Procedure 5.1.1: Admissions Procedure

Admissions Overview (Posted in 2007-08 Catalog)

Haywood Community College operates under the open door policy established by the North Carolina Community College System. Haywood Community College is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, affiliation, or belief. Any person who is at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or the equivalent, may be accepted by the College.

High school students may also enroll in selected courses in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the State of North Carolina General Assembly, the State Board of Community Colleges, and the State Board of Education: (a) students in grades 9 – 12 through Concurrent Enrollment (Huskin’s Bill), (b) students age 16 years or older through Dual Enrollment, (c) students in grades 9 – 13 through Haywood Early College, or (d) intellectually gifted and mature students under 16 years of age.

By applying for admission, applicants agree to observe all rules and regulations, policies and procedures of Haywood Community College and the HCC Student Code of Conduct. All documentation submitted by applicants must be accurate to the best of their knowledge. Inaccurate and/or misleading information may be grounds for denial of admission/enrollment or dismissal.

Admission to the College does not guarantee immediate acceptance to the curriculum program desired by the applicant. Admission to certain programs may have additional specific entrance requirements. Students may have to complete Basic Skills or developmental level courses before being accepted into their desired academic curriculum program.

The Director of Enrollment Management administers all admissions requirements, and enforces all college admission policies, and procedures.

Admissions Procedure for Continuing Education (Non-credit) Programs

  • Complete a Continuing Education Instant Enrollment Form available in Student Services in the Student Center.
  • Submit the form to Student Services staff to complete the registration process.
  • Pay tuition, institutional fees, and purchase books in the Student Center.

Admissions Procedure for Curriculum Credit Programs

Diploma and Associate Degree Programs (Degree-seeking Curriculum Students)

  • Submit a completed application for admission form, written or on-line to the Enrollment Management Office. The on-line application for admission is available at Send an official high school transcript or official GED scores from a regionally accredited institution to the Enrollment Management Office (by mail or electronic transfer for current NC high school students). These transcripts must include the date the diploma was awarded, the type of diploma, and have the official seal of the school. It must be mailed or electronically transferred from the issuing school or agency. Current applicants who are high school seniors should submit a transcript showing work through the end of the first semester of the senior year. A final official transcript must then be submitted upon high school graduation and before enrollment to be fully accepted.
  • Complete the Haywood Community College placement test (Accuplacer) to determine if developmental courses are required before enrollment into college level math or English. The Accuplacer Test is administered by the College and is a Computerized Placement Test (CPT). (See Testing section for more details). If you place into developmental English or math, these courses should be completed during the first two semesters of enrollment if at all possible. If a student places below the “cut score” on a placement test in reading and/or sentence skills, he/she must complete training in the College’s Basic Skills Program before entering a diploma or an associate degree program.

    OR Placement testing requirements may be waived in ONE of the following ways:

    • Test scores may be transferred from other accredited colleges: Accuplacer, Compass and Asset (See Testing section for more details),
    • Reflect scores of 500 or higher on each section (Verbal and Math) of the SAT,
    • Reflect a composite score of 21 or higher on the ACT,
    • Submit official transcripts reflecting successful completion of college-level English or mathematics/algebra credits with a grade of “C” or better on each.
  • A pre-requisite placement test is required before enrollment in BIO 163, BIO 168, and CHM 151.
  • A departmental interview is required for following programs: Cosmetology, and Professional Crafts-Clay, Fiber, Jewelry, and Wood.
  • Additional admission requirements for Nursing and Veterinary Medical Technology applicants are listed in the Academic Program of Study.

Transfer Credit

Students seeking transfer credit must complete Haywood Community College’s general admissions requirements, and submit official transcripts to the Enrollment Management Office. Post-secondary institutions must be regionally accredited and transcript(s) must bear the official seal of the institution. Academic division chairs must approve all courses transferred and send approval to the Director of Enrollment Management prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment.

Change of Major (Program of Study)

Currently enrolled students desiring to change their major should first contact their faculty advisor. Formal change must be cleared through the Director of Enrollment Management by completing a Change of Curriculum Application. In addition, veterans must also be approved for change through the Veteran’s Office in Student Services and/or the Veteran’s Administration. A new academic advisor will be assigned for the new major.

