Section 800: Students

800.00: Nondiscrimination

Enterprise State Community College is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, including all postsecondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Alabama Community College Board of Trustees, that no student and no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Enterprise State Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled students, applicants or employees.

801.01 Admission: General

Apply online at www.escc.edu. If needed, paper applications are available from the Admissions Office at any ESCC location. All students except those registering for continuing education/community service courses must comply with the identification documentation requirement and selective service policy when applicable.

Students Entering College for the First Time

• Complete an application for admission.
• Provide the Admissions Office with either an official high school transcript showing date of graduation or GED (High School Equivalency) Certificate along with other documentation as required by the Admissions Office.

Accelerated High School Students

• Complete an Application for Accelerated and Dual Enrollment and the Statement of Eligibility for Accelerated High School.
• Furnish appropriate forms signed by the high school principal to the Dual Enrollment Office.
• Provide the Dual Enrollment Office with an official high school transcript.

Dual Enrollment Students (for students participating in approved dual enrollment courses as provided by contract between the local school system and ESCC)

• Complete a Dual Enrollment Application Packet.
• Furnish all appropriate forms signed by a high school counselor to the Dual Enrollment Office.
• Provide the Dual Enrollment Office with all required official documentation.

Transfer Students

• Complete an application for admission.
• Request official transcripts be mailed directly to the Admissions Office from all colleges and universities previously attended. (Students with a baccalaureate degree will be required to submit only the transcript from the degree awarding institution.)

Transient Students

• Complete an application for admission.
• Request an official Transient Student Permission Form be mailed directly to the Admissions Office from the host institution.

Readmission Students

• With the exception of summer semester, an application for readmission is required when a student misses any consecutive semester or attends any other institution.
• Request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Admissions Office from previously attended institutions.

Students Entering Continuing Education, Non-credit Training, and Community Services Courses (Seminars, Workshops, and Short Courses)

• Students who plan to register only for these courses need not apply for regular college admission. The Continuing Education Unit (CEU), if applicable, is given based on requirements established by the particular course.
  
  

Required Documentation

All students must complete an admission application, an In-State Residency Form, and an Identity Verification Form, and must submit one primary form of identification, provide a high school transcript or GED, and other appropriate documentation prior to beginning the registration process.

For admission to an Alabama Community College System institution, an applicant must provide one primary form of identification. Examples of primary forms of identification are as follows:

• Unexpired Alabama Driver’s License or instruction permit
• Unexpired Alabama identification card
• Unexpired U.S. Passport
• Unexpired U.S. Permanent Resident Card
• Resident Alien Card, Pre-1997
• Unexpired Driver’s License or instruction permit from another state or possession that verifies lawful presence, dated 2000 and beyond
• U.S. Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151) prior to 1978
• BIA or tribal identification card with photo
• I - 797 Form with expiration date
• Voter identification card from a state that verifies lawful presence

For the protection of the public and to assist in maintaining state and local security, persons who are not citizens of the United States may not be admitted to any Alabama Community College System institution for the purpose of enrolling in flight training, or in any segment or portion of a flight training program, until appropriate certification and approval have been received from the Office of the Attorney General of the United States, pursuant to Section 113 of the Aviation Transportation and Security Act, regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and all other applicable directives.

Applicants who fail to satisfy the forms of identification requirement will not be admitted to any ACCS institution.

Admission of First-Time College Students

An applicant who has not previously attended a regionally or Council on Occupational Education accredited postsecondary institution will be designated a first-time or a native student

Admission to Courses Creditable Toward an Associate Degree

Required Admission Documentation for Degree-Seeking Students:

• Admission application
• Primary form of identification
• Proof of high school graduation
• Official transcript -- high school or GED®
• Official transcript(s) -- all other colleges attended, ACT scores
• Students who have achieved a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree are only required to submit a transcript from the granting institution.
• In-State Residency Form
• Identity Verification Form

Admission to Courses Not Creditable Toward an Associate Degree

For admission to an Alabama Community College System institution to Courses Not Credible Toward an Associate Degree/Non-degree seeking students who have earned a High School Diploma or GED.

