additional Requirements for Specific Classifications

Appropriate assessment is required for enrollment in Learning Support (LS) or College-Level courses.

Assessment decisions are based on valid ACT/SAT scores. Valid ACT/SAT scores are those earned within three years prior to the first day of class of a student’s entering term. No program assessment is required of any student with a valid ACT composite score of 26 or higher. ACT/SAT is the initial measure of placement in courses. Secondary diagnostic testing is then used to provide for optimal placement decisions.

1. Degree-seeking students less than 21 years of age will be assessed for LS placement according to ACT scores. An ACT score that is less than 18 in English, 19 in the subject area of reading, or math will require secondary diagnostic testing for placement.
2. Degree-seeking students 21 years of age or older (who are not required to submit ACT scores).
   1. may submit valid ACT/SAT or Compass Exam scores and will be placed accordingly, or
   2. Compass Exam scores less than 77 in writing, 83 in reading and/or 38 in mathematics requires additional diagnostic assessment.

Students in the aforementioned two classifications that have earned a GED must complete assessment testing in reading, writing, and math or present a valid ACT score.

3. Transfer students:
   1. will provide an official transcript from each college previously attended. Failure to indicate previous college attendance will subject the student to dismissal from college.
   2. without college-level English composition, mathematics and/or reading intensive course credit will be assessed in writing, mathematics, and/or reading based on a valid ACT score or other appropriate assessment test.
   3. admitted on probation who are not eligible for readmission at the last institution attended will be placed on probation at Walters State Community College.

4. Transient students will provide a completed transient student form.
5. Non degree-seeking, special students:
   1. without college-level English composition credit will be assessed in writing prior to enrollment in college-level English or any course with English as a prerequisite.
   2. without college-level mathematics credit will be assessed in mathematics prior to enrollment in college-level mathematics or any course with mathematics as a prerequisite.
   3. without college-level reading intensive credit will be assessed in reading prior to enrollment in a college-level reading intensive course or any course with reading as a prerequisite.
   4. who change to degree-seeking status will be assessed and other screening may be applicable under guidelines for degree-seeking students.
6. Dual Enrollment/Advanced Studies - will provide completed Dual Enrollment/Advanced Studies form, and provide placement documentation where needed.

Entrance Placement Requirements

Walters State Community College, under the direction of the Tennessee Board of Regents, believes that accurate academic placement is essential to a student’s success in college. An appropriate placement procedure through various assessments is a required component of the admissions process. The placement of a student in a college-level course depends upon having met certain academic standards. Those standards include achievement in high school courses as evidenced by the high school transcript, achievement on the ACT or SAT test, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and/or achievement on other tests administered by the college.

Students who have successfully completed college-level English, mathematics, or reading intensive courses via the Advanced Studies or Dual Enrollment programs will not be placed in Learning Support coursework in these academic areas if subsequent ACT/SAT scores in these subject areas are lower than the stated cut-off for placement. College credit in these courses will be honored as the basis to waive English, mathematics, or reading placements.

Students may request a change in placement, only after being referred by a faculty member in that particular course. If placement is changed, the changes become mandatory. The decision to permit the student to enroll in any LS course is an institutional prerogative with placement decisions made by the program director.

If you have a disability that requires special test accommodations, please give as much advance notice as possible (at least a month). Last minute accommodation requests are usually very difficult to arrange. Some accommodation requests may require additional documentation.

Referred Students

1. Students who are not required to undergo assessment may request testing.
2. Instructors may recommend testing for students who did not undergo assessment and later showed deficiencies.
3. Students who have been assessed may be moved within the program based on further holistic assessment.

Students Electing LS Courses

Students who consider themselves inadequately prepared to pursue a college-level course may request assessment to determine whether they need developmental English, mathematics, or reading courses. They must complete the appropriate subject area placement test and must be determined to need remediation before placement. The decision to permit the student to enroll in any LS course is an institutional prerogative with placement decision made by the academic dean.

Entrance Placement Appeal Procedure

Any student who feels that results of the assessment procedure do not accurately reflect academic ability may appeal the placement decision(s) to the Readmission Committee. The appeal may be initiated through the vice president for Student Affairs or the vice president for Academic Affairs. Students are encouraged to submit documentation of extenuating circumstances to the vice president at the time the appeal is initiated. Students must appear personally before the committee to appeal placement decisions. The committee meets at 9 a.m. on the Thursday preceding the first day of classes.