Admissions Procedure for Certificate Programs

Submit a completed Application for Admission form, written or on-line to the Enrollment Management Office. The on-line application for admission is available at Students who change from certificate programs to diploma or associate degree programs must complete the additional requirements for admission to those programs (listed under admission requirements for diploma and associate degree programs).

Admission as a Non-Degree Seeking Curriculum Student

  • Submit a completed Application for Admission form, written or on-line to the Enrollment Management Office. The on-line application for admission is available at www.haywood.edu.
  • Placement testing or a waiver is required before enrolling in English or math courses.
  • Pre-requisites must be met before enrolling in those courses requiring pre-requisites.
  • If transfer credits or placement scores will be used to waive the HCC placement test or a pre-requisite, official transcripts from a regional accredited institution must be received before registering for the course (our operating system will block registration).

Non-degree seeking students are those students enroll in one or more courses but do not desire to graduate from one of the established curricula. The student may register for any course which is open to all students and does not require a prerequisite. However, if you plan to register for a course that requires a prerequisite course, you must submit an official transcript from a regionally accredited agency showing completion of this requirement with a grade of “C” or better prior to registering. An applicant who plans to enroll in mathematics and/or English courses must satisfactorily complete the College placement test requirement as for degree or diploma programs. Please check our current catalog to review the prerequisite(s). Students may not register for courses in a program that has a waiting list or restricted admission (such as nursing).

Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid or veterans benefits nor are they permitted to earn any degree, diploma, or certificate awarded by the college. Students seeking to change to a degree-seeking status must complete a Change of Curriculum form for admission and follow the admission procedure for the diploma, associate degree, or certificate.

Admission of High School Students (non-degree seeking)

The College provides opportunities for high school students to get a head start with their college education by enrolling in courses through the following programs: Haywood Early College, Intellectually Gifted and Mature Program, or the Advanced College Track Programs (Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment, and Tech Prep). Enrollment in identified courses are available to students enrolled in public and private schools (including home schools) through articulation agreements between the school system and HCC, and approved by the North Carolina Community College System Office. Students may secure additional information about enrolling in these programs at the College web-site. Students must submit a completed Application for Admission form, hardcopy or on-line to the Enrollment Management Office.

Concurrent Enrollment Program (Huskin’s Bill Courses)

Haywood Community College offers high school students college enrollment opportunities under the concurrent enrollment program (legislated by the Huskin’s Bill and stated in NC Community College System (NCCCS) Administrative Code 23 NCAC 2C.0305). High school students attending public or non-public high schools may enroll in approved courses through articulation agreements between the school systems and HCC and approved by the North Carolina Community College System. HCC offers college level courses at the high schools in Haywood County and on-campus courses through the Concurrent Enrollment Program. These courses are open only to high school students, unless the course is on campus and is identified as “open” to all students. Those students who make a grade of “D” or higher on these courses will receive college credit at HCC. Students must make a grade of “C” or higher to transfer the course to another higher education institution.

  • Students must complete an HCC admissions/registration combined form.
  • Students are eligible to enroll as early as the ninth grade.
  • Selection of students is made by the Haywood County Public Schools or other secondary education institution.
  • Students may take college level academic courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) or advanced technical and vocational courses not available in the LEA.
  • Students may not enroll in developmental courses (course numbered below 100, indicating pre-college level).
  • Students must obtain a student ID in the bookstore if taking courses on the HCC campus.

The cost for tuition and fees is waived for students concurrently enrolled per the NC General Statutes and NCCCS Administrative Code. Textbooks are furnished by the secondary school system.

Dual Enrollment Program

High school students are permitted to enroll in college level courses for enrichment and college credit through the dual enrollment program at HCC as legislated by the NC General Assembly and as stated in the NCCCS Administrative Code 23 NCAC 2C.0305. To be enrolled as a dual enrollment student, the following provisions must be met:

  • Submit an HCC application for admission, with the parent or legal guardian’s signature if the student is under the age of 18 years old.
  • The student must complete a dual enrollment form that must be signed by the high school principal and the President of the College. The dual enrollment form is available in the Enrollment Management Office or on-line.
  • In order to ensure that information can flow as needed between the student’s high school, parents or legal guardians, and the appropriate College personnel, it is necessary for the student to obtain the signatures required on the dual enrollment form.
  • The student must be at least 16 years of age before classes begin, enrolled at least one-half time (three high school courses or the equivalent) at his or her high school, and be making appropriate progress toward high school graduation as determined by his or her high school principal.
  • Before enrolling in a college level math or English course, a student must meet ONE of the following requirements:
    • Take the appropriate portion of the placement test (Accuplacer) with acceptable scores or
    • Provide official SAT scores of 500 or higher on the appropriate section-verbal and/or mathematics or
    • Provide official ACT composite score of 21 or higher.
  • Students must successfully complete any prerequisite requirements for course(s) as required before enrolling in courses.
  • Students may not enroll in developmental courses (course numbered below 100, indicating pre-college level).
  • Tuition is waived for dual enrollment students; however, students must pay institutional fees and purchase their own textbooks and supplies.
  • Students must obtain a student ID in the bookstore.

Haywood Early College High School

Haywood Early College High School is an autonomous public high school located on the campus of HCC. Haywood Early College High School enrolls students in grades 9 through 13 as non-degree seeking students according to GS 115C-238.50 (e) Cooperative innovative high school programs may include the creation of a school within a school, a technical high school, or a high school or technical center located on the campus of a college or university; and NCCCS Administrative Code for enrolling students through cooperative high school programs (Huskin’s Bill and Dual Enrollment as stated previously). Ninth and tenth grade students take college courses on a similar format as concurrent enrollment (Huskin’s Bill courses) and eleventh and twelfth grade students take courses through a similar format as dual enrollment. Haywood Early College High School students are eligible to take additional courses through waivers/exemptions approved by HCC, HCC Board of Trustees, Haywood County Schools, Haywood County Board of Education, the NC State Board of Education and the North Carolina Community College System Office.

  • Applications are available through Haywood County Schools Central Office and Haywood Early College High School Principal/Dean’s Office.
  • Selection of students is made by the Haywood County Public Schools according to the guidelines and criteria of the Early College High School Grant and the Governor’s Learn and Earn Program/New Schools Project.

Home Schooled Students

Home-schooled students are considered for admissions on the same basis as North Carolina public school students. Documentation must also be provided to show that the home school is registered with the appropriate state agency. An official transcript from the home school must include the following criteria:

  • Name of the home school and address
  • Name of the principal
  • Name of the student
  • Student’s social security number (optional) and birth date
  • Curriculum and courses taken each year with grades and a grade point average
  • Cumulative grade point average for total progress
  • Diploma awarded with graduation date
  • Notarized seal and official signature

Intellectually Gifted and Mature Program

Intellectually gifted and mature students may enroll at HCC, according to NC General Statute 115D-1.1 adopted during the 2001 session of the North Carolina General Assembly and re-instated in the 2005 session. GS 115D-1.1 states:

(a) Notwithstanding, a student under the age of 16 may enroll in a community college if the following conditions are met

The president of the community college or the president’s designee finds, based on criteria established by the State Board of Community Colleges, that the student is intellectually gifted and that the student has the maturity to justify admission to the community college, and

One of the following persons approves the student’s enrolled in a community college:

The local board of education, or the board’s designee, for the local school administrative unit in which the student is domiciled or is enrolled.

The administrator, or the administrator’s designee, of the nonpublic school in which the student is enrolled.

The person who provides the academic instruction in the home school in which the student is enrolled.

The designee of the board of directors of the charter school in which the student is enrolled.

The administrator of the college or university where the student is enrolled.

(b) The State Board of Community Colleges, in consultation with the Department of Public Instruction, shall adopt rules to implement this section.

Please see the Enrollment Management Office for a list of approved tests and documentation requirements.

Tech Prep High School Transfer Credit

The College Tech Prep Program is a high school course of study that is designed to provide students, ninth grade through twelfth grade, with a more technically oriented educational background leading from high school graduation to a certificate, diploma, associate degree at a technical or community college.

Haywood Community College has agreed to award course credit to state-wide high school graduates for successful completion of designated and approved courses at the high schools through formal articulation agreement with NC State Board of Education, and the NC State Board of Community Colleges.

Students must score a designated minimum score (per the articulation agreement) on the high school standardized VoCATS assessment and receive a grade of “B” or better in the high school course. In order to receive articulated credit, students must enroll at the community college within two years of their high school graduation date. To receive credit for tech prep courses, students must submit a high school transcript or other official documentation with the tech prep courses identified, the VoCATS score, and the grade for the course.

