Admissions Information

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• Admission to the College
• Readmission of Students
• Residency Requirements for Tuition Purposes
• Orientation & Advising
• Admissions to the Honors Program
• Required High School Courses
• Academic Advising and Registration
• Developmental Studies
• ACT Subscore Placement
• Course and/or Entrance Placement

Admission to the College

Admission of New & Transfer Degree Students

Applicants seeking admission to a degree program at Volunteer State Community College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10.00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking a degree or certificate from Volunteer State Community College should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from each high school attended. To be acceptable for admission to a degree or certificate program, official transcripts must include credits earned and a date of graduation. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official.
   
   To be admitted to a degree or certificate program, applicants must graduate high school with a regular diploma or higher. High school certificates of attendance, special diplomas or the like are not sufficient for admission to a degree or certificate program. Applicants falling into this category may substitute acceptable scores on the GED examination or apply as a non-degree student. See the Admission of Non-Degree Students section for admission requirements for applicants not seeking a degree.
   
   Public Tennessee High Schools. In addition to the above requirements, the transcript of graduates of Tennessee public high schools beginning with the 1983 graduating class must include a notation indicating that the applicant passed the required proficiency exam.
   
   Non-Public Schools. Applicants who graduated from nonpublic high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T. C. A. 49- 50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the applicant would otherwise attend. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable scores on the GED examination.
   
   High School Equivalency Diploma. Applicants 18 years of age or over may be admitted with an average score of 45 or more on the General Educational Development (GED) Test. Official scores on the GED should be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency.
   
   ACE Diploma - The American Council on Education External Diploma may be accepted in lieu of a high school transcript for applicants who completed high school requirements and received the ACE Diploma.
5. Transfer Credentials: Applicants for admission seeking a degree from Volunteer State Community College who have enrolled for any credit classes in another institution of higher education, regardless of whether they wish to receive credit for it, must submit a complete official transcript to the Office of Admissions from each institution attended. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official. In every case, credentials must include a complete record of credits earned in all previous secondary schools attended and a complete record of grades from all collegiate institutions attended. Failure to indicate previous college attendance on the application for admission may subject the student to dismissal from the College.
   
   Transfer applicants should refer to the Granting Transfer Credit section for information on course evaluation and credit transferability.
6. Testing Requirement: All degree-seeking applicants, who are 20 years of age or younger as of the first day of class for their term of initial enrollment, must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT). Information about this examination may be obtained from high school counselors or from the Testing Office at Volunteer State Community College. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to Volunteer State Community College. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement. A transfer applicant need not retake the ACT, but should have his or her ACT scores on file with the College. The scores are used for placement and counseling purposes only. SAT scores may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.
7. Placement Testing. Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all degree-seeking applicants are required to take a placement test. The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and math. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Transfer applicants, who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition and/or college-level math with a grade of “C” or better, will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than three years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
   
   Please see the Developmental Studies section for additional information on placement testing
8. Applicant Age. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
9. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
10. MMR Immunization. All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this requirement will go into effect.
11. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

Applicants planning to enroll in a university parallel degree program should refer to the Required High School Courses section for information on possible additional course requirements.

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Admission of New & Transfer Technical Certificate Students

Prospective students seeking admission to a technical certificate program at Volunteer State Community College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10.00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking a technical certificate from Volunteer State Community College should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from each high school attended. To be acceptable for admission to a technical certificate program, official transcripts must include credits earned and a date of graduation. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official.
   
   To be admitted to a technical certificate program, applicants must graduate high school with a regular diploma or higher. High school certificates of attendance, special diplomas or the like are not sufficient for admission to a technical certificate program. Applicants falling into this category may substitute acceptable scores on the GED examination or apply as a non-degree student. See the Admission of Non-Degree Students section for admission requirements for applicants not seeking a technical certificate.
   
   Public Tennessee High Schools. In addition to the above requirements, the transcript of graduates of Tennessee public high schools beginning with the 1983 graduating class must include a notation indicating that the applicant passed the required proficiency exam.
   