Student Challenge of Placement Test

A student may be allowed to challenge the placement test, by subject area, if, according to the dean’s judgment, placement indications are inconsistent with diagnostic test results. The student will not retake the placement test, but may be placed differently according to the holistic departmental assessments and dean’s determination. This exception to placement must be supported by documentation, and the dean must permanently waive the student’s original placement.

Provisions for Open Entry/Early Exit

Students who are appropriately placed initially but who show exceptional motivation should be allowed to progress in two ways:

1. A student may complete one course and start a second course within the same term. The student will register for the partially completed second course in the subsequent term.
2. A student who completes requirements of two courses in a single term may be allowed to attempt the exit criteria for the second course. When a student completes two levels of course work while enrolled in a single course, the student will receive a waiver for the additional course completed.

Withdrawal from LS Courses

Persistence in the program is essential. Students, therefore, must be counseled prior to withdrawal from a course.

Grades to be Assigned

Grades to be assigned in LS courses are: A, B, C, F, I (incomplete), W (withdrawal), and IP (in progress). Students will not be allowed to audit LS courses.

Concurrent Enrollment in College-Level and LS Courses

College-level courses taken concurrently with LS courses must be carefully selected and must not require skills in which the student is currently deficient.

All students who are required to take the placement test must register in advance by calling the office of Admissions at 1-800-225-4740, ext. 3 or the Counseling and Testing Center at 423-585-6805.

Readmission of Former Students

Former students who wish to return to the college must file a formal application for readmission. Application forms, available from the office of Student Enrollment Services, must be completed in ink or by typewriter and returned. If the student has enrolled at another college since last attending Walters State Community College, a transcript from the other college must be submitted and approved before readmission. Applications will receive favorable consideration only if the applicant is eligible for readmission under all college regulations.

Credit for Prior Learning

The term “prior learning” refers to a variety of methods of acquiring knowledge comparable to the learning objectives of college courses. Knowledge may be acquired in a classroom or outside the traditional classroom environment. Academic credit will be awarded only:

• for admitted students who have declared a program of study
• students who have consulted with an academic advisor regarding the possibility of seeking PLA
• for courses directly applicable to the curriculum requirements of the declared major. Changing majors may result in a reassessment of the applicability of the PLA credit.

Walters State Community College offers college credit for the following types of prior learning.

• Advanced Placement Examinations
• Certified Administrative Professionals (CAP) Examination
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Credit by Assessment (Dual Credit)
• Credit by Departmental Assessment
• Credit for Military Experience
• Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• Public Safety - Fire Protection Training
• Public Safety - Paramedic/Emergency Medical Training
• Nursing Career Mobility
• Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology Diploma Articulation

Students requesting credit for prior learning are required to complete the Application for Prior Learning Assessment and follow the procedures outlined on the application in order to obtain credit.

Advanced Placement Examinations

To receive credit for prior learning, students must show satisfactory achievement on the Advanced Placement Test of the College Entrance Examination Board for Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken while in high school. Advanced Placement satisfactory scores, credit hours awarded, and the Walters State course equivalents are listed below. When credit is awarded for satisfactory scores on Advanced Placement Exams, the grade will show as “P” on the student transcript and will not affect the student’s quality point average.

Advanced Placement Examination Scores and WSCC Course Equivalents

TBR Community Colleges will award/transfer PLA credit for AP scores in to the suggested course or the equivalent course at their institutions. There may be variations in course number and/or course title amongst schools.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) (*Computer-Based Examination)

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a credit by examination program which tests mastery of college-level material acquired in a variety of ways including academic instruction, independent study, or extracurricular work. When credit is awarded for satisfactory scores on CLEP exams, the grade will show as “P” on the student transcript and will not affect the student’s quality point average.

