Admissions

www.southwest.tn.edu/admissions
(901) 333-5924

Southwest Tennessee Community College pledges to follow the AACRAO ethics statement.  It is as follows:

AACRAO Admissions Ethics Statement

Professional Practices and Ethical Standards

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) is concerned with the advancement of postsecondary education and the standards and conduct of those professionals who are involved at all levels. To provide guidance to these professionals, AACRAO has adopted the following principles which exemplify those qualities and attributes that distinguish members of the association both past and present. AACRAO members shall:

• Believe in and be loyal to the philosophy and goals of the profession and the institutions we serve.
• Understand and respect the civil and human rights and responsibilities of all individuals
• Adhere to the principles of nondiscrimination and equality without regard to race, color,
• Represent an institutional or association perspective without vested interests or personal
• Initiate policies that support the goals of our profession.
• Assert ourselves when policies or practices are proposed that seem to be contrary to the
• Participate in and contribute to professional activities and their development to ensure
• Communicate an accurate interpretation of our institutions’ admissions criteria,
• Assist in improving educational standards and methods of evaluation at the institutional,
• Understand and appreciate the dynamics of interpersonal relationships when dealing
• Develop and implement effective management systems that will ensure integrity,
• Dedicate ourselves to the ideals and principles that will enable students to develop their
• Practice honesty and integrity in our professions and in our lives.

Admission to Southwest is open to all people who can benefit from a post-secondary education. Southwest students represent a variety of ages and cultures, adding to the richness of a Southwest education. Southwest accepts applications throughout the year.

Students may attend day, evening, or weekend classes offered at any of Southwest’s locations. Students may enroll full-time or part-time when admitted to one of the following categories:

• Degree-seeking
  This student is seeking an associate degree, which requires at least 60 credits.
• Certificate-seeking
  This student is seeking a certificate, which requires up to 30 credits.
• Non-Degree
  This is a student who does not wish to apply for a degree. A non-degree student is not eligible to receive federal financial aid. A non-degree student who wishes to change to degree-seeking status must meet all admission requirements.
• Transfer
  This student has attended another college or university and is seeking a degree at Southwest Tennessee Community College.
• Transient
  This student attends another institution and plans to enroll at Southwest for one or more semesters and then return to the home institution.

Requirements for Prospective Students

1. Submit a completed admissions application via the Web at www.southwest.tn.edu/ApplyOnline.htm
2. Arrange for documents verifying your previous education to be sent directly to the Admissions and Records Office.
   • High school graduates who have never attended college - official high school transcripts verifying graduation and accredited by a recognized national accrediting agency (SACS, NCA, MSA, WASC)
     Note: The transcript of Tennessee public high school graduates since 1983 must include a notation indicating that the student passed the required Proficiency Examination
   • Individuals who have passed General Educational Development (GED) test or High School Equivalency Test(s) (HiSET) - an official report of scores
   • Individuals who have attended a college or university elsewhere - an official high school transcript verifying graduation and an official transcript from each institution
   • Individuals who have earned a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate degree - an official transcript from the degree granting institution

3. The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee mandates that each public or private postsecondary institution in the state provide information concerning measles, mumps, and rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B infections to all students matriculating for the first time. Tennessee law requires that such students complete and sign a waiver form provided by the institution that includes detailed information about these diseases.

   Applicants who complete the online application for admission are required to acknowledge details of the immunization health history during the application process.  Applicants who are under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian sign the required immunization health history form.

Test Score Requirements and Academic Placement

Any first-time freshman student enrolling in Southwest Tennessee Community College must submit official test scores from ACT (American College Test) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Scores must be within the last five (5) years. If test scores are not available, student must take the AccuPlacer placement test through the Testing Center.

Orientation

Southwest requires new students to participate in an orientation which provides an introduction to the College experience, including academic advising, college support services, transfer, job opportunities, and student life.

Readmitted Students

A student who has previously been enrolled at Southwest but has not attended for a year (two semesters) must submit an application for readmission. Degree-seeking students must have all credentials on file prior to being readmitted. Each readmitted degree-seeking applicant must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended during the period of non-enrollment at Southwest. Southwest maintains records (e.g. transcripts from other institutions, applications, immunization records, etc.) for five years after graduation or last date of attendance. Students applying for readmission after a five year separation from the College must submit all admissions documents required for their field of study.

Programs for High School Students

www.southwest.tn.edu/dualEnrollment/
(901) 333-5272

High school students currently attending an accredited public or private high school or home school affiliate, may “jump start” their college education and even complete a college degree while simultaneously earning a high school diploma.

Dual Enrollment

Benefits of the Dual Enrollment Program

• Enriches the course opportunities for outstanding high school students
• Shortens the time to attain a college degree
• Saves students and parents money
• Provides students with college credit
• Earns grades which will become part of the student’s permanent college transcript

Eligibility

1. 9th or 10th graders must have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.2 based on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent and a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s high school principal.
2. 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th graders must meet course requirements for courses for which they wish to enroll.

Procedures for Enrolling

To be enrolled in the Dual Enrollment Program, an applicant must:

1. Meet with your school guidance counselor - Discuss your interest in dual enrollment with your parent or legal guardian and your high school guidance counselor.
2. Complete the Southwest online application.
3. Submit the following documentation to the Dual Enrollment Office:

• Dual Enrollment Student Data Form
• Dual Enrollment Program Participation Agreement
• Hepatitis B Immunization Health Form
• Official high school transcript
• Official ACT or SAT scores

4. Be advised by the designated high school representative of course enrollment.
5. Meet course requirements for courses for which they wish to enroll.
6. List desired college courses on Dual Enrollment Student Data Form.