   Non-Public Schools. Applicants who graduated from nonpublic high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the applicant would otherwise attend. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable scores on the GED examination.
   
   High School Equivalency Diploma. Applicants 18 years of age or over may be admitted with an average score of 45 or more on the General Educational Development (GED) Test. Official scores on the GED should be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency.
   
   ACE Diploma - The American Council on Education External Diploma may be accepted in lieu of a high school transcript for applicants who completed high school requirements and received the ACE Diploma.
5. Transfer Credentials: Applicants for admission seeking a technical certificate from Volunteer State Community College who have enrolled for any credit classes in another institution of higher education and do not wish to receive credit for coursework completed there do not have to submit official transcripts from other institutions for Admission purposes. Applicants wishing to receive transfer credit must submit a complete official transcript to the Office of Admissions from each institution attended. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official. In every case credentials must include a complete record of credits earned in all previous secondary schools attended and a complete record of grades from all collegiate institutions attended. Failure to indicate previous college attendance on the application for admission may subject a student to dismissal from the College.
   
   Transfer applicants should refer to the Granting Transfer Credit section for information on course evaluation and credit transferability.
6. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
7. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
8. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
9. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.
   
   Certificate applicants wishing to take courses outside of their certificate program may be required to take a placement test. Please see the Developmental Studies section for additional information on placement testing. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.

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Admission of Transient Students

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

Transient applicants may choose to apply to be admitted to a degree or certificate program. At that time, the applicant must meet the appropriate admission requirements for that status. Coursework completed as a transient student may be applied to a degree or certificate if said coursework is applicable.

Applicants seeking admission as a transient student at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10.00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. Placement Testing: Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all transient applicants will be subject to placement testing for courses having placement prerequisites. The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and math. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Applicants with transfer credit who have not been assessed at a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition and/or college-level math with a grade of “C” or better will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transient applicants with valid (less than three years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
5. Transient Credentials: Applicants for admission as a transient student must submit a complete official transcript to the Office of Admissions from the applicant’s current higher education institution. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official. In every case credentials must include a complete record of credits earned and a complete record of grades.
6. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
7. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
8. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
9. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

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Admission of Special High School Students

A special high school student is one that will be classified as a dual enrolled student, a joint enrolled student, an advanced studies student, an academically talented and gifted student, or an early admitted student. Each of these classifications apply to applicants currently enrolled in high school but wish to complete college coursework prior to high school graduation.

Early Admission of Student

Volunteer State Community College invites high school principals to occasionally nominate gifted students for admission at the end of their junior year in high school.

Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied. Prospective students seeking early admission at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking early admission status at Volunteer State Community College should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from their current high school. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official.
5. Letter of Permission: Applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions at Volunteer State Community College a letter from the applicant’s parent and high school principal or counselor granting permission for the applicant to participate in the early admission program. The letter of permission from the high school should include the specific course(s) in which the applicant has permission to enroll.
6. Testing Requirement: All early admission applicants must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT) or another approved examination with a composite of 22 or above. Information about this examination may be obtained from high school counselors or from the Testing office at Volunteer State Community College. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to Volunteer State Community College. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement. SAT scores may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.
7. Applicant Grade: Applicants must have achieved a minimum of senior status in high school.
8. GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of a 3. 2 GPA on a 4. 0 scale in the subject area for which they wish to enroll.
9. Interview: Applicants will be admitted only if, in the opinion of the Director of Admissions, or his representative, the applicant can clearly profit from this kind of placement. In most cases a personal interview with the applicant and parent(s) is required.
10. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
11. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they are enrolled in a Tennessee public high school. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.

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Admission of Dual Enrollment Students

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

Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied. Admission as a dual enrollment student will be made on a term-by-term basis dependant on continued permission to enroll from the applicant’s high school.