Dual Enrollment Program

A high school student may enroll in college courses under the Dual Enrollment Program. Students in this plan will complete admission requirements (with the exception of the high school diploma) prior to enrolling in college classes. The details of this plan are as follows:

1. The student must have junior or senior standing in high school.
2. The student must have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale or equivalent (letter grade average of at least a “B”, a high school numerical average of at least 88), or a 21 composite on the ACT exam.
3. Courses may or may not count toward the high school diploma.
4. The student must be certified by the principal/guidance counselor.
5. The courses taken must be chosen by the student in consultation with the high school counselor and the Office of Enrollment Services so as to supplement the high school program and insure academic success.
6. In addition to the above requirements, Dual Enrollment students enrolling in English Composition sequence or in a college level mathematics course must have appropriate placement levels as determined by the Office of Enrollment Services. Students must present the following minimum sub scores to enroll in college level courses:

7. Aspire scores are valid for course placement until ACT scores are submitted. Once ACT scores are on file, Aspire scores will not be used to determine placement eligibility.
8. Any exception to the above conditions must be approved by the high school counselor, the assistant vice president for Student Affairs, and additional approval may be required of the vice president for Academic Affairs.

Dual Enrollment should not be confused with the Dual Enrollment College program. For further information on this program, contact the Division of Distance Education at 423-585-6996.

Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant

In the fall of 2005, the Tennessee Lottery began funding a Dual Enrollment Grant to provide financial assistance to qualified high school students pursuing post-secondary study at an eligible Tennessee institution while receiving dual credit - both high school and college credit - for successfully completed courses. (The term dual enrollment applies to courses for which students receive both high school and college credit and applies to these enrollments regardless of course delivery location or course delivery method.) Important eligibility guidelines include, but are not limited to, those listed below. To be eligible for the grant, students must:

• be a high school junior or senior
• be a Tennessee resident
• submit a completed Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant application each academic term online with Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.
• meet the admissions criteria for dual enrollment at the post-secondary institution
• not have already received a high school diploma
• meet the application deadline established by the grant program (September 15 for fall; February 1 for spring; and May 15 for summer).

The grant is available fall and spring. The grant is also available for the summer terms prior to graduation from high school for those students who do not exceed the maximum award during the regular school year. To be eligible for the grant a semester after the first semester of receipt, the student will continue to meet all eligibility requirements for the grant and shall achieve a cumulative college GPA of 2.75 for all post-secondary courses attempted under a Tennessee Dual Enrollment Grant.

Dual Enrollment College Program

http://www.ws.edu/academics/distance-ed/dual-credit/

Walters State Community College and service area school systems have partnered to provide an opportunity for highly motivated students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree and/or college credits simultaneously. The program provides a variety of learning options related to a range of careers for students who are ready to accept the challenge of college level classes. Many students will choose to simply take a few dual enrollment classes, while others will make the commitment to obtain an associate degree while in high school.

For more information on Dual Enrollment College, contact the Division of Distance Education at 423-585-6996.

Early Admission of First-Time Freshmen

1. High School GPA. Applicants must have completed the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades with a minimum grade point average of 3.2 based on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.
2. Standardized Examination Score. Applicants must have an Enhanced ACT composite score of at least 22.
3. Prescribed Courses. Applicants must provide a written statement from their high school principal specifying the college courses that will be substituted for the remaining high school courses needed for high school graduation.
4. Endorsements. Applicants shall provide written endorsements from their high school counselors and from their parents or guardians.

Academically Talented/Gifted Program

Academically talented/gifted students enrolled in grades nine or ten in public or private high schools in Tennessee may, with the recommendation and approval of the high school principal, guidance counselor, and the WSCC department of Student Enrollment Services, enroll in and receive regular college degree credit from Walters State if such students have a grade point average equivalent to 3.2 on a 4.0 maximum basis and if such placement is a part of the student’s planned Individual Education Program (I.E.P.) as established by the multi-disciplinary team process.

Interested individuals should satisfy the following applicable requirements:

1. Complete a WSCC application. Submit I.E.P. (when available) and documentation of being certified gifted.
2. All required forms must be on file in the department of Student Enrollment Services three weeks prior to registration before the semester of entrance.