• Admission application
• Primary form of identification
• Proof of graduation
• Official transcript - high school or GED®
• Official transcript - all other colleges (if attended)
• Students who have achieved a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree are only required to submit a transcript from the granting institution
• In-State Residency Form
• Identity Verification Form

For admission to an Alabama Community College System institution to Courses Not Credible Toward an Associate Degree/Non-degree seeking students who have not earned a High School Diploma or GED.

• Admission application
• Primary form of identification
• Official transcript - high school (if attended)
• Official transcript - all other colleges attended (if attended)
• Required Assessment Score (State Board Procedure 801.05: Admission: Non-High School Graduate)
• Students who have achieved a minimum of a Baccalaureate degree are only required to submit a transcript from the granting institution
• In-State Residency Form
• Identity Verification Form

Conditional and Unconditional Admission of First-time College Students

ESCC has two types of admission status:

Unconditional status

Students who have submitted all required documentation may be admitted unconditionally. An applicant who has completed the baccalaureate degree will be required to submit only the transcript from the institution granting the baccalaureate degree.

Conditional status

Students who have not submitted all required documentation may be admitted conditionally. Failure to provide documentation by the end of the first semester, as determined by institutional calendars, will prevent a student from future registration and official transcript release. If all required admission records have not been received by the College prior to issuance of first semester grades, the grades will be reported on the transcript, but the transcript will read “CONTINUED ENROLLMENT DENIED PENDING RECEIPT OF ADMISSIONS RECORDS.” This notation will be removed from the transcript only upon receipt of all required admissions records. Also, ESCC transcripts will be held until all admissions records are received.

Admission Classification

First Time

A student who has no prior post-secondary experience, attending any institution for the first time.

Transfer

A student entering the institution for the first time, having previously attended a post-secondary institution. The student may transfer with or without credit. Acceptance of transfer credits is based upon institutional policy. Transfer students will be required to furnish official transcripts of all work attempted at all prior institutions. Applicants who have been suspended from or are otherwise unable to re-enroll in another institution for academic or disciplinary reasons will not be considered for admission except upon appeal to the College Admissions Committee.

Transient

A student enrolled at another college or university who is taking classes at ESCC for the express purpose for transferring credit back to the home college or university.

International

A student who is a citizen of another country.

Accelerated

A secondary education student who is earning college credit while still in high school. Accelerated High School program may not substitute for high school credit.

Dual Enrollment and Dual Credit

A secondary education student who is earning college credit while still in high school. Dual enrollment credit may be applied toward a high school diploma.

Early College Education Program

A secondary education student who is earning college credit toward a technical or health certificate.

 

Admission to an ESCC/ACCS institution does not ensure admission to any individual program or course. NOTE: Applicants not meeting the minimum admission requirements may be admitted only to non-credit courses.

801.02: Admission: Enrollment of Accelerated High School Student

Students are eligible for early admission if they desire to take courses for college credit only if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Successful completion of the 10th grade;
• Completion of an Application for Accelerated and Dual Enrollment and the Statement of Eligibility for Accelerated High School Students signed by the principal and counselor certifying that students have a minimum cumulative B average (unweighted GPA 3.0) on a 4.0 scale and recommending that they be admitted under this policy;

• Enrollment only in postsecondary courses for which high school prerequisites have been completed. For example, students may not take English Composition until all required high school English courses have been completed. High school students must have either the appropriate ACT or ACCUPLACER exam scores to place into eligible courses.

Students must satisfy admission requirements outlined in Admissions: General Admission Policies and Procedures, with the exception of proof of high school graduation or GED completion. In the absence of an Alabama driver’s license or state issued ID card, a student may provide a certified copy of their birth certificate to establish U.S. Citizenship and a printout of the student info profile sheet from iNow, signed and dated by their high school principal to establish current residency and ID.

Students may enroll in academic and career and technical courses in accordance with guidelines of The Alabama Community College System.

Exceptions may be granted by the Chancellor of The Alabama College System for students documented as gifted according to standards included in the Alabama Administrative Code 290-8-9.12. Exceptions apply only to requirements A and C.

Accelerated high school students who later enroll as regular students at Enterprise State Community College receive credit for hours earned under this accelerated high school program if the credits are applicable toward their degree program. Students attending other colleges, however, must request official transcripts be mailed to those institutions if they desire to receive credit earned through this program. College credit earned through this program may not substitute for high school credit.