Prospective students seeking admission as a dual enrollment student at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking admission as a dual enrollment student at Volunteer State Community College should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from their current high school. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official.
5. Letter of Permission: Applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions at Volunteer State Community College a letter from the applicant’s high school principal or counselor granting permission for the applicant to participate in the dual enrollment program. A completed Dual Enrollment Permission Form with the aforementioned principal or counselor signature may serve in lieu of a letter.  A Dual Enrollment Permission Form must be submitted each semester an applicant wishes to enroll as a dual enrollment student.
6. Testing Requirement: All dual enrollment applicants must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT) or another approved examination with scores sufficient to meet the placement requirement for the course in which the applicant wishes to enroll. Information about this examination may be obtained from high school counselors or from the Testing office at Volunteer State Community College. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to Volunteer State Community College. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement. SAT scores may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.
7. Applicant Grade: Applicants must have achieved a minimum of junior status in high school.
8. GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of a 3. 0 GPA on a 4. 0 scale in the subject area for which they wish to enroll.
9. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
10. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they are enrolled in a Tennessee public high school. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.

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Admission of Joint Enrollment Students

A high school senior with a maximum load of two high school academic courses who has written approval of the principal will be permitted to enroll jointly at Vol State and take a maximum college load of 12 hours per semester. Under special circumstances, a high school senior carrying a full high school load, with written approval of the principal, will be permitted to register for one course per semester.

Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied. Admission as a joint enrollment student will be made on a term-by-term basis dependent on continued permission to enroll from the applicant€™s high school.

Applicants seeking admission as a joint enrollment student at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or €œgreen card€), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking admission as a joint enrollment student at Volunteer State Community College should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from their current high school. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official.
5. Letter of Permission: Applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions at Volunteer State Community College a letter from the applicant€™s high school principal or counselor granting permission for the student to participate in the joint enrollment program. A letter of permission must be submitted each semester an applicant wishes to enroll as a joint enrollment student.
6. Testing Requirement: All joint enrollment applicants must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT) or another approved examination with scores sufficient to meet the placement requirement for the course in which the applicant wishes to enroll. Information about this examination may be obtained from high school counselors or from the Testing office at Volunteer State Community College. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to Volunteer State Community College. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement. SAT scores may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.
7. Applicant Grade: Applicants must have achieved a minimum of senior status in high school.
8. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
9. MMR Immunization: All applicants who enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they are enrolled in a Tennessee public high school. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.

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Admission of Academically Talented and Gifted Students

Academically talented and gifted applicants enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 in public or private high schools in Tennessee may, with the recommendation and approval of the high school principal and the Director of Admissions, enroll in college courses and receive college credit. The applicant must have a 3. 2 grade point average (on a 4. 0 scale) and the college placement recommendations must be a part of the applicant’s planned Individual Education Program that has been established by the multi-disciplinary team process.

Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied.

Prospective applicants seeking admission as an academically talented and gifted student at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking admission as an academically talented and gifted student at Volunteer State Community College should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from their current high school. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official.
5. Letter of Permission: Applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions at Volunteer State Community College a letter from the applicant’s high school principal or counselor granting permission for the applicant to participate in the dual enrollment program. A completed Dual Enrollment Participation Form with the aforementioned principal or counselor signature may serve in lieu of a letter.  A Dual Enrollment Participation Form must be submitted each semester an applicant wishes to enroll as a dual enrollment student.
6. Testing Requirement: All talented and gifted applicants must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT) or another approved examination with scores sufficient to meet the placement requirement for the course in which the applicant wishes to enroll. Information about this examination may be obtained from high school counselors or from the Testing office at Volunteer State Community College. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to Volunteer State Community College. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement. SAT scores may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.
7. Applicant Grade: Applicants must be in the 9, 10, 11, or 12 grades in a public high school, private high school, or independent home school in Tennessee.
8. GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of a 3. 2 GPA on a 4. 0 scale in the subject area for which they wish to enroll.
9. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
10. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.