International Student Admissions Policy

All students on F-1 (student) visas are classified as international students, whether they are applying to Walters State as freshmen or transfer students. In making application for admissions to Walters State, each international student must have items 1-5 listed below on file in the department of Student Enrollment Services no later than 60 days prior to the beginning date of the term the applicant wishes to enroll:

1. A completed application for admission.
2. Official copies of all transcripts, test scores, and other credentials. These documents must be accompanied by an official English translation which shows the following:
   1. Courses of instruction in terms of years spent in school.
   2. Types of subject matter covered with grades earned in each subject.
3. A completed Hepatitis B form.
4. Evidence of proficiency in the English language according to the following: A first-time student must present a minimum TOEFL score of 500 on the paper exam or 173 on the computer-based exam (earned within the last two years) prior to application. The TOEFL score will not be considered until the score has been verified by the department of Student Enrollment Services. Verification can only be done if the student has requested the testing agency to release their score to WSCC. WSCC institution code is 1893.
   Exception: TOEFL is not required if:
   1. English is the official language of the country of citizenship.
   2. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is conferred on an official transcript from a United States accredited four-year college or university.
   3. A student can show evidence to satisfy all requirements for freshman composition with a grade of “C” or better at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States of America.
5. Evidence of financial resources adequate for one year of tuition and related expenses from a bank within the student’s country of current residence.

NOTE: The I-20 Form will only be issued when the student has completed items 1-5 above.

6. Upon entering the United States, the student must submit a bank statement from a United States bank showing financial resources equivalent to one semester of tuition and maintenance fees. All international students will pay out-of-state tuition with the exception of those holding the Permanent Resident Visa, which will be reviewed at the time of admission to determine in-state/out-of-state classification.
7. Entering students under 21 years of age are required to take the American College Testing Program (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) battery.
   Entering students 21 years of age or older are required to undergo placement assessment prior to enrollment where applicable. Contact the department of Counseling and Testing for further information.
8. Provide a copy of your I-94 Form and copies of I-20 Forms from previous schools attended in the United States.
9. The student must become familiar with regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and be responsible for reporting any changes in enrollment to the office of the vice president for Student Affairs.
10. The student must arrive in Morristown, Tennessee, USA, at least one week prior to beginning of classes to make arrangements for housing and other matters.
11. The student must purchase student insurance after arrival at Walters State or furnish documentation reflecting comparable coverage. Forms may be secured from the office of the vice president for Student Affairs.
12. A verification from a United States licensed health agency documenting freedom from tuberculosis must be completed within 30 days from the first day of classes.
13. Immunization Enrollment Requirements - According to the Tennessee Department of Health, new full-time students are required to provide documentation showing proof of two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines prior to enrollment. In addition, proof of two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine must also be provided. Students enrolling in less than 12 credit hours or those taking solely online coursework are exempt from the immunization requirements. Failure to provide proof of immunizations will place a hold on your academic record. YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO REGISTER BEYOND YOUR FIRST SEMESTER UNTIL AN ACCEPTABLE FORM of immunization documentation IS ON FILE IN THE office of Student Enrollment, Student Services Building, Room U109.

Credit by Assessment (Dual Credit)

The Dual Credit Program is funded under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

Credit by assessment is often a departmental challenge assessment (cognate or performance) that allows high school students to demonstrate prior learning relevant to a particular body of knowledge. The demonstration of proficiency of knowledge of the learning outcomes for a particular college-level course is validated by the college faculty, and upon enrollment of the student into the particular college, the student is awarded “transfer” credit by the college faculty. All academic credit by examination requests must be made to the division dean and approved by the vice president for Academic Affairs. To be eligible for consideration for credit by examination, examination requirements must be completed as designated by the division.

The high school career technical instructors and Walters State Community College instructors review course materials to determine duplicative course outcomes and then develop articulation agreements and policies which can result in opportunities for high school students to receive college credit. These agreements allow 11th and 12th grade high school students to take college level assessments.

Dual Credit Requirements

• High school instructors will analyze the post-secondary competencies/skills needed by students to successfully pass/master one or more post-secondary level courses.
• Based on this analysis, instructors may recommend qualified students attempt the Dual Credit exam at WSCC by submitting an electronic application for an examination.
• Students must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Students must be currently enrolled in high school as an 11th or 12th grader.

Application Process

• Complete the dual credit exam electronic application.
• The application must have a correct social security number and birthdate.
• Print a copy of the application and bring a copy with you on the test date.
• High school counselor must sign the application verifying the appropriate GPA for testing.
• High school instructor must sign the application verifying the student’s eligibility based on student’s appropriate course sequence.
• The parent signs the application as approval for the student to test.
• The student must sign the application in order to take the test.
• Students may not repeat a test, but may take a new test.
• Students will be assigned a user name and password on the date of testing.