This admission status is available to students attending public, private, parochial, or church/religious schools pursuant to §16-28-1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, or who are receiving instruction from a home school offering educational instructions in grades K-12, home schooled students and those receiving instruction through private tutors.

801.03: Admission: Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit for High School Student

ESCC is authorized by the Alabama Community College System to admit any eligible high school student in grades 10, 11, or 12. High school students seeking admission under this policy must satisfy the requirements in Board of Trustees Policy and Procedure 801.01: Admission: General, with the exception of proof of high school graduation or GED completion. Students admitted under this policy may enroll in academic, career and technical, and/or health courses/programs in accordance with approved procedures. Individual courses or programs may have additional, specific admission or pre-requisite requirements.

801.04: Admission: International Students

International students may be admitted to ESCC when authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The student must satisfy the admission requirements as prescribed in the Chancellor’s procedure for ACCS policy 801.04. Individual programs or courses may have additional, specific prerequisites or admission requirements.  All applicants must provide one (1) primary form of identification.

802.02: Aviation Time and Attendance Policy

Time and attendance rules are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration or this college.

TIME

A record of each student's time in attendance for each class will be maintained on a standard form (Phase Sheet). These forms will be maintained in a student file along with a summary form that will a indicate a student's time in attendance, class grade, and semester for each class taken in the program. These records will be maintained for inspection at the request of the FAA. The records will be maintained for a period of at least two years after the completion or separation from the program.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance for the AMT program is more restrictive than the college general attendance policy. Students are required to receive instruction for all related FAA materials in the approved curriculum. A maximum absence of 14 hours or 10 % ofthe approved 140 hours of curriculum time is allowed. All instructional material missed during the absence must be made up. Students exceeding the allowable absences will be required to withdraw or receive an "F" for the course. Attendance will be recorded each day on the Student Phase Sheet. All make-up of missed material will be properly documented on the back of the phase sheet. Students that are not engaged in the learning process, i.e. sleeping, playing games on a cell phone, reading non-class material, etc. will not be given attendance credit for the time they are not engaged.

804.01 Student Aid Programs Institutional Waivers (Scholarships)

The President appoints faculty and staff members to the ESCC Scholarship Committee. This committee will recommend procedures for distributing and awarding institutionally controlled scholarships.

Additionally, the committee is charged with the following:

• Assuring the most comprehensive financial assistance program possible through the maximum use of the College-Work Study Program, Pell Grant Program, other types of Title IV programs, veterans benefits, community funds, and scholarships;
• Reviewing all policies and procedures concerning all scholarship/financial aid programs and make recommendations to the President for adjustments as needed;
• Recommending to the President the appropriate distribution and awards of all institutionally controlled scholarship and financial aid resources;
• Providing oversight to the student financial aid office; and
• Coordinating the compilation of all information concerning student financial aid statistics on an annual basis and publish broadly.

804.02 Student Aid Programs Institutional Waivers (Scholarships)

Each college is authorized to grant institutional waivers (scholarships) for students meeting the criteria as determined by the college. 

 

Eligibility

 

Institutional waivers (scholarships), and all other scholarships covered by this policy provided by the Alabama Community College System or any part thereof, may be awarded only to students who meet scholarship criteria and provide documented evidence of U.S. citizenship, including naturalized citizenship, U.S. permanent residency status, U.S. resident alien status and U.S. alien status.  

 

Waivers (scholarships) governed by this policy also include: athletic and athletic support activities waivers (scholarships), senior adult waivers (scholarships), Alabama scholarships for dependents of blind parents, and Purple Heart recipients.

CHANCELLOR’S PROCEDURE FOR POLICY

804.02:  Student Aid Programs: Institutional Waivers (Scholarships)

 

       1.  An institutional waiver (scholarship) is an award that will reduce or eliminate a student’s 

     tuition, mandatory fees and, at the discretion of the college, the cost of books. 

 

1.1.    Waivers (scholarships) may not exceed 57 semester credit hours per academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer). 

 

1.2.    Waivers (scholarships) may be awarded on a semester by semester or annual basis not to exceed 82 semester credit hours for any one recipient. 

 

      2.  Administration of Waivers (Scholarships)

 

2.1.    All waivers (scholarships) are to be awarded according to the criteria and procedures established through the institution’s scholarship committee.