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Admission to the Advanced Studies Program

The Advanced Studies Program is designed for applicants who have completed the junior year in high school and who qualify to enroll in selected courses at Volunteer State Community College during the summer term prior to completing the senior year in high school. Courses taken at the College in the summer term (not to exceed 12 semester hours of academic work) must be chosen by the applicant in consultation with his/her high school counselor in order to supplement, and not overlap, the applicant’s total high school program and to ensure academic success. Courses taken in the summer between the junior and senior year will, after high school graduation, count as regular college credit.

Applicants seeking admission to the advanced studies program at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking admission to the advanced studies program at Volunteer State Community College should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from their current high school. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official.
5. Letter of Permission: Applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions at Volunteer State Community College a letter from the applicant’s high school principal or counselor granting permission for the applicant to participate in the advanced studies program. The letter of permission should include the specific course(s) in which the applicant has permission to enroll.
6. Testing Requirement: All advanced studies applicants must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT) or another approved examination with scores sufficient to meet the placement requirement for the course in which the applicant wishes to enroll. Information about this examination may be obtained from high school counselors or from the Testing office at Volunteer State Community College. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to Volunteer State Community College. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement. SAT scores may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.
7. Applicant Grade: Applicants must complete their junior year in high school and be qualified to enroll in selected courses at Volunteer Sate Community College during the summer term prior to completing the senior year in high school.
8. GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of a 3. 0 GPA on a 4. 0 scale, and must rank in the upper 25 percent of their class.
9. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
10. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they are enrolled in a Tennessee public high school. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.

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Admission of International Students

Volunteer State Community College welcomes applications from individuals living outside the United States. There are several admissions classifications for these applicants.

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

Applicants must complete ALL requirements by October 1 for spring term, March 1 for summer term, or June 1 for fall term. Applicants holding or applying for F-1 or M-1 visas MUST apply as degree seeking students. Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied. International applicants will be required to pay out-of-state tuition:

Applicants seeking admission as degree-seeking international students must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10.00 with their initial application for admission.
3. English Placement: Applicants whose native language is not English and who are not official permanent residents of the United States will be required to take the TOEFL, MELAB or other approved comparable standardized examinations prior to enrollment at Volunteer State Community College.
   
   The minimum required score on the pen-and-paper TOEFL is 500, 60 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 173 on the computer-based TOEFL. The minimum required score on the MELAB is 72. The minimum test score requirement does not apply to applicants who have already successfully completed all required ESOL courses at VSCC. Exceptions may be made for transfer applicants who have satisfied all freshman English composition requirements with a “C” or better at another institution of higher learning. A similar exception may be made for applicants who completed high school in a country where the native language is English. Language testing is not required for applicants whose native language is English.
   
   Note: The MELAB is given at VSCC each semester. Dates, fees, and time information is available from the Testing Office.
4. Academic Credentials: In addition to submitting official transcripts from United States institutions, applicants must submit official copies of academic records from secondary schools and higher education institutions, showing graduation or completion dates if applicable. Transcripts or records which are not in English should be accompanied by notarized or certified translations. In addition, applicants wishing to receive transfer credit for courses taken outside the United States may be required to submit course descriptions and have their educational credentials assessed by an evaluation service.
5. Affidavit of Support: Applicants must submit an Affidavit of Support form, available from the Office of Admissions and the Office of Records and Registration. The form must be completed by the applicant’s sponsor, and signed or notarized by the sponsor’s bank. The first year fees and expenses total $20,097. This figure is an estimate and is subject to change. The affidavit should indicate that the sponsor has at least this amount available. Additional funds are required if the applicant plans to bring a spouse or dependent into the country.
6. International/Immigration Documents: Applicants must submit a copy of their I-94 form, visa, and passport. If the applicant is currently enrolled in another United States higher education institution, the applicant must also submit a copy of their I-20.
7. Testing Requirementn: All degree-seeking applicants who are 20 years of age or younger as of the first day of class for their term of initial enrollment must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT). Information about this examination may be obtained from high school counselors or from the Testing Office at Volunteer State Community College. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to Volunteer State Community College. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement. A transfer applicant need not retake the ACT, but should have his or her ACT scores on file with the College. The scores are used for placement and counseling purposes only. SAT scores may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.
8. Placement Testing. Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all degree-seeking applicants are required to take a placement test. The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and math. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Transfer applicants who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition and/or college-level math with a grade of “C” or better will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than three years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
   