Provisional Admission

An applicant may be provisionally accepted into the college and permitted to register prior to completion of all admissions requirements. Students who are admitted on a provisional basis must complete all admission requirements within the first semester of attendance. Students who receive provisional acceptance do not qualify for veteran’s benefits or financial aid.

Re-admission of Curriculum Students

Returning students who are eligible for readmission and who have not been enrolled at HCC within the last 12 months must submit a new Application for Admission form and update residency classification if needed prior to registration. You may obtain the Application for Admission form from Student Services in the Student Center or on-line. The student is required to meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Students who have been placed on academic or disciplinary suspension must fulfill the terms of their suspension before being considered for readmission. Students on disciplinary suspension must also submit a letter to the Vice President of Student Services requesting readmission.

The College reserves the right to deny readmission to a former student, including a student who has unsettled financial obligations at the college or who has not complied with previous disciplinary requirements. All of the student’s debts to the College must be paid in full before registering for courses.

Residency: Admission of Out-of-State Students

Residency status of all applicants must be determined for the purpose of tuition assessment. Out-of-state students are admitted under the same admissions requirements as residents of North Carolina, but are required to pay out-of-state tuition except for courses classified as self-supporting curriculum courses (offered in the summer) or continuing education courses. Under North Carolina law, a person may qualify as a resident for tuition purposes in North Carolina; thereby being eligible for in-state tuition. Copies of this law are available for review in the Education and Career Development Office and may be examined upon request.

When a North Carolina employer (other than armed services) pays tuition for an employee to attend a community college and when the employee works at a North Carolina business location, the employer shall be charged the in-state tuition rate. Applicants are responsible for submission of necessary residence forms and supporting documentation from employers as required by North Carolina General Statutes. Forms are available in the Education and Career Development Office.

The NC General Statute 116-143.1 requires that, “To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina and maintained that legal residence for at least 12 months immediately prior to his/her classification as a resident.” NC General Statue 116-143.1 also sets forth statutory definitions, rules, and special provisions for determining residency status for tuition purposes.

To be eligible for classification as a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes, a person must establish that his/her presence in the state currently is, and during the requisite 12-month qualifying period was, for purposes of maintaining a bona fide domicile rather than of maintaining a mere temporary residence for purposes of enrollment in an institution of higher education.

Under NC General Statutes, an alien admitted to the United States for permanent residence or possessing a permanent resident status is subject to the same consideration as a citizen. A person holding a student visa cannot be classified as a resident for tuition purposes.

Regulations concerning classification for tuition purposes are set forth in A Manual to Assist the Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes. A copy of this manual is available for review in the Education and Career Development Office.

The Academic and Career Counselor will review the application, make a determination as to the individual’s residency/non residency status, and then will advise the individual in writing of the decision.

Residency Ruling Appeal Procedure

In the event an individual disagrees with the Academic and Career Counselor ruling on residency status, the ruling may be appealed to the College Residency Committee, which has been established by the college. The appeal must be made in writing within ten days to the Vice-President of Student Services and Transitional Programs.

Admission of International Students

Currently, Haywood Community College does not issue the I-20 necessary for international students with F-1 visas. If demand increases, approval for admission of international students with F-1 visas could be re-instated. Other visas for short term enrollment may be considered on an individual basis. Information and/or questions should be directed to the Academic and Career Counselor located in the Education and Career Development Office.

Admission of Undocumented Students

Undocumented immigrants are eligible for admission based on the following criteria:

  • Undocumented immigrants must meet the admissions requirements of the College.
  • Applicants who indicate they were born outside of the United States and do not submit their original documentations verifying their visa shall be charged at the out-of-state tuition rate. An undocumented immigrant does not qualify for North Carolina (in-state) residency for tuition purposes in curriculum programs.
  • In order to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, undocumented immigrants from non-English speaking countries must take the Accuplacer (Computerized Placement Test), with required minimum scores of 51.1 on the reading part and 52.1 on the sentence skills part.
  • A certified official high school transcript is required for associate or diploma seeking applicants. Official transcripts must indicate the courses completed, the highest level completed, and the date coursework was completed. If the original copy is written in a language other than English, then a certified copy of an English translation and evaluation is required. The College does not provide translation services for these applicants; therefore, applicants may contact the World Education Services (International Academic Credential Evaluation) website. Information and/or questions should be directed to the Academic and Career Counselor located in the Education and Career Development Office.
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