Procedure for Obtaining Credit

• Test results will be sent to the student and the secondary and post-secondary school.
• In order to receive college credit the student must:
  • Complete a WSCC application.
  • Pay a $25.00 processing fee to the Cashier’s Office.

Online Testing Procedures

• The student’s dual credit electronic application and high school GPA will be verified.
• Once the electronic application is approved, the high school counselor will be notified.
• For students wishing to test at WSCC, a User ID and Password will be assigned to the student upon his/her arrival on campus. This will be the means of access to the online dual credit exam.

Dual Credit Exam

• A student can attempt the dual credit exam for a specific course one time only.
• Test results will be sent to the student, the appropriate college instructor, and the secondary and post-secondary school.
• A grade of A, B, C, D, or F will be transcripted upon the request of the student.

Passing Grades

• Students that pass the dual credit exam will receive college credit at Walters State, upon request.
• Grades will be assigned based on the post-secondary dual credit exam score or where special conditions exist for obtaining dual credit, the grades will be assigned based on required national exam scores or by instructor objective assessment. Special conditions and minimum passing scores can be found on the sheet of courses or programs eligible for dual credit.

The Dual Credit Program is funded under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

Post-secondary Courses Tested/Articulated Credit

Statewide Dual Credit

Statewide dual credit provides high school courses which are aligned to post-secondary standards. All statewide dual credit courses are approved by the Consortium for Cooperative Innovative Education before they can be offered as a part of the state’s current pilot program.

Statewide dual credit courses are taught and the online challenge exam is taken on the high school campus. All students enrolled in a statewide dual credit course take the online challenge exam, which is used to assess mastery of the post-secondary level learning objectives. Tennessee high school and post-secondary faculty work together to develop the learning objectives and challenge exam for each course, which are tie to current post-secondary learning outcomes.

Procedure for Obtaining Credit

Upon matriculation, it is the student’s responsibility to contact Student Enrollment Services to provide his or her statewide dual credit course and exam information in order for post-secondary credit to be awarded. Student Enrollment Services will then verify a passing score in the Early Post-Secondary Data System and award appropriate credit as determined by the institution. A student will receive a Passing Grade (P) for awarded credit.

Statewide Dual Credit Courses Tested/Articulated Credit

Credit by Departmental Assessment

Under certain conditions a student may be awarded credit in other courses by taking a series of departmental examinations and/or standardized tests in a particular area. All academic credit by examination requests must be made to the division dean and approved by the vice president for Academic Affairs. To be eligible for consideration for credit by examination, a student must register for the course and attend the first day of class. All examination requirements must be completed as designed by the division.

Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Examination

Credit for successful completion of the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Examination will be awarded and may be utilized to meet degree requirements for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Management - Administrative Office Assistant Concentration. Please consult a Division of Business faculty advisor for details.

Credit for Military Service

Walters State Community College awards credit for educational programs in the Armed Services of the United States as recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit of the American Council on Education and published in their Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces. The credit is awarded for formal military course completion, not for skill level attainment or occupational experience.

U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine veterans should submit official ACE Registry transcripts (ARTS/SMARTS) to the Walters State Office of Admissions. U.S. Air Force veterans should present official Community College of the Air Force transcripts. Coast Guard veterans should submit official Coast Guard Institute Education transcripts. The DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD 295, Application for the Evaluation of Learning Experiences during Military Service, or other official documentation may also be submitted.

DSST (DANTES) Examinations

The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) for which Walters State Community College awards credit are listed below.

Other Examination-Based and Departmentally Accepted Credit

Advanced Placement by ACT/SAT

Advanced placement in English may be obtained with an ACT English subtest score of 27-30 (credit for ENGL 1010, Composition I) or a score of 31 or higher (credit for ENGL 1010 and 1020, Composition I and II). Students contemplating transfer of such credit however, should be aware that senior institutions vary in their willingness to accept this credit and may require testing. When credit is awarded for high test scores on ACT, scores will be converted to a grade of “P” and will not affect the student’s quality point average.

The SAT is a standardized exam typically given to high school students and used in college admissions. It covers areas of critical reading, mathematics, and writing. WSCC awards Composition I (ENGL 1010) credit to students who achieve a 610 English score and Composition I and II (ENGL 1010 and 1020) to students who achieve a 710 or higher score in English on the SAT Exam. When credit is awarded for high test scores on the SAT, scores will be converted to a grade of “P” on the transcript and will not affect the student’s quality point average.