   Please see the Developmental Studies section for additional information on placement testing.
9. Applicant Age. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
10. Health Insurance: Applicants must purchase health insurance through the State University and Community College System of Tennessee prior to enrollment. Contact the Assistant Director of Records & Registration for insurance information
11. Tuberculosis Immunization: Submit a tuberculosis immunization certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority.
12. MMR Immunization. All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
13. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

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Other Degree-Seeking International Students

International applicants not holding F-1 or M-1 visas must meet all admission requirements appropriate for the classification under which they are applying as listed in the College Catalog. In addition to those requirements applicants must also meet the following requirements prior to being allowed to register:

1. English Placement: Applicants whose native language is not English and who are not official permanent residents of the United States will be required to take the TOEFL, MELAB or other approved comparable standardized examinations prior to enrollment at Volunteer State Community College, unless enrolling in English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes only.
   
   The minimum required score on the pen-and-paper TOEFL is 500, 60 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 173 on the computer - based TOEFL. The minimum required score on the MELAB is 72. The minimum test score requirement does not apply to applicants who have already successfully completed all required ESOL courses at VSCC. Exceptions may be made for transfer applicants who have satisfied all freshman English composition requirements with a “C” or better at another institution of higher learning. A similar exception may be made for applicants who completed high school in a country where the native language is English. Language testing is not required for applicants whose native language is English.
   
   Note: The MELAB is given at VSCC each semester. Dates, fees, and time information is available from the Testing Office.
2. Academic Credentials: In addition to submitting official transcripts from United States institutions as appropriate to their admission classification, applicants must submit official copies of academic records from secondary schools and higher education institutions, showing graduation or completion dates if applicable. Transcripts or records which are not in English should be accompanied by notarized or certified translations. In addition, applicants wishing to receive transfer credit for courses taken outside the United States may be required to submit course descriptions and have their educational credentials assessed by an evaluation service.

Non-Degree Seeking International Applicants

SOME international applicants living in the United States are eligible to enroll in classes other than ESOL without pursuing a degree. Please note that applicants holding or applying for F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible for the non-degree status. Contact the Assistant Director of Records and Registration if you are unsure of your eligibility for non-degree status. Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied.

Non-degree applicants may choose to apply to be admitted to a degree or technical certificate program. At that time, the applicant must meet the appropriate admission requirements for that status. Coursework completed as a non-degree student may be applied to a degree or certificate if said coursework is applicable.

Applicants seeking admission as non-degree international students must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. English Placement: Applicants whose native language is not English and who are not official permanent residents of the United States will be required to take the TOEFL, MELAB or other approved comparable standardized examinations prior to enrollment at Volunteer State Community College, unless enrolling in English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes only.
   
   The minimum required score on the pen-and-paper TOEFL is 500, 60 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 173 on the computer - based TOEFL. The minimum required score on the MELAB is 72. The minimum test score requirement does not apply to applicants who have already successfully completed all required ESOL courses at VSCC. Exceptions may be made for transfer applicants who have satisfied all freshman English composition requirements with a “C” or better at another institution of higher learning. A similar exception may be made for applicants who completed high school in a country where the native language is English. Language testing is not required for applicants whose native language is English.
   
   Note: The MELAB is given at VSCC each semester. Dates, fees, and time information is available from the Testing Office.
4. Placement Testing: Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all non-degree-seeking applicants will be subject to placement testing for courses having placement prerequisites. The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and math. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Applicants with transfer credit who have not been assessed at a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition and/or college-level math with a grade of “C” or better will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than three years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
5. Applicant Age. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older or their high school class must have graduated. If applicant is a high school graduate or has earned a GED diploma, there is no age restriction.
6. Tuberculosis immunization: Applicants must submit a tuberculosis immunization certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority.
7. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
8. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

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Admission of Non-Degree Students

A non-degree applicant is one who is not seeking a degree but wishes to take courses for personal enrichment or professional growth. Non-degree students are not eligible for Financial Aid programs.