 

2.2.    Colleges must comply with Title IX in the awarding of institutional waivers (scholarships).

 

2.3.  The Student Financial Aid Office is responsible for the administrative processing of all student aid waivers. 

 

2.4.    Each college is authorized to award up to 500 full-time equivalent institutional waivers (scholarships). 

 

     3.  Athletic and Athletic Support Activities Waivers (Scholarships)

 

            3.1.      In addition to the 500 institutional waivers (scholarships) authorized under paragraph 2 above, each institution is authorized to offer up to 145 waivers (scholarships) for athletic and athletic-support activities.   

 

3.2.   Athletic waivers (scholarships) are awarded to an athlete for participation on a

         college-sponsored intercollegiate athletic team.  Athletic waivers (scholarships) may

         include loan of books, a waiver of tuition, a waiver of mandatory fees, or any

         combination thereof. Tuition waiver for athletes includes in-state and out-of-state 

         tuition.

 

            3.3.  The number of waivers (scholarships) for a specific athletic team may not 

                 exceed the number allowed by the National Junior College Athletic Association.  

 

            3.4.    Athletic waivers (scholarships) will be awarded in accordance with regulations 

        established by the National Junior College Athletic Association.

 

             3.5.   Athletic support activities waivers (scholarships), awarded for the purpose of 

                    participating as cheerleaders, managers and dance team members, may not exceed 

 

                 25. These 25 waivers (scholarships) are included in the overall total of 145 allotted 

                        to each institution.

 

4.   Senior Adult Waiver (Scholarship) Program

 

4.1.    Alabama residents who are 60 years of age or older and meet institutional admission requirements are eligible for the Senior Adult Scholarship Program. 

 

4.2.    All policies applied to the general student body will be applied to the Senior Adult Scholarship recipient including admission, grading, attendance, academic progress, financial, etc. 

 

4.3.    In addition to meeting the general admission standards of the institution, these students must also meet any specific admission standards established for a program         of study, and any specific admission standards for a course, including prerequisites. 

 

4.4.    The waiver (scholarship) is limited to tuition only and does not extend to any other        fees or charges applied to the general student body. This waiver (scholarship) can be used for developmental and credit courses. Waivers (scholarships) are limited based on availability of space. Required institutional fees and other expenses, including lab fees, books and supplies are the responsibility of the student. 

 

4.5.   The program is restricted to those courses which support the institution’s approved associate degree and certificate programs. The program is not extended to continuing education, personal enrichment, recreation, or leisure classes. 

 

4.6.  Senior citizens granted a tuition waiver under the Senior Adult Scholarship Program 

        may receive such waiver only one time per course. 

 

     5.     Alabama Scholarships for Dependents of Blind Parents

 

      Children of blind parents who wish to receive a waiver (scholarship) based on this criterion must present, from a licensed physician, documentation of the parent’s disability. 

 

     6.     Purple Heart Recipients

 

      Colleges may award veterans who are recipients of the Purple Heart a waiver (scholarship) of tuition and fees. These recipients must be enrolled as full-time or part-time students in an undergraduate program that culminates in a degree or certificate. Recipients must currently be residents of Alabama and must have been residents at the time of the military action resulting in the Purple Heart Award. Recipients must submit the DD-214 form issued at the time of separation from service as documentation that they received the Purple Heart award.

804.03: Student Aid Programs: GED Recipients and Ready to Work Program Completers

Enterprise State Community College awards a one-time tuition and mandatory fee waiver for one course (up to four credit hours of instruction) for eligible General Educational Development (GED®) diploma recipients and Ready-to-Work program completers.

Eligibility

• Students who passed the GED® (General Education Development) examination or Non-Traditional High School Diploma Option (HSDO) and obtained the certificate on or after July 1, 2002. 

• Students who completed the Ready-to-Work (previously known as Focus in Industry Training [FIT]) program and obtained a high school diploma on or after July 1, 2002. 

The waivers will not count as institutional scholarships under Policy 804.02: Student Aid Programs: Institutional Waivers (Scholarships). 

Students must meet all Admission requirements as defined in Policy 801.01: Admission: General.