Excelsior Credit by Exam

Students who have attended Excelsior College or completed Excelsior Examinations may request transcripts from Excelsior. Transcripts will be evaluated by the WSCC Admissions Office and credit awarded as appropriate.

Previous Courses and Studies

Advanced placement or college credit in foreign language classes will be based upon the student’s previous studies. Placement in foreign language may be made at a level determined by the Humanities Division in consultation with the student.

Individual Departmental Decisions for Prior Learning

Individual departments may recommend advanced placement based upon the achievement on departmentally designed examinations together with the evaluation of the student’s background.

Placement in mathematics may be made at a level decided by the Mathematics Division in consultation with the student. Consideration will be given to the student’s background in specific courses and available test scores, including departmental examination.

Public Safety - Fire Protection Training

Firefighters with professional training and successful NFPA certificate completion may receive college credit which can be applied to degree requirements for the Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety - Fire Protection concentration. Individuals interested in receiving fire protection prior learning credit are encouraged to submit documentation for review. Please consult a Division of Public Safety faculty advisor for details.

Public Safety - Paramedic/Emergency Medical Training

Individuals who have an advanced medical certificate/license may receive credit which will be applied to First Responder/Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) programs. Students interested in receiving credit must submit documentation for review. Please consult a Division of Public Safety faculty advisor for details.

Nursing Career Mobility

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) accepted to the Career Mobility Program will receive 13 semester hours credit upon completion of NURS 1180/1181 with a grade of C or better. Please consult a Health Programs faculty advisor for details.

Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology Diploma Articulation

The General Technology program is designed for students who wish to complete a two-year technical degree applicable to immediate employment. The program allows students flexibility in selecting courses that can meet specific educational and employment goals. The program may be customized to allow students up to 39 semester credit hours of electives to meet the students’ specific career goals. Students must meet with a program advisor prior to beginning this course of study. Students may receive credit for coursework completed at other institutions. A prior learning assessment evaluation of this coursework will be completed before enrollment in the program. Walters State faculty and/or deans determine college-level course equivalencies for certificates earned at a TCAT.  This credit is awarded on the Walters State transcript on a course-by-course basis with the final approval of the appropriate dean. Walters State faculty and/or deans determine college-level course equivalencies for certificates earned at a TCAT.  This credit is awarded on the Walters State transcript on a course-by-course basis with the final approval of the appropriate dean. Students interested in the General Technology degree program should confer with the dean of Technical Education for individual assessment and advisement.

Registration for Courses

Once a student has filed an application with appropriate documentation and required placement has been completed with the department of Student Enrollment Services, obtained academic advisor clearance, the student will be permitted to register for classes via the STAR_NET system. The dates and procedures for registration are outlined in the Timetable of Classes for the semester in which the student is registering. The student is not officially enrolled until all requirements of registration have been completed, including payment of fees.

Transfer Student

Admission as a transfer student involves a consideration of the student’s high school and/or college record. Consideration is also given to the conditions under which the student is withdrawing or has withdrawn from another institution. Students not eligible for readmission at the last institution attended will have their records carefully reviewed. When accepted, they may be placed on probation and may be requested to use the Counseling Center.

Transfer students who are residents of Tennessee will be given first consideration. Out-of-state transfer students will be considered if space is available. The conditions resulting in their request for transfer will be studied and recommendation made by the appropriate committee.

Transfer of Credit

Walters State Community College will accept credits transferred from accredited colleges. Certified transcripts of all previous records must be sent to the college at the time of the application. Credits for courses not corresponding with the curriculum at Walters State Community College will be entered on the transcript as elective credits. Credit from an institution of higher education which is not fully accredited may be accepted provisionally.

Upon arrival of a student’s transcript, the transcript will initially be checked by the department of Admissions for the school’s accreditation status.

If the transcript is from an accredited college,

• The hours will be equated to semester hours.
• A transcript will be reviewed using established equivalency tables and additional equivalency courses that have been approved by the division dean to determine appropriate transfer equivalency.
• Courses needed for graduation or program requirements will be evaluated by the appropriate division dean.