Students who wish to take courses for personal enrichment or professional growth may continue to accumulate credit in the non-degree category for up to forty-eight semester hours. Exceptions to this maximum may be granted by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Non-degree applicants may choose to apply to be admitted to a degree or technical certificate program. At that time, the applicant must meet the appropriate admission requirements for that status. Coursework completed as a non-degree student may be applied to a degree or certificate if said coursework is applicable.

Applicants seeking admission as a non-degree student at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. Placement Testing: Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all non-degree-seeking applicants will be subject to placement testing for courses having placement prerequisites. The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and math. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Applicants with transfer credit who have not been assessed at a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition and/or college-level math with a grade of “C” or better will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than three years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
5. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 21 years of age or older or their high school class must have graduated. If applicant is a high school graduate or has earned a GED diploma, there is no age restriction.
6. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
7. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
8. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

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Admission of Special Undergraduate Students

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

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

Special Undergraduate applicants may choose to apply to be admitted to a degree or technical certificate program. At that time, the applicant must meet the appropriate admission requirements for that status. Coursework completed as a non-degree student may be applied to a degree or certificate if said coursework is applicable.

Applicants seeking admission as special undergraduate applicant at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. Placement Testing: Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all special undergraduate applicants who have not previously completed a math or English course at the college level with a grade of “C” or better will be required to take the placement test when registering for a math or English course. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Applicants with transfer credit who have not been assessed at a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition and/or college-level math with a grade of “C” or better will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than three years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
5. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 21 years of age or older or their high school class must have graduated. If applicant is a high school graduate or has earned a GED diploma, there is no age restriction.
6. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
7. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
8. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

Admission of Auditing Students

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

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

Note: Persons 60 years of age and over who are residents of Tennessee may audit classes at no maintenance charge, providing there is space available and sufficient fee enrollment after official registration is completed. Special or lab fees may be charged where required. Senior citizens will be required to submit an application for admission to the College, but are not required to pay the $10. 00 application fee. Senior Citizens must verify their birth date, either with their driver’s license or birth certificate.

Applicants seeking admission to audit a course, unless otherwise stated in the catalog, must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 21 years of age or older or their high school class must have graduated. If applicant is a high school graduate or has earned a GED diploma, there is no age restriction.
5. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
6. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
7. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

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Admission of Senior Citizen Students

Persons 65 years of age and over who are domiciled in Tennessee may take classes for credit at a reduced fee of 50% per credit hour with a maximum fee of $70.00 providing there is space available and sufficient fee enrollment. All admissions requirements must be met and the $10. 00 application fee will be charged.

Applicants seeking admission as senior citizen students at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. Placement Testing: Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all special undergraduate applicants who have not previously completed a math or English course at the college level with a grade of “C” or better will be required to take the placement test when registering for a math or English course. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Applicants with transfer credit who have not been assessed at a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition and/or college-level math with a grade of “C” or better will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than three years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
5. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 65 years of age or older and must verify their birth date with their driver’s license or birth certificate.
6. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.

Admission of Students Who Wish to Enroll in ESOL Classes Only

Applicants living in the United States who wish to enroll ONLY in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) classes may do so by following the steps below. Please note that applicants holding or applying for F-1 and M-1 visas are not eligible for this status. Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied.

Applicants to Volunteer State Community College seeking admission to enroll in ESOL classes only must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required with ESOL Only marked as the applicant’s program of study.
2. Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit a one-time nonrefundable fee of $10. 00 with their initial application for admission.
3. Citizenship: Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or “green card”), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
4. Take the required institutional placement tests for ESOL Only applicants. These are given by appointment by the Testing Office. Testing takes two or more hours to complete.
5. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
6. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
7. MMR Immunization: All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
8. Hepatitis B Immunization: All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes.
   