Dual Enrollment students will be classified as non-degree seeking. After receiving a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate or HiSet, and meeting the mandatory placement criteria for degree seeking students, a student may request a change from non-degree to degree-seeking status.

The Tennessee Dual Enrollment Lottery Grant

www.tn.gov/CollegePays/mon_college/dual_enroll_grant_rules.htm

11th and 12th graders who are dually enrolled may be eligible for the Tennessee Dual Enrollment Lottery Grant. The Dual Enrollment Grant program is a grant for study at an eligible postsecondary institution that is funded from net proceeds of the state lottery and awarded to students who are attending high school and who are also enrolled in college courses at eligible postsecondary institutions for which they will receive college credit.

For more information regarding eligibility and the application process for the Tennessee Dual Enrollment Lottery Grant, visit the website listed above.

STAY

High school students who enrolled in the Dual Enrollment Program during their senior year and enroll at Southwest directly after high school may be eligible for the STAY PROGRAM (Southwest Tuition Assistance for a Year) if they attained a “C” or better for each course attempted at Southwest. To qualify, they must submit an Admission Application and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1. STAY covers the cost of any remaining tuition and approved fees, plus semester book allowance, after all federal and state financial aid is awarded. For continued financial support, a student must maintain a 2.5 GPA.

Senior Citizens or Students with Disabilities

A Tennessee resident 60 years of age or older or a permanently disabled Tennessee resident may audit courses without paying any maintenance fees. However, the student will be assessed a $10 application fee (if not previously paid), a $15 international educational fee, and a $10 campus access fee. Maintenance fees for RODP courses will be waived; however, online fees are not waived under this waiver program. Students meeting these criteria must register during late registration.

A Tennessee resident 65 years of age or older, or a permanently disabled resident may take classes for credit at a reduced charge of fifty percent per credit hour with a maximum of $70, plus a $10 application fee (if not previously paid), a $15 international educational fee, and a $10 campus access fee. Elderly/disabled students enrolling in RODP courses will be assessed separate maintenance fees per home institution in addition to regular credit courses. These fees can exceed $70. Online fees for RODP courses are not reduced under this waiver program. Students meeting these criteria can register for classes no earlier than four (4) weeks prior to the first day of the term. For dates, go to www.southwest.tn.edu/cashier.

International Students

www.southwest.tn.edu/international
(901) 333-4399

Southwest welcomes international students and values their contribution to enhancing the cultural diversity of the College. Southwest is authorized to issue the Form I-20 and students are admitted before the beginning of each semester, year-round. Most international students transfer to four-year colleges after completing their studies at Southwest. Potential students must:

1. Submit a completed admission application with a $30 one-time, non-refundable application fee.
2. Submit required certified translations of foreign high school and college transcripts. Transcripts from USA high schools and colleges must also be submitted if applicable. Applicants with no prior college credit seeking admission to Southwest Tennessee Community College, must take the ACT National/Residual or the ACCUPLACER exam for course placement.  
3. Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if the applicant’s native language is not English. A TOEFL score of 500 pencil-based test or 173 computer-based test or an Internet-based score of 61 along with the current paper/pencil and computer-based scores is required. International student applicants must take an English placement examination prior to registration if there is no supporting academic credit from another USA institution. Test results may be used in place of TOEFL.
4. Provide a financial statement which is evidence of financial capability to pay registration fees, non-resident fees, living and other expenses.
5. Submit proof of immunization with two doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccines and the Certification of Freedom from Tuberculosis. Effective July 1, 2011, students born after January 1, 1980, must provide proof of immunization with two doses against Varicella (chicken pox) vaccines.
6. Submit proof of Accident and Sickness insurance with provisions for hospitalization, basic injury and sickness treatment, medically supervised repatriation, return of mortal remains and emergency evacuation.
7. Students who cannot provide proof of insurance must pay for insurance coverage when they register. Premiums cannot be refunded once they are paid. For insurance quotes or purchase, please visit: http://intlstudentprotection.com/get-a-quote/for-international-students-scholars/tennessee-board-of-regents-international-student-plan/.

Residency

Residency, for the purpose of fee payment, is considered to be the permanent domicile of an applicant. Information provided on the online admissions application will be used to determine the initial residency classification of a student. Any student who is classified as a non-resident, but who claims to be a resident, must submit an “Application for Residency Classification” form which is available in the Admissions and Records Office and provide documented evidence to prove the claim.

Eligibility for In-state Fee Rate

Employed in Tennessee

Non-residents who are employed full-time in Tennessee and enrolled part-time may pay the in-state rate. The non-resident must provide documentation from the employer on company letterhead that verifies full-time employment. This documentation must be submitted each term of enrollment. Non-residents who wish to enroll full-time must pay out-of-state tuition.

Border States

Residents of Crittenden or Mississippi counties in Arkansas or DeSoto or Marshall Counties in Mississippi may enroll full- or part-time and may be considered for a Non-Resident Tuition Waiver. A limited number of fee waiver slots are available each term. The form is available in the Admissions and Records office and must be completed after registering for courses each semester of enrollment.

Criteria for Admission to Specialized or Limited-Enrollment Programs

Being admitted to Southwest does not guarantee admission to specialized or limited-enrollment programs. The College has specific admission policies and procedures for admission of students to these programs: Dietetic Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant, Paramedic, Radiologic Technology, Biotechnology Technician, Biotechnology Forensic Science, and Nursing.

Limitations are based upon selective criteria appropriate to each program and apply equally to all prospective students. However, preference for admission, when all else is equal, is given to residents of the state of Tennessee (see the catalog section of each program for specific admission requirements).