If the transcript is from a non-accredited college, the student may request an evaluation using the Request for Credit Approval form and submit it to Student Enrollment Services. Once received, Student Enrollment Services will route it to the appropriate academic division for credit review. Upon review, the division will notify Student Enrollment Services of denial or awarding of credits along with the appropriate Walters State equivalent course, if applicable. Student Enrollment Services will then post any credit that is awarded to the student’s record.

Transfer courses will be entered on the student’s permanent record. Grade point averages from transfer institutions will not be included with the Walters State GPA, but may be included for admission to certain programs and for financial aid satisfactory academic progress, or for scholarship retention.

Correspondence and Extension Credit

A student may not be enrolled at another college for correspondence or extension work while enrolled at Walters State unless special permission has been granted. All extension or correspondence work in progress upon admission must be reported to the office of Admissions at the time of the student’s first registration. Any correspondence or extension work taken while a student is enrolled at Walters State must be approved by the vice president for Academic Affairs.

Admission to Special Programs

Certain instructional programs of the college are subject to special admission requirements which are in addition to the general admission requirements. These programs necessitate special admission requirements and are subject to change due to the availability of institutional resources. Students wishing to enter these programs of study should check with the appropriate department offering the program in order to become familiar with these special requirements.

Policy Regarding Student Records

Walters State Community College recognizes the rights of students to have access to their records and will not make unauthorized disclosure of student records, as required by the Family Educational Right Privacy Act (FERPA).

This act and the federal regulations adopted under it give students and former students the right to inspect, review, and copy educational records released to them. The only exceptions to this rule are financial records of parents or any information therein; confidential letters and statements of recommendation which were placed in the educational records prior to January 5, 1975; records to which access have been waived by a student in writing; and “Directory Information.”

“Directory Information” includes a student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent previous educational agency or institution attended, and other information of the type above specifically approved by the institution as acceptable “Directory Information”. (At the time of student’s registration for courses, the student may notify the department of Student Enrollment Services in writing that “Directory Information” for that student may not be released. This notification is effective only for the one semester for which that student is then registered.)

Walters State Community College will not permit access to or the release of any information in the educational records of any student who is personally identifiable other than “Directory Information” without the written consent of the student to any party other than the following: (1) Walters State Community College officials and staff who have legitimate educational interests, including the support of honor societies and academic excellence; (2) officials of other schools in which the student seeks admission; (3) appropriate persons in connection with a student’s application for or receipt of financial aid; (4) federal or state officials as defined in Paragraph 99.37 of the regulations concerning this law; (5) state and local officials authorized by State statute; (6) in response to a judicial order or subpoena; (7) a bona fide emergency if such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons; (8) accrediting organizations to carry out their functions; and organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of Walters State Community College for the purpose of assisting in accomplishing the college’s stated goals, when such information will be used only by such organizations and subsequently destroyed when no longer needed for the intended purpose.

Upon request, a record covered by the ACT will be made available within a reasonable time, and in no event later than 30 days after the request. The student should direct the request to the official who has charge of the records. Copies are available at the student’s expense. A student may also request explanation and interpretation of the records from the official in charge.

If a student feels that a particular record or file contains inaccurate or misleading information or is otherwise inappropriate, the college will afford an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the contents of the record. This request shall be submitted in writing to the college official in charge of the office which maintains that particular record. The college official receiving the written request must forward the request directly to the President of the college who will appoint a hearing committee. The student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or represented by individuals of the student’s choice at own expense, including an attorney. The committee, after hearing the student, will make a recommendation to the President who will be the final college authority in resolving the conflict.

Walters State Community College maintains, with the educational records of each student, a record identifying all persons except other college officials who have obtained access to the records.

Retention of Records

Students’ academic records are maintained permanently on the Student Information System. Periodic backups are made to ensure safety of the files and are stored in a secure location. All other records are maintained according to AACRAO standards as published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. A copy of the retention policy is maintained in the Student Records Department (SSB-U127) and the office of the vice president for Student Affairs (CCEN-100).

Grades, transcript information, drop/adds, withdrawals, and other data perceived by the student to be in error must be protested by the student during the subsequent semester. Protests made after this time will not be reviewed unless approval by the vice president for Academic Affairs.