   Applicants in ESOL status who enroll in non-ESOL classes will be subject to any and all unmet admission requirements for regular non-degree seeking status.

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Readmission of Students

Any former student not enrolled at Volunteer State Community College the previous semester (excluding the summer) who wishes to return to the College must file an application for readmission. A student who is readmitted after a one semester suspension is completed will be readmitted as having Academic Probation Status. This status can be removed by maintaining a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) or by meeting the cumulative standard for Quality Point Average (QPA) for that semester.

Former students seeking readmission to the College will be subject to all admission requirements as stated in other admission categories outlined in the College Catalog depending on the admission status a prospective student is seeking. All admission requirements for a prospective student’s prior status must be completely fulfilled prior to that student being readmitted to Volunteer State Community College.

Former students seeking readmission to a degree or certificate program at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Readmit Application: A completed readmit application for admission to Volunteer State Community College is required.
2. Application Fee: No application fee is charged for readmission.
3. Transfer Credentials: Applicants for readmission seeking a degree or certificate from Volunteer State Community College who have enrolled for any credit classes in another institution of higher education since last attending Volunteer State Community College, regardless of whether they wish to receive credit for it, must submit a complete official transcript to the Office of Admissions from each institution attended. Faxed or student issued copies of transcripts are not considered official. In every case credentials must include a complete record of credits earned in all previous secondary schools attended and a complete record of grades from all collegiate institutions attended. Failure to indicate previous college attendance on the application for admission may subject a student to dismissal from the College.
   
   Readmit applicants should refer to the Granting Transfer Credit section for information on course evaluation and credit transferability.
4. Placement Testing: Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all degree-seeking applicants are required to take a placement test. The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and math. Certificate applicants are not required to complete placement testing unless taking a course with placement requirements. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Readmit applicants who have not been assessed at a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition and/or college-level math with a grade of “C” or better will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than three years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
   
   Please see the Developmental Studies section for additional information on placement testing.
5. Draft Registration: All male applicants, born in 1960 or later, who have attained the age of 18, must have proof of draft registration before registering for classes at Volunteer State Community College. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at Volunteer State Community College.
6. MMR Immunization:. All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students who were born in 1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at Volunteer State Community College, this admission requirement will go into effect.
   
   Applicants planning to enroll in a university parallel degree program should refer to the Required High School Courses section for information on possible additional course requirements.

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, which are shown below, necessitate special admissions requirements and are subject to change due to the availability of institutional resources. Students wishing to enter one of these programs of study should check with the appropriate division offering the program in order to become familiar with these requirements.

• Dental Assistant
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Emergency Medical Technology
• Fire Science Technology
• Health Information Technology
• Histotechnology
• Honors Program
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Nursing-Admission through Tennessee State University
• Ophthalmic Technician
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Radiologic Technology
• Respiratory Care Technology
• Sleep Diagnostics Technology

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Residency Requirements for Tuition Purposes