806.01: Intercollegiate Athletics

1. ESCC conducts and administers intercollegiate athletics by following the policies of the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC), and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). ESCC complies with the equal access requirements in athletics for men and women as specified in Title IX of the Education Amendments, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other appropriate federal statutes.

2. Participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege afforded as an extracurricular activity to students enrolled at ESCC. All students who voluntarily choose to participate in athletic practice and/or competition at ESCC are required to submit to drug testing as prescribed by the institution and the National Junior College Athletic Association at regular and random intervals, both announced and unannounced. 

3. Student athletes will be provided with educational programs, information, and activities to prevent drug abuse and to promote the personal well-being of the athlete.

806.02: Student Organizations

Student Organizations
Enterprise State Community College offers students activities and programs that promote leadership, academic support, social opportunities, and cultural experiences through clubs and organizations.

Organization Guidelines
The establishment of social sororities and fraternities and/or societies is considered in conflict with the institution philosophy and is hereby prohibited at Enterprise State Community College.

Enterprise State Community College must publish and distribute policies regarding student organizations. Institutional policies and procedures will be reviewed annually and updated as required.
Individuals who wish to organize or sponsor a new student group must obtain approval for the new group from the Dean of Students. Student groups must have a faculty or staff sponsor.

Procedures for Forming a new Student Organization
Students who wish to organize a new or existing Student Club/Organization must first complete an application. Applications are located on the Dean of Students web page or in the Dean of Students Office in the LBW Student Center. Applicants must include the following items with the application:

The name(s) of the club sponsor or advisor. The primary advisor must be an employee of ESCC.

A potential initial membership list. There must be at least ten (10) current ESCC students, including club officers, listed on the organization roster with student identification numbers.

After submitting an application, the listed advisor will be contacted to verify sponsorship and for additional information. An application must be approved by the Dean of Students and President. Upon approval, the Student Club/Organization will be entitled to meet, hold events and activities, participate in College-sponsored events, and otherwise operate as an official entity of ESCC.

807.01 Student Health and Safety

Enterprise State Community College maintains and publishes appropriate health and safety standards that comply with applicable federal and state regulations. 

809.01: Student Records: General

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (PL 93-380), known as the Buckley Amendment, shall apply to the handling of student records at all institutions.

Requests for information concerning students from a person not a member of the College staff must be referred to the Dean of Students or the Registrar.  Student records will not be released without the student’s permission.  A detailed policy concerning student records is included in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.

Academic Records and Awarding Credits

1. Maintaining Academic Records

1.1 The Registrar maintains all student academic records. A complete record on each student is available in the Registrar’s Office on a need to know basis to all faculty members and the administration. Records must be signed out from a member of the office staff and viewed in the Registrar’s Office only.

1.2 Student academic records are maintained in accordance with regulations as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and approved practices of the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers.

1.3 Student notification of rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is published in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.

1.4 Security of hardcopy permanent student records is maintained as follows:

1.4.1 Hardcopy student records are stored in locked, fireproof cabinets. 

1.4.2 Fireproof cabinets containing hardcopy student records are located in a limited access, windowless room. 

1.4.3 Hardcopy student records are housed in a building equipped with a security system. 

1.5 Security of student records maintained in the electronic file is maintained as follows:

1.5.1 The electronic file is double password protected. 

1.5.2 Student records are available only to college officials determined by the institution to have a legitimate educational interest or "need to know" in order to perform the duties required by their job. 

1.6 Confidentiality of student records is maintained as follows:

1.6.1 All college personnel receive periodic instruction on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. 

1.6.2 Work-study students who see student records are required to receive instruction and sign a statement regarding the confidentiality of student records. 

1.6.3 Student records are not released without the written consent of the student unless specifically allowed according to FERPA regulations. 

1.6.4 Directory information is released in accordance with FERPA guidelines as published in the College Catalog. Students may prevent the release of directory information by notifying the Registrar’s Office in writing. 

1.7 Integrity of student records is maintained as follows:

1.7.1 The Registrar’s Office does not handle grade disputes and can only process a change of grade that is properly authorized by the instructor of record or the department head. 

1.7.2 Signed faculty grade sheets are maintained as a backup for the accuracy of grades listed on the student record. 

1.7.3 Name changes, address and telephone number changes are processed only upon the receipt of signed authorization from the student.

812.01: Student Complaints