Transcript of Credits

Requests for transcripts should be made to the Student Records Office. Students may request transcripts by any of the following methods: in-person, at any Walters State campus, secured Walters State website (online), mail, or by fax. Requests will not be accepted by phone. Requests for copies sent to other schools, employers, or other third parties will be sent directly to the intended party. Requests for personal copies will be marked as “issued to student” and require the student’s signature before they will be released. Students may include the signature with the initial written request or when picking the transcript up at the Student Records Office on the Morristown campus. Please note that many agencies do not consider transcripts to be official if hand-delivered by the student. A valid photo ID is required when picking up personal transcript copies.

There is no charge for transcripts provided that requests do not exceed five copies in a specific time frame. Requests in excess of five are subject to a minimal charge.

Cancellation of Scheduled Classes

Any scheduled class may be discontinued by the college. The right is reserved to cancel any class when the number enrolled is deemed insufficient.

Cancellation of Classes Due to Weather or Road Conditions

For information related to the cancellation of classes due to inclement weather, please check the college’s Web site at www.ws.edu, the college’s Facebook and Twitter pages, the Senators Emergency Text system, or call the college’s student information line, 1-800-225-4770, option 1; the Sevier County Campus, 865-774-5800, option 7; or the Greeneville/Greene County Campus, 423-798-7940, option 4. Also, please monitor local TV and radio stations for weather-related announcements.

Students and employees are requested to check for updated messages once a decision has been made because on occasion, due to an unexpected and sudden change in the weather and road conditions, a decision is modified. In all instances decisions are made with the safety of students and employees foremost in consideration but with an attempt to have classes if possible. However, on a day or evening when classes are being conducted and weather conditions are questionable, students are advised to use individual judgment on whether or not to attend classes. Students will be provided an opportunity to make up work missed for absences incurred for days when conditions are questionable but classes are meeting.

Changes in or cancellation of classes will be announced on the following stations:

Audit Classes

Students planning to audit a course or courses must submit a completed audit card prior to the drop deadline. An audit student is one who is attending classes, does not take examination, and does not receive a grade. Students may not audit learning support classes. Audit cards are available in the Student Records Department of the Morristown campus or administration offices on other campuses. Cards must be completed and submitted by the last day to withdraw each term.

Audit of any course in Health Programs will be at the discretion of the dean and the program director. Regents Online Degree Program courses may not be audited.

Retention Standards

The minimum quality point average required to achieve the associate degree or certificate is 2.0.

Academic Probation

A student who fails during any term to attain a cumulative GPA (including Learning Support) at or above the level indicated below for the total quality hours attempted will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term.

Academic Suspension

A student who has been placed on academic probation must: (1) earn a 2.0 GPA during the current and each subsequent term of enrollment, or (2) attain the cumulative standards cited above. Otherwise, the student will be suspended, or placed on academic dismissal, for one term; and the summer term cannot be counted as the term of suspension.

Readmission After Academic Suspension

In order to be readmitted to college after being placed on Academic Suspension, a student has the following options:

1. Stay out of college for one semester (summer term may not be counted as semester of suspension).
2. Appear before the Admissions and Academic Readmissions Committee to appeal academic suspension. Committee meeting dates are listed on the college website and are mailed out to each student with the probation/suspension letter.

Withdrawals and Honorable Dismissals

Students finding it necessary to withdraw from college should do so officially in order to maintain good standing and to assure readmission or honorable dismissal. Withdrawal procedures are as follows:

1. Secure a withdrawal form from the Student Records Department of the Morristown campus or the administration offices at any of the other campuses.
2. Secure clearance signature (in sequence) from 1) Counseling Center, Student Financial Aid, 2) Library, 3) Student Records Department, and 4) Cashier Office.
3. All equipment belonging to the college must be accounted for or paid for and all financial obligations met. If it is impossible for the student to take these steps in person, they should be taken by a parent or person acting as an agent for the student. Up to the date given in the academic calendar, a student may withdraw from the college with a grade of “W”.

After the date listed in the academic calendar (last day to drop a course or withdraw from college), a student may, in emergency situations, withdraw by the recommendation of the instructor and the approval of the vice president for Academic Affairs. In cases such as this, the student will be assigned a grade of “W”.

A student who stops attending classes and fails to follow the proper withdrawal procedures, will be carried on the roll until the end of the semester and grades will be reported as “F”.

Grades, transcript information, drop/adds, withdrawals and other data perceived by the student to be in error must be protested by the student during the subsequent semester. Protests made after this time will not be reviewed unless approval is received from the vice president for Academic Affairs.