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

• Every person having his or her domicile in this State shall be classified “in-state” for fee and tuition purposes and for admission purposes.
• Every person not having his or her domicile in this State shall be classified “out-of-state” for said purposes.
• “Domicile” shall mean a person’s true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation; it is the place where he or she intends to remain, and to which he or she expects to return when he or she leaves without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere.
• THE DOMICILE OF AN “UNEMANCIPATED PERSON” IS THAT OF HIS OR HER PARENT. “EMANCIPATED PERSON” SHALL MEAN A PERSON WHO HAS ATTAINED THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN YEARS, AND WHOSE PARENTS HAVE ENTIRELY SURRENDERED THE RIGHT TO THE CARE, CUSTODY, AND EARNINGS OF SUCH PERSON AND WHO NO LONGER ARE UNDER ANY LEGAL OBLIGATION TO SUPPORT OR MAINTAIN SUCH DEEMED “EMANCIPATED PERSON. ” “PARENT” SHALL MEAN A PERSON’S FATHER OR MOTHER. If there is a non-parental guardian or legal custodian of an unemancipated person, then “parent” shall mean such guardian or legal custodian provided that there are not circumstances indicating that such guardianship or custodianship was created primarily for the purpose of conferring the status of an “in-state” student on such unemancipated person.
• The domicile of a married person shall be determined independent of the domicile of the spouse.
• A recent graduate of any “out-of-state” high school must supply evidence of Tennessee residency before receiving in-state tuition status.
• Unemancipated students of divorced parents shall be classified “in-state” when one parent, regardless of custodial status, is domiciled in Tennessee.
• The spouse of a student classified as “in-state” shall also be classified as “in-state”.
• Foreign students will pay out-of-state tuition.
• Students classified by Immigrations as a Permanent Resident, Resident Alien, Refugee, or Immigrant may be charged in state- fees if domiciled in Tennessee.
• Part-time students (under 12 semester hours) who are not domiciled in Tennessee but who are employed full-time in Tennessee shall be classified out-of-state but shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. The student must provide proper documentation each semester.
• Students who are stationed at Fort Campbell pursuant to military orders, shall be classified out-of-state but shall not be required to pay out-of-state tuition. The student must provide proper documentation each semester.

An Admission Advising, Orientation, Testing and Educational Planning program is provided each semester for all new degree-seeking students. Admission advising is provided to help new students clarify their Educational Choices. In Orientation, students have an opportunity to learn the skills necessary for success in college. Required placement testing is administered each semester and during each registration activity. Once students have completed Orientation and Testing they are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a faculty advisor or an advisor/ counselor in the Advising Center to develop strategies for completion of their education. The faculty advisor or advisor/counselor will guide students through an exploration of the various elements which affect academic decision-making.

Incoming freshmen who meet the following criteria are strongly urged to apply to the Honors Program: an ACT composite score of 24 or higher; a high school GPA of 3.5 or a ranking in the top ten percent of the graduating class; and two letters of recommendation, one from a high school official. Applications are available through the Social Science & Education Division of the College. Students already enrolled in the College are also strongly encouraged to apply. They need a GPA of 3.5 or above and recommendations from two faculty members. Interested students should contact the Coordinator of the Honors Program.

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Required High School Courses

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

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

Exceptions to the above:

• Graduated from high school prior to 1989.
• Took the GED test prior to 1989.
• Enrolled as a Special Student not pursuing a degree.
• Enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Program
• Enrolled in a Technical Certificate Program.
• ACT scores of 26 or higher. Applicants who graduated from high school and have an Enhanced ACT composite of 26 or higher are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts. Foreign language and visual or performing arts requirements cannot be waived even with an ACT composite score of 26 or higher. Deficiencies in foreign language and visual or performing arts should be removed within the first 30 hours after enrollment.
• Applicants who received a GED Certificate or the American Council on Education (ACE) external diploma in 1989 and thereafter are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts.
• Applicants with a disability who volunteer information about their disability will be assessed on an individual basis.

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Academic Advising and Registration

Students may register for classes by registering through the online registration system. To access these services, go to VSCC’s home page on the internet www.volstate.edu. Detailed instructions will be printed in the schedule of classes each semester.

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

1. All new and re-admit students must complete an application for admission or re-admission and submit proper credentials.
   1. All new students are invited and encouraged to attend an orientation session. Students will be scheduled for an orientation session by the Office of Admissions.
   2. Placement testing is required of all new or re-admit degree seeking students. The test is administered by the Testing Office, unless the requirement has been previously met.
   3. Students are assigned an academic advisor to assist them during their college career. The primary responsibility of the advisor is to provide accurate and timely information to help students reach educational objectives. Students should contact their advisors prior to registration each term.
   4. Registration fees are published in the schedule of classes each term. A student’s registration is not complete until fees have been paid.
2. All currently enrolled students are given an opportunity to early register during the early registration period published in the academic calendar.

Developmental Studies

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

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

ACT SUBSCORE PLACEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

Course And/Or Entrance Placement

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

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

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

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

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